Viper 68060 ACT Elektronik- random black screen issues

[klx300r]

The accelerator was bought with an 040 around 2004/5 and around 2011 or so I upgraded it to an 060 and it's been running fine in my 1200 Tower but about a few years ago I've noticed that it would take 2 or more power cycles for it to boot (always black screen)...then 4 or more until I had to 'investigate' further

So here's what I tried so far:
- CPU tested ok
- ram module tested ok
- voltage regulator tested ok
- 060 tested ok
- oscillator tested ok
- reflowed solder joints at the connector
- checked for any shorts/ bad solder joints under microscope
- cleaned a zillion times the A1200 connector and Viper connector

I'm out of ideas here....other than Mach131 chip or other chips on the board being flaky I have no idea why when it start up it works great and can stay on for days working fine but once I power down my 1200 then it's a crap shoot of black screens until it boots up again having to fiddle the Viper a mm here or there to put some anti static bag on the side or bottom etc. and pray it starts


Anyone here have or owned one of these boards?

https://amiga.resource.cx/exp/viper1260

[mech]

Shot in the dark,but the old apollo 040/060 cards were known to have a rash of bad slot connectors back in the day. Most people that i knew that had them they worked when new and then developed the problems you are having.

[Damion]

You've probably checked already, but it might be worth measuring your +5v for voltage drop between the power input, and the card. Specifically regarding the Apollo 1260, it was common to have to bridge additional juice at the floppy connector to keep them stable. I had an overclocked one years ago that suffered similar problems (including sudden black screens under load), and indeed that solved it.

Is it after it's shut off for any length of time, or only when cold? In the latter case, you could try heating up the edge connector area with a blow dryer for a bit and check if there's any change.

[klx300r]

ya I figured it’s gotta be the connector but where the heck can I find the connector ??? I asked AllenPPC since he puts together A lot of TF cards and he said those connectors were even hard to find in the 90’s

@ Damion

it’s honestly not related to time or heat…when it powers on it’s fine and when it decides it doesn’t want to start the black screen greets me.
Also I tried reflowing the connector a few times and still same…I think it’s some flaky internal connection as the ones I can see that attach the board look good

[Orionis5]

Originally Posted by klx300r

ya I figured it’s gotta be the connector but where the heck can I find the connector ??? I asked AllenPPC since he puts together A lot of TF cards and he said those connectors were even hard to find in the 90’s

Connectors can be bought in many places:
https://sordan.ie/product/670/150-pi...ard-connector/

https://amigastore.eu/en/738-amiga-1...sion-port.html

BR, Luka

[klx300r]

@ Orionis5


I've been told that these newer style connectors won't work with my Viper board

[utri007]

Have you tried with different PSU?

[alexh]

icomp.de sells A1200 connectors too.

[klx300r]

Originally Posted by utri007

Have you tried with different PSU?

yup

[klx300r]

Originally Posted by alexh

icomp.de sells A1200 connectors too.

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