1. Forum
  2. FidoNet
  3. CLASSIC COMPUTER

  • TRS-80

    From Anton Mikhaylov@1:275/98 to All on Sun Jul 25 12:07:48 2021
    Hi All,

    I have a small question for the community.
    Not long ago I picked up a nice looking TRS-80 computer with a matching
    TRS-80 Video Display, modem and cassette player/recorder. Display had been given away for free immediately, because I simply do not have a place for it. And I am more interested in computer itself.
    Now, getting closer to the question I wanted to ask, this computer has a problem. Before plugging in the original PSU, I checked the output voltages, and those seemed to be ok. But when I try to turn on the computer, the power LED turns on for a second, then something clicks inside the computer, and
    LED turns off. Second later this cycle repeats.
    I haven't opened the case yet, but decided to ask the community first: what could be causing this problem? Clicking sounds like some kind of relay is switching off, but I am pretty sure, there should be no mechanical relays inside. Most probably something is dead/shorted, but why would it produce a sound then?
    Please explain what that could be, so I would start looking at it first after
    I open the case.

    Thank you.

    > Anton Mikhaylov AKA twix <

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A42 2019/02/01 (Linux/64)
    * Origin: twixed BBS (1:275/98)
  • From Ron Lauzon@1:275/89 to Anton Mikhaylov on Mon Jul 26 08:45:00 2021
    Anton Mikhaylov wrote to All <=-

    I have a small question for the community.
    Not long ago I picked up a nice looking TRS-80 computer with a matching TRS-80 Video Display, modem and cassette player/recorder. Display had
    been given away for free immediately, because I simply do not have a
    place for it. And I am more interested in computer itself.
    Now, getting closer to the question I wanted to ask, this computer has
    a problem. Before plugging in the original PSU, I checked the output voltages, and those seemed to be ok. But when I try to turn on the computer, the power LED turns on for a second, then something clicks inside the computer, and LED turns off. Second later this cycle
    repeats. I haven't opened the case yet, but decided to ask the
    community first: what could be causing this problem? Clicking sounds
    like some kind of relay is switching off, but I am pretty sure, there should be no mechanical relays inside. Most probably something is dead/shorted, but why would it produce a sound then?
    Please explain what that could be, so I would start looking at it first after I open the case.

    You should start by telling us what model of TRS-80 you have.


    ... Take my advice, I don't use it anyway.
    === MultiMail/Linux v0.52
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: Diamond Mine Online BBS - bbs.dmine.net:24 (1:275/89)
  • From Anton Mikhaylov@1:275/98 to Ron Lauzon on Mon Jul 26 11:42:17 2021
    Hi Ron,

    You should start by telling us what model of TRS-80 you have.

    Oh, yes. It is a TRS-80 Model I.

    > Anton Mikhaylov AKA twix <

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A42 2019/02/01 (Linux/64)
    * Origin: twixed BBS (1:275/98)
  • From Ron Lauzon@1:275/89 to ANTON MIKHAYLOV on Mon Jul 26 18:16:00 2021
    Quoting Anton Mikhaylov to Ron Lauzon <=-

    Hi Ron,

    You should start by telling us what model of TRS-80 you have.

    Oh, yes. It is a TRS-80 Model I.

    Based on my TRS-80 model I, the plastic is getting very brittle through age.
    There is a high probability that you will break the plastic posts that the
    case screws screw into.

    As to the problem, you probably have a short somewhere in the case.
    Blown capacitor possibily (they weren't intended to last this long).


    ... ARRRRRGGGHHH!!!! ... Tension breaker, had to be done.
    ___ Blue Wave/386 v2.30
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: Diamond Mine Online BBS - bbs.dmine.net:24 (1:275/89)