VOGONS


First post, by b0by007

User metadata
Rank Newbie
Rank
Newbie

Hello people.
I got a 386sx 16mhz (mb Headland H-18 2.0 with 4 mb 30pins modules) kit a few mounths ago. The seller had photos with it working. But I didnt had time to install it when arrived. I just checked if there are the actual parts, not some bricks, and left alone on a shelf. I bought from this seller other times and never had any problems.
Now, after almost 2 mounths, I decided to install it in a case.
But it is not working anymore. I have only 2 isa video cards and I only get these garbled screens with both of them. No beeps in the pc speaker and garbled graphics.
I tried with 2 different PSUs: one original AT from a working 486 system and other ATX with AT adapter, with the same result. No beeps in the pc speaker and garbled graphics.
I have resitted the 4 x 1mb memory modules. I tried pairing just 2 by 2 and is the same result. I cant test the memory modules in other system, because I dont have any with 30pins memory slots.
I tried the 2 isa video cards in my other 486 pc and they work just fine.
Did anyone experienced this weird and strange screens? And what could be the problem?

https://theretroweb.com/motherboards/s/ipc-dynasty-mb386sxle

HP Vectra D2753A 486/25N i486 SX 25mhz
UNISYS SG3500 AMD486 DX2 66mhz
OLIVETTI M4 i486 SX2 50mhz
IBM PC 330 6577-79T, Pentium 166mhz
IBM PC 300GL 6561-350, Pentium II MMX 266mhz
My retro youtube channel!

Reply 1 of 3, by nuno14272

User metadata
Rank Member
Rank
Member

Do you have a POST CARD ? to check the error ?

Did you tried the graphic cards in diferent slots ?
Because, no boot to me is a black screen with nothing. and it ssems to me, the computer is booting till the part of inicialising the graphic card.

1| 386DX40
2| P200mmx, Voodoo 1
3| PIII-450, Voodoo 3 3000

Reply 2 of 3, by Paar

User metadata
Rank Member
Rank
Member

Once I had a previously working 386 board in storage for some time and when I got back to it, it didn't work. In the end, it was bent pins on the underside of the board which were touching and caused issues.

Start with inspecting the board visually to see if there is any damage. POST card would help with diagnosing the issue.

Check for shorts on the power connector, there are often tantalum capacitors failing. If there are no shorts, check if proper voltage goes to the CPU.

Reply 3 of 3, by MikeSG

User metadata
Rank Member
Rank
Member

Clean ISA slots with Isopropyl Alcohol & a toothbrush