Martinus Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 I can buy a good looking Atari 800XL at a very affordable price. Caveat is that apparently none of the function keys (rightmost column) works. I cannot check under the cover before buying. Anyone that can tell from experience whether this is a big problem or is it a common simple to solve problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Westphal Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Probably the Mylar. It could possibly be repaired. A good cleaning might do it. Other things to check: pokey, pia, two 4051 keyboard multiplexors. Buy it if its made in Hong Kong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_The Doctor__ Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 usually a simple enough fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+DrVenkman Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Aren’t the function keys read by GTIA? If so beware a bad chip. I’ve had two GTIA chips fail on me. Good news is they are cheap to replace. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilsaluki Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 BEST Electronics has newly designed mylars (2018 versions) on sale now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martinus Posted February 22, 2018 Author Share Posted February 22, 2018 Apparently it was built in Taiwan. So when I understand correctly that would mean that most chips are soldered not socketed. So a pita to replace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erichenneke Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 i had an 800XL that all worked except for the function keys and I fixed it by bridging some tiny gaps (opens) in the mylar traces using copper trace repair paint (from a rear auto-window defroster repair kit). I've used this method on several Atari keyboards and it has done the trick every time. It is supposed to be considered a "temporary" fix ( as opposed to permanently replacing with a new mylar) but I've never had one act up again after applying this copper trace repair trick. I even have a "back-up" new mylar from Best ready to go if/when this copper paint trick doesn't work, but I've never had to use it yet. -Eric 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+DrVenkman Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Apparently it was built in Taiwan. So when I understand correctly that would mean that most chips are soldered not socketed. So a pita to replace. Not necessarily. I have three 800XL's, two of which were made in Taiwan. One of those is fully-socketed, the other is socketed for everything except BASIC, the OS ROM and the small 74LS-series logic chips. The main Atari IC's and all the DRAMs are soldered. Your mileage may vary of course. Personally, if it was a good price I'd take the risk and fix it, but I'm comfortable doing that kind of work these days (which I wouldn't have been several years ago). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.