Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!udel!princeton!njin!fdurt1!wisdom!tronsbox!amiglynx!droman From: droman@amiglynx.UUCP (Dan Roman) Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.hardware Subject: A3000 problem(s) Message-ID: Date: 5 Jun 91 03:40:17 GMT Organization: Amiga-Lynx Bbs Multi-Node 201-368-0463 NJ,USA Lines: 58 I've had my 3000 about 3 or 4 weeks now and I've had a couple of problems and I'd like to try to find out if I'm the only one. First of all, I had problems in the beginning at power up. I would have to power off/on once or twice to get the machine to start up without errors (which were of all types and inconsistent). I called the Gold Service folks (really Federal Express) who sent out a tech (formally of Honeywell) to my house the NEXT DAY!!! What service huh? That was good. Anyway, the tech replaced the motherboard (that did not go smoothly, the new motherboard DB-15 connector had a different size threads on the screws, the tech messed up the motherboard a bit, I took some screws from another connecter, but the motherboard booted up ok so I kept it). Am I rambling? Anyway, I also had another problem. My Panasonic 1124 printer does not work with the 3000. It works with a 386 clone and my 1000, I have another printer that works with the 3000 and everything else, even use the same cable but the 3000 and the 1124 don't get along. I eventually traced it to the fact that the 3000 requires 20mA on the SEL line and the 1124 can only deliver 5mA. The tech did not know what to do so he put me on the phone with a Commodore tech named Bruce. Bruce said that because of protection for the 8520 chips it had to draw 20mA. I could argue that because the other lines don't but I didn't. Bruce said that since the 1125 is not specifically listed in preferences it's not supported (WHAT!) and that Epson LQ compatible does not count (give me a break). Anyway, Panasonic says the 3000 is drawing too much current (I agree) and they can't do anything for me. Anybody else have this 1124<>3000 problem? I've gotten around it by forcing SEL high all the time using the +5 from the 3000. That's capable of outputting 20mA. Just found out this weekend that DCTV does not run on my 3000 but the thing was developed on the 3000 so what gives. A friend came over my house to demo DCTV for me but nothing showed up on the display, except darkness. He called the DCTV folks, they said it should work.....oh no, another 1124 type problem. I love this machine but did I get a lemon? Now the DCTV folks are telling me to measure my +5 and +12 volts on the RGB connector. Good thing I have an ammeter. What's next? My 1124 can't put out as much current as the 3000 wants, now my 3000 can't put out as much current as DCTV wants--I'm going crazy! Have I gone on too long? While I've got your attention, since the instructions for installing RAM are in the 3000 manual, do you void your warranty by doing it yourself? I'm a EE, I think I can handle it and might just take better care of the screws then a tech would. I own it, I'm careful with it. I'd even take static precautions which the tech who replace my motherboard did not. The Gold Service folks where hyper about asking me if I had my cover off before they would send the tech out. Makes me nervous. I asked them if it mattered but they would not say. Suppose I put in a tape drive or extra floppy or bigger hard disk. Would my warranty be voided? Easy questions, tough to get answers. Well, I've taken up enough of your time. Thanks for the soapbox, hope someone who has been through a similar set of circumstances can help me out. To put my own RAM in or not, that is the latest question! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dan Roman Internet: droman@amiglynx.nj.us GEnie: D.ROMAN1 A1000 --> 3000 FINALLY!!! Relax, don't worry, have a homebrew!