Computers
Retro and modern computers I have built or repaired.
Apple IIe
1983 Apple IIe computer. Purchased at estate sale in Loleta CA from family of original owner. Sold it to new owner after repairs were completed.
Rebuilt the power supply with new high temp capacitors:
Apple IIgs
Apple IIgs "WOZ" edition. Upgraded to ROM1 from ROM0. Has an CCFA-3000 card and Uthernet_II.
Garage Computer
Built a computer to use for music (PlexAmp app) in the garage.
- I was gifted a 2009 Core2Duo Mac mini with 4GB of memory and an SSD.
- Installed Q4OS Linux for something lightweight that feels up-to-date and snappy on this older hardware.
- I decided to use an empty Macintosh SE FDHD shell I had. The original computer is still in use inside a clear/transparent MacEffects case.
- For screen I purchased a Waveshare 8" 768x1024 IPS touchscreen LCD.
- I printed brackets to mount the screen in the front of the Mac SE shell.
- I removed the Mac Mini upper shell and extended the power LED so it could be attached to old HDD activity hole. Added wire to move/extend the power button to the rear of the Mac SE shell.
- Created some 3D designs in TinkerCAD to mount the button and fill the rear holes. Also created a mount for 60mm Noctua rear exhaust fan.
- Made the needed USB->3Pin fan header adapter.
- For keyboard and mouse. I used an original Apple ADB keyboard and mouse with a "Retro USB" adapter to convert the older input devices to USB.
Above you can see the floppy insert I made to mount the IR remote receiver.
Above is the extended IR module with new longer wires.
Above are the extended power button and USB fan power cable.
Motherboard repair
Troubleshooting and fixing old PC and Mac system boards.
ECS ELITEGROUP K7S5A Pro(V5.0)
I came across a used Socket 462 (A) Athlon motherboard recently locally. Unfortunately it was non-functioning when I tested it. A visual of the capacitors confirmed some were faulty/failed. Proceeded with replacement of all electrolytic capacitors on the board:
Capacitance | Voltage | Size | Quantity |
3300uf | 6.3v | 10x25mm | 9 |
1000uf | 10v | 10x12.5 | 5 |
470uf | 16v | 8x11mm | 5 |
100uf | 25v | 6.3x11mm | 13 |
1500uf | 6.3v | 8x15mm | 6 |
10uf | 25v | 4x7mm | 5 |
22uf | 25v | 5x7mm | 3 |
Before repair:
Ordered high quality Panasonic low ESR 105c capacitors from Mouser.
