*Many thanks, I found a leaking capacitor just as you have described. I've ordered new ones and will soon be able to replace it. I'll let you know if that fixes the problem (It should!).** Normand *>* Old DEC Power Control 861C Hi, *>* *>* looks like I am not getting the posting in my e-mail but my messages do get *>* posted. * This issue came up a few months back. Apparently gmail filters the replies to your own messages somewhere (and not to somewhere sensible!). Perhaps somebody else can rememebr the details. *>* I found this replyto my previous message by Tony Duell *>* <cctalk%40classiccmp.org?Subject=Re%3A%20Old%20DEC%20Power%20Control%20861C&In-Reply-To=%3Cm1NM4jS-000J3uC%40p850ug1%3E>in *>* the archives. *>* *>* To follow-up, the 861C emits a crackling noise for the first few seconds (20 *>* or so) and then I can hear a relay chattering (very noisy!). *>* *>* Also the light on the front panel is flashing continuously (maybe that's *>* normal.) * old DEC neons tend to flicker randomly (and it's truely random). The basic design is for the mains : Mains in--->filter --->Breaker-+--->Unswitched outs | +--->Contactor (big relay)-> Switched outs The contactor is controlled (in the 861) by a reed relay on the little PCB inside. This has a differentially-wound coil to give the 'ground for on' and 'ground for off' functionality on the 3 pin connector. The reed relay coil is powered by a little transformer/rectifier/capacitor circuit, mostly on the PCB. My first suspicioun is that capacitor. Open it up and look for any electrolytics on the PCB inside. -tony