Picture of a SETI Cruncher in trouble -- NOW Fixed!

[IsOs]

Here's what it looks like

I'm trying to find 4700uf 6.3V capacitors locally. The nearest value I available here is 47oouf 16V, which is about 1/8 inch too wide to fit side by side. I wonder if this is the only problem with the board. Without testing equipment and schematic, I could only guess the function of this board. I wonder how critical is staying on the same specs. Would it kill something else if the capacitor is bigger, a question that comes in mind.

 

[JWMiddleton]

Ugh...I hate it when that happens! :disgust: I had same problem on a Soyo BX board, but didn't know it. Took the board to the shop and the owner replaced two caps in about 15 minutes and the board has crunched SETI for a year since. So, yes that could be your only problem.

Good luck!

 

[IsOs]

The available caps are 1.70 each but a little bigger, 16v. I guess I could replace it just to test if it will work then special order the correct part from the mainland.

I'm gladd it's not like this BP6

 

[vss1980]

The capacitor voltage ratings are just max ratings for the component. A capacitor rated at 200v 1000uF should act the same as one rated 5v 1000uF as long as the farad rating is the same (ok they wont be exactly identical in charge/discharge characteristics, but should be within normal tolerance).

Capacitors will only charge up to the voltage applied to it, so if you have a 50v capacitor and only 10v is applied across it (or there is a 10v change in voltage across it when a signal changes), then the capacitor will only build up a charge at 10v.

It is possible that specific components may work better in some applications, but electronically a 4700uF 6.3v capacitor should perform near identical to a 4700uF 16v capacitor. I'm pretty sure they use the lowest acceptable value that they can get away with without sacrificing stability to keep cost down.

 

[networkman]

I think those caps are actually infested by some Alien-like creature from the movies just waiting to burst out and wreak havoc in your computer!! :Q :Q

 

[IsOs]

I'll check under my bed tonight, just in case they're hiding down there

 

[IsOs]

It's working once again. The replacement capacitors are much bigger so fitting them on the same location is not easy.

I'm so desperate in looking for additional SETI power