Apple II+ power supply issue

[rapoza609]

So I finally got my apple II+ working along with the monotor and disk drive. I booted up a game and played it for about 5 minutes but then I heard a popping soundo from the console. I powered off the machine and took off the lid. There was some smoke coming from the power supply. I've heard that issues with the Apple II power supply were common so I wasn't too surprised considering the unit had been sitting for 30 years. But I waited a little while and turned the unit back on. It turned on just fine and no more noises or smoking. Why is this? Did I just blow a capacitor? Is this safe to use?

[Arnuphis]

Sounds like the suppression capacitor has gone. There can be one or two of them in there depending on the PSU. They can be a fire hazard when they go and produce a lot of smoke and a nasty 'burnt toffee' smell. I saw one go out in an IBM Ps/2 and it went off like a firework. The PSU will keep on going but you really want to avoid using it and get that nasty thing replaced. It's not too hard to do. I did one recently on my apple iie.

 

 

EDIT: Here's a useful guide http://www.mactalk.com.au/62/116421-apple-ii-power-supply-failed.html

 

I got my caps from Mouser electronics. They were like $3.50 for 10 of them. If you want a more permanent and more expensive option there is this:

 

http://store.reactivemicro.com/product/universal-psu-kit/

Edited April 7, 2017 by Arnuphis