Kevin, As I am sure others will say, I believe that the problem with the "X" filter caps is that the case becomes cracked and you get moisture ingress.... Dave
> -----Original Message----- > From: cctalk <cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org> On Behalf Of Kevin Parker via > cctalk > Sent: 28 August 2019 23:51 > To: 'Marvin Johnston' <mar...@west.net>; 'General Discussion: On-Topic and > Off-Topic Posts' <cctalk@classiccmp.org> > Subject: RE: TRS-80 Fireworks > > Quite normal - the capacitors dry out after about 30 or 40 years - there's > lots > of info around on replacing them with a polymer capacitor. I have over 20 TRS- > 80's with a large contingent of Model 3, 4, 4Ps, 12 and 16s - all had the same > issue so if I acquire one now I do a pre-emptive strike before powering up. > > > Kevin Parker > 0418 815 527 > > -----Original Message----- > From: cctalk <cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org> On Behalf Of Marvin Johnston > via cctalk > Sent: Wednesday, 28 August 2019 6:16 PM > To: ClassicCmp <cctalk@classiccmp.org> > Subject: TRS-80 Fireworks > > I'm just curious how many people have powered up their TRS-80 computers, > and ended up with a bang and a room filled with smoke? > > So far, I've gotten the fireworks in two out of two TRS-80s (model 3 and > 4) when they were powered up. In both cases, the problem was with the main > line filter capacitor mounted on one of the power supplies. The computers > continued to work which was my first clue the problem was not serious :). > > Is this a normal problem with these older computers? I'm used to seeing the > electrolytics give problems, but this is the first time I've seen one of the > X type > line filter caps blow.