Amiga 4000/40 users?

[MerlinUK]

I'd be interested in know if there are many Amiga 4000/40 users on here. I owned every Amiga from the Original 1000 up to the Amiga 4000/40. I'm gutted I didn't keep the older models now but life gets in the way. I've just installed WinUAE in the hope I can migrate the data from my Amiga 4000/40's hard drive. The Amiga has been in storage for many years so I'm hoping it will fire up OK. I've put it off as I've been warned that there might be an issue with capacitors and the battery. I've checked the battery is intact but not sure how to go about checking the hundreds of capacitors. They look OK but is it worth taking a chance and firing it up?

 

[Boing-ball]

I'd be interested in know if there are many Amiga 4000/40 users on here. I owned every Amiga from the Original 1000 up to the Amiga 4000/40. I'm gutted I didn't keep the older models now but life gets in the way. I've just installed WinUAE in the hope I can migrate the data from my Amiga 4000/40's hard drive. The Amiga has been in storage for many years so I'm hoping it will fire up OK. I've put it off as I've been warned that there might be an issue with capacitors and the battery. I've checked the battery is intact but not sure how to go about checking the hundreds of capacitors. They look OK but is it worth taking a chance and firing it up?

First off. Get that battery shipped off and removed ASAP if it’s the Original VARTA.
As for caps. Check for any leakage and any smells of fish. As for powering up. Then the only thing to be aware of is the PSU.
You can now a day get PC ATX PSUs and a AtX to A4000 Converter cable if you are wary.

 

[MerlinUK]

First off. Get that battery shipped off and removed ASAP if it’s the Original VARTA.
As for caps. Check for any leakage and any smells of fish. As for powering up. Then the only thing to be aware of is the PSU.
You can now a day get PC ATX PSUs and a AtX to A4000 Converter cable if you are wary.

Thank you. I'll remove the battery when I get home.

First off. Get that battery shipped off and removed ASAP if it’s the Original VARTA.
As for caps. Check for any leakage and any smells of fish. As for powering up. Then the only thing to be aware of is the PSU.
You can now a day get PC ATX PSUs and a AtX to A4000 Converter cable if you are wary.

Does the ATX power supply need to be modified to fit (apart from the converter cable)?

 

[YouKnowWho]

Depends on PS. Some can fit ATXes inside the 4000 PS enclosure for example. You need an adapter, and this Amiga-Bro makes some lovely ones.

For Sale Thread 'Useful Amiga Cables & Adapters'

Mar 17, 2015

I have for sale some useful Amiga Cables and Adapters:
Some of them I sell in other threads, here you can find them better sorted.
Payment: Paypal gift or SEPA Banktransfer. Prices do not include shipping costs.
* All Amiga Video RGB adapters/cables with use precisely modified DSUB25 connectors, if you require original DSUB23 it is for 4€ extra.
* Number of pictures in the post is limited - clicking over a cable/adapter title (or icon near the title) will show larger photo.


ITEMS CONSTANTLY ADDED THRU TIME. RECENTLY ADDED ITEMS ARE MARKED *NEW. ALL...

• a.mi.goun
• Replies: 1,576
• Forum: Amiga

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[MerlinUK]

Thank you. I'll remove the battery when I get home.

Does the ATX power supply need to be modified to fit (apart from the converter cable)?

Battery removed!

 

[YouKnowWho]

You need to put some vinegar on those contacts around it and neutralize all this visible acid. Let it do what it does, then do it again, and again, then clean it with IPA and then considering yourself in the very lucky column. What a lucky 4000. She'll be OK!

...take out that RAM, look around, put some vinegar just to be safe, clean it up, leave it to dry overnight.

 

[MerlinUK]

You need to put some vinegar on those contacts around it and neutralize all this visible acid. Let it do what it does, then do it again, and again, then clean it with IPA and then considering yourself in the very lucky column. What a lucky 4000. She'll be OK!

...take out that RAM, look around, put some vinegar just to be safe, clean it up, leave it to dry overnight.

Thank you for the tip!

 

[Boing-ball]

Battery removed! View attachment 2544492

Unfortunately the battery does look to have possibly leaked. A lot of Green (Acid) spillage on the Chip legs around the battery area. Definitely go with you know who on his advice.

As for ATX replacement PSU. I use Corsair SFX PSU’s with this bracket sold on here:

For Sale Thread 'SFX PSU bracket for Amiga 4000D'

Feb 19, 2023

I made this bracket inspired by project found here: A4k SFX , unfortunately I was not able to unfold it for laser cut. I made similar design from scratch amending a few things. Bracket is made from mild steel 1.2mm powder coated. Power switch and little PCB FDD splitter are included.
Price is 38GBP plus postage (PayPal as a F&F or add PayPal fees). I can post worldwide. Postage within Europe around 15GBP but please be aware about high risk of customs fees.

Updated stock is now: 0 available Next batch ordered 15.06.2025

Price for stainless steel version is...

• arymanx
• Replies: 260
• Forum: Amiga

• 
• 

 

[MerlinUK]

Unfortunately the battery does look to have possibly leaked. A lot of Green (Acid) spillage on the Chip legs around the battery area. Definitely go with you know who on his advice.

As for ATX replacement PSU. I use Corsair SFX PSU’s with this bracket sold on here:

For Sale Thread 'SFX PSU bracket for Amiga 4000D'

Feb 19, 2023

I made this bracket inspired by project found here: A4k SFX , unfortunately I was not able to unfold it for laser cut. I made similar design from scratch amending a few things. Bracket is made from mild steel 1.2mm powder coated. Power switch and little PCB FDD splitter are included.
Price is 38GBP plus postage (PayPal as a F&F or add PayPal fees). I can post worldwide. Postage within Europe around 15GBP but please be aware about high risk of customs fees.

Updated stock is now: 0 available Next batch ordered 15.06.2025

Price for stainless steel version is...

• arymanx
• Replies: 260
• Forum: Amiga

• 
• 

OK thank you!

 

[TjLaZer]

A common fault when they leak and cause damage on the 4000 is a bad RTC. It will either not show one, or it will not let you save the date/time. Use SysInfo to see if it shows the clock and see if it saves time if you add a new battery like the coin cell replacements.

 

[MerlinUK]

A common fault when they leak and cause damage on the 4000 is a bad RTC. It will either not show one, or it will not let you save the date/time. Use SysInfo to see if it shows the clock and see if it saves time if you add a new battery like the coin cell replacements.

OK, Thank you.

 

[sbrentson]

The Varta battery is leaking an alkaline fluid (remember when your D-cell batteries were labeled “alkaline” batteries?). Likely KOH which is a strong base. The residue you see on the traces and pins are products of the oxidation and corrosion. Potassium carbonate and copper sulfate combined form a salty green residue.

While the issue is quite often misrepresented as “acid leaking from the battery”, the corrective measure is usually accurate.

You want to neutralize the base with an acid. Household, distilled vinegar is a fine choice. Allow it to soak the affected areas. But it is also very important to rinse the areas after with distilled water. Isopropyl alcohol is not required, but often useful to prep the area for repairs, which are usually necessary. It’s also very effective in rapidly drying the area.