> On Aug 28, 2019, at 4:15 AM, Marvin Johnston via cctalk > <cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote: > > 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.
This is well known issue on all Models of TRS-80, except the Model I. In fact, it is almost guaranteed that your power supply main Rifa filter capacitor will blow within a few minutes of when you first power up one of these TRS-80s after sitting for years if you have the original caps. So much so that I was able to record one fail in spectacular fashion. https://youtu.be/njbwdbcfXjc <https://youtu.be/njbwdbcfXjc>
