Atari Big Blue - how to test?

Steverd

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Is there a test for the Atari Big Blue capacitors?
My blue ESR meter reads it at 0.10

Would you trust that reading? Or is that Cap too large to test?

Thanks,
Steve
 
Just makes me feel sad I put so much effort in writing up replies there....all for nothing.... ;)

NO, it wasn't for nothing!! I just re-read all of that and it was very helpful!
Heck it was two months ago, I can even remember stuff I did this weekend!!

After reading 4 pages in that thread, I'm still not 100% sure on how to test the Big blue, but the finish post by Elutz was awesome on checking for leaking AC.
I never knew that. Does that have to do with problems with the Big Blue Cap. Obviously I'm a little confused!

Plus you know it had to help a ton of other people beside me!

Steve
 
Hey, I put a ;) at the end for a reason...... ;)

Yes if you have a good DVM that's all you need. Simply set it to AC voltage testing and put the pens on the two cap terminals (with a powered up machine of course).
In theory you should read zero.

In practice you will see very low voltages....a certain level is normal (even with a brand new cap) and acceptable, see ELutz's post for the values. The one's I've seen were way below those levels and thus the cap was still fine.

I don't blame you, getting older makes me forgot lots of stuff that I used to remember....and sometimes it is also a good excuse ;) <= Note the smiley :D
 
NO, it wasn't for nothing!! I just re-read all of that and it was very helpful!
Heck it was two months ago, I can even remember stuff I did this weekend!!

After reading 4 pages in that thread, I'm still not 100% sure on how to test the Big blue, but the finish post by Elutz was awesome on checking for leaking AC.
I never knew that. Does that have to do with problems with the Big Blue Cap. Obviously I'm a little confused!

Plus you know it had to help a ton of other people beside me!

Steve

The sole purpose of that cap is to filter AC from the DC line. Too much AC = bad cap.

Edward
 
Awesome post guys, this does really clear it up better for me!! Even better
then the previous 4 pages thread!!!

Yes, I did see the smiley - I just wanted to say that your time wasn't wasted. I feel I FINALLY understand the BIG BLUE CAP!!!

Appreciate all the help!!:004_shappy:

Steve
 
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