I found the article on TROUBLE SHOOTING by John Brown of particular interest. From time to time my screen is lit with a square so I now know that I have ULA trouble. If, as John Brown suggests, ULAs are no longer available, this would appear to be the disease from which all Elks will eventually die, if they don't succumb to something else first!

I have had only one repair on my Elk for which I was charged £25 two or three years ago. It was done by an enthusiast and I'm sure he didn't make much on the job. Elks are advertised from time to time in our local paper at around £40 so it seems that if a repair is required it may be as cheap to buy a replacement machine.

The question arises: How do you know you are buying a good machine? Can anyone suggest a few simple and relatively quick tests that could be carried out prior to purchase? In my case I would need to know that the Elk would work with a Plus 1, a Plus 3 and a printer. Any suggestions?

E. C. Kramer
Fulwood, Preston

Of course, it may be cheaper to replace an unexpanded machine rather than pay for a repair, but for those who have a Master RAM Board or SP64 fitted (or are thinking about it!), it's nice to know the service is available!

When buying a second hand machine there are several tests and checks you can make yourself (if buying in person) or ask the seller to carry out on your behalf. Do all the keys work properly? This includes the BASIC keywords when pressing CAPS LK/FUNC. Is the screen display flicker/interference free? Is the pocket socket reliable? This can become worn over a period of time resulting in unwanted power failures. Are all the outputs to TV/Monitor reliable? Faulty connections here can also effect screen display.

Is the edge connector (at the rear of the Elk) in a clean, undamaged state? Ask if this is still fitted with the plastic guard it would have been sold with - if the seller has never expanded the machine with a Plus 1 or Rombox this should still be in place. Does the computer become hot after it has been on for only a short time? Here, hot means hot; a little warmth is ok!

These are just a few simple ideas, the ideal situation would be to sit down and use the machine for a few hours to allow time for any hidden faults to surface themselves, but alas this is seldom possible!

Will Watts, EUG #5