Commodore VIC-20 Capacitor Replacement Guide: Difference between revisions

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A fresh capacitor set restores clean DC rails, reduces video noise, cures random resets, and protects rare MOS chips from over-ripple voltage spikes.
A fresh capacitor set restores clean DC rails, reduces video noise, cures random resets, and protects rare MOS chips from over-ripple voltage spikes.


== 🔍 Visual Inspection & Failure Signs ==
== Visual Inspection & Failure Signs ==
* '''Bulging tops''' – Any domed aluminium case is a near-certain failure.   
* '''Bulging tops''' – Any domed aluminium case is a near-certain failure.   
* '''Electrolyte residue''' – Brown crust or oily film at the capacitor base.   
* '''Electrolyte residue''' – Brown crust or oily film at the capacitor base.   
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If '''any''' of the above are present – or if the machine is 40 years old and un-serviced – replace the full set.
If '''any''' of the above are present – or if the machine is 40 years old and un-serviced – replace the full set.


== 📋 VIC-20 Logic-Board Capacitor Lists (by Assy #) ==
== VIC-20 Logic-Board Capacitor Lists (by Assy #) ==
The VIC-20 only has a single logic / power-supply board – there is no separate analogue board – so the tables below are everything you need.
The VIC-20 has a single logic board the tables below contain all the replaceable capacitors.


=== 🖥️ Early 2-Prong Board (Assy 324003 & “214003”) ===
=== Early 2-Prong Board (Assy 324003 & “214003”) ===
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Early VIC-20 Capacitors'''
|+'''Early VIC-20 Capacitors'''
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|}
|}


*Values mirror Commodore service-manual BOM; some very early 1981 PCBs mark C10/C12 as 35 V parts – 25 V or 35 V replacements are both acceptable.*
''Values mirror Commodore service-manual BOM; some very early 1981 PCBs mark C10/C12 as 35 V parts – 25 V or 35 V replacements are both acceptable.''


=== 💡 Cost-Reduced “VIC-20 CR” Board (Assy 250403) ===
=== Cost-Reduced “VIC-20 CR” Board (Assy 250403) ===
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Cost-Reduced VIC-20 Capacitors'''
|+'''Cost-Reduced VIC-20 Capacitors'''
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> '''Board markings vary.''' Commodore deleted the on-board 7805 on Assy 250403, so the '''4 700 µF can is absent'''; the largest can you will see is 1 000 µF. Always cross-check against your board silkscreen before ordering.
> '''Board markings vary.''' Commodore deleted the on-board 7805 on Assy 250403, so the '''4 700 µF can is absent'''; the largest can you will see is 1 000 µF. Always cross-check against your board silkscreen before ordering.


== 🛠️ Recapping Procedure ==
== Recapping Procedure ==
# '''Disassemble''' – Remove six case screws, slide keyboard forward, lift the RF shield.   
# '''Disassemble''' – Remove six case screws, slide keyboard forward, lift the RF shield.   
# '''Label cables''' – Photos help when reconnecting the power-LED & keyboard flex.   
# '''Label cables''' – Photos help when reconnecting the power-LED & keyboard flex.   
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# '''Re-form (optional)''' – Bring the board up on a bench supply through a 1 Ω resistor for the first 30 s to reform large cans gently.
# '''Re-form (optional)''' – Bring the board up on a bench supply through a 1 Ω resistor for the first 30 s to reform large cans gently.


== ⚙️ Post-Recap Voltage Checks ==
== Post-Recap Voltage Checks ==
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:75%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:75%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Expected Rails (No-Cartridge, BASIC Prompt)'''
|+'''Expected Rails (No-Cartridge, BASIC Prompt)'''
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|}
|}


*An oscilloscope should show < 50 mV p-p ripple on +5 V after recap.*
''An oscilloscope should show < 50 mV p-p ripple on +5 V after recap.''


== 🧰 Recommended Tools & Parts ==
== Recommended Tools & Parts ==
* 60 W temperature-controlled iron (fine conical tip)   
* 60 W temperature-controlled iron (fine conical tip)   
* Desolder‐pump '''and''' braid – VIC pads lift easily if overheated.   
* Desolder‐pump '''and''' braid – VIC pads lift easily if overheated.   
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[[Category:Commodore Systems]]
[[Category:Commodore Systems]]
[[Category:Commodore Maintenance Guides]]
[[Category:Capacitor Replacement Guides]]
[[Category:Capacitor Replacement Guides]]