Macintosh 128K, is it safe to power up after 20 years in storage?

[dliu99]

I have bought a Macintosh 128K and the owner warned that I shouldn't power it up until checking the capacitors, otherwise the board could be fried.

Is it safe to just plug it in and power on? I would like to make sure it works.

THanks.

 

[velocityg4]

I'd open it up and check the capacitors first. That includes the PSU. Before plugging it into power.

 

[dliu99]

Thanks, do you know how much could I sell it for now?

 

[chscag]

Thanks, do you know how much could I sell it for now?

Check prices on eBay and other for sale sites. Will definitely make a difference if it's working.

 

[velocityg4]

Thanks, do you know how much could I sell it for now?

Not sure. But unknown condition is a whole lot less than known to work. So, I'd open it up. Check for bulging or leaky capacitors. If all looks good. Then try to power it up. If any look bad, replace them. If any leaked. Then there may be extensive restoration work needed, if possible. Perhaps just a cleaning of the electrolyte.

Also any indication in an eBay listing that it does work. The buyer may have a case for a return. In which case you'll eat shipping both ways. No returns is meaningless on eBay. If you don't want returns. You have to sell as parts or repair. Which kills the sales price.

 

[Glennikit]

I recently found some old Macs as well, I definitely reccommend removing the PSU, opening it ,and check any of the components, bulgy, wonky looking capacitors etc. Once they seem fine, put it back in (clean it if you can).

If you don't plan on starting it right away, remove the battery if you can. Even if it hasn't leaked, it's probably about time to replace it anyhow.

Good luck, hope it works for ya.