Editing Atari Portfolio Capacitor Replacement Guide (section)

== Replacement Procedure ==

=== Tools Required ===

* Temperature-controlled soldering iron (suitable for SMD work — fine tip recommended)
* Solder (leaded 63/37 recommended for ease of work on vintage boards)
* Flux (no-clean liquid flux)
* Desoldering braid or solder sucker
* Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and brushes for cleaning
* Multimeter for verification
* Tweezers (anti-static)
* Magnification (loupe or stereo microscope recommended for SMD components)

=== General Procedure ===

# '''Photograph the board''' before starting — note the orientation and polarity markings of all capacitors
# '''Verify polarity''' — electrolytic capacitors are polarised. The negative terminal is typically marked with a stripe on the capacitor body. On the PCB, look for '''+ markings''' or '''filled/open pad indicators'''
# Apply flux to the capacitor pads
# For SMD electrolytics: heat one pad while gently levering the old capacitor away, then clean both pads with desoldering braid
# For through-hole components (C7 supercapacitor): desolder both leads, clear the through-holes with desoldering braid or a solder sucker
# Clean the pads with IPA
# Place the new capacitor, verify polarity, and solder in place
# Clean the area with IPA to remove flux residue
# '''Inspect under magnification''' for solder bridges or cold joints

=== Replacement Component Specifications ===

When sourcing replacement capacitors:

* '''Match or exceed the original voltage rating''' — never use a lower voltage rating
* '''Match the capacitance value''' — higher capacitance is generally acceptable for filter caps but stay within ±20%
* '''Use low-ESR electrolytic capacitors''' where possible — modern low-ESR aluminium or solid polymer capacitors will outperform the originals
* '''For the supercapacitor (C7):''' Use a '''0.47F 5.5V''' supercapacitor. This is available from major electronics distributors (e.g., Panasonic, KEMET). Ensure the physical size fits the board footprint
* SMD capacitors should match the original footprint size — most are 1206 or slightly larger packages