beamracer_installation
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beamracer_installation [2020/09/16 02:29] – [Obtaining access] silverdr | beamracer_installation [2022/07/18 11:24] (current) – [Installing riser socket] silverdr | ||
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While BeamRacer installation is a relatively easy task, requiring neither specialised skills nor equipment, a few preparation steps need to be taken in order to properly conduct the process. The assumption is that the person performing the installation does not have access to a specialised electronic workplace but is still comfortable with using common household tools. | While BeamRacer installation is a relatively easy task, requiring neither specialised skills nor equipment, a few preparation steps need to be taken in order to properly conduct the process. The assumption is that the person performing the installation does not have access to a specialised electronic workplace but is still comfortable with using common household tools. | ||
- | Please read this document in full before proceeding with the installation - it's always better to know what lies ahead. | + | Please read this document in its entirety |
+ | |||
+ | <fc # | ||
+ | * Retrieve the VIC and place it on the BeamRacer board | ||
+ | * Install the riser socket on the other side (if installing in the " | ||
+ | * Install the whole unit with both VIC and socket (if socket used) on the mainboard | ||
===== Tools ===== | ===== Tools ===== | ||
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- Final, pre-installation check that the machine still powers up without problems | - Final, pre-installation check that the machine still powers up without problems | ||
- | If you are not familiar with the innards of your Commodore 64, we shall try to provide you more thorough instructions on the [[computer_opening|Computer Preparation]] page | + | If you are not familiar with the innards of your Commodore 64, we shall try to provide you more thorough instructions on the [[computer_preparation|Computer Preparation]] page |
===== Removing VIC-II from the mainboard ===== | ===== Removing VIC-II from the mainboard ===== | ||
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==== Obtaining access ==== | ==== Obtaining access ==== | ||
- | On all older, " | + | On all older, " |
On the newer, [[narrow_boards|" | On the newer, [[narrow_boards|" | ||
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All " | All " | ||
- | <fc # | + | <fc # |
</fc> | </fc> | ||
- Check and align orientation notches on both the BeamRacer top socket and the riser socket | - Check and align orientation notches on both the BeamRacer top socket and the riser socket | ||
- Make sure that all the downward facing BeamRacer board pins fit well inside the riser socket openings | - Make sure that all the downward facing BeamRacer board pins fit well inside the riser socket openings | ||
- | - Align the socket pins to form a straight line with the BeamRacer board pins. There is a bit of play so it is important keep the two aligned against each other | + | - {{:: |
- | - Double check that all pins fit with no bend-ins or bend-outs | + | - {{:: |
- | - Press gently but firmly the two together using a stiff straight object. It is OK to do it one side at a time. Be prepared to apply considerable amount of force (it has to sit very firmly) but re-check everything if you feel like an excessive force is already at play! | + | - {{:: |
- | - Make sure that there are no gaps left none of both sides | + | - {{:: |
- {{:: | - {{:: | ||
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===== Installing prepared BeamRacer board ===== | ===== Installing prepared BeamRacer board ===== | ||
- | - Locate the orientation notches on both the VIC-II chip and the original socket on the mainboard((In case the orientation notch is not present on the original socket, check the white outline drawing on the board itself - it should be partially visible below the socket)). In all known cases this should be either on the left-hand side or at the far side, when the mainboard is placed in it normal, working orientation with connectors away from you and to the right | + | - Locate the orientation notches on both the VIC-II chip and the original socket on the mainboard((In case the orientation notch is not present on the original socket, check the white outline drawing on the board itself - it should be partially visible below the socket)). In all known cases this should be either on the left-hand side or at the far side, when the mainboard is placed in its normal, working orientation with connectors away from you and to the right |
- Align orientation notches on the VIC-II/ | - Align orientation notches on the VIC-II/ | ||
- Double-check that all pins are still completely straight! Adjust gently if necessary | - Double-check that all pins are still completely straight! Adjust gently if necessary | ||
- Place the prepared BeamRacer board with its pins facing downward carefully on top of the original VIC-II socket, making sure that //every single pin// finds its way into respective original socket' | - Place the prepared BeamRacer board with its pins facing downward carefully on top of the original VIC-II socket, making sure that //every single pin// finds its way into respective original socket' | ||
- | - Press the whole BeamRacer unit gently, using two fingers, down. It should slide smoothly in, requiring no sizeable force but must also not simple "fall in", requiring almost no force((If that's the case, your original VIC-II socket is most probably showing signs of fatigue already. Unreliable connections and system instability will develop sooner or later. See the [[# | + | - Press the whole BeamRacer unit gently, using two fingers, down. It should slide smoothly in, requiring no sizeable force but must also not simple "fall in", requiring almost no force((In such case, your original VIC-II socket is most probably showing signs of fatigue already. Unreliable connections and system instability will develop sooner or later. See the [[# |
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The red " | The red " | ||
- | <fc # | + | <fc # |
===== Closing the computer ===== | ===== Closing the computer ===== | ||
- | All older, " | + | All older, " |
===== Troubleshooting ===== | ===== Troubleshooting ===== |
beamracer_installation.txt · Last modified: 2022/07/18 11:24 by silverdr