PCjr won't turn on

[Tyrop]

I had my PCjr plugged into the wall for over a year and I have been using it on and off during that time. It has now stopped turning on. I turn on the switch and nothing happens - no fan, no picture, no sound, not even a hum. The box on the power cord is slightly warm but not hot. Any thoughts on what I could do?

[jmetal88]

Well, you could start by testing the output from your transformer with a multimeter set to AC volts mode. If you're getting the correct amount there (17v or so?) the next step would be removing the power supply board from inside the PCjr and checking to make sure it's actually giving you 12v, 5v, etc. on that edge connector.

FYI, the PCjr's internal power supply board does have (soldered-in) fuses on board, so if you're not getting anything, it might be that one of those has blown.

[Tyrop]

Thanks, I will have to buy a multimeter. Do the fuses often blow?

[jmetal88]

Not that I'm aware of, but I had mine blow one time when I accidentally shorted something out, so it is something to at least be aware of.

[Tyrop]

I bought a multimeter but I'm not sure if I used it right. I set it to AC with a max voltage of 200V. The power cord has 3 terminals. I tried putting the leads into each one and the most reading I got was 1.7 when I tested one side terminal and the middle terminal. THen I tested both side terminals, I got .6. Then I tested the other side and the middle, I got .7. Since this is a lot less than 17, does it sound like the power cord is the problem? Do these cords fail often, and can they be fixed?

[jmetal88]

I'd probably set the multimeter to the closest number above 17v for AC to test the power cord, just to make sure. I'm unsure whether yours would be the kind where you'd need a multiplier on the voltage.

If the cord has gone out, I kind of doubt it's fixable (though I haven't really looked into it).

I actually have a spare at the moment that I don't need, but it's a little tough for me to get to. I might be able to find it this weekend if it turns out you need a new cord. You can just pay me shipping, one of the other members on here sent it to me for free.

[Tyrop]

Sorry for the delay in responding. It is the power cord. I would definitely like to get a new cord, and if you found your extra one, I would be very happy to pay for the shipping!

[jmetal88]

Alright, I'll try to find it today or tomorrow. I'll let you know when I come up with it.