Introduction
I recently posted about purchasing an Apple IIe computer. Shortly after this the RIFA capacitor in the power supply unit (PSU) of my Apple IIe Platinum computer blew in spectacular fashion with load crackles and lots of smelly smoke. I had the computer one for an hour doing a RAM test when it blew. Fortunately, it did not seem to damage the motherboard and computer is working fine. This is not an uncommon occurrence, and I should have known to replace the RIFA. Since the capacitor blew, I decided to replace it with a newly made PSU.
Case Study
It is easy to remove and install PSUs in the Apple II. There are several screws under the computer holding it to the case. There is also a power cable going to the motherboard with some clips that need to be released for removal. I use a flathead screwdriver to gently release the clips. That is pretty much it!
I purchased my newly made PSU from ReactiveMicro that specializes in Apple II hardware. Unfortunately, these are quite expensive at $120. I felt it was worth it for my IIe Platinum. I won’t have to worry about the PSU again.
They do offer a replacement board for your PSU enclosure that is about $80.
You can also send them your board for refurbishing ($90).
You can buy a recap kit from Console 5 for about $11 if you would like to do the work yourself. Note the RIFA replacement can always go bad later.
Comments
ReactiveMicro has some pretty strict policies about when you can contact them and about what. Be sure you read that carefully before ordering. I paid for Priority Mail through USPS and they took their time getting it out. It was only a priority once it was in the hands of USPS and they were actually late getting it to SoCal from Washington.