> From: Phil Clayton <handyman_at_sprintmail.com>
> Subject: Commodore Pet 2001
>
> I have been searching the internet for 6 months now for a
> Commodore Pet ..
> Well I finally got an original Commodore Pet 2001 8MB RAM
> Purchased this fine computer from an individual for $230.00
> knowing that it did not work.
That's pretty good, some have been searching alot longer for one of the originals.
> It is cosmetically in Very Fine Condition, however the previous
> owner said it was dead and only got a cursor on the screen..
> After I received it, I started looking closely on the main board
> and there it was a video IC chip that had 2 pins not in the socket.
> I reinserted it, and did get a prompt but just for a few moments.
> So decieded to reinserted all the IC's. I powered it up again..
> And there is was 8 MB RAM and the beautiful Commodore
> Basic prompt..
This is VERY common (better add this to my PET FAQ!) the chips tend to loosen
themselves out of thier sockets. and a push-down is a common troubleshooting
procedure. In later computers like the Atari ST and Amiga it was drop the
computer from a hight of a few inches (they didn't want you to open the case).
:/
Now when it powers up if it reads:
*** COMMODORE BASIC ***
you have the original classic (read 'bug-ridden') ROMs.
if it reads:
### COMMODORE BASIC ###
you have the 'upgrade' (mostly bug fixed) ROMs.
> Typed in a small BASIC program and it worked just fine.
> The Chicklet keyboard has several keys that are hard to get to
> work, I must press some of them several times to work..
This is due to deterioration of the cunductive surface on the key-bottoms,
mashing them sometimes scrapes enough crud to get them to work.
> Anyone have any ideas on how to clean them.
Unplug the keyboard cable from the computer (careful on this those old pet
keyboard wires are more brittle then most)
remove the keyboard assembly from the housing and then carefully remove all
the dinky screws from the botton of the keyboard. When you pull apart the
bottom PCB from the keyboard assembly you may have some of the rubber key-cups
still stuck to the PCB, just put them back in thier proper place in the
assembly half.
With a clean pink-pearl erase erase all the 'fingers' on the PCB (not too
hard), wipe off the eraser crumbs then wipe the keyboard with a paper towel
moistened with isopropyl alcohol (you can use rubbing alcohol, but make sure
the water/glycerne content is low, otherwise 100% isopropyl is found in the
paint section. Make sure the pcb is dry and free of dust or lint.
Cleaning the little conductive 'feet' in the cups is another matter, I usually
to a quick (light) wipe with a clean eraser (you will note it picks up some of
the carbon, make sure you 'erase' on some paper to re-clean the eraser as you
go.) Some use scotch tape to lift off any particles (sometimes works, less
descructive). The worst thing I saw was someone who gold-leafed all the feet
(which probably worked for a champ until sometime before I got the machine.)
Reassemble the keyboard (carefully tighten those dinky screws, they strip
easily) and test. If every other (or every third or fourth) key is not
printing, most likely one of the keyboard wires probably broke during the
cleaning, check the wires.
> Have not tested the built in cassette yet..
The earlier units used butchered SANYO cassette players (you can tell if the
unit has white control buttons and a lift-lid. Later units were a clean
commodore design in all-black with eject button.
> I am very excited to add this great machine to my collection.
> In 1978 I Lusted for the first time for a computer, and it was
> this machine. But in 1978 no way could I afford to buy one..
> Phil...
For more information check out my PET FAQ:
http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/petfaq.html
And my Commodore PET tribute Page:
http://www.goldrush.com/~foxnhare/pet.html
nopt to mention the PET related links on my main commodore page (see signature line)
Received on Thu Dec 24 1998 - 23:53:18 GMT