Retro Computer Pickup - Acorn A5000 29th October 2012

Another retro computer for the collection, but with some work to be done.

[electricadventures]

Been after a Archimedes for such a long time. Ever since 1st seeing one playing Virus, plus they are a very fine example of the evolution of the Risc architecture.

[Segasocks]

You never fail to amaze with these old retro computers and i do hope you manage to get this one sorted out! :)

[electricadventures]

It might take while, but will definitely be worth the effort. Very nice machine, with quite a few expansion options as well.

[electricadventures]

I read the article, thank you for the pointers. I used Nappy San last time for the C64C, leaving it out in the sun after bleaching and it worked reasonable well. But retrobrite looks even better, especially being able to use it as a paste.

[PhildWithMalice]

The use of the TAED along with UV in the process (found in the oxyclean) is the reason it's so remarkably effective. It boosts the peroxide's ability to pull the bromine (the chemical that makes it yellow) from its oxygen bond on the surface.

Nappy San/Napisan as I see is the TAED portion and you're adding UV sunlight. The addition of peroxide will boost its ability. So chemically, you've been using close to the ideal composition already. You can the stronger peroxide at most salons.

[electricadventures]

It does not seem to have eaten through the PCB protective surface at this stage. So we shall have to see. I have ordered the replacement battery and have a bit more cleaning up to do, especially around the CMOS IC (which may still need to be replaced).

[electricadventures]

Hope you and your family are safe and that there is not too much damage from the storm.

[FlashGordonMurr]

Awesome Video Tony, Love the unboxing. Acorn way cool. Riding out a Massive Hurricane Sandy in the NorthEast USA. The worst on record, should be loosing power soon. Winds up to 90 mph. Hunkered down with the family riding the storm out. Thought i would get my mind off the storm for a few mins. Cheers Mate.

[lactobacillusprime]

Hope the system cleans up properly. Damn batteries!

[rhydermike]

These were great machines at the time. As 8bitmicro says, it's probably the best "classic" RISC OS machine. Should be largely compatible for games but it's got a bit of extra "vroom" to it.

Impression (DTP package) parallel port security dongle.

That multiscan monitor looks very handy.

[electricadventures]

Oh yeah it sure did. I do think I have been lucky and most of the strongest of the acid went out the case at the back (thus the burn and rust spot there). I have cleaned the board up a bit, but really need the new battery (still need to order one) and probably the IC just above where the battery is mounted. I still have crystals lodged in it's pins.

[kgmuk]

Although I was envious of my student flatmate's A5000 at the time, I'd now recommend the A3010 for simplicity now. And a RISC PC 700 with ARM 7 and RISC OS 3.70 for the later games. If you have money to spend, they who stock everything Acorn/RISC OS do have seem to have a refurbished motherboard (CJE!)

[electricadventures]

I am hoping it won't be too bad to recover, as I have always wanted to play with these machines, especially the OS.

[IrishNerdLife]

Shame about the leaking battery. Hopefully it hasn't done too much damage. Looks like a very nice machine and pretty advanced too for it's age.

[electricadventures]

Yeah I am hoping I can fix it and get it working again.

[EgoShredder]

Shame that the Retr0Brite method damages the particle structures in the plastics, but it sure does look fantastic when first done!

[lactobacillusprime]

but nothing beats using the real equipment! Good find!

[electricadventures]

Think I may have to replace one IC (the common one to be damaged when this happens) and of course the battery. Have found the battery, just need to track down the IC.

[electricadventures]

The most definitely are evil buggers! This is most certainly going to be a restoration challenge - good chance to improve my electronics skills anyway :)

[lactobacillusprime]

Cool system. will try out RiscOS on the raspberry pie a little later on.