Chris returns with CD32 Repair Journey Part 2, tackling the restoration of his friend Lee’s Amiga CD32. In Part 1, Chris successfully revived his own console. This time, he applies those hard-earned lessons to Lee’s machine.
Before starting, Chris confirms the unit boots but may still have sound issues. Since CD32 capacitors often leak after decades, a full recap is essential. Chris wastes no time—replacing nearly 30 surface-mounted caps and several through-hole capacitors.
Tools, Methods, and Strategy
Chris uses a combination of soldering irons, SMD tweezers, and a desoldering gun. To avoid errors, he marks cap locations and matches ratings before soldering. Then, he tests with precision to make sure each part behaves as expected.
He shares helpful advice along the way. For example, removing one capacitor size at a time prevents mixing ratings. Chris also emphasizes using extra flux to improve solder flow and reduce heat damage.
Fixing SMD and Through-Hole Caps
Several tricky caps require multiple tools. Chris demonstrates the two-iron method for tight spots and shows how to “walk out” larger caps safely. He even cleans up corroded pads with solder wick and alcohol.
After replacing the components, he checks alignment and polarity. Each cap gets tested for a solid fit before trimming leads and cleaning up residue.
Testing the Results
With the recap complete, it’s time to test. Chris connects the CD32 using an S-Video cable. The result? Sharper video and working audio. He boots up The Chaos Engine, confirming smooth performance and improved visual clarity.
He explains how S-Video avoids the color bleed and dot crawl found in composite output. The difference is visible. Individual pixels are now clearly defined.
Final Thoughts
Lee’s CD32 is now fully functional. Chris confirms all capacitors are in the correct orientation. Testing shows no audio or video issues.
Unlike Chris’s first repair—where a pad lifted—Lee’s board escaped damage. Thanks to careful preparation, the recap finished cleanly. The improved output proves the effort was worth it.
Chris plans to return the machine at the next Kickstart event. He also hints at future content, including more CD32 game tests and HDMI upgrade options.
