No, I didn't know that. It's a small world.
Three years is a long time in storage - I've lost count of the number of boards (my own and others) that have sadly developed faults when they haven't been used for ages. It's a fairly common occurrence and puzzles many.
The simplest explanation is perhaps coincidence, ie the faulty chip had to die at some time, and the 'pressure' of having been warm (when last used), then cooled off for ages, then having power applied simply killed it (I'm assuming here that a chip has bitten the dust). It could even be down to a dodgy connection that has become worse when it was in the post, or perhaps an infinitely tiny bit of corrosion that has worsened over the years. Electrolytic capacitors also dry out (I mention this just out of interest).
I know you said it's been stored dry, but even a very
tiny amount of moisture can creep up the legs of poorly made old ICs and rot them from within.
Hard to be sure of course without seeing it.
In fact, here's an idea - this isn't something which I'd normally do (given the potential issues outlined above) plus the fact that the repair was carried out 3 years ago, but as the board hasn't been used since I sent it to you I'll offer a free repair, but geotrig must pay postage both ways (plus the cost of any parts used).
and booted up and looked normal ! only thing is jack is a bit white instead of red ! I could live with that i will give a poke around at the board this evening any and see if it may be track related dry joint etc ! unless someone else has some other suggestions !
must have a look at that this eveing.
