Hi All,

I have a small question for the community.
Not long ago I picked up a nice looking TRS-80 computer with a matching
TRS-80 Video Display, modem and cassette player/recorder. Display had been given away for free immediately, because I simply do not have a place for it. And I am more interested in computer itself.
Now, getting closer to the question I wanted to ask, this computer has a problem. Before plugging in the original PSU, I checked the output voltages, and those seemed to be ok. But when I try to turn on the computer, the power LED turns on for a second, then something clicks inside the computer, and
LED turns off. Second later this cycle repeats.
I haven't opened the case yet, but decided to ask the community first: what could be causing this problem? Clicking sounds like some kind of relay is switching off, but I am pretty sure, there should be no mechanical relays inside. Most probably something is dead/shorted, but why would it produce a sound then?
Please explain what that could be, so I would start looking at it first after
I open the case.

Thank you.

> Anton Mikhaylov AKA twix <

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A42 2019/02/01 (Linux/64)
* Origin: twixed BBS (1:275/98)

Anton Mikhaylov wrote to All <=-

I have a small question for the community.
Not long ago I picked up a nice looking TRS-80 computer with a matching TRS-80 Video Display, modem and cassette player/recorder. Display had
been given away for free immediately, because I simply do not have a
place for it. And I am more interested in computer itself.
Now, getting closer to the question I wanted to ask, this computer has
a problem. Before plugging in the original PSU, I checked the output voltages, and those seemed to be ok. But when I try to turn on the computer, the power LED turns on for a second, then something clicks inside the computer, and LED turns off. Second later this cycle
repeats. I haven't opened the case yet, but decided to ask the
community first: what could be causing this problem? Clicking sounds
like some kind of relay is switching off, but I am pretty sure, there should be no mechanical relays inside. Most probably something is dead/shorted, but why would it produce a sound then?
Please explain what that could be, so I would start looking at it first after I open the case.

You should start by telling us what model of TRS-80 you have.


... Take my advice, I don't use it anyway.
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Hi Ron,

You should start by telling us what model of TRS-80 you have.

Oh, yes. It is a TRS-80 Model I.

> Anton Mikhaylov AKA twix <

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A42 2019/02/01 (Linux/64)
* Origin: twixed BBS (1:275/98)

Quoting Anton Mikhaylov to Ron Lauzon <=-

Hi Ron,

You should start by telling us what model of TRS-80 you have.

Oh, yes. It is a TRS-80 Model I.

Based on my TRS-80 model I, the plastic is getting very brittle through age.
There is a high probability that you will break the plastic posts that the
case screws screw into.

As to the problem, you probably have a short somewhere in the case.
Blown capacitor possibily (they weren't intended to last this long).


... ARRRRRGGGHHH!!!! ... Tension breaker, had to be done.
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