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Vintage Computers Any vintage computer systems, calculators, video games etc., but with an emphasis on 1980s and earlier equipment.

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Old 11th Jul 2021, 4:47 pm   #1
terrybull
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Default Apple PowerBook Duo 210 power supply

Recently acquired a 1992/3 Apple laptop. It has been unused for a long time. Plugged it in and within 2 or 3 seconds this power brick popped with a flash and puff of foul smoke but still works fine. I’m tempted to just leave it but suppose I ought to have a look. Anyone any knowledge how to get it open. I can’t feel any screw holes under that label and don’t want to destroy it looking if there aren’t any.
The slots on the bottom had rubber strips for feet which had turned to mush. Any idea for substitutes please.
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Old 11th Jul 2021, 8:12 pm   #2
OldTechFan96
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Default Re: Apple PowerBook Duo 210 power supply

If these are anything like the PowerBook 1XX series power bricks, I suspect that the case has been plastic/ultrasonically welded.
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Old 11th Jul 2021, 8:51 pm   #3
Boulevardier
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Default Re: Apple PowerBook Duo 210 power supply

Seems likely - MacBookPro power-brick cases are also welded at the main seams. There are YouTube videos showing how the brave have been able to crack them open for repair.

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Old 11th Jul 2021, 9:36 pm   #4
dglcomp
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Default Re: Apple PowerBook Duo 210 power supply

A vice of knowledge would help here in getting the case open, I've used that method before and it worked fine.

Another option would be to acquire another 24V PSU and attach the cable from the apple one to it. Noting that 24V PSU's are easy to come by.
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Old 11th Jul 2021, 10:22 pm   #5
terrybull
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Default Re: Apple PowerBook Duo 210 power supply

Thanks. I suspected it was glued/welded. Any reason to just not carry on using it. It seems fine.
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Old 15th Jul 2021, 5:22 pm   #6
Slothie
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Default Re: Apple PowerBook Duo 210 power supply

Sounds to me like its the infamous mains filter capacitors - the "RIFA" brand was a common one, after years of storage moisture gets in and they expode. They should be replaced with the appropriate X or Y type capacitors, although many just remove them as they PSU will work without them. They should be removed or replaced as they may continue to give you problems...
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Old 16th Jul 2021, 9:20 am   #7
terrybull
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Default Re: Apple PowerBook Duo 210 power supply

Thanks. The power supply is working fine and as opening the case is likely to get messy I’ll just carry on.
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