IBM PS/2 Model 50Z Video Failure

[interalia]

Hi

Trying to get a PS/2 50Z to work. Probably at least two problems.

Symptoms:

If I switch it on with the HD in place the system remains quiescent with no POST codes/beeps or beeps.

If I disconnect the HD it boots but I get a Video failure set of beeps (1 long, 2 short) and then a floppy drive seek, the video looks like this (some bits are flashing):



So, I was thinking:

For the failure to boot, either a weak PSU or just a bad HD which in this case is a Seagate ST-138I 30Mb (ESDI isn't it?)

For the video failure, again maybe a weak PSU or video or video RAM failure?

The system unit has maybe taken some sort of thump at some stage as the rear plastic backplate is cracked around the fan exit and some of the grill is missing. This might have done the HD if so,

Anybody seen anything like this before?

Regards

Interalia
UK

 

[T-R-A]

You could confirm or eliminate the HDD by booting to floppy and running something "video-intensive" off floppy as well; maybe even disconnecting the HDD to be certain.

 

[interalia]

Thanks for the suggestion.

I do have another option, as I do also have a very nice working 50z (complete with 287 and MCA NIC fitted with a RJ45 transciever). I am though a bit relucant to start pulling that apart to 'see what works' . It may come to this though.

Regards

Interalia.

 

[Tincanalley]

If you think it might be the PSU, that's and easy swap. Just a couple screws and it slides out of the case.