Installing A1200 accelerator cards

[joe384]

Hi,

Has anyone got any methods they use to install accelerator cards in a stock A1200?

The ACA range are easy as you can get a good grip on the side and push it home.
Other cards are a bit of a pain though - When you lift them up into place you can barely get your fingers round the side to push it in (I don't want to use any components as leverage)

Putting the card into the motherboard outside the case and then resting everything in doesn't work because of the trapdoor guide rails and the port holes for the motherboard - you can get one in, but not both!

Any techniques?

 

[Justin]

i found the easiest way is to remove the upper case, keyboard and trap door cover, loads of room then

 

[joe384]

Yep, I've removed the cover, top case and keyboard. I can rest the cards in, but they need force to slot in, and I can't get my hand on the right hand side to push it in with any amount of force.

 

[fitzsteve]

I'm uploading a short Video for you of how I do it, it'll be online in about 20 mins (HD Video)

 

[TheCorfiot]

I'm uploading a short Video for you of how I do it, it'll be online in about 20 mins (HD Video)

Isnt this guy a lifesaver...
3 big cheers

TC

 

[fitzsteve]

Here it is a very short how to! Sorry for the bad light, we have soft mood lighting here in the Fitzy household

Just to say as I didn't mention during the Video I use my Beer Belly to support the A1200 whilst fitting the card, this give the leverage you need to fit safely

Enjoy! I hope it helps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErF-moo2Qn4

*Note you should idealy wear an antistatic wrist band appropriately grounded and work on an antistatic surface such as an antistatic mat*

 

[BLTCON0]

LOL @ beer belly - I've used this method, too

@joe384
Another approach to install the card without opening the case is to turn it upside down (of course), line the card to the connector and use a sturdy plastic rod between the card's edge and the A1200's plastic as a lever to concentrate force towards the connector. It eases things quite a bit as it's slow enough as as not to worry about suddenly breaking something, whilst you can gradually feel the connector's resistance retreat.

For removing the card it's still best to open the case and do as shown in Steve's video, but this won't work well if (like me) you like to have the top metal shield in place. So, with the case still closed, the traditional swing-while-pulling will work well.

 

[joe384]

Wow, thanks fitzsteve and BLTCON0 - Didn't expect a video

I can take them out quite easily using the swing-while-pulling technique.
I'll give steve's technique a go for fitting. Didn't think of using the beer belly, it's a good way to keep the amiga still

I have also thought of using a rod/lever as BLTCON0 said, as it can be hard to get a good grip on the end with the limited space.

 

[fitzsteve]

He he, no probs, glad to help

I'm thinking of doing several video how to's like settings up HDD's so was good practice for me, I've already learned I need better lighting

And probably need to slow down a little

 

[jvdbossc]

The A1200 part is already covered by fitsteve I see, I only wanted to say use material to fit that is easier to break like a unused credit card for laptops, a bicycle plastic to get a tire of to push the turbo board a bit etc.. be creative, but never use metal on plastic or electronic mobo And please people be aware of ESD!!!! It is ignored on large scale here but..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B91Wcd6I-3o

ps: a kit does not cost a lot to prevent.

And the discolorments on shields etc..? fingers that cause the material to decompose... Clean it alway's or wear gloves..