Amiga 500 chip RAM upgrade drives CRG’s latest project. Glen supports Mike, a frequent CRG Discord user, who tries to fix his own Amiga 500 Plus. Unfortunately, battery leaks and broken traces make things worse. Glen decides to transfer the chipset and RAM to a more reliable Rev 6 board. This approach means Mike gets a working machine, just not the original 500 Plus.
Repair Tips for Enthusiasts
The old board brings familiar problems. Corroded traces, missing pads, and a tangle of wires slow down progress. Glen explains why certain repair attempts fail. For example, he shows that using braid and hot air often lifts pads and causes damage. Instead, he demonstrates proper soldering methods. His focus on neat, secure connections helps others avoid shorts and messy fixes. When patching traces, Glen prefers to fix only the broken area, which keeps the board tidy.
Step-by-Step Board Swap
The Amiga 500 chip RAM upgrade continues as Glen prepares the Rev 6 board. He installs new sockets, patches two damaged traces, and fits sockets for the RAM. Testing begins with 512K, then upgrades to 1MB. Each stage works as planned. When moving to 2MB, Glen builds an adapter for the A375 Agnus chip. This process is tricky, but he explains each step for viewers.
Adapter Success and Common Pitfalls
CRG shows how to assemble the adapter board, warning viewers about possible pitfalls. He runs into problems with a new, flexible socket. Swapping in an original, sturdy socket fixes the issue right away. The results prove the importance of using good parts. After a full recap and a careful clean, Glen boots the board. The upgrade to two megabytes of chip RAM is successful.
Final Results and Takeaways
The finished Amiga now has a working 2MB chip RAM upgrade. While it is not a perfect 500 Plus, it delivers the memory Mike needs. Glen sends both boards back, encouraging viewers to keep learning. Anyone interested in retro repairs will find the story engaging and useful.
Are you curious about every detail? Watch CRG’s full video for a closer look at the Amiga 500 chip RAM upgrade and get tips you can use on your next project.
