From: nospam.Dennis.Katsonis@f1.n770.z1658.fidonet.org   
      
   -=> Computer Nerd Kev wrote to Dennis Katsonis <=-   
      
    CNK> Dennis Katsonis    
    CNK> wrote:   
    >   
    > Do ceramic caps need to be replaced?  I've noted on my Vic 20, which isn't   
    > displaying an image, most of them appear to have a white powder, one one   
   near   
    > the VIC chip seems to have a small hole.  This might be why there is no   
   image.   
      
      
    CNK> They don't age like electrolytic capacitors, and the exterior   
    CNK> appearance often isn't all that significant, but as with all   
    CNK> components, even resistors, they can and do fail. So they're   
    CNK> a suspect for why your VIC 20 isn't working, but probably not   
    CNK> the most likely one.   
      
   I was able to poke the VIC chip and get it to produce scratchy sound, so it   
   appears to function, partly.  It worked a bit.  Without a replacement VIC chip   
   to try out, I'll try and change the dodgy looking capacitors and see how it   
   goes.   
      
   The VIC does seem to run though.   
      
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