TU56/TC11 restoration

[vrs]

From: "Ashley Carder" <wacarder at usit.net>
> Vince said:
>
> > I used a Vanguard BC-108 (108-130mfd 110-125VAC) to replace one of mine
that
> > had leaked.  They shouldn't be hard to find.
> >
> > The physical form factor is different (smaller), so they don't look like
the
> > original equipment, though.  I just wrapped it in tape until the
diameter
> > was sufficient for the original clamp :-).
>
> My TU56 arrived and I spent some time looking over it.  It is missing a
> G742 module, but has a "homemade" card in its place.  It is also missing
> two M941 jumper/extender cards.  Otherwise it appears to be complete.
> I need a couple of empty take-up reels.  Does anyone have any of these
> or the G742 or M941s?  I don't want to waste decent DECtapes just
> to get empty reels.

The jumper part of the M941 I can probably help with; I don't have any real
M941, but I think the extender part is used with some test equipment or
other.

> It is quite dusty and has some cat hairs on it.  I'm thinking I should
> dis-assemble some of it and get rid of the dust that has adhered to most
> things.  What's the best way to clean the backplane to restore it to what
> should be a functional, clean condition?

Knowing where you got it, I'd guess those are dog hairs :-).  Sorry no
advice on removing it, except perhaps to try to gently vaccum it out.

> I looked at the capacitors and they don't appear to have leaked (yet).
> I also discovered that it likely has not been powered on since 1989.
> Would it be prudent to go ahead and replace the capacitors, or should
> I use the "power up slowly" method described by others so the the
> capacitors can be re-formed?

I though he had powered it up more recently than that (though probably for
only a few minutes).

    Vince