Computer Service Reloaded

Moin (that's how we say hello up here in the North)!

By now, more than a few Ataris and their accessories are going through a midlife crisis and need a little TLC to get them back to their former glory. Here, too, ABBUC has the support you need: the ABBUC Computer Service

If you have a technical problem with your Atari or accessories, I’m happy to repair your device. I accept the following devices for repair at a flat rate: – Atari 400 & 800 computers – All Atari XL/XE computers, as well as the XEGS and the Atari 1200 XL
– Atari 2600, 5200, and 7800 game consoles (see note)
– Atari 850 interface

I have nearly all replacement parts in stock for the devices listed here. Upon consultation, repairs of cassette recorders, modems, acoustic couplers, printers, etc. are also possible, as long as feasible—the supply of spare parts is becoming more difficult every year, so that, for example, it is often not cost-effective to repair a defective 1010 or XC12.

Defective floppy drives and XEP-80s are still in good hands with our Floppy Doc Erhard!

Upon prior arrangement, I also accept devices from the Atari 16-bit family and other 8-bit systems for repair.

Note regarding consoles: For consoles, spare part availability is limited to electronic components. Due to the unavailability of parts, I can only offer limited replacement services for damaged cases, torn-off buttons, broken joysticks, etc.

Upon request, I can also install ?extensions such as Ultimate 1 MB, VBXE, Sophia, Rapidus, UAV, and ?many more into your computer. ? ? The ABBUC Computer Service is available to all ?Atari users (and those who want to become one…), regardless of whether they are ABBUC members or not. Further information on this follows below.

The Process

If you have a defective device and would like to have it repaired, please contact me via email. Send an email to rechnerservice (at) abbuc.de

Please specify the model of the defective hardware you wish to have repaired and provide a brief description of the issue, and send this email from an account that you check regularly for replies. Unfortunately, it has often happened that my replies were not read until weeks later, which led to confusion.

You will then receive a prompt reply with the shipping address and further information on the process. My reply will also specify whether I would like you to include the power supply, for example, or not, etc. – Any details about what you’ve already tried to narrow down the issue (e.g., testing a different power supply) are valuable and should be included in your email!

Please understand that I am not providing my contact information here. I would like to avoid receiving calls at night or late in the evening, or receiving packages without any explanation—I want to keep the organizational effort as minimal as possible, since I handle all of this in my free time.

Once I receive the package, I’ll get back to you via email with a status update. Generally, since I’m not a big fan of phone calls, I handle inquiries and the like via email. Responses are usually sent within 24 hours. In return, I ask that you check your email inbox regularly so that I don’t end up with a disassembled computer sitting on my desk for three weeks while I wait for a reply.
Devices are first repaired (if necessary) and thoroughly tested. If you then have any requests for upgrades or modifications, these will be carried out afterward.

Any included upgrades, etc., that you want me to install must come with documentation OR be “sufficiently well-known.” In individual cases, I will try to conduct research, but of course I cannot guarantee success.

Every computer or accessory hardware is subjected to at least 12 hours of continuous testing by me after repair and/or expansion. For all ATARI computers (8-bit and 16-bit), I have the original CPS “SALT” equipment, including the external test board and the necessary cables. The CPS (Consumer Product Service, formerly Atari Customer Service) “SALT” (Stand-ALone Test) is a combination of a plug-in cartridge and additional hardware used to continuously test all connections and functions of the Atari. For upgraded computers, I also test the upgrades; for example, memory upgrades are checked for refresh errors (DRAM-based upgrades only), timing errors, and general memory errors.

Repair Turnaround Times

The duration of the repair depends on three factors:

• My available free time
• The nature of the fault (rare or sporadic faults may take longer to diagnose)
• The number of repairs I still have to complete

Repairs are processed according to the FIFO principle (First In, First Out), with submissions from ABBUC members always given priority. This is partly due to the club spirit and is also intended as a small incentive to “get involved”—and to join the club.

However, this is not mandatory! If I already have too many devices “in progress,” I may inform you of this right away when we first make contact via email and ask you to send another email in one to four weeks.

Shipping

As mentioned earlier, I will ship the hardware back to you exclusively as an insured package via DHL. I do not offer other shipping services—how you send your device to me is up to you, but I would always recommend insured shipping.

Please—and this is essential—pack your device so that the package can survive a fall from a height of 50 cm! Incidentally, this is the shipping requirement of all carriers; if this is not possible, your package will not be considered properly packed, and any attempt to claim damages will be virtually unsuccessful.

A general note on this: Since I’ve been offering this service for over 20 years, I’ve unfortunately had to deal with shipping damage on occasion. In such cases, shipping companies generally reimburse a maximum of around 50 euros—nothing more. Providing “proof” of what such a device is worth today won’t help either. Since it’s not worth taking such matters to court, here’s my urgent request once again: Pack it properly! Pack it so that NOTHING can break. Don’t skimp on postage; it’s better to spend 3–4 euros more on the next package size (weight/dimensions) and ensure that your treasure arrives here in one piece.

The return shipment must be made in the same box with the same packing materials that I received from you. It is therefore your responsibility to ensure safe shipping!

Well, I think I’ve covered everything you need to know. Otherwise, please just send an email to the address listed above.

Best regards, Jürgen van Radecke (tfhh)