[BC] computer lock up

[John Vodenik]

I just took the sides off...what a dirt bunny around the CPU fan and memory 
chips.  Taking the beast to work tonight and blow it out.  I built this 
thing maybe, 4 1/2 years ago.  It only runs at 700 Mc, but for e-mail and 
PSK31, it works fine.  This might be a good time to install the 2nd sound 
card.  Use the on board soundcard for PSK and the other for music ,etc. 
Thanks to everyone.  Glad y'all are a lot smarter than me.  Might be back to 
de-bug the 2nd sound card if it doesn't lite up correctly.

73 all,
John  WB9AUJ  @ VOA / Delano



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jerry Mathis" <thebeaver32 at hotmail.com>
To: <broadcast at radiolists.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 11:06 PM
Subject: RE: [BC] computer lock up


>A couple of things not mentioned by others....
>
> Many have mentioned checking the CPU fan to be sure it's running. ALSO, 
> check it, and the heatsink, for accumulated dirt. If the fins are clogged 
> with dirt, the CPU fan cannot do its job.
>
> Does the fan stall out once in a while? This is hard to trace, without 
> leaving the computer case open for quick visual verification. An advantage 
> here is that, when a fan starts to go, it usually starts making noise.
>
> Some have mentioned re-seating the memory sticks. Problems were known to 
> develop if you have memory sticks with finger plating material that is 
> different from the socket plating material. Although this is less a 
> problem today than with older computers (you don't say how old your 
> computer is), make sure your memory sticks and memory sockets both use the 
> same material. It's either gold or tin. If they're different, some type of 
> corrosion sets in, which will eventually insulate the connection. You can 
> fix the problem, at least temporarily, by buffing the fingers on the 
> memory stick with a pencil eraser. It's recommended  that you clean them 
> with alcohol afterwards, and spraying the memory sockets with something 
> like Cramolin. (This problem is a long shot, but a possibility.)
>
> And don't discount problems with the power supply. Especially if the 
> computer is 4 or 5 years old. If you have a scope, you can look at the PS 
> outputs. Pay close attention to the 5 volt and 3 volt supplies. More than 
> about 50mv of noise is a problem. Look for high frequency noise, not 
> ripple.
>
> Look on the motherboard for capacitors around the CPU. Are any of them 
> bulging, or leaking a brown gooey substance at the base? There was a run 
> of bad capacitors a few years ago that is just now showing up on some 
> motherboards. Dell is spending millions on a recall.
>
>
>
> Jerry Mathis
> Clear Channel Radio, Tupelo & Meridian MS
>
>
>
>
>
>>From: "John Vodenik" <jvodenik at sosinet.net>
>>Reply-To: Broadcast Radio Mailing List <broadcast at radiolists.net>
>>To: "Broadcast Mailing List" <broadcast at radiolists.net>
>>Subject: [BC] computer lock up
>>Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2005 09:39:12 -0800
>>
>>Greeting gathered bright minds, and lots smarter than I am type people.
>>
>>Not being a computer type person, just use it for e-mail and porn...I am 
>>having a problem with the machine locking up.  I can only get it to 
>>operate again by rebooting the thing, with the reset button on the 
>>computer case. Locks in anywhere between 30 minutes and half a day after 
>>rebooting.
>>
>>That said, our "computer guy" out here at VOA said he thought it was a 
>>hardware problem.  OK, I have disconnected the cable modem, no change. 
>>Tried a different mouse, nothing.  Mouse is on USB port., it was on the 
>>PS2 port, still the same results. Haven't disconnected the keyboard as 
>>yet.  Scanner not plugged in, printer working OK.  That's about all I have 
>>connected to the outside world, except for the sound card.
>>
>>I had been thinking maybe a virus or spyware.  Daily checks come up empty. 
>>I did a system restore to about 6 weeks back, when everything was fine. 
>>Still locking up.
>>
>>I need o get this figured out so I can go back on the air with my ham 
>>station.  By the way..the porno comment was meant to get your attention.
>>
>>Thanks for any and all suggestions.
>>
>>John @ VOA / Delano
>>
>>Just you everyday radio whore.....
>>my life....eat, sleep, make VERY BIG RF.  Gotta get a life.......
>>
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>
>
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