[NTLK] MP 2100 & 2000 dead - trying to fire up

[Dan]

On 3/10/2018 6:27 AM, Kate Case wrote:
> Yes I tried that...nothing... think it might be the contacts on the battery pack....or something to do with the power supply. I don’t have a mains lead unfortunately so I’m sorta stuck...unless I pull the thing apart which I’m reluctant to do. Damn 
There are times when you NEED to use the AC adapter to get them going.
Nothing else works, especially if they have been offline for a long
time.  The adapter 'trick' is to plug them in and let it set for awhile.
 Then press and hold the reset button on the back for 5 seconds or so.
This should get it going.  If not hold down the power switch WHILE you
tap reset.  It should kick it into gear then ask if you want to erase
all data.  Tap no and you should be good to go.  One suggestion pull ANY
PC cards before you try this.  There have been cases where hitting reset
has damaged non Apple PC cards.

If it is the contacts, look inside the Newt via the battery slot.  You
may be able to GENTLY clean the contacts with a long pencil eraser (make
sure it is a new pencil).  You mentioned "battery pack" but no AC
adapter, so I assume you mean the battery holder that takes normal AA
batteries.  Try different batteries, brand new alkalines might make a
difference.

If this doesn't work you will need to get a AC adapter.  But don't try
getting some cheap by-any-name adapter!  They must be a amazingly good
quality REGULATED (most adapters are not) power supply or you will fry
the Newt.  In general, to be safe, make sure it is a original Newton AC
adapter.  Although, if they are the exact specs, and regulated it should
work.  But if you search the list archives, you will fine many examples
of people frying their Newt with a supply they thought was safe.

The 2x00 supply was 9w 7v (or 7.2 if I recall correctly) and 1.2A.  The
older supply for the 1x0 models will also work, but won't fast charge
batteries in a 2x00 newton.  That one is a 6v supply (again if I recall
correctly).

There are some other Apple specs for the supplies that are hard to test
without special equipment as well.  In short, to be safe, get an
original supply.

-Dan