I currently have 3 Laser 128 computers that are all exhibiting the same behaviour. When I turn them on, I get a single beep and a screen displaying:
LASER 128EX/2 ROM Version 6.0
(c) Copyright 1985-88
Central Point Software, Inc.
Basic (c) 1982 Microsoft
All rights reserved
BRK: $0101
*
Any one out there familiar with these and where I might go from here to resurrect these machines?
Neat, I have one myself, an older model based on the version.
The ROM is loading; Are you booting with a disk in the drive? Does pressing reset with combos of control and the triangle keys drop you to a BASIC prompt? (a ] indicates BASIC).
Nice to know there are others out there with these machines. I used to sell them back in the day, so it would be nice to get at least one running.
The disk drive does not spin, with disk in or not. Disk access light does not even come on, if I remember correctly.
I have not tried the CTRL-Reset at that point, as I only ever saw that work when it was spinning the disk. I will have to give it a shot. Probably on the weekend.
Thanks for the reply!
I also used to sell them back in the day. I have two but both of mine are working. Ctrl-reset is the first thing to try. See if you get a different prompt.
Is that the EX/2 version which has the internal 3,5" drive? Also you might check the settings for the turbo speed and stuff. The EX/2 can run up to 4MHz.
I too sold a number of these back in the day. Great machines, a maxed out EX/2 was my primary Apple // for a long time. Start with control-reset and see if you get to Applesoft. Then try control-P-reset, or holding P on powerup to see if you get to the port configuration screen. Assuming you get Applesoft or Port Config, I'd crack it open and disconnect the drive cables and then start adding things back.
Thanks all for the input. I will give your suggestions a try as soon as I get a chance. It is the end of the term, so very busy for me with marking, and I may not get to it until after the term is over, but will post here the results.
Thanks again!
Bill
Nope these machines all have the 5-1/4 drives. I did not know that they came with a 3-1/2 drive in them. Interesting.
There was a version that had an internal 3.5" drive. I don't know how common they were. That was towards the end of when the Laser 128 line was being made.
On power up, all three show the same screen (as in my original post).
Two short beeps, and the Power, Turbo, and Caps Lock lights come on.
CTRL-Reset, and CTRL-Triangle-Reset do nothing.
No response from the keyboard.
I forgot to try the CTRL-P, maybe next weekend.
Anyone with any further suggestions, I would be forever grateful!
Bill