Re: Laser 128 problem

[rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND)]

In article <Pine.SUN.3.93.960809190500.2498A-100000@viking.cris.com>,
"Col.Brewster" <Macvsog@cris.com> writes:

>
>I have a Laser 128 and it seems that the power supply might be getting
>weak or starting to fail. What is happening is that the computer loses
>part of its power after its been on for a while. Usually, if I access the
>internal disk drive the screen goes blank and the internal disk drive
>keeps spinning but it dosen't seem to be reading or writing. This
happened
>a few times when I didn't access the internal disk drive, so this is why
I
>think its the power supply. 
>Should I replace it or try to repair it?

     You can try the usual fixes for this sort of thing. Open the box, if
there is a PS connector then pull it, clean the contacts, and replace it.
Pull the PS and look for a blown or burned component. Assuming the Laser
uses a switcher type power supply-- the disc-shaped "globar" resistor
sometimes cracks or develops an intermittant connection. The electrolytic
capacitors go bad, too. Unfortunately, the main switcher transistor also
can degrade.

     A fairly cost-effective solution is to check Jameco's and JDR's
listings of surplus power supplies. Some of these are fairly compact and
may solve your problem.


Rubywand