Amigas in the attic...

[dougal]

Please specify what model Amiga you have.

Regarding the Power Pack,

If your Amiga is an A500, A500 Plus, A600 or A1200, then the same power pack is used on all the models. Look out for an A500 power pack as they are the best ones.

Regarding TV connection,

If it is an A500/A500+ you will be needing the TV modulator which will allow you to connect to any TV with an RF input. If you buy an RF modulator, make sure it has the wire which connects the Amiga audio outputs to the modulator.

Another option is to buy an Amiga to Scart lead. They go very cheap, probably the same as a modulator and they give a much better picture on any SCART TV. A good Amiga-Scart lead will have the audio leads built in.

If it is an A600/A1200, the RF Modulator is built in. The Amiga-SCART option also applies on the A600/A1200 if you want a nicer picture than you would get using the RF Modulator.

Joysticks and mice are easily found on ebay and cheap too. A cheap good option for mouse would be the original Amiga "Tank" mouse.

With regards to the Amiga still working after being in the attic for so long,

If it is an A500 Plus, there is a chance that the battery on the motherboard is leaking. I would open the Amiga (500 Plus) up and remove the battery regardless if it has leaked or not. If it hasn't leaked yet , it will. If it has leaked, after removing it make sure you clean the board using a circuit board cleaner (spray) and an old tooth brush. Do not  brush too hard or else you may damage the tracks. I usually remove the battery using plyers and wedging it side by side loosening it till it comes off. Again don't be rough or else you will damage the board.

A500 (NOT PLUS), A600 and A1200 do not have onboard batteries, but check for any memory expansions (especially A500) in the trapdoor underneath and check/remove the battery.

Another reason an A500/A500 Plus may not work after a long time in storage could be the socketed chips may have come loose and would need to be pressed in again. Unlikely but very easy fix.

A600s/A1200 are know to suffer leaky capacitors. Its unlikely but possible and if so it is repairable.

Hope that helps

[dougal]

It is an A500 plus

Open it up

Remove that battery (Carefully) - Even if it hasn't leaked!!!

If the battery has leaked, make sure you clean around the removed battery gently using circuit board cleaner and an old tooth brush.

**Warning** You are responsible for any damage you may cause the Amiga doing this. I give you this advice because i had 2 A500 Plus which went bad because of badly leaked batteries.


I would suggest the Amiga (23pin) to SCART cable. (Make sure it has audio leads) They can be found for around 10 pounds on ebay and are usually brand new. With this you can connect your Amiga to any TV, even LCD screens which have a SCART input and you will get a MUCH BETTER picture and sound then you would using the TV Modulator.

Power Supply, just go for an Amiga 500 one. They are easy to find and don't cost much and are very reliable.

[dougal]

Dont let this happen to your PLUS.  This is mine before i fixed it

[dougal]

@Shep1978

I am afraid to say that it is a 50/50 chance that your Amiga still works. Remove that battery ASAP and clean the corrosion/acide on the board properly.

One of my A500 Plus's had very bad battery acid leak (the one i showed in the other pic) but luckily i managed to bridge a damaged track/trace and it has worked fine since.

Worst case scenario would be that you have to replace the motherboard. A500 ones will work and go very cheap on ebay. A500 Plus ones are harder to find, so expect to pay more. There is a user called airey36 (or something) on ebay and he usually has Amiga motherboards for sale. I've bought a 500 plus one from him.

If you do need to replace your motherboard make sure to retain all the socketed chips including the Agnus, Kickstart, 68000 etc.. I would just retain the whole board with all the chips in their sockets to avoid losing them