Most rigorous hardware-testing software for Amiga

[da9000]

I just wanted to get some opinions about which software you guys recommend for testing as many Amiga parts, from video subsystem to audio, serial ports, etc.

I know I can certainly use anything from games to demos, the OS itself and various apps, but perhaps there's something better and more unified, because for example a demo might not necessarily test the CIAs or something.

The reason for asking is that I'm working on replacing my SMD electrolytics with tantalum capacitors and even though I'll do it a step at a time and testing inbetween, I do want to know I've not killed a part of the machine in ways that are not visible to my eye :-)

One area I'm also not sure of is when it comes to non-polarized caps. So far all SMD electrolytics seem to be polarized ( as are all the tantalums ), so I believe I should be ok.

Thanks in advance!

[da9000]

Hmmm.. really that fragile?

Can you tell me more about this? I thought I'd be ok, because several people recommended it, and also I've seen certain Mac projects that have done the same.

I don't want to use electrolytics after having dealt with one that wanted to kill my Amiga, and now another is leaking in the audio circuitry...

Any input/feedback is appreciated. Thanks rkauer!

[da9000]

My main man!

Castellen wrote:
Tantalums would work fine in such an audio application, but it's generally not a good idea to use them for power supply reservior capacitors, as their low ESR (equivalent series resistance) causes high inrush currents which can cause them to fail (and sometimes explode) during power up situations.

I think all the ones I'm planning on replacing are non-power supply caps. I'll make a list and post it here, and perhaps you can check it out and tell me if I've made a mistake. I certainly don't want any explosions inside my precious A4000  :-D

Castellen wrote:
There's no reason not to use new aluminium electrolytics to repair the A4000.  They only really fail if the chemical electrolyte is a poor or unstable mixture, as seems to be the case with some of the ones used by C=.

Modern electrolytics from a decent supplier have very few long term issues.

I'm afraid that due to heat and time I'll have to replace them again in 10+ years. What do you think?

Castellen wrote:
If you were concerned, you could choose a high temperature rated model which have even better long term stability.

Yes, I've seen they have the high-temp ones for SMD electrolytics too. That's the kind I got for tantalums as well.

Castellen wrote:
Voltage isn't a big issue either, I think all of the capacitors of interest in the A4000D are on the 5V rail, or have a lower potential across them.  Go for 16V capacitors

One of them is rated at 35V (near the battery/RTC). Should I  get all 35Vs you think?

Castellen wrote:
or higher and it'll be fine.  Obviously you need to pay close attention to the polarity.

Yes sir! I'm very careful about that. Don't want any explosions :-D

Castellen wrote:
Personally I prefer to use electrolytic replacement capacitors on the A4000D.  If you haven't read it already, I've written a guide on the whole thing here.

Are you kidding? I always go "by the book" ;-)

Thanks for your input!