Any PM2s out there laying around?

[jimmcauley]

Hi, new user here.

Just picked up a model C for very cheap after waiting a while for one to surface that I could afford.

Works great but the PM2 on it was busted - seemed to be from battery corrosion leaking into the board.

I know from reading here that the common conclusion is to suck it up and buy a PM5 retrofit, but – because 1) I'm unemployed by the pandemic and 2) like the simple technology of older items (less things to break) - I'm wondering if anyone who has since upgraded their monitor has a PM2 (or a PM3 or PM4 even) laying around that they might like to part with.

Would gladly pay the shipping (I'm in California), and would be willing to talk price too within reason. Not many, if any options on ebay right now, unless there's a secret to finding them.

Thanks for having an active forum for these things, and go easy on a first-time poster!

Jim

[Citroen]

Look on your favourite list or auction sites.

Although a better option is to pull $180 out of your pocket and buy a brand new PM5 with the retrofit arm and you'll get the bonus of it working with Ergdata on your phone.

[ckostie]

I have a model B with a PM2+ (bought it new way back when). Unfortunately, my PM2+ has also stopped working the past year. There is the slightest corrosion on the battery terminals. I still row, but am regulated to just a stopwatch to keep my time.

I can't get myself to spend the $180 for a PM5. $180 is just too steep for five plus year old tech.

[Citroen]

I can't get myself to spend the $180 for a PM5. $180 is just too steep for five plus year old tech.

Your PM2+ dates back to 1998. If it had cost $180 back then that's $8.18 per year or 2.2ȼ per day. Why do you think a PM5 bought today won't still be running in 2042?

[jimmcauley]

Regardless, I’d like to return to the original intent here and not hash out math to justify the price based on opinion of whether or not it’s worth it.

If anyone has one laying around that they’re not using - please let me know. $180 is just not an amount of money I can afford to drop on it right now.

[GreenStratMan]

Hi, new user here.

Just picked up a model C for very cheap after waiting a while for one to surface that I could afford.

Works great but the PM2 on it was busted - seemed to be from battery corrosion leaking into the board.

I know from reading here that the common conclusion is to suck it up and buy a PM5 retrofit, but – because 1) I'm unemployed by the pandemic and 2) like the simple technology of older items (less things to break) - I'm wondering if anyone who has since upgraded their monitor has a PM2 (or a PM3 or PM4 even) laying around that they might like to part with.

Would gladly pay the shipping (I'm in California), and would be willing to talk price too within reason. Not many, if any options on ebay right now, unless there's a secret to finding them.

Thanks for having an active forum for these things, and go easy on a first-time poster!

Jim

Hi Jim, you can have mine. I’ve just put a PM5 on my model C.

If you cover the postage. Thing is I’m in the U.K. Also, it works well and all of the digits display correctly, but some of the buttons sometimes need to be held or pushed firmly for them to work. I used to use it for justrow.

[GreenStratMan]

Apparently cleaning the contacts on the pcb can eradicate the button thing.

I used to have to do it on a musical midi keyboard when notes didn’t play or play correctly. Lots of screws!

[jimmcauley]

Thanks Kevin! I’ll pm you.

[GreenStratMan]

I stripped the PM2 out and there were black marks on the copper contacts corresponding to the carbon pads. I’ve cleaned them off and all of the buttons work perfectly. Just in case any one else has one with dodgy buttons.

Always nice when a plan comes together

[Carl Watts]

I stripped the PM2 out and there were black marks on the copper contacts corresponding to the carbon pads. I’ve cleaned them off and all of the buttons work perfectly. Just in case any one else has one with dodgy buttons.

Always nice when a plan comes together

Those carbon over the copper pads are supposed to be there. They need a bit of light cleaning with some IPA and a cotton bud and do the same to the carbon on the rubber keypad. The technology here is exactly the same as in your TV remote control .If you remove it the copper will eventually oxidise and the buttons will stop working. In extreme cases I have had to remove the carbon as it has developed a too high a resistance value and replated the contacts using a 2% Silver solder and then removing as much as possible with solder wick.

Only the later version of the PM2, the Rev 2.3 made between 2001 and 2003 moved to the gold plated button contacts. All the prior versions from the very first "CAP-E" version with no Rev number to the Rev 2.1uses carbon on the board pads.

The PM3, PM4 and PM5 all now have gold plated boards.

[Thornhill27]

I have a PM2 available in perfect condition. I just upgraded my Model D to a PM5. I'm happy to send the PM2 to a new home for just the cost of the postage. It will be shipped from California, SF Bay Area.

[jimmcauley]

Thanks so much! I’ve actually already found one via another user, but thanks for the effort. It’s funny and would have been a good connect - I’m in the Bay Area too.

[GreenStratMan]

I have a PM2 available in perfect condition. I just upgraded my Model D to a PM5. I'm happy to send the PM2 to a new home for just the cost of the postage. It will be shipped from California, SF Bay Area.

Hi, bornslippy was looking for one. He started the “restoring a model c thread” not sure if you saw it.

[Thornhill27]

Apologies to all. I just realized it is a PM3 that I replaced; not a PM2. I have a couple of members that have contacted me about getting it. If they can't use a PM3 I'll update this post.

[Thornhill27]

Apologies to all. I just realized it is a PM3 that I replaced; not a PM2. I have a couple of members that have contacted me about getting it. If they can't use a PM3 I'll update this post.

I've located a new owner amongst the forum members for the PM3. Thank you everyone for your interest and for helping me find it a new home.