Digest for sci.electronics.repair@googlegroups.com - 4 updates in 2 topics

Adrian Caspersz <email@here.invalid>: Jan 30 11:45PM

On 30/01/16 11:10, N_Cook wrote:
> Poundland, so 1GBP per lamp, now have 3 LED 2.6W 4000k mains lamps, that
> come apart with 2x3 screws, easily removed 3 LEDs, 3 separate
> condenser/focus lenses and for good measure 3.3uF,400V cap
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8at4melSH4
 
 
--
Adrian C
N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 31 09:29AM

On 30/01/2016 23:45, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
>> come apart with 2x3 screws, easily removed 3 LEDs, 3 separate
>> condenser/focus lenses and for good measure 3.3uF,400V cap
 
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8at4melSH4
 
Yes, the main transistor is (PHE/ST/MJE etc)13003 700V , 1.5W TO92 and
also 1N4007 SMD, I assume the LV side smoothing chip cap is a useful
muffery.
He did not remove an LED there. It would expose the weakness. If the
heatsink plate bows at all ,then the LEDs (great for hackability though)
only have white goo between their heatsink backing and the lamp's
heatsinking disc
N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 31 11:46AM

And a parts-mule of 3 of those very tiny CSK screws that hold the
innards of laptops together.
N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 31 11:44AM

Back to perfect working order. Quite a bit of space in there but no
100nF 400V(decided to up from 250V rating) cap laying around, but 4x
.47uF 100V in series went in there with room to spare. This will be a
stock fault with these nice compact drills, I use mine on a daily basis
it seems. While in there a better idea of anti-vibration fudge for the
pot knob, simply a small O ring over the pot shaft, before replacing the
knob, to bind slightly as it is compressed slightly when fitted in the
casing.
I left the TIC226 triac in there as running perfectly normally.
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Digest for sci.electronics.repair@googlegroups.com - 5 updates in 4 topics

N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 30 11:10AM

Poundland, so 1GBP per lamp, now have 3 LED 2.6W 4000k mains lamps, that
come apart with 2x3 screws, easily removed 3 LEDs, 3 separate
condenser/focus lenses and for good measure 3.3uF,400V cap
Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 29 11:26PM

On Thu, 28 Jan 2016 16:40:00 -0500, legg wrote:
 
 
> You won't want to hook it up and disconnect it every time you need to
> switch over.
 
> RL
 
Sounds like a useful addition to any test bench. I've probably already
got a suitable transformer lying around waiting for just such a project.
Plus no shortage of "uncommitted oscilloscopes." :)
ggherold@gmail.com: Jan 29 01:06PM -0800

On Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 5:53:16 PM UTC-5, ذكريات حسن wrote:
> I have checked the water level, interlock, and tube pressure, and every thing is ok. Also, I think there is no problem with the resistance of the four fuses in the power supply.
 
> Is there any way to fix this laser without changing the laser tube?
> Thanks
 
Cue Sam Goldwasser, you might look here,
http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserfaq.htm#faqtoc
And try your question at sci.optics
 
George H.
Tim R <timothy42b@aol.com>: Jan 29 10:34AM -0800

There is a street light I pass frequently that occasionally flashes like a strobe.
 
I've seen a bright flash at that corner a number of times over the past year or two, but never saw the source. Usually there's a building blocking it and all I see is the street light up.
 
This past week I was coming from the other direction and clearly saw the street light flash twice, very brightly.
 
These lights are bluish white, I've always assumed they were mercury vapor, but don't really know. It's not a city likely to have moved to LED.
 
Is there a failure mode for a discharge lamp that would produce that?
dplatt@coop.radagast.org (Dave Platt): Jan 29 11:48AM -0800


>These lights are bluish white, I've always assumed they were mercury vapor, but don't really know. It's not a city
>likely to have moved to LED.
 
>Is there a failure mode for a discharge lamp that would produce that?
 
High-pressure sodium lights exhibit a "cycling" on-and-off behavior when
they reach end of life. However, when I've seen this it's been a
fairly slow cycle, and didn't exhibit the sort of bright strobe-like
flash you describe.
 
I suppose that you could be seeing a mercury-vapor lamp with a failing
bulb and/or ballast, where the ballast sends a strong pulse to
"strike" the lamp and get the arc flowing (hence the flash) and a
fault in the bulb causes an over-current or under-current condition
which then shuts down the arc almost immediately.
 
Pragmatically, you might want to write down the streetlamp pole number
(if it has one) and contact the city's public-works department and
report the problem.
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Digest for sci.electronics.repair@googlegroups.com - 15 updates in 3 topics

N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 28 01:23PM

I replaced the triac with similar rating and same symptom.
Runs perfectly smoothly, bypassing the control pcb, feeding 60V,.15A DC
bench ps. Pot and Rs ok, DB3 diac tests ok dropping +/-30V on droppered
35V supply. Even checked the switch current carrying . Just leaves 2
caps, that I've not ESR'd or LCR'd yet.
A better triac match required?
Clifford Heath <no.spam@please.net>: Jan 29 08:10AM +1100

On 29/01/16 01:52, N_Cook wrote:
> stator, good ESR but only about 50nF.
> Perhaps spark eroded away and now arcing across internally, anyway will
> find a replacement for that and retry on mains
 
My Dremel sometimes fails to start, but runs ok once push-started. Bad
at low speed. Commutator looks ok, so I was assuming internal shorts in
the armature, rather than problems with the controller. Am I wrong?
 
A similar problem to yours however...
whit3rd <whit3rd@gmail.com>: Jan 28 04:24PM -0800

On Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 5:24:00 AM UTC-8, N_Cook wrote:
> I replaced the triac with similar rating and same symptom.
> Runs perfectly smoothly, bypassing the control pcb
 
Ordinarily, stuttering means the brushes are sticky or dirty,
and not making consistent commutator contact. It could be,
though, that your triac is false-triggering (there ought to be
a gate-to-cathode resistor or resistor+capacitor that prevents
false triggering).
 
Are you sure that component is a triac? There are similar devices
called 'quadracs' that have an inbuilt trigger.
Jon Elson <elson@pico-systems.com>: Jan 28 10:17PM -0600

Clifford Heath wrote:
 
 
 
> My Dremel sometimes fails to start, but runs ok once push-started. Bad
> at low speed. Commutator looks ok, so I was assuming internal shorts in
> the armature, rather than problems with the controller. Am I wrong?
If there are shorted turns in the armature, the motor will run slow, vibrate
and get very hot. The shorted turn is acting like a brake. An open in one
wire will make it lose torque, and possibly have a dead spot where it won't
start, but otherwise will mostly run.
 
Jon
N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 29 09:25AM

On 29/01/2016 00:24, whit3rd wrote:
> false triggering).
 
> Are you sure that component is a triac? There are similar devices
> called 'quadracs' that have an inbuilt trigger.
 
Main control is a Z0409MF triac.
If a short in the windings then it would not work well on DC, even if
only 60V. I'll try a diode on a variac while the pcb is removed to check
for higher V internal arcing.
In a couple of hours I'll put in a new 100nF and crack open the old one
and look for errosion of the film metalisation.
Generally I'm very impressed with this Workzone WCT 135, I bought a
second for a spare luckily. Just 2 safety issues, needs a shroud around
the on/off switch and a brake on the pot knob from vibrating around,
both easily modified.
N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 29 09:28AM

On 29/01/2016 04:17, Jon Elson wrote:
> wire will make it lose torque, and possibly have a dead spot where it won't
> start, but otherwise will mostly run.
 
> Jon
 
no overheating or smoke/smells.
Cold testing showed consistent <>12.5R segment to segment, consistent
<>50R across brushes and <>120R overall, while turning the rotor
N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 29 12:50PM

With a 1n4006 on a variac, perfectly happy with 70% mains , quasi DC ,
presumably about 180V peaks.
Autopsy on the cap. No obvious smoke trails inside or burning smell,
just a "chemical" hot polyester clothing out of a tumble drier sort of
smell. Minimum metalisation mid way into the bulk of the layup, only 1/3
of width of metal remaining, so presumably local heating there so run
away and the metal there looked very suspect , grey, not mirror and
microscopic pin holes
"Michael A. Terrell" <mike.terrell@earthlink.net>: Jan 28 01:00AM -0500


> I don't know how you get here, but Google and aioe or whatever seem to be the only free ways to do it. Actually I probably should get a paid service but then, who gets that money ? Originally I got here via AOL but they stopped doing everything I wanted so I got rid of them.
 
 
There are a lot of free, or dirt cheap NNTP servers. It is included
with any Earthlink account and I can set up, up to eight Usenet accounts
with my Broadband account. One for each Email account.
T Wood <f6ceedb9c75b52f7fcc0a55cf0cfbf5d_1028@example.com>: Jan 29 12:37AM

responding to
http://www.electrondepot.com/repair/sherwood-rx-5502-receiver-protection-shutdown-repair-thoug-134725-.htm
, T Wood wrote:
> a month old. I think six months would be good. At least there's a good
> chan
> ce the people are still alive.
 
If you really care to know--I did a goggle search and found the info on
electrodepot.com. I replied through that web site. I have no idea what Usenet
is. I just know there is at least one ass that like calling people idiots
thekmanrocks@gmail.com: Jan 28 05:10PM -0800

T Wood wrote: "electrodepot.com. I replied through that web site. I have no idea what Usenet
is. I just know there is at least one ass that like calling people idiots "
 
 
Most folks born after 1980 wouldn't. Basically,
usenet WAS the internet. A worldwide "distributed
discussion system" according to Wikipedia:
 
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usenet
 
And many traditional Usenet users become very
irate and take it personal when someone - like
me - interacts with usenet groups via Google or
some other non-standard usenet interface.
What they see coming into the group from
a non-NNTP source is out of the ordinary that
the context of the message is lost.
 
But still, no reason for them to be jerks about it. ;)
"Mark Zacharias" <mark_zacharias@sbcglobal.net>: Jan 28 06:41AM -0600

"Cursitor Doom" <curd@notformail.com> wrote in message
news:n8cv5k$3i4$3@dont-email.me...
 
>> mz
 
> But you still find that exposes every form of damage you encounter in
> practice?
 
I never said "every form" but it is a powerful tool.
 
Like oscilloscopes.
 
Like multimeters.
 
Like an esr tester. (Even though the "curve tracer" can give a quick check
of esr in many situations.)
 
It's usable in-circuit and once a person is proficient with it, can VERY
often cut troubleshooting time dramatically. (Test current is
resistance-limited, depends on exact schematic of the curve tracer. There
are many variations.)
 
We all have our favorite tools and little tricks to help us in what we do.
 
This is just one more.
 
 
Mark Z.
"Mark Zacharias" <mark_zacharias@sbcglobal.net>: Jan 28 06:46AM -0600

http://www.techlib.com/electronics/curvetrace.html
 
A sample curve tracer "octopus" schematic.
 
mz
Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 28 01:34PM

On Thu, 28 Jan 2016 06:46:59 -0600, Mark Zacharias wrote:
 
> http://www.techlib.com/electronics/curvetrace.html
 
> A sample curve tracer "octopus" schematic.
 
> mz
 
Thanks, Mark. I'll take a look on youtube see if I can find any tips on
how to use these under practical conditions to take in-circuit
measurements. I have more than enough scopes here with x-y/comp tester
inputs.
legg <legg@nospam.magma.ca>: Jan 28 04:40PM -0500

On Wed, 27 Jan 2016 00:43:30 -0000 (UTC), Cursitor Doom
>> inspection and simple open/short or bias testing.
 
>> RL
 
>Nice - but a bit pricey!
 
Hence the jig on offer. Just add your own uncommited oscilloscope...
 
You won't want to hook it up and disconnect it every time you need to
switch over.
 
RL
jurb6006@gmail.com: Jan 28 04:24PM -0800

We used to make those out of a 6.3 volt transformer and a couple of resistors.
 
Later I figured out a neater one for caps. You need a 1 KHz square wave of 400 mV with as close to 350 ohms source impedance as possible.
 
I can check caps with it from about 0.47 uF all the way up. If you can manage to, have the 400 mV square wave ride on 200 mV DC and it will also automatically detect shorts.
 
It is way faster than any ESR meter out there, even the old Wonderbox. Once you learn how to read it that is. And it is easier to see than almost any analog or digital display.
 
One of these days I plan on doing a writeup on it but I want to get a bunch of pictures depicting the readings on good and bad caps of a bunch of different values.
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Digest for sci.electronics.repair@googlegroups.com - 10 updates in 4 topics

N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 28 01:23PM

I replaced the triac with similar rating and same symptom.
Runs perfectly smoothly, bypassing the control pcb, feeding 60V,.15A DC
bench ps. Pot and Rs ok, DB3 diac tests ok dropping +/-30V on droppered
35V supply. Even checked the switch current carrying . Just leaves 2
caps, that I've not ESR'd or LCR'd yet.
A better triac match required?
N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 28 02:52PM

100nF, 250V, X2 class block cap, across the 2 wires to armature and
stator, good ESR but only about 50nF.
Perhaps spark eroded away and now arcing across internally, anyway will
find a replacement for that and retry on mains
Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 27 09:23PM

On Wed, 27 Jan 2016 06:24:46 -0600, Mark Zacharias wrote:
 
 
> Absolutely WOULD NOT be without it.
 
> Instantaneously find one bad amp channel out of many, very quick checks
> of capacitance, inductance, resistance, diodes, fets, transistors, etc.
 
And it's capable of testing these components at their intended working
voltages and currents? This seems to be the main shortcoming with almost
all the small battery powered testers.
"Mark Zacharias" <mark_zacharias@sbcglobal.net>: Jan 27 08:46PM -0600

"Cursitor Doom" <curd@notformail.com> wrote in message
news:n8bch7$fo6$6@dont-email.me...
 
> And it's capable of testing these components at their intended working
> voltages and currents? This seems to be the main shortcoming with almost
> all the small battery powered testers.
 
Mine uses a 6.3v AC transformer so no attempt is made to operate devices
under load.
 
mz
Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 28 11:48AM

On Wed, 27 Jan 2016 20:46:54 -0600, Mark Zacharias wrote:
 
> Mine uses a 6.3v AC transformer so no attempt is made to operate devices
> under load.
 
> mz
 
But you still find that exposes every form of damage you encounter in
practice?
"Mark Zacharias" <mark_zacharias@sbcglobal.net>: Jan 28 06:41AM -0600

"Cursitor Doom" <curd@notformail.com> wrote in message
news:n8cv5k$3i4$3@dont-email.me...
 
>> mz
 
> But you still find that exposes every form of damage you encounter in
> practice?
 
I never said "every form" but it is a powerful tool.
 
Like oscilloscopes.
 
Like multimeters.
 
Like an esr tester. (Even though the "curve tracer" can give a quick check
of esr in many situations.)
 
It's usable in-circuit and once a person is proficient with it, can VERY
often cut troubleshooting time dramatically. (Test current is
resistance-limited, depends on exact schematic of the curve tracer. There
are many variations.)
 
We all have our favorite tools and little tricks to help us in what we do.
 
This is just one more.
 
 
Mark Z.
"Mark Zacharias" <mark_zacharias@sbcglobal.net>: Jan 28 06:46AM -0600

http://www.techlib.com/electronics/curvetrace.html
 
A sample curve tracer "octopus" schematic.
 
mz
Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 28 01:34PM

On Thu, 28 Jan 2016 06:46:59 -0600, Mark Zacharias wrote:
 
> http://www.techlib.com/electronics/curvetrace.html
 
> A sample curve tracer "octopus" schematic.
 
> mz
 
Thanks, Mark. I'll take a look on youtube see if I can find any tips on
how to use these under practical conditions to take in-circuit
measurements. I have more than enough scopes here with x-y/comp tester
inputs.
"Michael A. Terrell" <mike.terrell@earthlink.net>: Jan 28 01:00AM -0500


> I don't know how you get here, but Google and aioe or whatever seem to be the only free ways to do it. Actually I probably should get a paid service but then, who gets that money ? Originally I got here via AOL but they stopped doing everything I wanted so I got rid of them.
 
 
There are a lot of free, or dirt cheap NNTP servers. It is included
with any Earthlink account and I can set up, up to eight Usenet accounts
with my Broadband account. One for each Email account.
"ذكريات حسن" <thekra8@gmail.com>: Jan 27 02:53PM -0800

This is Thekrayat and a grad student at the University of Arkansas
I am working with an old Argon ion laser, so Coherent company is not support this product an more.
 
The problem with this laser is that the Cathode current is decreased to 27 A then the laser is turning off by itself with " Fired starter 5x" fault massage. The technical support thinks that the laser tube is old and need to replace by a new one.
I have checked the water level, interlock, and tube pressure, and every thing is ok. Also, I think there is no problem with the resistance of the four fuses in the power supply.
 
Is there any way to fix this laser without changing the laser tube?
Thanks
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Digest for sci.electronics.repair@googlegroups.com - 7 updates in 3 topics

"Kenny" <me@privacy.net>: Jan 27 03:16PM

Tried twice with the glue idea, once using original plug and again using
cotton bud with cotton removed, neither worked. Opened laptop, socket is
closed type so I used a rotary multi-tool with mill attachment to remove
part of back and top then was able to push it out towards the front.
 
Kenny
 
 
"Kenny" wrote in message
news:kKKdneT6BIsJgj7LnZ2dnUU78TednZ2d@brightview.com...
 
The m/b would have to be completely removed to even see what type of socket
it is. Using a pin I was able to slightly move the tip inside the socket
and I have sound again from laptop speakers, can't get a grip on it with
tweezers to pull it out though. At least I now have sound but can't use
headphones or mic. Don't think the idea of pushing another plug in would be
advisable since I can't see the upper side of socket and even if it did work
the broken bit would be trapped between m/b and casing.
 
Kenny
 
Kenny
 
wrote in message
news:7dcd0da0-02f9-4967-a0b7-c830d2e9199b@googlegroups.com...
 
On Friday, January 22, 2016 at 3:15:26 PM UTC-5, Look165 wrote:
> > whole plug would then become lodged in the socket!
> > Any ideas anyone?
 
> > Kenny Cargill
 
I dunno, I have seen quite a few with closed backs. But that is a good idea
if it is not. And with your method, if it works, it is VERY important to
find the end and not have it rolling around in there. Hopefuly the
construction of the thing will allow that.
 
If it is closed back, if that can be accessed it might be possible to melt a
hole in it and then use a paperclip to push the piece out. In fact I think
the paperclip would be used to make the hole as well.
 
I remember people breaking off an RCA plug in their TV and with the open
back jacks would just push another plug in it, and it would work. However,
once the thing gets moved it can travel and short something out if it didn't
right away. Saw a $300 signal board turned into scrap over that.
Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 27 12:43AM

On Tue, 26 Jan 2016 10:08:48 -0500, Ralph Mowery wrote:
 
> This ebay number is one of many of them.
 
> 291585134524
 
Thanks Ralph.
Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 27 12:43AM

On Tue, 26 Jan 2016 10:28:21 -0500, legg wrote:
 
 
> Can be of some use on production test bench, but doesn't replace visual
> inspection and simple open/short or bias testing.
 
> RL
 
Nice - but a bit pricey!
"Mark Zacharias" <mark_zacharias@sbcglobal.net>: Jan 27 06:24AM -0600

"Cursitor Doom" <curd@notformail.com> wrote in message
news:n893ri$8su$4@dont-email.me...
>> inspection and simple open/short or bias testing.
 
>> RL
 
> Nice - but a bit pricey!
 
I keep a home made "octopus curve tracer" (two-lead type) on a dedicated
scope for the past 30+ years.
 
Absolutely WOULD NOT be without it.
 
Instantaneously find one bad amp channel out of many, very quick checks of
capacitance, inductance, resistance, diodes, fets, transistors, etc.
 
Once you get used to it and sort of "get it" as to what the device is
telling you, it will make you a better, faster technician.
 
 
Mark Z.
amdx <nojunk@knology.net>: Jan 26 11:19AM -0600

On 1/25/2016 6:30 PM, Dave Platt wrote:
 
> I'd strongly suggest using a real relay. If necessary, build a small
> interposer board to convert the original relay's pinouts to those of a
> high-quality commodity relay.
 
This was my thought.
Standard relay with a DIY PCB to make the pins match.
Mikek
legg <legg@nospam.magma.ca>: Jan 26 02:57PM -0500

On Mon, 25 Jan 2016 22:13:35 -0000, "Gareth Magennis"
 
>this is really annoying, but a good opportunity to learn something useful.
 
>I have an old Urei Power Amp that needs its DPDT 10A speaker output relay
>replacing.
 
Surprised you need DPDT. DPST should seve this purpose, if the amp has
internal Zobel termination.
 
 
>So I thought about maybe using Solid State relays, which should be
>physically smaller and lighter, and could be mounted in little patches of
>available free space.
 
SSRs will have an objectionable voltage drop, introducing distortion
whether or not the drives are compatible.
 
Make and model of original?
 
RL
Phil Allison <pallison49@gmail.com>: Jan 26 05:53PM -0800

legg wrote:
 
 
> Surprised you need DPDT. DPST should seve this purpose, if the amp has
> internal Zobel termination.
 
** Some amps use all the contacts on a change-over relay.
 
The speaker output connects to the moving contact and is grounded when unpowered. On power up, the speakers connect to the amp output.
 
This arrangement is far better at protecting speakers from DC faults as few relays can break the arc that forms when opening under load at high DC voltage.
 
Most relays are rated at 24VDC max and that is where thee begin to arc badly.
 
 
.... Phil
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Digest for sci.electronics.repair@googlegroups.com - 14 updates in 2 topics

Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 26 02:00PM

Given the shortcomings of low power battery testers/meters for checking
certain components that typically run at considerably higher working
voltages where any fault may only become apparent, has anyone any
thoughts on the utility, or otherwise, of these devices?
 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Transistor-Diode-Curve-Tracer-Component-Tracker-
Tester-Probes-BNC-Cables-/161294643173?
hash=item258de8efe5:m:miccP4BhvzYiDpcErFn7FDw
ggherold@gmail.com: Jan 26 06:19AM -0800

On Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 9:03:11 AM UTC-5, Cursitor Doom wrote:
 
> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Transistor-Diode-Curve-Tracer-Component-Tracker-
> Tester-Probes-BNC-Cables-/161294643173?
> hash=item258de8efe5:m:miccP4BhvzYiDpcErFn7FDw
 
Never used one.. but it says octopus. I recall this curve tracer that
a navy tech showed me once. A couple of transformers and R's..
 
Google octopus curve tracer and maybe you'll end up building on of your own.
 
George H.
Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 26 02:32PM

On Tue, 26 Jan 2016 06:19:13 -0800, ggherold wrote:
 
>> voltages where any fault may only become apparent, has anyone any
>> thoughts on the utility, or otherwise, of these devices?
 
>> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Transistor-Diode-Curve-Tracer-Component-
Tracker-
 
> Google octopus curve tracer and maybe you'll end up building on of your
> own.
 
> George H.
 
Thanks. I wouldn't have thought there was much to these things,
especially since they rely on an external scope display. I'm just curious
as to how useful they are compared to more common test kit.
"Ralph Mowery" <rmowery28146@earthlink.net>: Jan 26 10:08AM -0500

"Cursitor Doom" <curd@notformail.com> wrote in message
news:n87u5i$4lt$5@dont-email.me...
 
> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Transistor-Diode-Curve-Tracer-Component-Tracker-
> Tester-Probes-BNC-Cables-/161294643173?
> hash=item258de8efe5:m:miccP4BhvzYiDpcErFn7FDw
 
All this ammouts to is a transformer, capacitor and resistor in a box. Just
do a search for an Octopus component tester. Years ago it was of some use
and may be today if you have a known good board and one you are testing.
 
Today there are much beter component testers out. For about $ 20 you can
get the circuit board of a component tester that is much beter for testing
components out of the circuit.
 
This ebay number is one of many of them.
 
 
291585134524
legg <legg@nospam.magma.ca>: Jan 26 10:28AM -0500

On Tue, 26 Jan 2016 14:00:18 -0000 (UTC), Cursitor Doom
 
>http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Transistor-Diode-Curve-Tracer-Component-Tracker-
>Tester-Probes-BNC-Cables-/161294643173?
>hash=item258de8efe5:m:miccP4BhvzYiDpcErFn7FDw
 
Common commercial unit is the Huntron 'Tracker' with built-in display.
Can be of some use on production test bench, but doesn't replace
visual inspection and simple open/short or bias testing.
 
RL
"Gareth Magennis" <sound.service@btconnect.com>: Jan 25 10:13PM

Hi,
 
this is really annoying, but a good opportunity to learn something useful.
 
I have an old Urei Power Amp that needs its DPDT 10A speaker output relay
replacing.
It's annoying because the relay fitted has a totally non conventional pin
configuration, so the usual generic cheap replacement is going to involve
drilling holes in the PCB and isolating pads and using glue and stuff
because some solder pads will have to go etc.
 
So I thought about maybe using Solid State relays, which should be
physically smaller and lighter, and could be mounted in little patches of
available free space.
 
 
I've never seen a solid state relay in a Power Amp. Maybe there's a good
reason for that - AC transmission, Inductive loads, back emf etc.
A quick look at Farnell shows you don't generally get DPDT ones, so you need
2 for a stereo amp, and they are not that cheap.
 
 
Any experience welcome.
 
 
 
Cheers,
 
 
Gareth.
dansabrservices@yahoo.com: Jan 25 02:55PM -0800

I have some NOS relays around. Can you post the specs on the bad one?
I will check to see if I have one.
 
Dan
John Heath <heathjohn2@gmail.com>: Jan 25 03:30PM -0800

> I have some NOS relays around. Can you post the specs on the bad one?
> I will check to see if I have one.
 
> Dan
 
Golden rule never put the original factory part in if possible. If the original factory part failed then why repeat the same mistake? Most of the time the factory part is over priced as that company can not stay in business on product alone so they resort to over priced non generic replacement parts that should not have failed in the first place. In fairness they should apologize for your need to replace the part and offer the part for free. The real world is not fair but do not add to it by giving them money they not deserve. I will now get off my soap box.
 
I would put in the cheap generic sub with wires going the the PC board and tie wrap it to the nearest post hole or what ever. This amp is headed for the garbage bin within the next ten years so who cares is it is meat ball fix. This amp is to be used and enjoyed not line the pockets of some manufacturer who put a non generic parts in to make money in the service after market.
dplatt@coop.radagast.org (Dave Platt): Jan 25 04:30PM -0800

In article <k6xpy.305540$Mi6.74057@fx35.am4>,
>good reason for that - AC transmission, Inductive loads, back emf etc.
>A quick look at Farnell shows you don't generally get DPDT ones, so you need
>2 for a stereo amp, and they are not that cheap.
 
SSRs which can handle reasonable-to-high currents are typically triac
designs, I believe (or possibly back-to-back SCRs in some cases). I
don't think they're going to be able to handle speaker-level audio
without introducing a great deal of noise and distortion, associated
with the switching on and off of the triac at the zero-crossing
points.
 
Before you try doing this "for real", try an experiment with an
external SSR first (between an amp's speaker outputs and a speaker).
Probably best to use throw-away components all around. I doubt you'll
like how it sounds.
 
Also, remember that a typical SSR won't switch off (open) anywhere but
at the zero crossing. If your amp's relay-drive circuit is part of a
speaker-protection circuit (to turn off the relay if DC is detected at
the output), using an SSR would defeat this protection. If an output
transistor shorts to the + or - rail, you'd end up dumping DC into
your woofer with no cutoff and probably destroy the woofer.
 
I'd strongly suggest using a real relay. If necessary, build a small
interposer board to convert the original relay's pinouts to those of a
high-quality commodity relay.
Kaz Kylheku <609-576-4089@kylheku.com>: Jan 26 12:48AM

> configuration, so the usual generic cheap replacement is going to involve
> drilling holes in the PCB and isolating pads and using glue and stuff
> because some solder pads will have to go etc.
 
You could make a small PCB for the relay, and mount that somewhere.
(E.g. standoffs rising from main PCB.) Then connect that to the original
pads with hookup wires.
 
> available free space.
 
> I've never seen a solid state relay in a Power Amp. Maybe there's a good
> reason for that - AC transmission, Inductive loads, back emf etc.
 
Possibly also: distortion.
Kaz Kylheku <609-576-4089@kylheku.com>: Jan 26 12:49AM


>> Dan
 
> Golden rule never put the original factory part in if possible. If the
> original factory part failed then why repeat the same mistake?
 
Golden rule of break-ups: this time it will be different, I promise!
Phil Allison <pallison49@gmail.com>: Jan 25 05:54PM -0800

Gareth Magennis wrote:
> A quick look at Farnell shows you don't generally get DPDT ones, so you need
> 2 for a stereo amp, and they are not that cheap.
 
> Any experience welcome.
 
 
** Don't let the name fool you, SSRs are not replacements for regular relays.
 
SSRs use triacs or SCRs and are intended for AC supply switching and the like - where voltages are high and fixed and a discontinuity around zero is not a big problem.
 
Simply will not work with speakers.
 
 
.... Phil
Phil Allison <pallison49@gmail.com>: Jan 25 06:10PM -0800

John Heath wrote:
 
> Golden rule never put the original factory part in if possible.
> If the original factory part failed then why repeat the same mistake?
 
** Very true, but you must be sure you have something better available.
 
Not too hard with transistors where you can sub American or European brands like Motorola, Philips or ST. But ICs, mechanical parts and wound components are harder to substitute successfully.
 
My parts bins are stocked with what I have found to be the best available in each category, so they will cover a huge range of jobs.
 
It is only as the very last resort that I go to the maker or importer for a spare part.
 
 
.... Phil
N_Cook <diverse@tcp.co.uk>: Jan 26 07:58AM

On 25/01/2016 22:13, Gareth Magennis wrote:
 
> Gareth.
 
hard wiring a big relay or two, to wherever there is space in the amp?
its not as though it is switching RF
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Digest for sci.electronics.repair@googlegroups.com - 4 updates in 3 topics

John Heath <heathjohn2@gmail.com>: Jan 24 02:29PM -0800

On Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 10:46:03 AM UTC-5, John-Del wrote:
> > Clearly major stability issues here. :(
 
> At the risk of raising the ire of some contributors, I've found over my 45 plus years in the trenches that electrolytic capacitors can pass an in circuit ESR test and still be bad. It is an extraordinarily low percentage to be sure (although in Mitsu DM boards it's typical), but it's still a probability.
 
> If I had that supply on the bench, I'd pull every cap and test for ESR, value, leakage, and dielectric absorption.
 
Good thing this is a hobby project and not a repair with the customer breathing down your neck. Your hot 20 ohms resister goes through a diode then the collector of the main switching transistor. That transistor has a emitter resister that is of interest. Can not make out its part number or value from the schematic. I believe it is responsible for over current feed back to the controller IC for auto shot down protection. I will venture a guess it is in the 1 to 5 ohms range. Knowing it is okay would be a plus. It is tricky to find a ground with the whole controller IC and main switch transistor connected to the bridge rectifiers directly from the AC plug. One false move and there will be more than a hot 20 ohms resister to worry about. However the secondary side of the switching power supply is nice and isolated for easy measurements. I see at least 6 or 7 DC outputs there ranging from 5 to 60 volts. None of these voltages will be correct however by comparing then a general idea of what percentage of their target. If +60 volts is measuring +20 volts then all the rest of the DC outputs should be 33 percent of their target output voltages. By going through the other 6 or so DC outputs you can see if they are reasonable or possible have a problem. I do not think this will pan out but at least you can say you made the measurements. Another last minute desperate grabbing at a straw , try unplugging the 14 K Volt cup off the CRT just in case it is gassy loading down the power supply. Unlikely as you would have seem in glowing but hey you never know.
legg <legg@nospam.magma.ca>: Jan 24 11:00PM -0500

On Fri, 22 Jan 2016 15:45:32 -0800 (PST), John Heath
>> think thrice before disturbing anything (and there's quite a bit on this
>> board that's been disturbed before due to previous issues.)
 
>Interesting problem. Many great suggestions have been put on the table from different members so there is not much to add. The resister that is running too hot is telling us something. Why is that resister not a happy camper? What is it connected to. There is a hiss or possibly plasma arcing and a resister that is not happy. looking at a diagram to see what the unhappy resistor does in the power supply could provide a clue.
 
It will run hot whenever operation is abnormal.
Just doing its job.
 
RL
"David Farber" <farberbear.unspam@aol.com>: Jan 24 01:57PM -0800

Genesys wrote:
> controller. In other cases, they just weren't in the condition listed
> (typically listed as new, when "used", "seller refurbished", or in
> one case "as-is/for parts or repair" were more appropriate).
 
I didn't realize that motherboard sellers took such liberties were their
product descriptions. I suppose they have product to move and do what's
necessary. It is also *very* difficult to get any support from eBay or
PayPal when trying or to prove an item isn't "as described." I won my PayPal
dispute because I saved the tracking numbers for all of the returned boards
and argued that the seller didn't have any plans for sending me another
replacement.
 
Thanks for your reply.
--
David Farber
Los Osos, CA
Matt-NJ <mm@taco.com>: Jan 24 10:35AM -0800

My daughter's apartment building uses an EVOX 142 series 2-wire intercom system.
She would like to have in her apartment an old style "retro" bell system phone.
(A few others in the building apparently have old looking phones connected.)
The system apparently is designed to use an EVOX 8877 type phone (2-wire connection) for use in the apartments - definitely not Ma Bell!
Any ideas on what can be done to use a standard, old fashion phone with this?
 
Matt - mm@taco.com
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Digest for sci.electronics.repair@googlegroups.com - 8 updates in 3 topics

Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 23 04:53PM

On Fri, 22 Jan 2016 12:11:31 +0000, Chris wrote:

> It can be so hard to tell sometimes. Try scoping the output from the
> transformer (taking suitable precautions of course!) and look for any
> irregularities that might indicate internal arcing.
 
Well I've just scoped the B/E junction of the chopper transistor and it's
just ALL noise; no discernable control pulses at all, so clearly this
thing has issues beyond what this medium can assist with, I'm sorry to
say. :(
Anyway, must do some shopping right now or there'll be hell to pay.
"Ralph Mowery" <rmowery28146@earthlink.net>: Jan 23 12:03PM -0500

"Cursitor Doom" <curd@notformail.com> wrote in message
news:n808ru$u87$1@dont-email.me...
> resistor, makes no sense at all to me. It shouldn't even be getting warm.
 
> The resistor in question is R1814 just to the right of the chopper
> transistor on the schematic:
 
As the calculated power is less than 3/4 of a watt it should not be getting
hot. It may be that as this looks to be in a high frequency part of the
circuit the meter may not be giving the correct voltage. I would think it
would be some AC value, or maybe puslating DC as there is a diode there.
May show up as a better value if you measure across the coil that the diode
and resistor is across. Might even need a scope to show the true value.
Dimitrij Klingbeil <nospam@no-address.com>: Jan 23 09:03PM +0100

On 23.01.2016 17:13, Cursitor Doom wrote:
> this heating effect is 3.6V and given that this looks like about a 4W
> resistor, makes no sense at all to me. It shouldn't even be getting
> warm.
 
Don't get deceived by a DC voltage measurement on that resistor. It's
very unlikely to be realistic unless you have a true RMS multimeter with
a very wide bandwidth (like hundreds of kHz to lower MHz).
 
The resistor is in the reset circuit of the inductor L1804. It't there
to "reset" (dissipate the energy of) the field, so it gets to dissipate
whatever this inductor has stored during the switching cycle as soon as
V1806 turns off.
 
In this circuit, the resistor has a highly uneven load that basically
comes in the form of very narrow and energetic pulses. A DC average
voltage may indeed be low, but the true RMS voltage (and therefore the
equivalent heating value) will not be.
 
It's likely that the resistor may be getting pulsed with a couple of
amps worth of current (and corresponding voltages according to Ohm's
law), but the pulses will be narrow. Simple voltmeters won't register
that and even some true RMS voltmeters ("typical cheap" ones) may have
insufficient bandwidth to register the pulses accurately.
 
Dimitrij
Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 23 08:48PM

On Sat, 23 Jan 2016 21:03:32 +0100, Dimitrij Klingbeil wrote:
 
 
Thanks for that, Dimitrij.
Well, I can scope it for a better view of what's happening, because
certainly the voltage readings don't make sense so your explanation rings
true with what I'm seeing here.
I have to say I've never probed one of these before. I'm familiar with
how they work at a block diagram level, but some of the actual circuit
topology is completely alien to me. It's a big obstacle.
So that's another thing to try tomorrow. I'll also recheck the B/E
junction of the chopper with the scope's filtering tweaked; see if I can
get rid of that noise....
Cursitor Doom <curd@notformail.com>: Jan 24 03:13PM

Yes, the voltage across that power resistor looks very different when
scoped. No clean pulses at all; just constant NOISE and lots of it up to
about 20 or more volts so no wonder it was getting hot.
I also scoped the pwm output from the controller chip (TP.2 on the
diagram) and it looks like it's outputting a pulse train but is totally
overwhelmed by noise which I would imagine must be virtually saturating
V1812 resulting in a close to 100% duty cycle at no load.
Clearly major stability issues here. :(
John-Del <ohger1s@aol.com>: Jan 24 07:45AM -0800

On Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 10:16:22 AM UTC-5, Cursitor Doom wrote:
> overwhelmed by noise which I would imagine must be virtually saturating
> V1812 resulting in a close to 100% duty cycle at no load.
> Clearly major stability issues here. :(
 
At the risk of raising the ire of some contributors, I've found over my 45 plus years in the trenches that electrolytic capacitors can pass an in circuit ESR test and still be bad. It is an extraordinarily low percentage to be sure (although in Mitsu DM boards it's typical), but it's still a probability.
 
If I had that supply on the bench, I'd pull every cap and test for ESR, value, leakage, and dielectric absorption.
avagadro7@gmail.com: Jan 23 03:15PM -0800

http://goo.gl/vWyckv
davidrsmith.uk@googlemail.com: Jan 23 02:11PM -0800

Yes, I appreciate that this thread is almost ... 20 ... years old. But just for giggles, I can confirm that we had the same model VCR from 1986 to 1992, and whenever sunlight would fall on the remote sensor, it would startup and record ....
 
On Friday, 27 November 1998 08:00:00 UTC, Franc Zabkar wrote:
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