3 replies to this topic

[FlaScubaMan]

I have obtained approximately 50 broken Lynx units, all version II. I am struggling to find some repair docs to no avail. I'm sure the units have already been picked through for all the easy fixes, i.e. loose cables, loose solder connections, malfunctioning buttons. The remaining units appear to be totally dead. On many of the units tested, they appear to be victims of AC line surges, as the Q12 rectifier sparks the backlight to life when the center lead is shorted to an outer lead. However, I have been unsuccessful in trying to obtain this part. I have several questions:

1. Some units have a Revision A motherboard and some have a Revision 1 motherboard. To the naked eye they appear quite similar, however I have noted changes in the copper shielding on some Rev 1 (but not all). What is the difference between these two and are they interchangable with the LCD/Backlight and control panel assemblies from other revisions?

2. Does anyone know of a source for the Q12 rectifier (3 legged flat transistor next to the only round thimble shaped coil)?

3. Does anyone know of a repair manual, repair docs, repair FAQs, test point values etc or internet site containing any of these type of repair material or suggestions?

4. I have heard there is a diagnostic module around that can be inserted in the game port. What purpose does this serve, what problems does it dianose? (Probably wouldn't help me with dead units, I presume)

4. Assuming I dont get anywhere with the above, would I be better off to sell complete units on ebay (sold as defective) or break them down, test components and sell individual parts (i.e. working backlight, replacement power plug jack, etc)? Which would be more marketable?

All suggestions and comments are welcome and may ultimately add another happy lynx gamer somewhere to our ranks!

[karri]

I combined the Lynx I schematic-pieces into one file, cleaned it up and converted to black and white 1-bit pixel-depth.

It would not take more than a few hours to re-create the schematics on eagle. A proper schematic and layout image would help a lot in fixing broken Lynxes.

Is the real Lynx 2 schematics available somewhere (free or for a fee?)

One thing you could do is to solder a wire between pins 31 and 33 on the cart connector. That lets you power up the Lynx without a cart.

I did not find any Q12 in the schematics at all, but the most likely component to break on a Lynx I at a power surge is a power MOSFET switch MTD3055E (Q11). If you just short the MOSFET the the Lynx should power up (forever). So you can test the other electronics to see if there is anything else wrong before you decide to replace the MOSFET. Actually I am pretty sure that your Q12 is called Q11 on a Lynx I.
The modern replacement part with same pinout is called STD12N06.

I can send the schematics (0.5 MB) if somebody wants to have it or help me clean it up even more.

My suggestion is to keep the dead Lynx II's as they are. Nobody is interested in old, used components. But some people have a scratched display, missing battery cover, flakey buttons, battery compartment damaged by leaking batteries etc...

They might want to buy one dead Lynx for a few dollars.

Actually.. Even I would be interested in one Lynx II just to be able to reverse engineer it.

[Mitch]

Best Electronics sells a Schematic for the Lynx 2. Cost is $15.

Mitch
http://atari7800.atari.org

[FlaScubaMan]

Karri,

You are correct, 3055E is clearly stamped on the chip. However, on the Lynx II circuit board (Rev 1 and Rev A) it is marked as Q12. Best Electronics identified this part to me as Motorola part number 01610 N05E and indicated they did not have it in stock. I will check availability of your recommendation for the replacement part.

I appreciate the tips you gave me. They've been very helpful. Drop me an email with your address and I'll send you a dead lynx to explore. In exchange I would appreciate any further advice that you may be able to provide. You obviously have a better handle on this than I do.

Thanks
Michael