Re: Working on a //+

["Tom Zuchowski" <tzuchow@attglobal.net>]

Ralph, don't waste your time testing the capacitors. If they are ten years
old, they should be replaced. Heck, for these older caps that we are
discussing, they should generally be replaced when they are six years old as
they are not as good as modern replacements. Just because an elderly cap
tests OK now doesn't mean it will test OK in a year. Caps are cheap and easy
to install if you have basic soldering skills.

You do not need precise replacements. Any cap within approximately -20%/+20%
of the capacitance and the same or higher voltage rating should work
perfectly well. Generally capacitor ratings have that tolerance and in many
cases caps of a much wider variation will do if you know how to make such
decisions.

NOTE: we are discussing the aluminum-electrolytic caps. These are
cylindrical and almost always have a crimped ring on one end. Sometimes they
have leads on both ends and some times both leads are on one end. All other
caps in the power supply will very likely be OK.

Be sure to keep track of the positive and negative markings. Caps that are
installed backwards will have a very short life.

Tom Zuchowski

> > Ralph Glatt replied:
> >
> >>Hi, Mike, thanks for responding! Yes, I earlier posted about a problem
> >>with my Apple ][+. I did take apart the power supply, but I didn't see
> >>anything leaking. I'll pull it apart again and give it a thorough