Steel76 Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 Just got an Atari 65XE (PAL) computer. Problem is, the power light glows, but the computer don't really seem to fully power up. When I first got it, I tried to tune it in with RF, and got nothing at all. Tried it on another TV, and nothing. Not even the faintest sign of a signal. I got the Scart cable in the mail today, in the hope that only the RF is dead, But nope, nothing. No sign of life at all. I don't know if it's the power supply, not giving the computer enough juice, as the red light isn't as bright as I remember, on my old 130XE. Or if something isn't delivering the power, all the way through, inside the computer. Any has a similar problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1050 Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 Oh yeah, plenty of people have very similar symptoms. First thing you should do is measure the power output of the power supply to eliminate it as a serial computer killer. It is a common problem. In the meantime don't plug it into anything valuable until you get a voltmeter and can measure the voltage it produces. If it is bad, you'll need to replace it with a good one so the voltmeter will come in handy testing the replacement first as well. Your supply might be fine and it was another power supply that went bad and ruined one or more RAM chips by shorting them out from excess voltage from the bad power supply. It is such a common thing to happen one really needs to start here first. Watch how Jon uses alcohol spray to find his extra hot Ram chips in this video. The shorted RAM chips will run extra hot and can just be replaced to get a completely working fine computer again. If your power supply voltage is near 5 volts and your RAM chips evaporate the alcohol at about the same rate, then we can begin to explore other issues with the use of special carts and other avenues. Are you comfortable using a voltmeter and/or soldering iron? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steel76 Posted November 15, 2017 Author Share Posted November 15, 2017 (edited) Thanks for the info I got to borrow a power supply from a friend, and the computer works fine now Going to let him take a closer look at my power supply, and try to fix it. Hopefully it's just some bad capacitors. Otherwise, I'll just buy another one. Edited November 15, 2017 by Steel76 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1050 Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 That's good news. A friend with a voltmeter is a very handy friend to have sometimes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steel76 Posted November 15, 2017 Author Share Posted November 15, 2017 That he is So happy about getting the machine to work. Playing Moon Patrol and Missile Command again, after two decades, are glorious 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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