Psion Model 3a crashes

[Per Ardua Ad Asda]

Hi chaps.
Can anyone help me out with a fix for a frozen model 3a?

After using it earlier today, it appears to have blown-up. The soft reset (Mk.1 paper-clip in the little hole top LHS) does not restore the start-up screen. I know that there is a hard-reset but REALLY don't want to do that as there are several spreadsheets I need to use.

Of course, it goes without saying, that I am not in a position to access either my back-up files or the manual !

Suggestions gratefully received. (Yeah, I know I should get a 5 or a 7 or an HP200, but I like the 3a!).

Thanks in advance,
PAAA.

[fobotcso]

Oo Er, Bad Luck! Normally a great piece of kit.

My Psion 3a manual is open in front of me and the first thing it says you should check is that your screen contrast is fully up! (Psion -> or Psion -<.)

Check batteries? (I know you'll have done that but I'm only repeating what it says in the manual!)

Soft reset - done.

Hard reset - Press and hold Right Shift while you first do the paper clip trick and then turn on with On/Esc. Lose all data sure but what else can you do? You may already have lost it anyway as part of the crash. I've never had to do this.

Good Luck! fob

[Per Ardua Ad Asda]

Yes, was afraid of that. Now beginning to wish I'd brought my psiwin cables with me. Psigh! Win? Nah.

Contrast - check.
Batts - check.
Soft reset - check.
Hard reset...........mmmmmmmm.

Might have something to with the old static. Have had a bout of extra electrical activity coursing through the ol' molecules lately and managed to get a spark to jump from forefinger to doorhandle across a gap of at least 1/2" I hear tell that amounts to around 5Kv ! <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
Thanks for the response.
PAAA.

[curmudgeon]

PAAA

When the screen on my 3a went wonky a few years ago, there was a shop in Streatham, SW London who could fix it in a few days, at what seemed like a reasonable price. Its still going (the machine that is.) If you're still interested let me know and I'll see if I can track down the shop.

Cheers

Cur