Denial

I just picked up a VC20 with a Microgramma keyboard. Serial number WGA3925 (boxed with matching serial) in mint condition. I asked the seller to test for me before sending, sadly he replied 10 mins later that it was dead. Infact it is blowing fuses, and he measured over 12v on the PSU and offered me a refund.

Nevertheless I decided to push ahead just for condition, serial number and box. I wanted to even ask advice what could possibly cause the short.

Anyway I tested the PSU, and on my multimeter it measured 10.4vAC which for me is pretty nornal. Infact I was struggling to believe a transformer can break and deliver 12vAC.

Next I decided to remove the dead fuse and replace it with a T3.15amp from my parts box.

Nervously I connected to my monitor. To the PSU and flicked the switch. Taa-daa. It worked, I did a double take, pressed the composite button on the back of the 1084. Colour too now. Incredible. I left the old girl for a few minutes to warm up before powering up, and connecting the test harness and cartridge. All tests fine. No issues at all.

I can only assume the previous owner's fuses were blowing as they were the wrong rating? My fading eyes can't see the writing on it.

Update

My 12 year old confirms the writing was T1.0amp

Was it an ebay purchase? I think I was looking at that one a few days ago!

Bobbi wrote:Was it an ebay purchase? I think I was looking at that one a few days ago!

No. I didn't but from eBay. Please post the link. I'd like to see.

It was a couple weeks ago. I nearly grabbed it for the Microgramma keyboard, since I have the other two styles, but I resisted the temptation!

Maybe:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/122178393747
or
http://www.ebay.de/itm/351903837418
or
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/132012315887

This was an NTSC machine on ebay.com, so I guess we are looking in different places

I guess I didn't register that you said VC20, not VIC20

And the WGA serial is "Made in West Germany" for the domestic market (B for UK & C elsewhere)