> -----Original Message----- > From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Ethan > Dicks > Sent: 25 August 2016 18:12 > To: r...@jarratt.me.uk; General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts > <cctalk@classiccmp.org> > Subject: Re: MicroVAX II Console Garbling Characters > > On Thu, Aug 25, 2016 at 1:05 PM, Rob Jarratt <robert.jarr...@ntlworld.com> > wrote: > > Just a bit more info on this. > > > > I tried cleaning up the corrosion, and that briefly seemed to make a > > difference, but then I realised the problem persisted. I looked again > > and realised that the corrosion around the DE-9 pins was a bit bad. > > Initially I thought to solder some jumper wires around pins 2 and 3, > > but when the solder would not melt very easily, I found that it kind > > of flaked off under a bit of heat and physical pressure. This made me > > think that although I was getting continuity with my DMM, the joint > > was not that good. So I desoldered the whole DE-9 connector, cleaned > > the board with PCB cleaner and then resoldered it back. > > > > This seems to have fixed it. > > My own cab kit was also exhibiting gray solder that did not flow, so without > even testing it, I presumed it was faulty and I removed the > DE-9 and cleaned the PCB. That's as far as I've gotten this week. I still > plan to > test the resistance of the traces because, sometimes, those are consumed or > heavily damaged (I've been reading a lot of Amiga Varta repair threads lately > - that's another platform I'm cleaning damage on). The question I have for > the MicroVAX is if I trust the integrity of the DE-9 itself. I can solder in > a fresh > replacement, but I _think_ the old one is probably still good. >
Unfortunately I spoke too soon. When I tested it again a bit more extensively, it suddenly stopped working. I am going to have to solder in some wires to pins 2 and 3 and see if that helps. Regards Rob
