BBC Micro and Master 128 replacement capactior kit
From the home of the USB DataCentre system for the BBC Micro!

This is a buy-it-now sale for a capacitor service kit, for the BBC Micro Model A, B, B+ and Master 128 series computers, comprising the following components:

• X2 Class capacitor 100nF
• X2 Class capacitor 10nF
• Electrolytic capacitor 220uF

Got your Beeb out of the loft and had a play, only to find after a few minutes of it being on, it goes pop-fizzle-bang in a cloud of smoke? That is one or both of the mains X2 capacitors in the power supply giving up the ghost after 30+ years of trusted service. Even if your machine doesn't pop now, if the power supply hasn't had these caps changed recently, then it's going to happen, and it's best to preempt it now, before it sends it's acrid fragrance through your house.

This kit contains the two X2 capacitors that usually fail like this. It also contains a third electrolytic capacitor. This cap gives your power supply a little kick when switched on, in order to get the switch mode system started, sort of like a starter motor in your car. After 30 years of service, being located on the PCB next to the hot switching transistor, it can dry out, and fail, causing your power supply to not turn on at all.

These three capacitors form the bulk of the servicing the Beeb power supply needs, and are the three I always replace when refurbishing a BBC Micro or Master 128. Yours may need more work, but these three should always be replaced.

For each package sent out I will include a fitting guide, covering the basics of refurbishing the power supplies in both the Model B and Master. If any further work is needed on the PSU, I recommend contacting me for a full diagnosis of the unit. You may also need cable ties to tidy up the job after refitting the board. If you need these, please send a message to me on the order page asking for the ties, and stating if you they are for the Model B or Master power supply (or how many of each you are doing), and I will include them free of charge. I can also supply any of the other replacement components, switches or connectors in the PSU, and replacement mains switches and cables with a moulded UK (or Euro) plug, fitted with the correct crimp connection for a direct and safe fit. Please contact me for details.

Why should you buy this kit over others you may see listed that are cheaper - or even more expensive?

Both types of BBC Micro power supply were designed with specific components of certain sizes in mind. Other kits may supply components that have the wrong lead spacing, which requires you to bend the wires awkwardly to make them fit, or force a component into place making it come into contact with other parts. They also can be budget components, which may well work, but are akin to using OEM parts on your car. You might do so to save a few pennies, but they don't last as long, and may not even be safe.

This kit contains high quality replacement components, with the correct size packages and lead spacing for the PCB. The X2 caps are the same manufacturer, type and part number as the ones originally fitted to most units, and the electrolytic C9 is a high quality, low ESR component from a major manufacturer. Don't be tempted by saving a few pence on alternative kits, this is the "correct" one for both types of Power Supply, and will last another 30 years plus.

NOTE: You will need soldering equipment and skills to be able to fit these components. Working with mains voltages is potentially dangerous, please only attempt this if you are competent to do so. If in any doubt, we can refurbish your power supply for you.

** FIXED UK POSTAGE FOR ANY QTY **