IBM PS/2 Model 30 Troubleshooting Guide: Difference between revisions
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[[File:IBM PS-2 Model 30 (photo).jpg|thumb|right|300px|IBM PS/2 Model 30. Source: Wikimedia Commons.]] | |||
This guide covers diagnostic procedures and the complete IBM PS/2 numeric POST error code reference applicable to the '''[[IBM PS/2 Model 30]]''' (machine type 8530 — Model 30 8086 and Model 30 286). The Model 30 uses the same PS/2 BIOS POST architecture as the rest of the PS/2 line, sharing audio beep codes and Major/Minor numeric error codes with the [[IBM PS/2 Model 25 Troubleshooting Guide|Model 25]]. This guide focuses on faults specific to the Model 30 (ISA-bus, proprietary ST-506 HDD, MCGA / VGA distinction). | This guide covers diagnostic procedures and the complete IBM PS/2 numeric POST error code reference applicable to the '''[[IBM PS/2 Model 30]]''' (machine type 8530 — Model 30 8086 and Model 30 286). The Model 30 uses the same PS/2 BIOS POST architecture as the rest of the PS/2 line, sharing audio beep codes and Major/Minor numeric error codes with the [[IBM PS/2 Model 25 Troubleshooting Guide|Model 25]]. This guide focuses on faults specific to the Model 30 (ISA-bus, proprietary ST-506 HDD, MCGA / VGA distinction). | ||
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* '''Random crashes under load''' — aged PSU electrolytics. Recap. | * '''Random crashes under load''' — aged PSU electrolytics. Recap. | ||
* '''VGA shows wrong colours (Model 30 286)''' — planar VGA gate array (15F6864) failing. | * '''VGA shows wrong colours (Model 30 286)''' — planar VGA gate array (15F6864) failing. | ||
== ⚠️ Power-supply RIFA capacitor and tantalum shorts == | |||
Two age-related failures are near-universal on this era of IBM hardware: | |||
* '''RIFA mains-filter capacitors''' in the power supply are metallised-paper parts that crack and fail '''short''' with age, producing acrid smoke shortly after power-on. Replace them pre-emptively with modern X2-class parts.<ref name="ibm_rifa">[https://www.minuszerodegrees.net/failure.htm minuszerodegrees.net — IBM failure symptoms]; [https://www.classic-computers.org.nz/blog/2010-11-04-restoring-an-IBM-xt.htm Repairing and Restoring an IBM XT]; and [https://retrorepairsandrefurbs.com/2025/05/15/1983-ibm-pc-5160-xt-power-supply-rebuild-modifications/ Adam's Vintage Computer Restorations]. Source for the RIFA mains-filter capacitor failing short (smoke) and the tantalum capacitors failing short and preventing the PSU from firing.</ref> | |||
* '''Tantalum capacitors''' on the planar (system board) and on ISA cards fail short with age. A shorted tantalum will '''prevent the power supply from starting''' (dead machine, PSU protection latched) — look for a cracked or discoloured tantalum and lift suspect ones to find the short.<ref name="ibm_rifa">[https://www.minuszerodegrees.net/failure.htm minuszerodegrees.net — IBM failure symptoms]; [https://www.classic-computers.org.nz/blog/2010-11-04-restoring-an-IBM-xt.htm Repairing and Restoring an IBM XT]; and [https://retrorepairsandrefurbs.com/2025/05/15/1983-ibm-pc-5160-xt-power-supply-rebuild-modifications/ Adam's Vintage Computer Restorations]. Source for the RIFA mains-filter capacitor failing short (smoke) and the tantalum capacitors failing short and preventing the PSU from firing.</ref> | |||
IBM PC/XT switching supplies also need a '''minimum load''' to start, so a bare supply on the bench may not run without a dummy load.<ref name="ibm_rifa">[https://www.minuszerodegrees.net/failure.htm minuszerodegrees.net — IBM failure symptoms]; [https://www.classic-computers.org.nz/blog/2010-11-04-restoring-an-IBM-xt.htm Repairing and Restoring an IBM XT]; and [https://retrorepairsandrefurbs.com/2025/05/15/1983-ibm-pc-5160-xt-power-supply-rebuild-modifications/ Adam's Vintage Computer Restorations]. Source for the RIFA mains-filter capacitor failing short (smoke) and the tantalum capacitors failing short and preventing the PSU from firing.</ref> | |||
== ⚠️ CMOS / RTC battery == | |||
This machine keeps its configuration in battery-backed CMOS, and the battery is a common failure. On AT-class boards the clock/CMOS is often a '''Dallas DS1287/DS12887''' module with the cell sealed inside; it lasts about ten years and then dies, giving '''161 / 163''' CMOS and clock errors at POST (and sometimes spurious floppy-drive errors). PS/2 planars use a rechargeable barrel or pack battery that '''leaks''' and corrodes the board. Replace a dead Dallas module (or rework it with an external coin cell), and on a leaking planar battery remove it and clean the corrosion before it eats the traces.<ref name="ibm_batt">[https://www.classic-computers.org.nz/blog/2009-10-10-renovating-a-dallas-battery-chip.htm Fixing a Flat Dallas DS1287 RTC], Classic Computers; and [https://www.ardent-tool.com/misc/Dallas_Rework.html Reworking Dallas RTC Modules], Ardent Tool. Source for the Dallas DS1287/DS12887 internal-battery death (161/163 CMOS errors) and the leaking planar battery.</ref> | |||
== References == | |||
<references /> | |||
== Related Pages == | == Related Pages == | ||