Mac and Cheese (wedge) Fixathon!

The National Museum of Computing is home to a wide variety of computers, from mainframes like the WITCH to handheld machines of a much later era. The process of restoration is a long but rewarding task, and we are always looking for help in restoring and conserving our collection of machines.

Our Acorn collection now has twenty BBC micros in use in the Classroom, all ready to be programmed with our award winning education events. Many of these machines have been repaired during our ‘Fixathon’ events, where we open our doors for you to come along and lend a hand for a weekend.

We now want to do another event, and this time, we are going to concentrate on our collection of Apple Macintoshes.

About this event :

If you are interested in early Macintosh equipment, all the better as we are going to assess our collection and start the process of restoration with your help.

This is open to people of all skill levels, from simply unboxing to specialist repair skills. There will be a selection of other machines and peripherals as well that need your attention.

The event will be held on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October.

You can book both days or just one. Refreshments will be provided (tea, coffee, biscuits )

Our cafe/shop will be open to purchase sandiwches and snacks.

In addition, the group normally goes for a social event in a local pub on Saturday evening, rounding off a satisfying day of fixing.

While the Museum has tools available we do not expect to have enough tools for all, so we encourage you to bring your own.

We are looking for people with all levels of skill. Here are some of the tasks to be completed/skills we are looking for:

• Unboxing and switching on machines to assess their condition, review the contents of their HDD and install new items

.• Dismantling machines and swapping their cards/components to create a working machine from the parts.

• Soldering skills and a knowledge of electrical safety, including confidence working on switch mode power supplies (we will ensure they have been made safe first).

• Fine soldering skills, including surface mount and the ability to change a soldered-in chip.

To help us plan ahead, we ask that you provide us with a basic overview of your skill level.

Please include any particular areas of expertise or special interests, as you feel appropriate.

Please send this information via email to the Museum at [email protected], using the subject line ‘Fixathon Weekend'.For any queries or further information please contact Jacqui Garrad, the Museum Director, at [email protected].

Host or Publisher The National Museum of Computing