Saitek RISC 2500 mysteries

Reinfeld · Post by **Reinfeld** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:37 pm

Well, I may have been taken for a ride. I'm not sure yet.

I picked up this RISC 2500 from a fellow in Germany:

http://tinyurl.com/77mwbay

The seller told me the machine had some miles on it, so I was prepared for that. Seller told me he was providing original adapter. However, the adapter is a European model. It doesn't carry the Saitek label. Seller urged me to use the adapter he provided, and get a converter. I did. However, the machine doesn't seem to like it. I get a bank of lights, but no display.

I'd be curious to know a couple of things:

1) Does anyone have a clear image of the original adapter for this thing?
2) If I take the risk of purchasing a new (non-original) adapter that meets the machine's specs, am I going to screw something up?
3) Does anyone know where I could purchase an original US-friendly adapter for this machine?
4) The RISC 2500 has three panels on the back. One is a piece compartment. Another is the opening that allows you to see the processor. A third in the upper right corner is a battery compartment with no apparent connection to the power - just empty slots where the connections would be. The manual does not mention the battery compartment, yet there it is. What's going on here?

- R.

Post by **Steve B** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 11:30 pm

Well i can answer a few of your questions
here is a photo of my Saitek 2500(2MB) power supply
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10261668@N ... hotostream

i cant say if is an Original Saitek Adaptor but i can say it came with the computer when i bought it brand new from the US Retailer when it was first released for sale
i compared this to my Mephisto Montreux Adapter and they are exactly the same

your description of the 3 compartments is normal
the only difference in mine is that the battery compartment is glued shut and cannot be opened without breaking it
i imagine this was done because the computer was not meant to be used with batteries
i am sorry to say that the condition you describe ..with all of the Leds lit..
is not a good sign
the Saitek 2500 as well as the Mephisto Montruex were very delicate computers and the wrong power supply can easily fry the unit
have you followed the "first time -power on" procedure exactly as it is described in the manual?
i imagine you have already tried using the ACL switch in the back of the unit?
Good Luck Regards
Steve

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 11:30 pm

Reinfeld wrote:Well, I may have been taken for a ride. I'm not sure yet.

I picked up this RISC 2500 from a fellow in Germany:

http://tinyurl.com/77mwbay

The seller told me the machine had some miles on it, so I was prepared for that. Seller told me he was providing original adapter. However, the adapter is a European model. It doesn't carry the Saitek label. Seller urged me to use the adapter he provided, and get a converter. I did. However, the machine doesn't seem to like it. I get a bank of lights, but no display.

I'd be curious to know a couple of things:

1) Does anyone have a clear image of the original adapter for this thing?
2) If I take the risk of purchasing a new (non-original) adapter that meets the machine's specs, am I going to screw something up?
3) Does anyone know where I could purchase an original US-friendly adapter for this machine?
4) The RISC 2500 has three panels on the back. One is a piece compartment. Another is the opening that allows you to see the processor. A third in the upper right corner is a battery compartment with no apparent connection to the power - just empty slots where the connections would be. The manual does not mention the battery compartment, yet there it is. What's going on here?

- R.

Hi Reinfeld, here's a pic of an original risc2500 adaptor:

It says on the adaptor: Output: 5v/1A/5VA
It is a *REGULATED* adaptor... be sure of this if you buy one!
Then if you plug the adaptor into the wall outlet and put a voltmeter
on it, it will read just a little over the 5volts. I've got three of them, two
read 5.7volts, and the other one reads 6volts,for some reason. But don't
accept any higher voltage than that from any adaptor. Where the adaptor
plugs into the computer, read what it says. BTW, in spite of what it says
on the adaptor, the owner's manual says it should be 5.4volts.
Did you get an owner's manual? It tells you what to do when you get
a problem. Unplug the machine, plug it back in again, and then with a
paper clip or similar, press and hold the 'acl' button in on the back of
the machine. When you boot the machine again, perhaps try just pressing
and releasing the 'ON' button. Then when, or if, it powers up you can then
use the left/right arrow keys to check the specifications including ram size
and version. You can then go through the menu down to "special" and
clear the ram that way.
I doubt you will find a "US friendly" adaptor. But for what it's worth, I
bought one of my risc2500's and it came with one of those extra big
adaptors, only to find my r2500's don't like it either. I get "ERR TRAP....X"
messages on the display, with "x" being a number. Another thing I
notice is, the "acl" button on the back of the machine, supposedly clears
any static from the unit and makes it good to go again, but I suspect it
does not quite do the job. I've had situations where the err trap message
returns, I give up and put the machine away, get it back out the next day
and it's fine. The static charge cleared itself with time.
Regarding the battery compartment... it is normal... these things are
unsuitable for use with batteries, probably draw too much power, so they
sealed the battery compartments. The plastic r2500 case was originally
designed for the earlier, weaker machines which could run on batteries.
Sometimes a problem can be oxidation in the contacts. Both the eprom
and the ram chips are not soldered into place, just a push fit. Working
them loose and reseating them makes everything ok at times. But no
guarantee.
hope this helps, and let us know how you go so far..
Larry
PS, This assumes you did not get an owner's manual. The correct way
to power up the machine from cold is to press both the "ON" and "BACK"
keys, together, then keep the "BACK" key pressed unit it is powered up.

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 11:40 pm

Steve B wrote:Well i can answer a few of your questions
here is a photo of my Saitek 2500(2MB) power supply
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10261668@N ... hotostream

i cant say if is an Original Saitek Adaptor but i can say it came with the computer when i bought it brand new from the US Retailer when it was first released for sale

Steve, your adaptor is not original. The original is HGN5050.
See:http://www.schach-computer.info/wiki/in ... _RISC_2500

Mine is original, I think. It's got "RISC 2500" written on a label, probably
stuck over the HGN5050.
PS My Montreux came with a non original adaptor, but it checked out at
6volts exactly, and gives no problem.

Post by **Steve B** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 11:51 pm

Larry wrote:
Steve B wrote:Well i can answer a few of your questions
here is a photo of my Saitek 2500(2MB) power supply
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10261668@N ... hotostream

i cant say if is an Original Saitek Adaptor but i can say it came with the computer when i bought it brand new from the US Retailer when it was first released for sale
Steve, your adaptor is not original. The original is HGN5050.
See:http://www.schach-computer.info/wiki/in ... _RISC_2500

Mine is original, I think. It's got "RISC 2500" written on a label, probably
stuck over the HGN5050.
PS My Montreux came with a non original adaptor, but it checked out at
6volts exactly, and gives no problem.

The Photo on Wiki looks pretty close to my adaptor
i think the only difference is the adaptor on Wiki is probably for Europe and mine for the USA
if its not original then it Seems strange that both adaptors i have are exactly the same(Risc 2500 and Montreux)
but then again i purchased both computers from the same retailer and he could have supplied an adaptor he felt was more reliable for US buyers
either way...they work fine and have since i bought them
i don't really collect adaptors regards
Steve

Reinfeld · Post by **Reinfeld** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 12:04 am

OK, from the pics Larry and Steve provided, I believe I have the proper adapter. That's a relief. Thank you.

Now a more complicated question: if it's a European adapter, do I need to have more than a simple Europe-to-US plug adapter? Do I need a voltage converter as well?

- R.

Post by **Steve B** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 12:34 am

Reinfeld wrote:OK, from the pics Larry and Steve provided, I believe I have the proper adapter. That's a relief. Thank you.

Now a more complicated question: if it's a European adapter, do I need to have more than a simple Europe-to-US plug adapter? Do I need a voltage converter as well?

- R.

A simple plug that converts the round European leads to the square US leads will definitely not do the trick
you will need a voltage converter
the converter i use for other computers is a Radio Shack Cat. No. 273-1411
i will caution you though and say i have not used a European Adaptor and US Voltage converter for my Saitek 2500 as i have a USA adaptor for it

Warning Regards
Steve

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 12:57 am

Reinfeld wrote: Seller urged me to use the adapter he provided, and get a converter. I did. However, the machine doesn't seem to like it. I get a bank of lights, but no display.

This question tells me that you have simply put a Euro/US connector
on the adaptor and plugged that into the wall. I hope that has'nt been
your downfall. Hopefully the lesser US 120 volt power supply would
simply not be enough, and while not starting the unit, not cook it
either. As Steve says, you need to convert the 120 volt US voltage
to 240volt , as well as the normal connector piece.
Reinfeld, while I've got you, by "bank of lights", do you mean the lights
all come on at once, or do they come on in sequence starting from the
top left corner? Coming on in sequence is normal, all at once spells trouble.
Also, I forgot to mention, on most r2500's the CPU is visible, and it is
also just a push fit. You can gently lever it out starting at one corner with
the tiniest screwdriver you can find, and brush the contacts. Remember
which way around the CPU came out so it can go back in the same way.
Doing this made one of my problem prone r2500's work without problems
when it had earlier been freezing.

The RISC2500 is a temperamental beast, and this is one reason the
later Montreux was released, so I am told by long time British chess
comp dealer Ken Gorman some time back.
hope all works out well,
Larry
PS Just read the description by the seller, sorry thought it was gone. Yes,
you do have an owner's manual. The seller seemed honest enough.
Remember that this being a 2mb machine means it powers up much
more slowly than the unupgraded 128kb version.

Reinfeld · Post by **Reinfeld** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 3:52 am

This question tells me that you have simply put a Euro/US connector
on the adaptor and plugged that into the wall. I hope that has'nt been
your downfall. Hopefully the lesser US 120 volt power supply would
simply not be enough, and while not starting the unit, not cook it
either. As Steve says, you need to convert the 120 volt US voltage
to 240volt , as well as the normal connector piece.

Larry, you have me pinned. That's exactly what I did. I have to hope your guess is right, and I haven't cooked the thing.

Reinfeld, while I've got you, by "bank of lights", do you mean the lights all come on at once, or do they come on in sequence starting from the
top left corner? Coming on in sequence is normal, all at once spells trouble.

This question is trickier. The answer is both. I tried my hamfisted Euiro/US connector approach several times, not understanding why it wasn't working. Once I got all lights at once, but most of the time, I got lights starting in sequence from the top left corner, moving in sequence. Typically three lights and no more. No display on the quartz screen. This behavior repeated itself after I tried the ACL button. Now I understand what I did wrong, so I have to hope the cooler US voltage didn't hurt the thing.

One more question (to Steve) on the voltage converter. Does the converter plug into an outlet, followed by plugging the RISC 2500 into the converter? Are there any steps I'm missing here? As you can tell by now, I'm a troglodyte in many respects.

Thanks very much to the both of you for the helpful answers on this little conundrum. I am in your debt.

- R.

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 5:04 am

Reinfeld wrote:

Once I got all lights at once, but most of the time, I got lights starting in sequence from the top left corner, moving in sequence. Typically three lights and no more. No display on the quartz screen. This behavior repeated itself after I tried the ACL button. Now I understand what I did wrong, so I have to hope the cooler US voltage didn't hurt the thing.

One more question (to Steve) on the voltage converter. Does the converter plug into an outlet, followed by plugging the RISC 2500 into the converter? Are there any steps I'm missing here? As you can tell by now, I'm a troglodyte in many respects.

Not meaning to speak on Steve's behalf, I can give you a picture of the
converter you will need. Here it is, with a risc2500 adaptor alongside for
comparison:

You see they are about the same size, and probably a similar price. Your
local electronics store will have one, or will tell where to get one.
Regarding the sequence of lights on powerup, I'm familiar with that
syndrome, having had the same thing.My feeling is that all is going to
turn out ok for you.

Larry

Jose · Post by **Jose** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:37 am

Just in time here is also one for sale. I think there were sale many Risc 2500 in the last weeks!

However, if you look at the Risc2500 in Italy - it has the same power supply like Steve...

http://www.ebay.de/itm/290700360525?ssP ... 886wt_1346

Best José

Post by **Steve B** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:59 am

Larry wrote:
Reinfeld wrote:
One more question (to Steve) on the voltage converter. Does the converter plug into an outlet, followed by plugging the RISC 2500 into the converter? Are there any steps I'm missing here? As you can tell by now, I'm a troglodyte in many respects.

Not meaning to speak on Steve's behalf, I can give you a picture of the
converter you will need. Here it is, with a risc2500 adaptor alongside for
comparison:
You see they are about the same size, and probably a similar price. Your
local electronics store will have one, or will tell where to get one.

Larry

Perfectly OK Larry ..you can speak for me at any time
especially when it comes time to play my monthly bills

All you will need R is the Converter
the European Adaptor will fit into the converter and then the converter goes right into the wall outlet
there is no intermediate plug or device you will need

Fingers Crossed Regards
Steve

ricard60 · Post by **ricard60** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:20 am

Hi Reinfeld,

If you do not find the original adapter you can buy a 120 vac to 5.4 to 6 vdc should be no problem but you have to know if the + or - is the inside pin or the outside pin of the adapter in most of these adapters you can change the polarity to fit the machine. I have done this with two of my dedicated chess machines. If with the original adpter that you have you still have a bunch of lights on try to measure the output voltage of the adapter that you have, should be between 5.4 and 6.

lights regards
Ricardo

Reinfeld · Post by **Reinfeld** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:58 am

Update:

Working on the voltage converter - after spending 500 large on the RISC, I have to wait a day or two for my bank account to recover, but soon...soon I shall witness my own destruction.

Turns out the seller has a connection to Steve, but then again, who in the chess computer world doesn't?

My new and well-loved RISC comes from none other than ICCF master Gerhard Vetter, who once reached a lofty 2500 rating in correspondence. Gerhard tells me that the relentless Steve B recently talked him out of an EAG 6. I saluted Gerhard for the quality of his chess, and secretly marveled at Steve's vast international network. From now on, I will think of Steve seated in a luxurious armchair, his face hidden from view, his hand caressing a white cat...

- R.

Post by **Steve B** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:07 am

Vetter is a good man
a few months ago he was being asked to pay about the same price for the V6 as that $2700 EAS a few days ago
i told him then i thought the price was too high
i imagine Gerhard probably curses and spits and the mere mention of my name now

anyway...
if it came from Gerhard then i am certain your R2500 was in top notch form when you received it
i simply dont know how in the world you can sit back ...wiling away the hours.. until you get the transformer..especially after all of the aggravation you went through
if it were me i would be using money set aside for food or even medical supplies to buy that transformer right now
not to mention ..it is a bit cruel of you to now kick back ..lounging around..delaying the purchase of the transformer until you are good and ready ...while the readers of these pages are captivated in nail biting suspense not knowing if your R2500 will spring back to life

What Is Life without a little Risc Regards
Steve

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Saitek RISC 2500 mysteries

Saitek RISC 2500 mysteries

Re: Saitek RISC 2500 mysteries

Re: Saitek RISC 2500 mysteries