My slug died. No, not the sort that shrivels up when it comes across salt, but my Linksys NSLU2.
As it turns out, the power supply is known to be a bit flaky. Again, dodgy electrolytic capacitors. Who’d have thought it, eh?
The challenge this time was cracking the case open. It’s a wall-wart power supply, and these things are generally glued shut from the inside. With the aid of a (very) sharp knife, I managed to cut open enough of it to stand a chance of prising the rest apart.
And lo, another popped 1000uF 10V capacitor.
NSLU2 power supply cracked open
See the bulge on the green capacitor on the far left? Exactly.
After making sure that the large 400 volt capacitor was discharged (yes, really), I replaced the popped capacitor with one I had lying around, and (very) carefully gave it a whirl. Perfect.
Since there’s another capacitor of the same type on the board, and since I didn’t use a brand new component to replace it, I didn’t really fancy sticking the thing back together with glue. But copious amounts of electrical tape should do the trick for now.
The power supply re-assembled
The slug lives.
Disclaimer: Since we’re dealing with high voltages here, I really ought to say that high voltages are dangerous and that power supplies are glued shut for a reason. Unless you really know what you’re doing, don’t mess with the mains. Switch mode power supplies contain high voltages even after they are unplugged from the mains. Mains electricity can and does kill people. I will not be responsible for any injuries or death which you bring upon yourself or others because you didn’t use your brain.