Archive No. 263
Apple III
Troubleshooting story: https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/apple-iii-shows-garbage-on-screen-on-startup.48828/ JCM-1 took the logic board and found the corrupt video was caused by a bad LS283 at
Historical Context
Apple's first attempt at a serious business machine, and one of the most expensive product failures in the company's history. Jobs overruled the engineers — insisting on a fanless design and a case too small for the components — and the result was a machine whose chips literally expanded from heat and popped out of their sockets. Over 14,000 were recalled at launch. The Apple III spent four years trying to recover its reputation and never did, but the lessons it taught Apple shaped everything that came after.
Specifications
Technical Blueprint
Ref: A3S2
Processor
1.8MHz Synertek 6502A
Memory
128kb
Storage
5.25" Floppy Drive
Operating System
SOS
Hardware Notes
PRAM battery removed
Gallery
Detailed Observations
ICs ordered to test
Current state of debugging
The Story
Troubleshooting story: https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/apple-iii-shows-garbage-on-screen-on-startup.48828/ JCM-1 took the logic board and found the corrupt video was caused by a bad LS283 at E11. Also had issue using his wDrive and discovered the System ROM was bad, so installed a new on. Video output is now working correctly, but now the machine's PSU will enter a short state that causes is to click rapidly after being used for a bit. Replacing with a new one from ReactiveMicro.
Restoration Log
Work Done
Every repair, recap, and restoration performed on this machine — documented as the work was completed.