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From: Armadillo@cup.portal.com (Russ Armadillo Coffman)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware,comp.sys.mac
Subject: Re: HELP: Mac 512K Video Problems
Message-ID: <26515@cup.portal.com>
Date: 2 Feb 90 06:05:23 GMT
References: <11248@attctc.Dallas.TX.US>
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 47

Jay -

Had the same problem many times - between my original 128 and my current
Plus, I've owned six power boards. The last blown board was prolly my fault
(long story), but it was dying anyway.

Q&D way to forestall the inevitable: I'll ASSume you can open the case (and
you remember to disconnect power cord etc.). Look at the big wires coming
off the end of the CRT that go to the power board. They go to a large
connector. Remove the cardboard from the power board. Resolder the pins of
this large connector (four, I think). Get 'em nice and hot. I saw one board
that had almost NO solder here, so you may have to add some. While you're in
there, unplug both ends of this connector and reseat it firmly - plug and
unplug it a few times, in fact. Just these two steps alone solved the
problem you described for me just this week.

Well, here's the long story. I put the cover back on without replacing the
cardboard - "just for a sec," to test. A couple of protruding blobs made
contact with the inside of the case's RF coating when I whacked the case to
see if I could make it act up again - POW! Left a couple of black marks on
the inside of the case. Until then, all the shaking was gone. <sigh>

Being unemployed, I dug up the name of a local (Sillycone Valley)
component-level repair shop. Stopped by, and ten minutes and $75 later left
with a spiffy new power board.

* I challenge Apple Computer Inc. or any dealer to top that example of cost
and service!! *

But I digress. Anyway, first discharge yer CRT by hooking a wire with an
alligator clip at each end to a screwdriver and one of the lugs at the top
left corner of the CRT (as viewed from the rear). Insert the screwdriver tip
under the suction cup and make contact. Use a wet neighbor or small animal
to test for stray high voltage before proceeding (jes' kiddin').

The above may keep you going from anywhere from a few days, or, as in one
time on my Plus, a whole year. When Apple engineering finally catches up
with you, try to find a local equivalent to my guy. Oh - for locals, he's
Robert Stokes, Design Services, 408-246-8809 or 408-982-0950, in SJ off 101
& San Tomas Distressway. Sure beats $200+ at a sanforized Apple dealer.

Good luck,

-Russ
Mac Guy
Sales & Corp. support whiz
Still looking for MacWork