[Coco] Caring for a CoCo

[Aaron Wolfe]

I think I will explore the option of a small fan like those found on
some CPU heatsinks.  Probably have one around somewhere and it sounds
like the general consensus is that reducing the heat would be a good
thing.

My main/dev CoCo is one I bought on ebay, premodified in a number of
ways, 6309 and some other handmade improvements.  It runs very well
but some strange things have happened inside.  The power button has
been replaced with a wire nut somehow (works fine) and the power cord
replaced with a heavier and 3 pronged cord.  From these changes and
the newish appearance of the components in the power supply, I think
it may have been replaced or serviced in recent years.  Sounds like
that's a good thing, if true.

I've given it quite a workout in the past week, but it's solid as a
rock so far.  Well.. as stable as any machine can be when I'm making
it run code that I wrote :)

Thanks for the info.
-Aaron


On Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 4:23 PM, Mike Pepe <lamune at doki-doki.net> wrote:
> A small fan will do wonders. The power supply is the weakest link in the chain in CoCos, reducing the temps inside will prolong the power supply's lifetime.
>
> I would also consider changing out the electrolytic filter caps in the power supply, as they do tend to dry out with age and the increasing amounts of AC ripple riding through the supply can't be good for it.
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: coco-bounces at maltedmedia.com [mailto:coco-
>> bounces at maltedmedia.com] On Behalf Of Aaron Wolfe
>> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:16 PM
>> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts
>> Subject: [Coco] Caring for a CoCo
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> As I've been running my development Coco quite a bit lately, I started
>> wondering about what is the best way to keep it running as long as
>> possible.
>> I've also considered running a Coco 24/7 as a server of sorts.  I am
>> not a hardware guy, so a failed component would be a big problem for
>> me.
>>
>> Are there any tips for running an old Coco as "safely" as possible?
>> They seem to get pretty warm along the top side where the vents are,
>> especially my 6309/512k upgraded model.  Would removing the shell
>> improve cooling?  Possibly cutting a hole and installing a small fan?
>> Are the components designed well enough for 24/7 operation in general,
>> and does this raise any special concerns?
>>
>> Thanks for any tips
>> -Aaron
>>
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