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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: sheepz on August 04, 2022, 11:12:28 AM

Title: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: sheepz on August 04, 2022, 11:12:28 AM
Hi

As my collection of amigas has grown I have been recapping all my olds PSU's. Now I have acquired a A2000 and A4000 the question is. Should I just re-cap or should I replace with a modern ATX supplying the original case, I like to re-cap as its quick and easy but maybe the new PSUs are just 'better'?

I have also replaced my A1200 PSU with a Meanwell in the original power brick, so maybe a Meanwell unit if its powerful enough?

Regards

Barry

Title: Re: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: sheepz on August 04, 2022, 01:32:21 PM
First off, Meanwell is out as its not got enough POWER, so that narrows it down to ATX or recap. Although I will start by first recapping the A2000 and A4000 PSUs.
Title: Re: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: mechy on August 06, 2022, 05:10:55 AM
Nothing wrong with recapping these power supplies,they were fairly robust(the proof is most made it 30 years+).
Although not quite as efficient as modern ones,they are in some cases made better.
Title: Re: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: sheepz on August 08, 2022, 08:59:15 AM
Thanks, although I just spent £30 on new caps for my A4000 PSU, it almost makes sent to replace with a modern unit!

Regards

Barry
Title: Re: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: matt3k on August 08, 2022, 08:07:08 PM
I had a bunch of 3000 power supplies recapped and they all failed.  One even blacked the pin connector on the mother board.  Make sure the caps are the highest quality, I have a feeling the person used junk caps, but maybe there is more to it than that.

Do yourself a huge favor and get a plan b to get a modern replacement.  A long time ago someone in the interwebs was offering a service to mount guts into the original case, you want want to look into that, or just buy the adapter and work around the cosmetics.
Title: Re: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: sheepz on August 09, 2022, 08:03:12 AM
I had a bunch of 3000 power supplies recapped and they all failed.  One even blacked the pin connector on the mother board.  Make sure the caps are the highest quality, I have a feeling the person used junk caps, but maybe there is more to it than that.

Do yourself a huge favor and get a plan b to get a modern replacement.  A long time ago someone in the interwebs was offering a service to mount guts into the original case, you want want to look into that, or just buy the adapter and work around the cosmetics.

Hi Matt

I was thinking maybe the other components might let me down, but out of the 3 A500/A1200 PSUs I have recapped they are still going strong. (I have a gutted PSU with a meanwell inside ready encase ).

I am still making baby steps with electronics and soldering but now with my more expensive big box amigas I am a bit more worried!

So, the plan is to Re-cap, test, then test under load then fit to the computer and hope the electricity stays inside. (might get a spare ATX PSU and adapter just encase)  ;D

Regards

Barry
Title: Re: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: Vstech on August 19, 2022, 04:19:32 PM
My big 3 big box amigas all use their original psu’s… however, I have not powered up the a4000 as of yet. I am going to fully clean and recap my psu once I have all the varta damage repaired in my main board.
My 2000, and 3000 psu’s have never let me down, but the 2000 does have a few video artifacts I need to remedy, so I suppose a recap there (much easier since it’s all through hole) is in order, and I might as well go through the psu while it is down.


Everything I read about recapping seems to be with the aga boards and their surface mount caps leaking. I’ve recapped my 1200’s but have not touched my 3000 or 2000 yet.
Title: Re: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: sheepz on August 19, 2022, 04:52:38 PM
Hi

When I recently recapped my A4000 that's the first PSU I have re-capped that's had obviously damaged caps so I would re-cap your A4000 PSU, I can give you the list of the caps I needed.

Regards

Barry
Title: Re: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: Vstech on August 28, 2022, 01:39:24 AM
Thanks! I likely will just order a kit of caps for the psu.
Any words of wisdom prior to me opening the 4000psu?
Title: Re: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: BozzerBigD on August 28, 2022, 10:10:03 AM
Thanks! I likely will just order a kit of caps for the psu.
Any words of wisdom prior to me opening the 4000psu?

Don't electrocute yourself! Decharging caps is important.
Title: Re: Amiga PSUs - Recap or replace
Post by: sheepz on August 30, 2022, 09:30:14 AM
Hi

Once of the screws that hold the board to the casing is hard to get to, I had too us a 6in flexible shaft driver to get it.

I also changed my fan for a quite (artic) unit, size is 80mm x 80mm x 25mm.

Also, make sure you take good notes and pictures!

Regards

Barry