Probs booting with Apollo 1240

[Gixxer]

Cannot get my A1200 Power Tower to boot with Apollo 1240/40 installed

Whole system used to work fine but haven't used for ages
So got it all out and put together

Now Amiga will not boot with 1240 in place

Take out 1240 and it boots fine

How can I tell if the Apollo is dead if I can't get it to boot with it?
I have tried changing the RAM in the 1240 but no joy

I am really stuck at the moment and don't know anyone else with a tower who could test this card for me

// RetroMan : Please don´t use direct signature, configure your UserCP (http://eab.abime.net/usercp.php?s=) instead ...

[blackcornflake]

Hola, Gixxer! Let's try to get that card working.

You can do some diagnostic stuff yourself. First thing I would suggest is to get the system to recognise the card. This will help determine whether this is a hardware or a software problem. If you haven't already, try the Early Startup Control (LMB+RMB on boot), Expansion Board Diagnostic. Even if the board is not functioning properly, it should show up ('Not Working'). Try it with each SIMM, then without any.

If it isn't listed, try cleaning the connections between card and Amiga. Still got the Apollo manual? Check jumper settings. Does your system include any additional hardware, such as busboards? My Amiga won't boot if my Mediator jumpers are set incorrectly. Perhaps try a process of elimination: strip the Amiga of any additional stuff and connect the 1240 card on its own.

The 040 is the most power-hungry 68k chip. Power is not an issue with a Power Tower, but heat may be, especially as the 040 is overclocked at 40MHz. Check that the fan on the card is whizzing round. If it ain't, the card ain't gonna work. Get a pro to repair it. But if it is OK, start working on the software side.

Software: If you still have WB on floppy disk, try booting into that. Your hard drive will still be accessible from it. More diagnostic software is available in WB. Check your startup-sequence.

The 040, like the 060, requires additional software, namely the 68040.library. This should be included with your WB, but there's no harm in checking it's still where it should be.

I take it the Apollo's warranty has run out. My Apollo 1260 failed for no apparent reason, so I sent it back to Eyetech. They tested it, and declared that it was, indeed, kaput. Working replacement! I believe Apollo cards are not the greatest in the world for stability and reliability.

Last resort: My Amiga system is in a Power Tower. PM me if you want me to try your card.

[Gixxer]

Thanks for the tips

I shall work through them and let you know the results

[Gixxer]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaay !!!!!!!

Everything working fine now.

Turned out it was the battery - well I presume the green round thing at the top corner of the board under a white cover is the battery

It was all crudded up with white powder so I scraped it off and cleaned it with white spirit and it boots fine now

Thanks for the help

[blackcornflake]

You are most welcome. Glad to hear all is now well with your bad-boy Amiga. :)

[jmmijo]

Originally posted by Gixxer
It was all crudded up with white powder so I scraped it off and cleaned it with white spirit and it boots fine now

Thanks for the help

Did you make sure that none of this white power residue was left? Did you clean both sides of the circuit board as well? The main thing is that this means a leaky battery is the culprit and the battery really should be replaced as it will most likely leak again and could this time corrode away traces and/or contacts on the board.

[blackcornflake]

Good point, jmmijo.

@Gixxer: That white powder is most probably crystallised battery acid. The battery may indeed be on the way out.

Keep an eye on it. If operation fails again, replace the battery. I believe Apollo accelerators use a CR2032 lithium battery. These cost less than a quid, and are widely available. Might be wise to buy one and get some Technician Ted to replace old with new.