Hey Eric. Sounds like several new opportunities to learn! ;-) Sorry actually to hear about the issues with the kits. I would say to start with rechecking all your solder joints. I fully test and program all parts before packing and shipping. You may also want to reseat ICs to help ensure all contacts are clean. Besides that, feel free to take close up pics and send them to me (support@ReActiveMicro.com). I may see something and can recommend where to recheck. Worst case I can send out more parts or assembled units for testing or swapping of parts if you don't want to wait till KFEST. It's not impossible there's a bad IC. I'll have extra parts with me at KFEST. So feel free to drop by my room anytime for a little one on one tech time. Thanks for your patience with these issues! Henry S. Courbis Office Toll Free: (800) REACTIVE (732-2848) Office/Mobile Direct: (856) 779-1900 www.ReActiveMicro.com <http://www.ReactiveMicro.com> - Sales, Support, and News, Our Headquarters on the Internet ReActiveMicro.com/wiki - Support, Software, Manuals, and History. Create your own page today! Facebook.com/reactivemicrousa - Our Social Media Outlet and Support On Tue, Jun 12, 2018 at 2:47 PM, Eric Rangell via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote:
Hi all, This weekend I had the thrill of a 1976 experience of spending hours soldering a computer kit and it didn’t work. I worked on a Replica 1 Plus (functionally equivalent to an Apple 1). The power came on but the video test failed. When I put the rest of the chips in, the power LED went off shortly after power-on. I will bring it to Kansasfest so I can learn how to troubleshoot the problem. If Henry or anyone else has logic probe readings for a working model let me know.
I also put together a Ramworks IIII card for my Apple //e. When I install it and go into 80 columns, there are quote marks in various spots on the 80 column text screen which do not go away. Another problem (I mean Opportunity) to learn troubleshooting.
The best part of the weekend was the time I spent with Bill D. where he showed me how to launch missiles from the Univac. (Well, he explained how the radar and targeting systems were integrated with AD converters that translated 50V signals into numbers, and ran some blinky lights). It is fascinating to learn how the Navy got things done with what they had at the time. I’m wondering if a demo can be created using batteries to supply various analog voltages into the ports that would have received voltages from the ship systems.
Also, several people at VCF East had detailed exhibits with a lot of info on displays that would be nice to preserve, or put the material online for people who’d like to learn more. I’m also enjoying the Kim Uno and Raspberry Pi 3 that I bought from Jeff G. Thanks, Eric