Ask HN: How do I protect my old computer? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: How do I protect my old computer?

10 pointscodazoda5 comments

I've got a working TRS-80 Color Computer 1 that was built sometime between 1980 and 1983. This is the same model that I used as a kid. I think my Mom purchased mine second-hand and I obtained and used it sometime around 1986. The one I have now was purchased on eBay about 10 years ago for $1.75.

I would like to put the computer into a working display, perhaps just on a desk somewhere. What should I do to protect it so that it can run for as long as possible?

For starters, I suspect I should condition the power to protect it from spikes. Is a decent surge protector enough?

What are the things that are most likely to kill the machine if I set it up and use it regularly?

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Not a TRS-80 expert, but leaking/failed capacitors are a very common problem in old (and new!) machines.

Yes.

And the way to fix ageing electrolytic capacitors is to use the machine regularly. If you use the machine before the capacitors age too far, the electrolyte will be 'rejuvenated' so to speak. If you let it go too long, the capacitors lose their dielectric and are more likely to leak very high currents, which will boil the electrolyte and explode the container.

Apparently, even if the dielectric is old and perished, you can use a variac to slowly increase the voltage and rejuvenate the dielectric without the leakage current ever getting to explosive 'boil the electrolyte' levels.

This is very interesting and sounds like good news. So, by using the machine I may actually improve it's life span. That's pretty interesting. Guess I shouldn't have left it in the box after my move two years ago.

There's several Youtube Videos on restoring old computers including the CoCo, most of them come with plenty of commentary on parts that tend to fail or should be replaced regardless of if they are working now or not. I think one of the better ones for this is Adrian's Digital Basement.

And also you are in luck there was a big "SepTandy" push last month among a lot of those classic computer channels featuring Tandy computers including the CoCo, so the odds of finding up-to-date information is really good.

Wow I feel like I need this thread for my 2012 MacBook. It has been the best computer I've ever used. No issues, no keyboard problems, MagSafe, etc. It is falling out of support, though, and I am sad for the future when it goes kaput.

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