Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!portal!cup.portal.com!Bob_BobR_Retelle
From: Bob_BobR_Retelle@cup.portal.com
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.8bit
Subject: Re: Broken Atari 800
Message-ID: <11708@cup.portal.com>
Date: 24 Nov 88 04:12:08 GMT
References: <8XW3wMy00V4=MEh19P@andrew.cmu.edu>
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 29

Angelo Trivelli asks:  >does Atari still repair 800's?

Atari lists the 800 as part of its exchange program.  I don't have the list
of the fees involved in front of me right now, but I don't believe it was
very expensive.  Essentially you return your equipment to Atari with the
proper fee, and they'll send you a replacement unit.  Try calling Atari's
Customer Service department at: (408) 745-2367  and ask for details...

Before you do that though, you may want to check the connections on the main
board... it the 800 has been unused for so long a time, there may be problems
with corrosion on some of the contacts...

Turn the unit over and remove the screws holding the case closed, then remove
the top of the computer.  There are several screws securing the heavy metal
shielding to the printed circuit board.  Remove them, then remove the
shielding (carefully!).  Inside the shielding there are several smaller
boards mounted vertically in sockets.  Gently remove and replace each board
to break any corrosion on the contacts and to reseat them in their sockets.
Gently press any Integrated Circuits which are in sockets back down firmly
into their sockets.

Reassemble the shielding and case, and try the computer again.  It might be
necessary to clean the contact edges of the smaller boards with a solvent
to get the best contact.

If you're uncomfortable working inside the machine, you might be able to find
someone at a local Atari user group who'd be willing to help out...

BobR