I think the only thing that "goes bad" after sitting for long times without use is the electrolytic capacitors inside the machine. Of course, if they go bad it could lead to other parts going bad or at least not working correctly. So turning it on and off on occasion might prolong the life of the caps, but that is about it.orion70 wrote:I thought the main problem was turning on the VIC after a long time of inactivity, but now I read it's a chip overheating issue.
So, it's not true that I prevent the two Commodores I have at home from dying (forget the ones left in the garage ) if I let them on for 6-8 hours per month? Am I taking needless risks?
The death of another VIC
Moderator: Moderators
- eslapion
- ultimate expander
- Posts: 5458
- Joined: Fri Jun 23, 2006 7:50 pm
- Location: Canada
- Occupation: 8bit addict
Turning on your VIC or other old computer every once in a while does prevent electrolitic capacitors aging.orion70 wrote:I thought the main problem was turning on the VIC after a long time of inactivity, but now I read it's a chip overheating issue.
However, this does not change the fact that because of the way the VIC was designed, the video chip is not cooled adequately.
Back then it didn't matter too much because these machines were not expected to last much more than about 2 years anyways.
Be normal.
It is generally agreed that the effects of oxidation may be retarded, or reduced, with periodic powering of equipment.eslapion wrote:Turning on your VIC or other old computer every once in a while does prevent electrolitic capacitors aging.
Go back and read your book again.
While a heatsink may be helpful, I don't think there is any empirical evidence that failure of 6560/6561 video chip is due to thermal problems.eslapion wrote:However, this does not change the fact that because of the way the VIC was designed, the video chip is not cooled adequately.
From where do you gain this insight of design criteria? Do you have access to Commodore engineering notes or specifications?eslapion wrote:Back then it didn't matter too much because these machines were not expected to last much more than about 2 years anyways.
For a guy who purports to have above average intellect (based on AS), you sure post a lot of things as fact, that are somewhat screwed up.
Mega-Cart: the ultimate cartridge for your Commodore Vic-20
- eslapion
- ultimate expander
- Posts: 5458
- Joined: Fri Jun 23, 2006 7:50 pm
- Location: Canada
- Occupation: 8bit addict
Why would I go back and read my "book" again if I say the same thing as you?6502dude wrote:It is generally agreed that the effects of oxidation may be retarded, or reduced, with periodic powering of equipment.eslapion wrote:Turning on your VIC or other old computer every once in a while does prevent electrolitic capacitors aging.
Go back and read your book again.
Anyways, capacitor aging usually has nothing to do with "oxydation". The degradation of the electrolites and dielectric is a complex chemical process which varies with the type of chemical used.
Check it with a thermocouple... a chip running above 60 C is slowly self destroying.While a heatsink may be helpful, I don't think there is any empirical evidence that failure of 6560/6561 video chip is due to thermal problems.eslapion wrote:However, this does not change the fact that because of the way the VIC was designed, the video chip is not cooled adequately.
Got any explanation why the warranty was only 3 months?From where do you gain this insight of design criteria? Do you have access to Commodore engineering notes or specifications?eslapion wrote:Back then it didn't matter too much because these machines were not expected to last much more than about 2 years anyways.
For a guy who purports to have above average intellect (based on AS), you sure post a lot of things as fact, that are somewhat screwed up.
Be normal.