Wanted: Repair service for my Sord Creative Computer M5 (CGL M5, 220v)

[BillLoguidice]

I stupidly put in the M5-Multi II in backwards on my CGL Sord M5. Now it only displays garbled characters regardless of the cartridge I put in.

 

It was suggested that possibly the video processor or memory is shot (or maybe something was blown inside), but I really don't know. I know it's a long shot, but would anyone in the US be able to fix this for me (for a price)? Thanks!

 

This is the model I have (from an old blog post I did): http://armchairarcade.com/perspectives/2015/01/05/sord-m5-xrgb-mini-framemeister-and-commodore-1084s-p/

[eightbit]

Bill,

 

First and foremost, sorry for your loss. I know how it feels to do something stupid and break something Hasn't happened in a long time, but it is bound to happen to me again one of these days.

 

This is certainly one obscure machine, but I wouldn't dump it just yet. Since the issue is video maybe start with the video display controller first. The TMS9929 in this machine should be the same one used in the Colecovision. If you have a cruddy colecovision to source it from you can, or just buy one on ebay. Looks like they are around $10 each...but from China of course. It should be relatively easy to desolder the one on this board with a good solder sucker and maybe solder in a socket. If a replacement works you'll never have to worry about soldering this again if God forbid someone else ever fries it on you (or it fries in some other way). Just pull the chip and replace. Keep some spares

 

Here is a good picture of the board with the VDC in question on the very bottom (Texas Instruments TMS9929):

 

http://zonadepruebas.org/backup/uploads/img43ee01ec4c085.jpg

 

There are apparently (from what I read) NTSC and PAL versions of this (don't quote me on this however), so I would look out for that as well before purchasing. This one specifically says for PAL (as I just noticed your machine is a PAL version according to the blog and the voltage in your thread title):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TI-TMS9929ANL-Video-Display-Processor-for-PAL-PDIP40-x-1pc-/152330533600?hash=item23779b7ae0:g:IvsAAOSw44BYNxG4

[eightbit]

I don't think the VDC controls PAL/NTSC at all...so I don't know why that one auction calls out PAL. At least I see no mention in the datasheet:

 

https://emu-docs.org/VDP%20TMS9918/Datasheets/TMS9918.pdf

 

You will probably be fine with any TMS9929 from a CV, MSX or any other computer that used them.

[BillLoguidice]

I'll have to see if I can give that a try. I've gotten pretty good at soldering, but have yet to tackle desoldering. So there's a good chance that's the issue, then, based on my description?

[tep392]

Try contacting the designer of the M5-Multi II. They should understand the hardware well enough to deduce some possible failure modes and what parts you should try swapping out first.

[BillLoguidice]

Try contacting the designer of the M5-Multi II. They should understand the hardware well enough to deduce some possible failure modes and what parts you should try swapping out first.

 

I already did, thanks. He's part of the Sord Facebook group, which I tried first. He suggested I find someone here on AtariAge to do the repair. I figured it was worth a shot. Certainly replacing the video chip is one idea.

[tep392]

Do you have access to a schematic for the computer? I could take a look at it and see what might be most likely to get fried when a cart is inserted backwards.

[eightbit]

I'll have to see if I can give that a try. I've gotten pretty good at soldering, but have yet to tackle desoldering. So there's a good chance that's the issue, then, based on my description?

I'd say you have a good shot. It's where I would personally start based on the description of the issue. And, I stand corrected on the NTSC/PAL business. According to wikipedia:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Instruments_TMS9918

 

The TMS9929 outputs 50Hz. So I guess any TMS9929 you purchase will be the right one

 

 

VRAM can also be the culprit, but one thing at a time. Its only a couple of bucks and if it solves the issue it will be worth it. If it doesn't at least its something that can be ruled out.

 

There are some really great (and expensive) de-solder irons out there, but I usually use the cheap bulb kind like this one:

 

http://www.alliedelec.com/nte-electronics-inc-j-045-ds/70722084/?mkwid=sabYU23qn&pcrid=30980760979&gclid=CNmJv6ftitECFU5LDQodpSUH3w

 

 

Or just some solder braid.

[eightbit]

Do you have access to a schematic for the computer? I could take a look at it and see what might be most likely to get fried when a cart is inserted backwards.

I was thinking this as well but I could not find anything of the sort

[icemanxp300]

If what you are de-soldering has pads use wic. If it is through hole use the bulb sucker. Do not use the bulb sucker on pads as it can and will rip them off. Other option is buy an expensive de-soldering gun.