It is entirely possible that the headers represent test points for factory setup of the IIfx, given its then non-standard features, which guess is supported by their lack of screened-on identifications (other than header numbers). Thank you for the description of gross ROM control, but it also may be that the IIfx's MLB never included the possibility of on-board ROM. We shall see, in due course.
Yes. Replace battery or batteries is the second thing that I do with a 'new' Mac. The first is unpack it and put it on a table. I was preaching to someone else the other day about the two-battery Macs. The junction of the series pair maintains the clock, and their sum provides the startup voltage. If the batteries do not decline in voltage at the same rate it is notionally possible to get startup but no clock, or clock but no startup.
The seller of the IIfx struck me as entirely straightforward, but perhaps reliant on what the Mac was doing when put aside 10yr ago, rather than on what it did just before dispatch. I shall ask him whether it was booted recently. It is a clean (in and out) and well-preserved Mac, and given that the insides are neither molten nor rotted, the challenge of startup is mine rather than his. Some knowledge about its recent behaviour will be useful, nonetheless.
de
Yes. Replace battery or batteries is the second thing that I do with a 'new' Mac. The first is unpack it and put it on a table. I was preaching to someone else the other day about the two-battery Macs. The junction of the series pair maintains the clock, and their sum provides the startup voltage. If the batteries do not decline in voltage at the same rate it is notionally possible to get startup but no clock, or clock but no startup.
The seller of the IIfx struck me as entirely straightforward, but perhaps reliant on what the Mac was doing when put aside 10yr ago, rather than on what it did just before dispatch. I shall ask him whether it was booted recently. It is a clean (in and out) and well-preserved Mac, and given that the insides are neither molten nor rotted, the challenge of startup is mine rather than his. Some knowledge about its recent behaviour will be useful, nonetheless.
de