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This is intended to make eBay buyers aware of a potential problem with
the original Apple wireless connection point known as the Graphite
AirPort Base Station. This information does not apply to the newer "Snow" ABS, AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express wireless connection points.
Graphite ABS
The original AirPort Base Station, a.k.a. the Graphite ABS, has had a history of problems due to faulty power supply capacitors. I discovered this problem the hard way after purchasing a Graphite ABS on eBay with faulty capacitors. After determining what the problem was I researched a number of on-line sources and I'm now able to diagnose and repair the faulty power supply capacitors myself.
The power supply capacitors generate heat inside the ABS' casing which can shorten the life of the capacitors. While researching how to repair/replace the power supply capacitors I also learned how and where to add ventilation holes to the inner and outer casing of the ABS. This passive ventilation creates air flow through the ABS which keeps the inner components cooler. The pictures below show where I add holes on the outer case to iincrease ventilation.
Apple did refurbish a number of Graphite Base Stations after the power supply capacitor problem was discovered. There are a number of Graphite ABS' out there that still have the original capacitors. I have found some on eBay that were listed as not working. I have also bought a few ABS' for personal use that were listed as working "when they unplugged it" only to discover they had blown power supply capacitors when I received them. An honest mistake? Hard to tell sometimes. If you are looking for a Graphite AirPort Base Station I would be glad to help you out. I occasionally have these refurbished ABS's listed on eBay.
The original AirPort Base Station, a.k.a. the Graphite ABS, has had a history of problems due to faulty power supply capacitors. I discovered this problem the hard way after purchasing a Graphite ABS on eBay with faulty capacitors. After determining what the problem was I researched a number of on-line sources and I'm now able to diagnose and repair the faulty power supply capacitors myself.
The power supply capacitors generate heat inside the ABS' casing which can shorten the life of the capacitors. While researching how to repair/replace the power supply capacitors I also learned how and where to add ventilation holes to the inner and outer casing of the ABS. This passive ventilation creates air flow through the ABS which keeps the inner components cooler. The pictures below show where I add holes on the outer case to iincrease ventilation.
Apple did refurbish a number of Graphite Base Stations after the power supply capacitor problem was discovered. There are a number of Graphite ABS' out there that still have the original capacitors. I have found some on eBay that were listed as not working. I have also bought a few ABS' for personal use that were listed as working "when they unplugged it" only to discover they had blown power supply capacitors when I received them. An honest mistake? Hard to tell sometimes. If you are looking for a Graphite AirPort Base Station I would be glad to help you out. I occasionally have these refurbished ABS's listed on eBay.
Guide created: 11/30/05 (updated 09/05/08)
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