Amstrad 3286 \ VOGONS

Amstrad 3286

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First post, by tarasque

Posted on 2024-09-09, 20:39

tarasque Offline

Rank Newbie

Rank: Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: 2019-08-04, 06:05

I recently acquired this beauty, an Amstrad 3286 computer. Unfortunately, it doesn't post. I tried replacing the Dallas RTC module with the Necroware nwX287 replacement, but the system still refuses to post. I checked the voltages, and they seem fine, so I need to investigate further.

The attachment IMG_0904 Large.jpeg is no longer available

Does anyone have the manual or jumper settings (referred to as option links by Commodore) for this model to assist with troubleshooting? I found this http://www.freetimeweb.nl/home/computer/alt/l … atpcs.htm#links, which seemed promising, but the option links on my motherboard don't match the provided information.

The Option Links found on motherboard are set as follows:

1LK4 unpopulated pin
2
3LK3 open
4LK1 open
5LK2 closed
6 
7LK09 closed
8LK10 open
9LK11 open
10LK12 open
11
12LK13 closed
13LK14 closed
14
15LK17 open
16LK18 open
17LK19 open
18LK20 closed
19LK21 closed
20LK22 open
21LK23 closed
22LK24 open
23
24
25LK42 closed
26LK37 closed
27LK36 closed
28
29LK25 (2-3)
30LK26 (2-3)
31
32LK 47 (2-3)
33
34LK41 (1-2)
35LK38 (1-2)
36
37LK-500 (2-3)
38LK-501 (1-2)

Reply 1 of 2, by JidaiGeki

Posted on 2024-09-11, 02:11

JidaiGeki Offline

Rank Oldbie

Rank: Oldbie
Posts: 612
Joined: 2010-12-22, 14:11
Location: Australia

Nice machine, love those Amstrads.
When you say it refuses to post, is it powering up and making beeps, displaying anything or just not doing anything at all?
If the former, if you haven’t already you could change the DIP switches by the video cable to 1,2,4 ON (the freetimeweb site you linked mentions SW1-4 and that configuration) and see if that gets output. For the battery you could always take your chances with a simple replacement RTC battery - a DS12887 or whatever was in there - and see how you go. I bought one off eBay many years ago for a 4386 and it was keeping time at least until recently (should check on it again actually).
Failing that, a copy of the manual for this machine is presently up for auction on eBay UK (I have no connection to it and per vogons rules you’ll have to find it) maybe you could get the full reference that way.
Good luck! It’s in such good shape it will be nice to see it working again.

Reply 2 of 2, by wayneshall

Posted on 2025-02-09, 12:32

wayneshall Offline

Rank Newbie

Rank: Newbie
Posts: 1
Joined: 2025-02-09, 12:07

Hi mate

Just wondering if you got it sorted? I’ve also acquired a 3286 which I’m trying to get working - different issues than yours by the sound of it. Anyway let me know if you need any photos of my board or if I can try help in anyway.

Shane

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