Time Capsule 500GB (2nd Gen) won't power up -- is it dead?

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Time Capsule 500GB (2nd Gen) won't power up -- is it dead?

Would appreciate some guidance on this issue as I'm curious if this is (A.) known issue; and if so (B.) how to fix if fixable.

BACKGROUND
Two days ago in the midst of a full backup to my 2nd gen 500GB TC, AirPort Utility started to warn me that device was overheating. Was about 5GB into a 300+GB backup at that point. I quickly clicked to end backup, and unplugged 3 cables (ethernet to computer; ethernet to modem; and power cord). Once cooled down (slightly warm but not cold start), I started over but nothing happened. No amber light. Nothing. Waited a day and tried again, this time amber light came one for a few seconds and then same thing: nothing, light switched off.

Note, prior to all of this, I wiped drive clean as I hadn't used it in a few months. Was backing up to another drive and using TC as router only. Switched backup drives when TC started giving problems saying it had no more space. My iMac had less than 300GB at the time, but somehow TC instead of doing incremental backups as it is supposed to, started stacking one full backup on top of another (hence no space given TC = 500GB).

So a couple of days ago, I thought I'd wipe it clean then do fresh full backup and use TimeMachine to backup to both drives (didn't know it could do alternating drive backups before). That's when problem above occurred.

Questions (would sincerely appreciate any help those w/ experience + knowledge on this can offer)

Can my TC be saved or am I looking at a new TC purchase?
If not & replacement is required, are TCs in fact reliable backup drives? Have read a few reports of people complaining of TCs dying inexplicably after 3 or 4 years. Mine is about 4yrs old. I loved simplicity of 2-in-1 device coupled w/ Macs legendary ease-of-use.

time capsule-OTHER

Posted on May 21, 2013 9:22 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

159,866 points

May 21, 2013 9:59 AM in response to azhar

Can my TC be saved or am I looking at a new TC purchase?

Repairs to the TC and replacing the hard drive (which is 5+ years old, so it should be replaced as well) will likely cost more than the cost of a new TC with 2 TB of storage and a new warranty.

If not & replacement is required, are TCs in fact reliable backup drives?

Not really, as Apple uses inexpensive drives in the TC to keep the costs down. The drive is described in the literature as "server grade". It's not.

Have read a few reports of people complaining of TCs dying inexplicably after 3 or 4 years. Mine is about 4yrs old.

3-4 years is about all that you can expect. Most of the 1st Generation TCs failed at 18-24 months due to poor power supply design.

I loved simplicity of 2-in-1 device coupled w/ Macs legendary ease-of-use.

That is the strong point on the TC.

LaPastenague, one of the expert members of the forum, fixes Time Capsules professionally, so he can give you more information if you need it. I'm sure he will offer his comments as well if he sees this post.

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Answer 2

azhar Author

Level 1

10 points

May 21, 2013 11:32 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Your response is case-in-point of why I come here for help: informative, accurate and quick answers. Thanks so much for your help. Really appreciate it!

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Answer 3

May 21, 2013 1:59 PM in response to azhar

I agree with Bob .. the cost of repair is now getting too high unless you DIY..

And 500GB hard disk size is a big limitation. And to replace both disk and power supply will be 50% of the cost of a new one, with no warranty and slower wireless.

I do have a concern that the current TC maybe replaced shortly.. note this is completely unknown.. but Apple are well past the due date if history has any signficance. And it should be a major update this time. If it is relaced at all.. and they don't contract Synology etc to fill the gap.

You can make your present TC last another year.. At a cost of $50US a new power supply from ebay HK. Just search for "Time Capsule Power Supply" They are not a part sold by apple so I have no idea where they are getting them.. still they are delta power supplies and far superior to the flextronics that was used in the majority of Gen 1 and Gen 2.. the flawed power supply Bob refers to.

Or you can DIY a very simple mod.. The TC main board runs on 5v only. You actually can buy a 5v 2A power supply for about $5.. and simply wire it to the existing plug.

Use a 2TB usb drive plugged into the TC.. it is slow..cf the internal drive. But for wireless backup will make no difference.

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Answer 4

azhar Author

Level 1

10 points

May 21, 2013 6:07 PM in response to LaPastenague

Wow! Blown away by info shared and the detail!

Or you can DIY a very simple mod.. The TC main board runs on 5v only. You actually can buy a 5v 2A power supply for about $5.. and simply wire it to the existing plug.

Use a 2TB usb drive plugged into the TC.. it is slow..cf the internal drive. But for wireless backup will make no difference.

I understand per Bob the kind of repair you describe is what you do professionally. Right now the TC is basically a very large iPaperweight so I can't do any further damage to it. I'll give it a shot YouTube video for instructions you describe.

Thanks again

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