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Failures That Can Be Detected |
This page provides a basic overview of the types of failures that can be detected by the Commodore Power Monitor. Note that it is not possible to describe all the potential causes of voltage problems, these are simply some likely possibilities.
See the Diagnosing Voltage Warnings page for a description of what action to take in order to discover the specific cause of a voltage warning, and to avoid damage to the computer.
The specific warning/s displayed depends on the type and severity of failure. Remember that if multiple failures are present, this may also cause multiple warnings.
| Failure | Potential Warnings |
|---|---|
| Failing, or failed filter capacitor/s in external power supply | RIPPLE, 5VDC Low |
| Failing or failed internal power supply capacitors or other power supply circuitry inside computer, causing excesive load on external power supply (C64 & C128) | 9VAC Low |
| Failing or failed circuitry in external Power supply | RIPPLE, 5VDC High, 5VDC Low |
| Excessive load on PSU caused by computer, or devices connected to it (eg. tape drive), resulting in low supply voltage | RIPPLE, 5VDC Low, 9VAC Low |
| Blown Fuse inside computer or external power supply | 5VDC Low, 9VAC Low |
| Loose or broken connection in external Power Supply, power cable, power plug/socket, or power switch | 5VDC Low, 9VAC Low |
| Overheated external power supply circuitry | 5VDC Low |
Note that references to the "external power supply" also include the internal 5VDC regulator in early model VIC-20s.