My apprehension level would go up several notches whenever I was called upon to do computer power supply repairing work…
Listen, I know that sounds crazy but seriously… I used to hate troubleshooting and fixing power supply! You want to know why?
Alright look, I'm sure you're aware that computers these days are powered using switch mode power supplies (abbv. as SMPS), right?
Well, the circuit designs of SMPS were excruciatingly hard to figure out!
However for the past few months, I've done more than 2 dozen computer power supply repairing gigs.
I've patched up all sorts of SMPS problems so I'm no longer apprehensive about repairing them (credit goes to this SMPS repairing manual).
What about you? Still feeling apprehensive about troubleshooting and repairing computer SMPS?
Look, don't worry okay. I want you to focus on the checklist below to ensure you're on the right path…
The Checklist
Did you accumulate all the tools needed to conduct computer power supply repairing and troubleshooting in the proper manner?
For testing purposes, the most vital tool is volt-ohm meter (abbv. as VOM). You'll be using it regularly, but don't neglect other tools of the trade!
You'll also need the isolation transformer, AC ammeter, digital capacitance meter, oscilloscope, variable transformer, UC3842 power IC tester etc for testing and reparation purposes.
Did you perform the proper voltage measurement to determine if overvoltage is the primary cause of issue?
It's important you take a few measurements to absolutely determine that overvoltage is the main problem.
Take a look at the 12 and 5 volts line. If the numbers are higher than indicated, then you have an overvoltage problem on your hands.
Did you inspect individual components in a thorough fashion?
The filter electrolytic capacitors are pretty fragile thus they get easily damaged. So you really need to inspect them properly. Another component that should you lookout for is the dual schottky barrier rectifier.
Get your analog meter ready and put the setting to X10 K ohms. Next do a reverse bias test to find out if there's leakage reading.
Did you download a computer power supply repairing manual that helps you every step of the way?
I suggest you get a copy of SMPS repairing manual that contains full instructional photos. You can use it again and again to assist you in repairing various types of SMPS.
The one I use can be found by clicking this link.
Showing posts with label repairing computer smps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label repairing computer smps. Show all posts
Computer SMPS Repairing – How to Stop Feeling Stress When Repairing Computer SMPS
Computer SMPS repairing is ULTRA difficult and only a genius would dare to do it. So you better avoid it at all cost!
Alright, I'm just kidding okay ;) Fixing a computer's switch mode power supply is quite a breeze actually – well, in most cases…
You know, I used to hate repairing SMPS because its multiple circuit designs are so confusing. Liner power supplies were so much easier to fix.
Fortunately, I stumbled across a detailed SMPS service manual and things became a lot less stressful for me. You can check out the manual details by following this link: Guide for Repairing SMPS
Now, if you feel stressed out when doing computer SMPS repairing work – please don't feel that way. Take a deep breath and relax..
Let me give you a few helpful tips…
#1… Measure the voltage properly. If the volt lines have increased then you're looking at an overvoltage problem.
#2…Adjust your volt-ohm meter to the range of 1 and try inspecting the secondary output area. The secondary diodes' outputs need to be tested. Place the ohm meter's black probe on all outputs while the red one is placed on the cold ground.
If it shows a single reading, then there's nothing wrong with the output voltage. The problem lies elsewhere!
#3…When doing computer SMPS repairing, it's imperative that you check the presence of decayed glue. This problem happens quite often!
Also keep an eye out for other common issues like leaky or dried up capacitors, faulty power IC and so on.
One thing I should point out about power ICs is that before you try to replace them, do some extensive testing first.
Don't be replacing a power IC just for the sake of it. Grab a UC3842 IC Tester and test, test, test! To save cost, you can try creating your own IC tester. It's not hard to do.
A step by detailed step photographic instruction manual will help you complete your computer SMPS repairing a lot quicker plus it also shows you how to make a simple yet effective IC and zener diode tester.
Go here to get more details. It's a downloadable manual so you don't have to wait for shipping.
Alright, I'm just kidding okay ;) Fixing a computer's switch mode power supply is quite a breeze actually – well, in most cases…
You know, I used to hate repairing SMPS because its multiple circuit designs are so confusing. Liner power supplies were so much easier to fix.
Fortunately, I stumbled across a detailed SMPS service manual and things became a lot less stressful for me. You can check out the manual details by following this link: Guide for Repairing SMPS
Now, if you feel stressed out when doing computer SMPS repairing work – please don't feel that way. Take a deep breath and relax..
Let me give you a few helpful tips…
#1… Measure the voltage properly. If the volt lines have increased then you're looking at an overvoltage problem.
#2…Adjust your volt-ohm meter to the range of 1 and try inspecting the secondary output area. The secondary diodes' outputs need to be tested. Place the ohm meter's black probe on all outputs while the red one is placed on the cold ground.
If it shows a single reading, then there's nothing wrong with the output voltage. The problem lies elsewhere!
#3…When doing computer SMPS repairing, it's imperative that you check the presence of decayed glue. This problem happens quite often!
Also keep an eye out for other common issues like leaky or dried up capacitors, faulty power IC and so on.
One thing I should point out about power ICs is that before you try to replace them, do some extensive testing first.
Don't be replacing a power IC just for the sake of it. Grab a UC3842 IC Tester and test, test, test! To save cost, you can try creating your own IC tester. It's not hard to do.
A step by detailed step photographic instruction manual will help you complete your computer SMPS repairing a lot quicker plus it also shows you how to make a simple yet effective IC and zener diode tester.
Go here to get more details. It's a downloadable manual so you don't have to wait for shipping.
Computer SMPS Troubleshooting – Here are 5 Convenient Ways to Troubleshoot Computer SMPS
Computer SMPS troubleshooting might seem tricky at first, but rest assured it's actually quite simple once you get the hang of it.
Look, I've done my fair share of switch mode power supply repairs (SMPS). Seriously, it didn't take me long to grasp the inner workings of an SMSP and the methods needed to fix them.
Granted, I had to purchase a detailed guide crammed with instructional photos to help me initially! All in all, I think fixing an SMPS is slightly more difficult but a lot more fun than repairing linear power supplies.
Speaking of detailed guide, here's one that's worth a look because it's so user-friendly. Open a new window by clicking here.
Alright, when it comes to computer SMPS troubleshooting, I have a few tips here that should be of use to you. Trust me - repairing a faulty SMPS is not that difficult…
Computer SMPS Troubleshooting tip 1:
Take the appropriate measurement to determine the reason of failure. The other day, I fixed a customer's ATX power supply. I discovered that overvoltage was one the primary reasons of failure.
Tip 2:
Examine all electrolytic capacitors properly. You need to have eyes of a hawk here! See carefully…one or more capacitors maybe damaged, loose etc. Replace accordingly.
Tip 3:
Once again, you need to be on hawk eye mode to see if there's any sign of decayed glue on the components. If you see some on the capacitors, diodes, resistors etc then promptly clean them off.
Tip 4:
Now once you've taken care of the problem, don't fix the SMPS to the main CPU just yet! Be sure to test it on a ‘dummy CPU'. This is to protect the main CPU in case overvoltage issue persists.
Final Computer SMPS Troubleshooting tip:
Should you require a detailed printable guide on how to repair all kinds of SMPS problems, be sure to get one that includes email consultation from the author.
Email consultation from an expert will go a long way in helping you improve your SMPS repairing skills.
Look, you can discover the proper way to conduct computer SMPS troubleshooting, plus many workable, practical solutions by following detailed step-by-step instructional guide presented at this website.
Computer SMPS Repair – Top 5 Tips for Repairing a Computer's SMPS
Most Computer SMPS repair issues can be fixed in a relatively easy manner. Of course, you need to have some electrical repair experience; otherwise you're going to have a difficult time solving even the simplest of switch mode power supply problems.
What if you have v-e-e-e-r-y little electrical repair experience?
Look anything is possible, but if you lack experience, then I suggest you get a good, straightforward style technical guide on how to conduct computer smps repair (with lots of instructional photos for easy reference).
I discovered a really good one at this website.
It is a download only guide so it should quickly get you up to speed because you don't have to wait for the material to arrive on your door step.
On the other hand, if you have some experience then here's what you can do to fix your computer's switch mode power supply.
1) Determine the exact cause of failure. Is it a blown fuse? Defective capacitors? Damaged Schottky diodes?
2) Also be sure to understand the usage of each component. If you do not know the basic function of a resistor, a filter capacitor, primary and secondary diodes etc, then simply put…you won't be able to complete your computer smps repair process on your own.
3) Examine the circuit design properly. The more you know about the circuit design, the easier it will be for you to fix it. Understanding the whole design will make it easier for you determine possible causes of failure and the steps needed to rectify them.
4) Examine electrolytic capacitors on the main side. If you find that capacity is lowered, then it's likely that the transistor of the switch mode has been compromised.
5) Replace faulty electrolytic capacitors as soon as possible. Why delay? They are easy to replace and they don't cost a lot of money either.
Look, you can perform your computer smps repair without much problem. Lack of technical expertise is not an issue, especially if you refer detailed instructions that are downloadable and comes complete with color photos.
For download details go ahead and follow this link.
What if you have v-e-e-e-r-y little electrical repair experience?
Look anything is possible, but if you lack experience, then I suggest you get a good, straightforward style technical guide on how to conduct computer smps repair (with lots of instructional photos for easy reference).
I discovered a really good one at this website.
It is a download only guide so it should quickly get you up to speed because you don't have to wait for the material to arrive on your door step.
On the other hand, if you have some experience then here's what you can do to fix your computer's switch mode power supply.
1) Determine the exact cause of failure. Is it a blown fuse? Defective capacitors? Damaged Schottky diodes?
2) Also be sure to understand the usage of each component. If you do not know the basic function of a resistor, a filter capacitor, primary and secondary diodes etc, then simply put…you won't be able to complete your computer smps repair process on your own.
3) Examine the circuit design properly. The more you know about the circuit design, the easier it will be for you to fix it. Understanding the whole design will make it easier for you determine possible causes of failure and the steps needed to rectify them.
4) Examine electrolytic capacitors on the main side. If you find that capacity is lowered, then it's likely that the transistor of the switch mode has been compromised.
5) Replace faulty electrolytic capacitors as soon as possible. Why delay? They are easy to replace and they don't cost a lot of money either.
Look, you can perform your computer smps repair without much problem. Lack of technical expertise is not an issue, especially if you refer detailed instructions that are downloadable and comes complete with color photos.
For download details go ahead and follow this link.
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