Blowing the dust off some old Ataris. Suggested fixes?

[WiseGreasyBastard]

I've been tempted by terriblefire's 030 boards :evil:

This means I'm going to be blowing the dust off some old Ataris and powering them up after a very long while being in storage.
Assuming they even survived being laid up; apart from the electrolytics probably needing replacement is there anything else I should be looking at before powering them up?

I've got a few STFMs, a few Mega STs, a pair of Mega STEs and a TT 030 to go through.

WGB

[Icky]

@WiseGreasyBastard - A good place to start is this post https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... =17&t=1585

It lists mandatory fixes for our beloved machines.

[Steve]

Yes, at a bare minimum do not turn them on before servicing the PSU :)

[rubber_jonnie]

I'd agree with @Steve if they haven't been powered on for a long time.

My preference is to hook mine up to a load (I have an ST specific one built using resistors from exxos' store) for first power on if they have been in storage for a long time, and then only once the thing has been inspected and shows no signs of damage.

For long term storage items I'd also consider going straight for a PSU recap.

[WiseGreasyBastard]

@WiseGreasyBastard - A good place to start is this post https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... =17&t=1585

It lists mandatory fixes for our beloved machines.

Thanks for the link. That's spot on.

I'd agree with @Steve if they haven't been powered on for a long time.

My preference is to hook mine up to a load (I have an ST specific one built using resistors from exxos' store) for first power on if they have been in storage for a long time, and then only once the thing has been inspected and shows no signs of damage.

For long term storage items I'd also consider going straight for a PSU recap.

The last time I powered one on was probably 15 years ago. The TT hasn't been powered on for longer than that.

A write up I just came across suggests loading the PSU with resistors for < 30 seconds. Is that just because the resistors get hot or due the the PSU loading?

I've got electronic DC loads I can use to hold the PSU rails at whatever they're spec'd at if anyone has those details?

WGB

[Tomswork]

Is the Tt Like the mste with the 5341 psu. There are some nice psu in the us that will fit in the metal frame and are 36usd

Tom

[WiseGreasyBastard]

Is the Tt Like the mste with the 5341 psu. There are some nice psu in the us that will fit in the metal frame and are 36usd

Tom

From memory - I think they are the same, or at least VERY similar.

Do you have a link for the replacement PSUs?

I have a few PicoPSUs that would easily fit in the metal case and run with a power brick. It's another option.

WGB

[Tomswork]

https://www.reactivemicro.com/product/u ... er-supply/
This has +5-5+12-12

Nice and compact

Tom

[WiseGreasyBastard]

That's an open frame medical power supply. There's a good chance something similar available locally.

Thanks for that.

[rubber_jonnie]

A write up I just came across suggests loading the PSU with resistors for < 30 seconds. Is that just because the resistors get hot or due the the PSU loading?

I've got electronic DC loads I can use to hold the PSU rails at whatever they're spec'd at if anyone has those details?

WGB

I got the resistors from exxos' store and built a load module with a heatsink. I can run it for longer than 30s no problem.

However, if you have an electronic load, that would do very nicely, the PSUs generally have the maximum power details on them so you should be able to work out the load from that.

I think generally it's 5v/3A and 12v/1.6A.