Repairing a BlueNote Laptop from 1993 - Feasible or Futile? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: scxqnc
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 17, 2023, 11:36:28 pm
content: Hello everyone!I'm attempting to repair an old BlueNote laptop from 1993, a machine that has sentimental value to me. As a novice in electronics repair, I've taken the first step by disassembling the laptop. Unfortunately, I found that a battery has leaked, leading to significant corrosion. I've attached pictures below to highlight the main areas affected.Given my limited experience, I'm seeking advice on whether repairing a laptop of this age is realistic, especially considering the damage caused by corrosion. What steps would be advisable for a beginner like me, and what learning resources can you recommend?I'm aware this project might be a bit ambitious, but I'm ready to learn and put in the effort. Any guidance, tips, or suggestions for resources would be immensely valuable.Thanks in advance for your assistance!

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2023, 12:16:02 am
content: First, wash the boards in a vinegar solution maybe 1/2 vinegar and water. And a toothbrush. Then dry with hair dryer. See what happens.Usually boards are cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, but it does not do much to battery residue.

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2023, 12:25:51 am
content: What use will it be? Can't run any modern OS safely. Can't do anything useful. Get DOS Box and be done.

author: shapirus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2023, 12:42:20 am
content: Quote from: scxqnc on November 17, 2023, 11:36:28 pmDefinitely don't listen to the "throw that old piece of junk away" folks. Don't bury it before it's most definitely dead.Repair should be possible if you're not too unlucky and the damage isn't too bad.Watch this for inspiration:

author: dferyance
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2023, 12:52:10 am
content: I don't know the safe way to do it, but you'll need to clean up the mess an neutralize the acid.It looks like a real challenge, but you may be lucky. When you get to the point of powering it up be very careful. Check for shorts and make sure you have a way to current-limit it. Worst thing would be powering up and causing more damage.Acid may have damaged some traces. Probe them for continuity as well as impedance. You may have to run wires.Odds a quite low on finding it, but see if you can find any Internet resources on schematics.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2023, 01:31:15 am
content: As Wallace mentioned, you can carefully wash it with distilled water (better, as it does not have salts) and it usually reveals much less damage than its initial appearance leads you to believe.Looking at the photos, it seems the damage is not insurmountable but, if any corrosion destroyed a connection with an inner layer (through a via), then the issue becomes harder to track. Anything on both top or bottom surfaces can be located visually and repaired.I would watch the restoration videos and take my time to practice washing and cleaning the board with care.Good luck in your repair!