Could this be a PSU fault?

[Marcopolomint1]

Hi all,

I've started playing around (when I say playing around I mean booting, connecting a mouse and monitor) and just received my SidecarT multi device today. It's definitely not behaving (the STE) I suspect the PSU and there's great info here on that to I'll trundle through the PSU info, re-cap info etc with a view to buying your kit Exxxos. But i'll describe the fault anyway as I could well be wrong....

1. Machine booted to GEM OK always, no floppy inserted as I have none, so FDD not yet tested.
2. SidecarT multi I managed to configure fine, got the correct menus on Atari screen.
3. App loaded on sidecart (downloaded the ROM emulator app first)
4. However on attempting to launch the app on the Atari it just wouldn't launch.
5. Power cycle is advised in this instance so I did this. White screen, no boot.
6. Tried again, same.
7. Removed SidecarT from cartridge port, power cycle still white screen regardless how long I left it. FDD LED not cycling or "clicking"
8. Left for 10mins, booted OK.
9. Slight smell of overheating transistor/semi conductor coming from PSU when I wen't up close and sniffed (no smoke, LOL)
10. Had a Moretti beer and didn't panic.
11. came here.

what are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.
I'm happy with all forms of electronic debug/repair. Can get my hands on a scope if needed but have a basic DVM.

[Steve]

So this is a fresh STe you bought recently from somewhere? We don't know how long it has been stored, or it's history?

It's recommended to start with a re-capped, or new PSU overall, that is the bedrock of a system.
Secondly, don't forget these machines often benefit of a 're-seat' (and potentially a contact clean) of any chips in sockets.

[Marcopolomint1]

Exactly and I know very little about it's history. It was an Ebay purchase. The seller said it was stored for decades! The case is in excellent condition however.

[Marcopolomint1]

I stripped it all down and discovered that it has 4Mb installed. That's not going to help the power budget either. I need to recap PSU and clean the FDD anyway. I'll think about re-seats of chips after doing that I think...one step at a time.

[rubber_jonnie]

You can use a Meanwell RD50-A in place of the original PSU, they are quite inexpensive and a very good replacement.

[Steve]

Yeah or Exxos's flagship PSU: https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/#0030
Or his lower cost alternative: https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/#0284

If you want the best, go for Exxos custom one at the top