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NFG Forums => SIG X68000 => Topic started by: aje_fr on December 09, 2016, 08:28:04 AM

Title: X68000 (first one) repair
Post by: aje_fr on December 09, 2016, 08:28:04 AM
Hello,
Well, I own two of this beauty and both have nearly the same defect.
Obviously, I wanna repair them !
I isolated the defective board, and problem comes from the motherboard.
The motherboard did not start at all, only leds comes on.
There is even no video sync on monitor.
I tried to watch cpu signals, looks like roms is read for few seconds and cpu comes in idle.
Is there common issue with this first generation motherboard ?
I tried to swap cpu with a working one, same effect.
Battery was dead but no traces were broken.
Thanks for any help
Bye
Title: Re: X68000 (first one) repair
Post by: neko68k on December 09, 2016, 12:58:26 PM
If it hasn't been recapped, do that first then get back to us. If it has been, then I don't know ;)
Title: Re: X68000 (first one) repair
Post by: caius on December 11, 2016, 08:29:50 AM
Which model are?Did you already try to replace PSU?
Title: Re: X68000 (first one) repair
Post by: aje_fr on December 12, 2016, 08:15:54 PM
Quote from: caius on December 11, 2016, 08:29:50 AM
Which model are?Did you already try to replace PSU?

The very first one, CZ-600C.
Obviously, I made my test with a known working psu.

But after few measurement, I may have found my problems.
On both motherboard, the 69Mhz oscillator is not running.

The main challenge now will be to find two new one...  :'(
Title: Re: X68000 (first one) repair
Post by: caius on December 16, 2016, 12:52:53 AM
You could generate the right clock frequency using a DDS :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_digital_synthesizer
Title: Re: X68000 (first one) repair
Post by: JulBS0 on January 28, 2017, 12:03:04 PM
Hi everyone,

I had a similar case (original X68000 from 1987, with rust everywhere and a leaking battery), with (among other problems) a nonfunctional 69MHz oscillator.

I ordered a Cardinal Components' CPP series programmable oscillator, clocked at 69.552MHz, and after butchering my motherboard, my X68000 now starts and displays the "Please insert system disk" message  :D

The oscillator replacement process wasn't simple, because on these programmable oscillators, the pin 1 is not the ground, but a positive Output Enable signal. So you'll have to find a clean way to let the pin 1 float (an internal pull-up will enable that signal). If someone knows how to properly do it, please share your knowledge.

I ended up using a cutter, a soldering iron at 350°C and several hex keys to file the hole on the motherboard and prevent the pin 1 from touching it, this is a complete mess but it works.

There MUST BE a cleaner way lol.

EDIT: here is a link to the oscillator data sheet: http://www.cardinalxtal.com/uploads/files/cpp.pdf (http://www.cardinalxtal.com/uploads/files/cpp.pdf).
The "field oscillator programming instrument" is expensive, but Digikey (and probably others) can program them for you when you order the oscillator, without charge.
Title: Re: X68000 (first one) repair
Post by: kamiboy on January 28, 2017, 06:52:53 PM
Does anyone have a cap chart for the PSU of the OG X68000? The closes one I can find is one for the ACE, but I imagine they made changes to the PSU in that revision.
Title: Re: X68000 (first one) repair
Post by: JulBS0 on January 28, 2017, 10:35:06 PM
Here are the caps found in the original X68000 PSU (model number UADP-0047CEZZ):
Title: Re: X68000 (first one) repair
Post by: kamiboy on January 28, 2017, 11:57:09 PM
Thanks a buncha muncha.