ScuzzBlog: Diaries August 2023
Entry 13th August 2023: Post 1: Amiga 1200 - Motherboard capacitors and stuff.
Amiga 1200 - Motherboard capacitors and stuff.
I have 31 Amiga 1200 computers that are working and two that are
not, plus two motherboards that are faulty. I did only have one
not working but I came across an old case in the loft and so used
one of my motherboards to put together the bones of another.
Risa who I feature today was given to me broken back in 2010. I
have no idea what the fault is as she was DOA. The power comes on
but there is but a faint flicker on the screen. The board is all
surface mounted chips so I am stuffed.
Some would suggest recapping. Maybe that would solve the problem.
I am a little sceptical but that is the nature of this particular
beast. I have for a number of years taken photographs of the mobo
and reviewed the state of play. For me I am unable to detect any
leakage given that the signs of failure would always show up on
the dulling of the support tabs. Sometimes the tracks discolour
badly and there is residue on the board. The bigger caps split
and also start leaking.
Note the word leaking.
Anyway I am advised that all machines of this era from the house
of Commodore have leaky capacitors. For my part I would just like
to clearly see one. I have an A4000 with a problem board but that
was from the States and looks like its been varnished. The board
is clearly oozing stuff around capacitors and three have fell off.
I also have issues with PSU capacitors and those leaking. I even
have an XP machine with clearly visible leaking capacitors.
Anyhoo I took photographs of the motherboard... NOT the capacitors.
The image is focussed on the board so the capacitor tops are out
of focus. The point of consideration is the foot immediately below
the capacitor. Is it shiny or is it dull and pitted?
If you look closely on the board you can see the raised mask which
at times gives the impression of an oozing fluid.
The board is not working but each of my Amigas is. Tricky one this
cus sadly I do not trust anyone other than a certified trained and
insured radio electrical engineer to carry out work on any of
computers. I am not minded to carry out preventative surgery simply
out of fear that something may fail.
I should be able to detect a failure from smell, failing activity
or visible problems with the boards. I am not denying that the
Amiga 1200 has issues with capacitors. But I have never asked any
engineer to repair something that wasn't broken.
I also took pictures of the chips for reference purposes.
[ Closes blog to mutterings of 'that guys an idiot' ... ar hum ].
Amiga 1200 - Motherboard capacitors and stuff.
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Last updated 13th August 2023
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