@botvolution yes, it can do in-circuit measurements, too. I use it quite frequently for repairing things. Capacitance measurements can not be precise when done in circuit, but it helps spotting strange things. https://github.com/DarwinNE/EsrMeter

I could also save the computer that went with the keyboard, an #IBM PS/2 model 30 with a screen that seems to be monochrome. I could not resist saving also a #SUN #SPARCstation 5, that I found there. I don’t know if they work, and they stayed one night under heavy rain. I will check them also to remove #batteries. #retrocomputing

I could save an #IBM model M #keyboard that was about to be sent to the e-waste. It is the dirtiest keyboard I have ever seen 😅 But it works and will be cleaned. It is in a good shape, too! #mechanicalkeyboard

I mean, look at that beauty 😍 #IBMmodelM

Well, I could put together again the #IBM model M keyboard. Now it is very clean! I also got an USB to PS/2 converter and it works very well. I love the feeling when I am typing. Just one ALT keycap cover is missing. Love it! #mechanicalkeyboard #retrocomputing #IBMtypeM

I can now start trying to repair the #IBM PS/2 model 30 computer. After a deep clean and a global check, the computer starts, but both the disk drive and the hard drive do not work. The screen, a nice #IBM8503 002, does not work properly, neither: the vertical deflection is very distorted. #retrocomputing #IBMPS2 #repair

Ah, here’s the culprit! A 470uF capacitor in series with the deflection joke vertical coil reads about 1/10 of the rated capacitance. The TDA1170 is perfectly fine! That was an easy repair. #IBM #repair #retrocomputing #capacitor

The screen is also horribly dirty. I opened it (after buying a set of long security Torx bits). Its electronic circuit is quite simple, as it’s a monochrome monitor, yet it is not very nice to work on: you have to disassemble almost everything to check components. I was suspicious of the capacitors and the TDA1170 that controls the vertical deflection. #repair #IBM #monitor

Looking back at the archive I downloaded from the #birdsite, I found some fun pictures. Those are from 2016, when I got a #Tektronix 576 curve tracer. It was designed to be #repaired! It even sported a roll of special soldering wire for the repairs. I love the notice "IT IS DESIRABLE THAT ONLY SILVER-BEARING SOLDER BE USED ON THE CERAMIC TERMINALS AND FOR THINNING THE IRON. ORDINARY TIN-LEAD SOLDER MAY BE USED BUT REPEATED USE WILL BREAK THE SOLDER TO CERAMIC BOND. SEE YOUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL"

@nina_kali_nina by the way, about the human side of computing, I’m restoring a Macintosh Plus right now. I loved to see the famous signatures inside the case.

@nina_kali_nina oh, yes, I definitely agree!

With no surprise, the Macintosh Plus is very dirty inside. The battery was still there, but hadn’t leaked too much 🤩

I visited a flea market in #Grenoble this morning and I couldn’t believe to my eyes when I saw a Macintos Plus. It’s the first time I see something like this, vintage computers usually are incredibly rare in such markets. I bought the Mac that is needing some TLC. I also saw an Amstrad 6128 (I already own one) and an eMac, but they are not my cup of tea. I need a mouse for the Mac and the 6 key (French). Anyone in France or in Europe has them available at a reasonable price? #Retrocomputing

I cleaned the motherboard. It was one of the dirtiest compact Mac’s motherboards I’ve ever seen. #retrocomputing