Well guys, in case you've been wondering what became of the
Montreux in question, I did take a punt on being able to fix it, based
on the information given by Mike on this forum. We struck a deal in
a few personal messages, money changed hands, and so did the
Montreux. It arrived today, and what I suspected was the problem
turned out to indeed be the case. I'm not particularly techo but I do
have some experience with the Montreux/Risc2500 machines. The
GAL display chips do have a life expectancy of perhaps 18 years,
according to reports, supposedly assuming an average amount of
use. The Montreux's are now 22 years old. The Montreux GAL chips
are a simple push fit, unlike the earlier risc2500 GALS, which were
soldered in place. On most chess comps the display circuitry is in
parallel to the rest of the circuit so they can function minus the display.
However, the Montreux/risc2500 displays are wired in series, it seems,
because when they go bad the comp spits the dummy.
I just happened to have a spare set of GALS. After putting them I
ordered my wife from the room. We all know women are bad luck.
Then I pressed the power on button...and was greeted with a row
of lights coming on down the 'a' file, then across the first rank, then
came the sweet startup jingle and the display came to life.
https://a1-images.myspacecdn.com/images ... 00x300.jpg
https://a4-images.myspacecdn.com/images ... 00x300.jpg
https://a4-images.myspacecdn.com/images ... 00x300.jpg
None of us want these old soldiers to end up in landfills, and it's good
to add this one to my collection. Complete and in good condition it is,
including the box and adaptor.
happy camper...
Larry