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Question electronics

cloudff7

Why do some electronic devices that were working stop working if they remain unpowered for long periods? Is there an explanation for this and is it possible to avoid it?

  • Components especially electrolytic capacitors dry out. It not from use but age. I have a set of hips that have the same problem:)

  • Like has pointed out, This could be due to dried out electrolytic capacitors. 
    Or it can be due to corrosion or some deposits on the PCB. You could do a visual inspection and make sure it's not the case.
    A good quality semiconductor part wont go bad if you haven't used it in a while. 

  • in reply to anniel747

    Quality parts improve the longevity of equipment. Design and manufacturing also play a part. 

    On a recent trip to the Panama canal, the tour guide operator was providing a comparison commentary between the two canals. She definitely favoured the American built structure, for quality and durability.

    At dinner I asked our group what sort of budget constraints would the Army Corp of Engineers have been given when the American project was built compared to the most recent structure. Given the constraints how might the two structure differ?

    We buy products with a lifetime warranty. What does that mean? How long should we be able to drive a new car before it needs replacing?

    I'm the first to stand up in frustration after a quality product (I think) I purchased goes south after a short period of time. That quality product had my budget constraints when I purchased it as well as budget constraints when it was built. 

    A last minute theory thought. It is understood power cycling equipment diminishes the life expectancy. The thermal action caused by components heating and cooling reduce the life of components. I leave my personal computer on to avoid power cycle.

    I worked on computer systems that were power cycled rarely, one was three years. When power down maintenance was required I purchased replacement hard drives. I told the project manager I didn't have the confidence the drives would spin back up after they cooled. Having drives on hand if the need arises would reduce the downtime.

  • in reply to colporteur

     It seems that you have a very good knowledge of the subject. 

  • in reply to anniel747

    Sorry about that:)

    I'm retired and the missus has gone to work so I have some downtime to read and write. I enjoy hanging out with the people here.

    40 years that expanded five different careers in technology and a mental health breakdown provided me earned experience to draw upon.

  • in reply to colporteur

     Working full time here and the PC never powers down unless forced to. 

  • Don't forget batteries die and corrode connectors. Power down conditions can't drive off moisture that can cause issues on poor solder joints and pads, and some components will absorb moisture to cause internal degradation. 

  • I think the OP's context is game systems (a couple of the earlier questions were regarding LCD display longevity, and capacitor life). Game systems are made down to a cost, nothing the OP can do will preserve those products indefinitely (you'll be lucky if nothing within them fails within a few decades) - and it's more practical to run the games themselves forever in emulators and on newer hardware in future.

  • in reply to shabaz

    my devices: consoles snes and ps2 slim, tvboxes, handheld consoles (without battery), tv crt 29", hdds, cartridges snes, power supply 12v or 5v

    my room storage temperature varies 34-36C humidity 59-70% i use dehumidifier compressor

    what tips prevents fails?