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What to check before powering on device in unknown condition
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Having managed to source a TRS-80 Model III that I'm told hasn't been powered on for quite some time (and I suspect this is a massive understatement), I'm worried that the first thing that might happen when I apply power is that there will be a large flash and/or bang, followed by not much at all :-)
Although it is a specific machine, I'm happy if the answers are generic, so as to cover a wider audience (or is it visience when you're reading rather than listening?).
So my question is hopefully a simple one. Given its unknown condition, the high liklihood that it may not power up correctly, and my innate paranoia about destroying something I just bought, what should I check before I even plug in the power?
power trs-80 trs-80-model-iii
asked 4 hours ago
paxdiablo
237213
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
Having managed to source a TRS-80 Model III that I'm told hasn't been powered on for quite some time (and I suspect this is a massive understatement), I'm worried that the first thing that might happen when I apply power is that there will be a large flash and/or bang, followed by not much at all :-)
Although it is a specific machine, I'm happy if the answers are generic, so as to cover a wider audience (or is it visience when you're reading rather than listening?).
So my question is hopefully a simple one. Given its unknown condition, the high liklihood that it may not power up correctly, and my innate paranoia about destroying something I just bought, what should I check before I even plug in the power?
power trs-80 trs-80-model-iii
asked 4 hours ago
paxdiablo
237213
1
Possible duplicate of Is it safe to turn on a 40-year old TRS-80?
– tofro
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
Having managed to source a TRS-80 Model III that I'm told hasn't been powered on for quite some time (and I suspect this is a massive understatement), I'm worried that the first thing that might happen when I apply power is that there will be a large flash and/or bang, followed by not much at all :-)
Although it is a specific machine, I'm happy if the answers are generic, so as to cover a wider audience (or is it visience when you're reading rather than listening?).
So my question is hopefully a simple one. Given its unknown condition, the high liklihood that it may not power up correctly, and my innate paranoia about destroying something I just bought, what should I check before I even plug in the power?
power trs-80 trs-80-model-iii
asked 4 hours ago
paxdiablo
237213
Having managed to source a TRS-80 Model III that I'm told hasn't been powered on for quite some time (and I suspect this is a massive understatement), I'm worried that the first thing that might happen when I apply power is that there will be a large flash and/or bang, followed by not much at all :-)
Although it is a specific machine, I'm happy if the answers are generic, so as to cover a wider audience (or is it visience when you're reading rather than listening?).
So my question is hopefully a simple one. Given its unknown condition, the high liklihood that it may not power up correctly, and my innate paranoia about destroying something I just bought, what should I check before I even plug in the power?
power trs-80 trs-80-model-iii
power trs-80 trs-80-model-iii
asked 4 hours ago
paxdiablo
237213
asked 4 hours ago
paxdiablo
237213
asked 4 hours ago
paxdiablo
237213
asked 4 hours ago
paxdiablo
237213
asked 4 hours ago
paxdiablo
237213
237213
1
Possible duplicate of Is it safe to turn on a 40-year old TRS-80?
– tofro
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
1
Possible duplicate of Is it safe to turn on a 40-year old TRS-80?
– tofro
1 hour ago
1
1
Possible duplicate of Is it safe to turn on a 40-year old TRS-80?
– tofro
1 hour ago
Possible duplicate of Is it safe to turn on a 40-year old TRS-80?
– tofro
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
This is not a full answer, feel free to improve it.
Let's start with the basics:
Use ESD protection when touching any PCBs.
Clean the PCBs.Inspect for any physical damages.
Inspect all capacitors to see if any is leaking.
Check any batteries.
If possible, check the function of the power supply when it is not connected to any PCBs.
answered 1 hour ago
UncleBod
1973
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up vote
1
down vote
First, do a visual inspection. Make sure it's reasonably clean, no liquid damage etc. Check for foreign objects and possible shorts.
Then check the power supply. It's easier with external types but some internal ones can be disconnected from the main board and tested individually. At the very least, check for shorts between the supply rails and ground. Also visually inspect capacitors for leaks.
If your country has fuses in plugs make sure its the right fuse, generally the smallest available. 3A is more than enough.
Then finally carefully power it up and be ready to switch it off again if it smokes.
You can do more if you have the right equipment and time to go over it in detail, but that should generally be enough for most machines.
answered 28 mins ago
user
1,754211
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
This is not a full answer, feel free to improve it.
Let's start with the basics:
Use ESD protection when touching any PCBs.
Clean the PCBs.Inspect for any physical damages.
Inspect all capacitors to see if any is leaking.
Check any batteries.
If possible, check the function of the power supply when it is not connected to any PCBs.
answered 1 hour ago
UncleBod
1973
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
This is not a full answer, feel free to improve it.
Let's start with the basics:
Use ESD protection when touching any PCBs.
Clean the PCBs.Inspect for any physical damages.
Inspect all capacitors to see if any is leaking.
Check any batteries.
If possible, check the function of the power supply when it is not connected to any PCBs.
answered 1 hour ago
UncleBod
1973
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
This is not a full answer, feel free to improve it.
Let's start with the basics:
Use ESD protection when touching any PCBs.
Clean the PCBs.Inspect for any physical damages.
Inspect all capacitors to see if any is leaking.
Check any batteries.
If possible, check the function of the power supply when it is not connected to any PCBs.
answered 1 hour ago
UncleBod
1973
This is not a full answer, feel free to improve it.
Let's start with the basics:
Use ESD protection when touching any PCBs.
Clean the PCBs.Inspect for any physical damages.
Inspect all capacitors to see if any is leaking.
Check any batteries.
If possible, check the function of the power supply when it is not connected to any PCBs.
answered 1 hour ago
UncleBod
1973
answered 1 hour ago
UncleBod
1973
answered 1 hour ago
UncleBod
1973
answered 1 hour ago
UncleBod
1973
1973
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
First, do a visual inspection. Make sure it's reasonably clean, no liquid damage etc. Check for foreign objects and possible shorts.
Then check the power supply. It's easier with external types but some internal ones can be disconnected from the main board and tested individually. At the very least, check for shorts between the supply rails and ground. Also visually inspect capacitors for leaks.
If your country has fuses in plugs make sure its the right fuse, generally the smallest available. 3A is more than enough.
Then finally carefully power it up and be ready to switch it off again if it smokes.
You can do more if you have the right equipment and time to go over it in detail, but that should generally be enough for most machines.
answered 28 mins ago
user
1,754211
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
First, do a visual inspection. Make sure it's reasonably clean, no liquid damage etc. Check for foreign objects and possible shorts.
Then check the power supply. It's easier with external types but some internal ones can be disconnected from the main board and tested individually. At the very least, check for shorts between the supply rails and ground. Also visually inspect capacitors for leaks.
If your country has fuses in plugs make sure its the right fuse, generally the smallest available. 3A is more than enough.
Then finally carefully power it up and be ready to switch it off again if it smokes.
You can do more if you have the right equipment and time to go over it in detail, but that should generally be enough for most machines.
answered 28 mins ago
user
1,754211
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
First, do a visual inspection. Make sure it's reasonably clean, no liquid damage etc. Check for foreign objects and possible shorts.
Then check the power supply. It's easier with external types but some internal ones can be disconnected from the main board and tested individually. At the very least, check for shorts between the supply rails and ground. Also visually inspect capacitors for leaks.
If your country has fuses in plugs make sure its the right fuse, generally the smallest available. 3A is more than enough.
Then finally carefully power it up and be ready to switch it off again if it smokes.
You can do more if you have the right equipment and time to go over it in detail, but that should generally be enough for most machines.
answered 28 mins ago
user
1,754211
First, do a visual inspection. Make sure it's reasonably clean, no liquid damage etc. Check for foreign objects and possible shorts.
Then check the power supply. It's easier with external types but some internal ones can be disconnected from the main board and tested individually. At the very least, check for shorts between the supply rails and ground. Also visually inspect capacitors for leaks.
If your country has fuses in plugs make sure its the right fuse, generally the smallest available. 3A is more than enough.
Then finally carefully power it up and be ready to switch it off again if it smokes.
You can do more if you have the right equipment and time to go over it in detail, but that should generally be enough for most machines.
answered 28 mins ago
user
1,754211
answered 28 mins ago
user
1,754211
answered 28 mins ago
user
1,754211
answered 28 mins ago
user
1,754211
1,754211
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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1
Possible duplicate of Is it safe to turn on a 40-year old TRS-80?
– tofro
1 hour ago