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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: koshman on November 06, 2009, 04:02:28 PM

Title: A4000 mobo damaged or... ?
Post by: koshman on November 06, 2009, 04:02:28 PM
Hi guys,
it's my first post here and I need advice.
I want to get back into Amiga after a few years absence. I would like to buy a big box Amiga, since I've never had one before, probably A4000, because of AGA. I've been lurking on EBay for a few weeks now and among others I saw one guy selling A4000/030 - he states in the description that audio doesn't work, because caps probably need replacing. I asked him if the caps have leaked and he sent me a closeup photo, which shows that they definitely have. I'm no expert and don't know if that is a serious issue (the board doesn't seem in very good condition overall) or if maybe good cleaning and, of course, new caps would be enough to get it up and running again.
Can you have a look at the picture and tell me what's your opinion? Also, what an A4000/030 in this condition might be worth?

The pic: http://testovaniahodnoceni.unas.cz/capleak.jpg

Thanks a lot.

Edit: with the exception of audio the Amiga supposedly works (there is also a picture in the listing documenting that).
Title: Re: A4000 mobo damaged or... ?
Post by: tokyoracer on November 06, 2009, 04:34:33 PM
Quote from: koshman;528584
Hi guys,
it's my first post here and I need advice.
I want to get back into Amiga after a few years absence. I would like to buy a big box Amiga, since I've never had one before, probably A4000, because of AGA. I've been lurking on EBay for a few weeks now and among others I saw one guy selling A4000/030 - he states in the description that audio doesn't work, because caps probably need replacing. I asked him if the caps have leaked and he sent me a closeup photo, which shows that they definitely have. I'm no expert and don't know if that is a serious issue (the board doesn't seem in very good condition overall) or if maybe good cleaning and, of course, new caps would be enough to get it up and running again.
Can you have a look at the picture and tell me what's your opinion? Also, what an A4000/030 in this condition might be worth?

The pic: http://testovaniahodnoceni.unas.cz/capleak.jpg

Thanks a lot.

Edit: with the exception of audio the Amiga supposedly works (there is also a picture in the listing documenting that).

I have seen the auction myself and it certainly seems an easy (ish) fix. I would go for it due to a fault that many may steer away from but can be fixed quite cost effectivly and to replace the caps with non leakable ones would be a fine idea if I have my say.
Title: Re: A4000 mobo damaged or... ?
Post by: koshman on November 06, 2009, 05:05:57 PM
OK, thanks. So it could be fixed, that's good to know. I'll keep an eye on the listing, but I need to think about a reasonable max first :)
Title: Re: A4000 mobo damaged or... ?
Post by: xeron on November 07, 2009, 08:45:02 AM
Quote from: koshman;528584
I'm no expert and don't know if that is a serious issue (the board doesn't seem in very good condition overall)


Aside from the capacitor leakage, the rest of the board is in good condition, if a little dusty.

Quote

or if maybe good cleaning and, of course, new caps would be enough to get it up and running again.


I'm 100% sure the only problem with the audio is the capacitors. Last time i had the outputs hooked up to an amplifier, you could still hear the sound but it was really really quiet. Its a very common fault on the a4000.

Quote

Edit: with the exception of audio the Amiga supposedly works (there is also a picture in the listing documenting that).


Yes, the Amiga is fully functional otherwise, and has a genuine Kickstart 3.1 and Buster 11.
Title: Re: A4000 mobo damaged or... ?
Post by: koshman on November 07, 2009, 09:05:34 AM
Oh, so I take it you're the seller.
It's good to know - I was afraid it was someone selling what he found in the attic after not using it for 10+ years :)
Btw. I didn't want to imply that the board is in bad condition, just would look better w/o the dust :)
Anyway, thanks for the additional info.