68kMLA Classic Interface

Kind of OT, but what system versions do you have? If both of your machines are running System 6 or less, there's no way for you to host files on either unless you have dedicated server software. System 7 and up had built-in file hosting.

Thanks, I’ll try that!

I’m admittedly cautious around high voltage hardware, so I’ll take things step by step. The logic board measurements are no problem, but for anything involving the analog board or PSU, I’ll proceed carefully or hand it off to someone more experienced.

If the PSU fuse has indeed blown as suggested, that would explain the symptoms quite well, and I’ll have it checked and replaced once the underlying fault on the logic board has been addressed.

Generally if I'm going near the PSU or analogue board, I don't rush. I unplug the computer, toggle the power switch and then leave it for at least a day. But yes, take care, they can pack a punch. Also, take super care around the tube - they're very easy to break if you knock the neck oard. Especially as you pull out cables from the logic board. There is always something else to be fixing 😆

And the glass tube already gave me a few heartrate spikes while unplugging the logic board power connector since that thing sits really tight.

Just make sure you press the latch, and then rock it from side to side until it works loose, rather than pulling on it. Which I'm sure you've figured but worth saying just in case.

Update: I finally found the time to fix it.

I removed the old burned chip and installed a socket in its place. Then I simply fitted the replacement chip I got from AliExpress. It works like a charm!

So in the end it really was just that one chip that was taking down the whole machine. The PSU and analog board are fine.

Interesting little detail: two of my four RAM modules have a mix of chips marked “Germany” and “W. Germany“. The latter standing for West Germany, from before German reunification. The other two modules are from Japan.

Congratulations 🙂

Be interesting to know if the serial still works, but I don't know if you want to test it or not after the previous events!

Even here in the UK you find this like this (from my SE) :

View attachment 100638

Wow, interesting! I didn’t know Germany was such a big supplier back then. I pulled my PRAM battery when I fixed the board, and mine had the exact same marking. 😆

Oh, West Germany and East Germany had strong manufacturing sectors each side of the wall.

East Germany was the source of some of the most advanced silicon within the Soviet block. Also good microphones.

West Germany had even more manufacturing as you'd expect, being the home of Siemens, Bosch, BASF, AEG and ThyssenKrupp, as well as VARTA... To say nothing of VAG and BMW etc.

Very interesting! I may have to revisit some history lessons about my country 😄

Read up on VillageTronic and Formac as well 😉