jla@inuxd.UUCP (01/28/85)
Thanks to you all for your input into the cause/repair of the moving cursor problem. Many causes were reported, and for this reason I am posting results on the net. The most usual cause for this happening to others was a copy protection device in a joystick port, or some other sick plug in. My cursor moved without any peripherals plugged in at any port, so I knew going in that the guilty part was within the unit itself. Lots of people suggested that a stuck key or spacebar was the problem. One response talked about a spring in the spacebar that comes loose, so the spacebar stays in contact. A very good idea came from Dave Wargo-- disconnect the keyboard and plug in the unit. When the cursor continued to move, I eliminated the keyboard as the problem. Next, I tried the company. I called CBM "Customer Support" (a number given to me by Customer Service and touted as real help), and received what sounded like a recording--"Mail the unit along with $55"--the bimbo didn't know as much as I do--so what's she doing answering the phone at Customer Support? I also asked Customer Service about repair possibilities here in Indianapolis. They gave me two numbers, one of which is out of service, and the other a radio place that doesn't now, and never has, repaired computers. So, I decided to fix the little sucker good, so I know I'm going to FOR SURE get a whole new unit for my $55. I started sticking my screwdriver into places no screwdriver needed to go, and found the problem--joystick port 1, the middle pin on the top (at least, if you touch that pin, the cursor doesn't keep moving). I can't fix it, you understand. But I had a real good time hitting it. (One reply suggested I hit it against my hand--a good idea if something is just stuck.) Since I was prepared to trash it, anyway, I started doing some creative hitting. If you hit it in some places, the display screen goes blank blue. If you hit it another place, the display screen goes blank black. If you hit it in still another place, the display says "LOAD PRESS PLAY ON TAPE." Another hit stops the cursor, but doesn't allow any input from the keyboard. All of the hits were satisfying to me. My poor C64 (and 55 of my dollars) has left for the motherland. Thanks to all of you for your help. I'll let you know how long it takes to get my returned unit.
dillon@ucbvax.ARPA (The Sherif "Matt D.") (02/04/85)
> and received what sounded like a recording--"Mail the unit along > with $55"--the bimbo didn't know as much as I do--so what's she > doing answering the phone at Customer Support? I also asked Customer > Service about repair possibilities here in Indianapolis. They gave me > two numbers, one of which is out of service, and the other a > radio place that doesn't now, and never has, repaired computers. > > So, I decided to fix the little sucker good, so I know I'm going > to FOR SURE get a whole new unit for my $55. I started sticking > my screwdriver into places no screwdriver needed to go, and found > the problem--joystick port 1, the middle pin on the top (at > least, if you touch that pin, the cursor doesn't keep moving). I > can't fix it, you understand. But I had a real good time hitting it. > (One reply suggested I hit it against my hand--a good idea if > something is just stuck.) Since I was prepared to trash it, > anyway, I started doing some creative hitting. If you hit it in > some places, the display screen goes blank blue. If you hit it > another place, the display screen goes blank black. If you hit > it in still another place, the display says "LOAD PRESS PLAY ON > TAPE." Another hit stops the cursor, but doesn't allow any input > from the keyboard. All of the hits were satisfying to me. > > My poor C64 (and 55 of my dollars) has left for the motherland. > Thanks to all of you for your help. I'll let you know how long > it takes to get my returned unit. One minor problem with your solution, Commodore takes WEEKS to act on such repairs.... A number of people in this area have had C64's at Commodore for months now. A better solution would have been to find someone who can re-solder your joystick port. Or buy a new computer ($110) [no jokes about 'disposible' computers PLEASE!]. Or you could have sent the computer to a private repair firm. The last is probably the best... a person named 'Bruce Takahashi' does excellent repairs fast, and will do mail order. He has repaired computers and drives from as far away as Florida and Maine. Maximum labor charge $35, next day service (usually) and 3 Month waranty on repairs. So far he has a %100 repair record. I will post the address and phone number as soon as I go back home and look it up. Another thing... If you have a C64 to return to Commodore remove the VIC, SID and PAL chips from it first, repair personel have very much trouble finding those and Commmodore charges a arm and a leg for them when avalible. -Bryce Nesbitt using "the Sheriff's account"