25 Sep
1997
25 Sep
'97
10:52 a.m.
I've seen several postings about what components
"should" or "shouldn't"
be in a vintage system. What's the feeling on replacing TTL chips, voltage
regulators, etc? Should I scour the land to find "vintage" parts or can I
buy stuff from regular electronics stores? (I don't actually KNOW that I
need to replace anything yet, just asking)
With something this valuable (historical or otherwise), I would use
vintage parts for the most case. The only things I would be hesitant to
use are vintage electrolytic capacitors - they tend to age badly and can
ruin your whole day). Use somewhat modern capacitors.
The most important thing is the document EVERYTHING you do - pictures,
notes, etc. Also, mark any replaced components with a brief note - if the
machine and your notes seperate, future historians will have more to work
with. The notes (maybe scribing the new chips), or attaching a tough
label) need not be big nor right up front, just obvious enough to anyone
doing a historical audit of the thing.
While some of this seems far fetched or overkill, if you ever decide to
sell the thing, it may make a big difference in the price.
William Donzelli
william(a)ans.net