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Apple PowerCD issues

toples50

Well-known member
I have two Apple PowerCDs with one base but no one work.I don’t know the reason…

Any tip? Can I use another power supply from a PowerBook for example?
Can I try the base with batteries?
 

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Byrd

Well-known member
When you clip in a CD, spinning it by hand does it feel “gritty”? If so, the spool often gets pushed in over time or from rough use, it should spin the CD freely. I’ve encountered this on two PowerCDs, the spool could be lifted up with a tape wrapped fine tipped screwdriver. With some coaxing it would “pop” out all of sudden and worked well.
 

toples50

Well-known member
Tried them with another power supply from PowerBook 165 but again they seem dead.(they don’t start at all…)
 

3lectr1cPPC

Well-known member
Do these have any SMD electolytic capacitors in them? Wouldn't surprise me given that they're audio hardware, and they're made during "that time"...
 

3lectr1cPPC

Well-known member
Then I'd check that, it plugs in through the base.
The PowerBook PSUs were 7.5V 2 or 3A, so that probably won't work unless the tolerances in the PowerCD's DC/DC section aren't very tight.
 

robin-fo

Well-known member
Then I'd check that, it plugs in through the base.
The PowerBook PSUs were 7.5V 2 or 3A, so that probably won't work unless the tolerances in the PowerCD's DC/DC section aren't very tight.
The PowerCD appears to be incredibly tolerant… IIRC I once even applied reverse polarity…
 

wottle

Well-known member
I'd throw some batteries in there. Most likely either the base is bad and not supplying power to the unit, or the DC adapter is bad, given that neither work. I have a PowerCD that is broken on the bottom. Any chance you'd be willing to sell one of your units?
 

3lectr1cPPC

Well-known member
Open it up and check if you see any leaking caps. No leaks doesn't mean they're good, but it's still worth checking.
 
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