Atari Falcon PSU

Repairs & upgrades.
st graveyard
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Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:54 am

Atari Falcon PSU

Post by st graveyard »

Hello all,

I'm pretty new to the Falcon. I was in the middle of installing a CF card reader when I noticed the following. I seem to have a leaking 'elco/cap'. The people on the Falcon group at facebook directed me here.
I'm wondering, do I need to completely replace the PSU with an Exxos build? Or is it possible to just change the yellow leaky thingie? What do you recommend? I really don't want any harm to come to the precious Falcon. It seems to be working perfectly as far as I can tell though...
I have added some picture of the problem.

All help is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Maarten
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exxos
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Re: Atari Falcon PSU

Post by exxos »

Do you mean the yellow leaking thing aka transformer ? They mostly look like that..

Recapping is however a must as bad PSUs are killing falcons.. I can't keep up with all the repairs.. Which tends to be expensive fixes.
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/ All my hardware guides - mods - games - STOS
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/ - All my hardware mods for sale - Please help support by making a purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
Just because a lot of people agree on something, doesn't make it a fact. ~exxos ~
People should find solutions to problems, not find problems with solutions.
troed
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Re: Atari Falcon PSU

Post by troed »

Looking at the type of caps on that PSU - are you certain that this PSU hasn't been recapped already by a previous owner?
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exxos
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Re: Atari Falcon PSU

Post by exxos »

Be a good recap if someone went to the trouble of a QC sticker :)
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/ All my hardware guides - mods - games - STOS
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/ - All my hardware mods for sale - Please help support by making a purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
Just because a lot of people agree on something, doesn't make it a fact. ~exxos ~
People should find solutions to problems, not find problems with solutions.
troed
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Re: Atari Falcon PSU

Post by troed »

It's the brown 400V I'm thinking about ... I usually see those on recaps ;) But yeah, the Q.C-sticker does look like something from Atari.
st graveyard
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Re: Atari Falcon PSU

Post by st graveyard »

Well, there was a label somewhere inside the Falcon that it has been serviced. I will recheck. The caps look ok to me. No bulging at all...
So the yellow transformer seems ok to you?
Should I buy one of your Falcon psu kits Chris? Are these things bold on? Do you need solder experience for them?
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exxos
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Re: Atari Falcon PSU

Post by exxos »

The transformers are built cheap, so the varnish splashes and dries how you see it.

Bulging caps mostly happen when they overheat and internal pressure causes them to leak. I've hardly seen that happen.. Mostly they dry up and give poor regulation and let 10/v+ spikes onto the 5/v rail. Aka dead silicon. I've documented it on my site..

Bad caps are the "silent killer" and with the high price of falcons and spares right now, I would strongly suggest safeguarding against PSU issues..

You do need some soldering experience to fit.. Or find someone local to help, or send it to me if needs be.
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/ All my hardware guides - mods - games - STOS
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/ - All my hardware mods for sale - Please help support by making a purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
Just because a lot of people agree on something, doesn't make it a fact. ~exxos ~
People should find solutions to problems, not find problems with solutions.
st graveyard
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:54 am

Re: Atari Falcon PSU

Post by st graveyard »

Chris,

Is there a guide somewhere on your site on what needs to be done to have the new psu's installed? So i have an idea if I can manage it...

Thanks,
Maarten
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exxos
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Re: Atari Falcon PSU

Post by exxos »

I only have this page...

http://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/last/psu/index.htm

scroll down to falcon psu..

I don't think anyone has done a actual guide on recapping the PSU yet.
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/ All my hardware guides - mods - games - STOS
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/ - All my hardware mods for sale - Please help support by making a purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
Just because a lot of people agree on something, doesn't make it a fact. ~exxos ~
People should find solutions to problems, not find problems with solutions.
st graveyard
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:54 am

Re: Atari Falcon PSU

Post by st graveyard »

Yes but i don't mean the caps, I mean the completr psu you sell for 75pounds. I wonder what needs to be soldered...
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