Date   : Mon, 19 Sep 2005 20:07:13 +0100
From   : Sprow <info@...>
Subject: Re: Poorly Master?

In article <1127153758.5539.20.camel@...>,
   Adam D. Barratt <lists+bbc-micro@...> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I've recently acquired a Master 128

A wise purchase. 

> *TIME / TIME$ return gibberish, so my first thought was that the CMOS
> battery was flat. However, as I understand it, setting TIME$ should give
> a useful *TIME output, at least until the machine is powered off.
>
> Unfortunately, this is what happens:
>
>   > *TIME
>       ,00 Xx 1922.23:12:06
>   >TIME$="Mon,08 May 1900 12:00:00"

You missed the dot out ----^

> *HELP hangs, although not always.

That may be a hangup from typing *TIME, if it happens to contain the escape
code to turn the printer on. Usually this will be part way through a line
after some handy multiple of 32 characters.

Otherwise, if it stops part way down the screen press SHIFT to release the
lock.

> The disc drive activity light is illuminated from power-up

Data cable plugged in upside down?
Sprow.