S-100 power supply voltage ranges

From: jrr at flippers.com While I do not know all the ranges of voltages folks here are dealing with on many classic computers I can assure everyone that putting in devices called "Tranzorbs/Transorbs" for machines running with Linear Power Supplies (not as required for switching supplies) may protect your computer from problems with linear power supplies that do not have output voltage protection. In the old days the manufacturers often used devices called "Crowbars" that would literally short out the outputs of the supply if the output voltage rose past a predefined point. This would protect the downstream components from most power supply issues. Lots of folks here are in areas with less than perfectly regulated mains and Transorbs can also smooth down momentary surges. Transorbs can be found with many suppliers and they can easily be added to most power supplies - if you are concerned that the Transorb will burn out (perhaps those 100A 5VDC rails) then you can put a few in and a fuse between the supply and the Transorb (and load). The fuse should blow before the Transorb explodes... MOVs on the line input can protect your devices from lightning strikes, etc. and are contained in good quality surge suppression protection extension cords or UPS supplies. John :-#)#