[vcf-midatlantic] [Off Topic] - Vintage computers and UPSes
Herb Johnson
hjohnson at retrotechnology.info
Tue Aug 20 14:23:12 EDT 2019
I think this subject is on-topic, because vintage computers suffer
damage over time due to line-voltage and over-voltage. UPSs can't solve
all those problems. But paying attention to the AC power line is
important to collectors and users.
Shorted tantalum capacitors on DC circuits are a known failure due to
both time and over voltage. For example, Heath/Zenith H-89s and H-19s
(computer and terminal) expect to operate at 110V AC.T he unregulated
side of their 5V DC regulators have capacitors rated at a voltage just
below the DC voltage produced - at 110V. When run at 120V or higher,
the rated voltage is exceeded and the tantalums "blow". The fix is to
replace the caps with higher-voltage devices, and/or reduce AC voltage.
That solution won't be found with most UPS. A short-term solution is to
use a Variac to reduce AC voltage. Long term, there's step-up/down
transformers one can buy for the purpose. Technically-experienced people
can make such devices.
also: Thank you to Jason Perkins, for his post-link to an article on
adjusting a UPS charging voltage. I was aware of this problem but not
informed in detail. The article is informative, so thanks!
http://www.jjoseph.org/notes/apc_smartups_battery_float_voltage
Regards,
Herb Johnson
--
Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA
http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net
More information about the vcf-midatlantic
mailing list