The narrator cleans a 35-year-old Australian-made computer, the "Display Terminal T-03", which was manufactured by Electronic Control Systems. The computer is extremely dirty, with mold, animal feces, and unidentified grime covering it. The narrator uses various cleaning solutions and methods to restore the computer to a clean state. During the process, they also clean a keyboard that matches the computer, which is also heavily contaminated.
After cleaning, the narrator disassembles the computer to inspect its internal condition before attempting to power it on. They find some heat damage and a potentially faulty power supply, but proceed to reassemble the computer and test its functionality.
Unfortunately, the computer does not display a picture, but the fan turns on and a high-pitched noise is heard, suggesting that the CRT (cathode-ray tube) may be faulty. The narrator decides not to pursue repairing the computer further, instead planning to repurpose the unique case design for a future project.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The computer is a Display Terminal T-03.
2. It was manufactured in Australia by Electronic Control Systems.
3. The company was based out of Sydney.
4. The computer has a monochrome CRT display.
5. It has two serial ports, one for the keyboard and one for data communication.
6. The computer was given to the author after being stored in a shed for 30 years.
7. The computer has a date of April 9th, 1986, on it.
8. The author believes the computer was decommissioned around the time of the date.
9. The computer has a unique design and the author plans to repaint the casing.
10. The author found a second, similar keyboard and plans to use parts from both to make one good keyboard.
11. The keyboards are dirty and require cleaning.
12. The author used a bucket of soapy water to clean the keyboards.
13. The author used a mold killer to remove mold from the keyboards.
14. The author disassembled the computer to clean the inside.
15. The computer has a high voltage wire that needs to be disconnected before removing the rear panel.
16. The author found spiders inside the computer.
17. The power supply has heat damage and a barge wire.
18. The author cleaned the power supply and reassembled the computer.
19. The computer has a serial port labeled "Intercom" that is not connected to anything.
20. The author suspects that some hardware has been removed from the system.
21. The computer has a CRT display that is dirty and requires cleaning.
22. The author reassembled the computer and tested its functionality.
23. The computer's fan is working, but there is no picture on the display.
24. The author suspects that the CRT is bad and is causing a high-pitched noise.
25. The author plans to use the computer's case to build something else.