MikeTech

Compaq all-in-one!

Added 2025-04-01 23:57:25 +0000 UTC

At last, after way too much time I am starting on this Compaq CDS 524 all-in-one. This is a machine that I've owned for about 8 years now, and haven't ever given a proper once-over. It mostly functions, but has a few notable issues. One being the floppy drive (no worky at all) and the other being the monitor, which has intermittent deflection collapse. It's an interesting fault because it is completely random. No conditions seem to make it more or less likely to occur. Well I have been jonesing for some CRT repair! It's been over 20 years since I've done work on CRT anything. Closest thing was the teeny-tiny bit I did on that TRS-80. I really want to do more CRT-related content, especially on televisions (which may indeed be in a video coming very soon).

Also, you've probably noticed my lack of internet presence lately. Part of that has been a heavy focus on work, which has some ambitious projects currently in-flight with short timeframes. I also just haven't been in the best of spirits lately. That's been compounded by having less time to do activities like working on systems like these, which is after all the best form of therapy (for me). Well now that I'm cracking into this Compaq, I feel better already!

Here's to hoping the CRT fault is an interesting one, not a boring capacitor replacement.

Thanks for sticking around!