Q: Macintosh 512k Screen Doesn't Turn On
Hello apple support community, i was hoping you can help me resolve a problem.
I have a older Macintosh 512k Enhanced. About a year ago now, the screen starting giving problems. For example, the screen would shut off during use (after booting from floppy) then i would tap the side of the case slightly and the screen would come back on. Then one day the screen wouldn't come back on, except for once, when i moved it to another desk, it worked, but then soon again stopped turning on. I can still switch it on, it makes the startup beep, then it sounds like normal, waiting for a floppy to be booted from, but the screen never comes on. I tried adjusting the contrast wheel, it doesn't help.
I think maybe it could be just a loose wire? What do you think? It's been in the family since the purchase of it, and has always been taken good care of.
Any Help is Appreciated.
Posted on Apr 4, 2012 8:42 PM
A compact Mac with those symptoms is most likely due to a fractured solder joint on the analog board, easily fixed. Partially conductive dust also tends to collect around the flyback transformer, causing current leakage that results in failure. Less easily fixed. Oxidation of electrical connectors would also explain your symptoms.
Don't poke around inside without knowing the risks associated with high voltage that may remain hazardous for days after it's switched off. The flybacks incorporated a bleeder resistor but there is no way to be certain it has not failed open after 25 years of use.
Posted on Apr 14, 2012 1:08 PM