I started learning how to repair switch mode supplies (commonly abbreviated as SMPS) about a year ago. Thing were pretty rough initially. I couldn't fix a single SMPS problem at first!
However, I managed to buck up and improve my repairing skills after I chanced upon a highly detailed SMPS troubleshooting and service manual (you may click here for more info).
Since then, I've reconditioned numerous faulty SMPS! I dealt with a variety of SMPS problems and some of the EXTREMELY common ones are as follows:
Problem 1: Acidic Beverages
Now, you may be thinking, "say what? Acidic beverages can cause problems to SMPS? Are you high or something?"
Look, it's true! I've discovered many faulty SMPS units that were stained with coffee, cola, even fruit juice residue!
Acidic beverages – even in small amounts – can cause severe damage to an SMPS circuit board.
Problem 2: Combusted Coil
This problem can easily be detected if the burn marks are located on the outer/external section of the winding coil. However, if the internal loop is combusted then there are only two ways to detect this particular SMPS problem:
(a) Use your nose to smell the coil!
(b) Take out the blue ring tester and use it to confirm internal loop damage.
Problem 3: Decayed Glue
I find this problem most annoying. It's such a drag to scrape off decayed glue that has covered multiple SMPS components! The hardest part is that you have to do it in a very measured fashion or risk damaging the components' delicate outer layers.
Problem 4: Micro Crack
On large-sized components, micro cracks are quite noticeable. But they are not quite visible on smaller-sized components so you're going to need a magnifying glass to catch them!
Problem 5: Lack of User-Friendly Guide
This was a major problem for me. I wanted to learn SMPS repair but a complete, user-friendly guide on this subject was very hard to find!
Most SMPS repairing sites are laden with text. They are so boring and very hard to follow along…
See the real secret to learning how to troubleshoot and repair SMPS is by using a reference guide that is straightforward, full of step-by-step photos, illustrations, diagrams PLUS email support from an accomplished electronics technician/engineer.
That's how I got so good at fixing faulty SMPS! Through practice and by referring detailed guide that also comes with support via email.
And you too can fix all sorts of SMPS problems by using a detailed, step-by-step guide with email help which is presented at Manual for Solving Numerous SMPS Problems
Follow the link now for download details.
Showing posts with label repairing smps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label repairing smps. Show all posts
Troubleshooting SMPS – 3 Winning Ways to Troubleshoot Faulty SMPS
My "SMPS repair mentor" said this to me: "restoring linear power supplies is easy, but troubleshooting SMPS is much, much more fun!"
I can't agree more with him. Indeed, troubleshooting and repairing switch mode power supplies is more fun, but I have to warn you though…
If you don't know what you're doing, then things will get very, very frustrating because the circuit designs in SMPS are quite complicated.
But don't you worry now…
I'm going to give you some essential tips for troubleshooting SMPS. These tips I learned from my repair mentor. You know, he actually created a step by detailed step manual on fixing SMPS.
The downloadable manual contains lots of easy to follow photo intensive instructions so if you're interested in it, just follow this link (new window).
Okay, no more rambling. Here are some essential tips to help you troubleshoot an SMPS unit successfully.
Note: I assume you already know how to read schematic diagrams of SMPS, and you know full well about each and every component in different types of SMPS. If you don't know all these, then I recommend you check out the link above.
First Tip
So you have a faulty SMPS on your repair table… First thing you should do is study that particular SMPS unit. Specifically, study its circuit design. Doing so enables you to approach the problem from various angles.
Second Tip
Get all the necessary tools ready. Most novice technicians would have a volt-ohm meter for testing purposes, but that's not sufficient!
I recommend other repairing and testing tools e.g. isolation and variable transformer, AC ammeter, blue ring and blue ESR meter and also oscilloscope.
Third Tip
Once you've removed the casing, I want you to monitor the components carefully. See, when troubleshooting SMPS, two of the most common problems I encountered were decayed glue and high voltage transformer that had too many dry joints.
Also if you're dealing with a faulty SMPS that uses controller IC, use your oscilloscope. It's ideal for high output voltage, power shutdown or power pulsating/blinking problems.
Trust me, troubleshooting SMPS is FUN but you definitely need a handy reference guide if you lack experience. Here's a 271 pages SMPS repairing guide which is full of easy to follow photographic instructions.
Go to this site for fast and easy access.
I can't agree more with him. Indeed, troubleshooting and repairing switch mode power supplies is more fun, but I have to warn you though…
If you don't know what you're doing, then things will get very, very frustrating because the circuit designs in SMPS are quite complicated.
But don't you worry now…
I'm going to give you some essential tips for troubleshooting SMPS. These tips I learned from my repair mentor. You know, he actually created a step by detailed step manual on fixing SMPS.
The downloadable manual contains lots of easy to follow photo intensive instructions so if you're interested in it, just follow this link (new window).
Okay, no more rambling. Here are some essential tips to help you troubleshoot an SMPS unit successfully.
Note: I assume you already know how to read schematic diagrams of SMPS, and you know full well about each and every component in different types of SMPS. If you don't know all these, then I recommend you check out the link above.
First Tip
So you have a faulty SMPS on your repair table… First thing you should do is study that particular SMPS unit. Specifically, study its circuit design. Doing so enables you to approach the problem from various angles.
Second Tip
Get all the necessary tools ready. Most novice technicians would have a volt-ohm meter for testing purposes, but that's not sufficient!
I recommend other repairing and testing tools e.g. isolation and variable transformer, AC ammeter, blue ring and blue ESR meter and also oscilloscope.
Third Tip
Once you've removed the casing, I want you to monitor the components carefully. See, when troubleshooting SMPS, two of the most common problems I encountered were decayed glue and high voltage transformer that had too many dry joints.
Also if you're dealing with a faulty SMPS that uses controller IC, use your oscilloscope. It's ideal for high output voltage, power shutdown or power pulsating/blinking problems.
Trust me, troubleshooting SMPS is FUN but you definitely need a handy reference guide if you lack experience. Here's a 271 pages SMPS repairing guide which is full of easy to follow photographic instructions.
Go to this site for fast and easy access.
Repairing SMPS – What You MUST Know About Repairing SMPS
Repairing SMPS while wearing a blindfold…is that possible?
Of course not! Do not try to fix an SMPS unit while putting on a blindfold!
Sorry for bringing up that question. See, several nights ago my buddies got crazy drunk (I was slightly drunk too) and he asked me that question…I thought it was a really stupid but funny question :)
I can't imagine anyone repairing SMPS on a blindfold. Only a dumb maniac would attempt such a thing…
Anyway, sorry for getting off topic, just thought I'd share the fun. Now, if you need some SMPS repair tips, then let me share a few pointers with you.
Heck, I'll even tell you what SMPS repair manual I personally use to jack up my fixing and troubleshooting skills. By the way, you can look it up via the link below:
Photo-based SMPS instructional repair guide
Now, take a look at the following tips for solving your switch mode power supply repair issues…You ought to know them!
Basic yet often overlooked problem…
Check for faulty or incorrectly positioned voltage selector switch. I've seen this happen many times. The equipment is moved around resulting in the aforementioned problem. Accidents happen…
Look sharp!
Upon removing the casing – look sharp! Look for what? Well, look at each component…Perhaps the electrolytic capacitors are broken or slightly loose? Decayed glue impeding components? Too much dust?
Repairing SMPS can be hard if there are layers upon layers of dust covering the components. So, get a mini vacuum.
Promptly change the damaged capacitors. As for decayed glue, just remove by scraping carefully as to avoid damaging the affected parts.
Solder of fortune…
Yes, you read that right - solder of fortune. You see, it may cause you a small fortune should you mess up the soldering process!
SMPS failure may also be caused by shoddy solder connection job by the manufacturers.
Use the right soldering items e.g. a fine tip one for small sized components, while a soldering gun is ideal for bigger sized parts.
Repair Bible?
If you want a really, really thick bible-like guide on repairing SMPS, be sure to get one that has lots of easy to follow pictures and diagrams. If it offers personal email support from the author, that's even better!
Like this one.
Of course not! Do not try to fix an SMPS unit while putting on a blindfold!
Sorry for bringing up that question. See, several nights ago my buddies got crazy drunk (I was slightly drunk too) and he asked me that question…I thought it was a really stupid but funny question :)
I can't imagine anyone repairing SMPS on a blindfold. Only a dumb maniac would attempt such a thing…
Anyway, sorry for getting off topic, just thought I'd share the fun. Now, if you need some SMPS repair tips, then let me share a few pointers with you.
Heck, I'll even tell you what SMPS repair manual I personally use to jack up my fixing and troubleshooting skills. By the way, you can look it up via the link below:
Photo-based SMPS instructional repair guide
Now, take a look at the following tips for solving your switch mode power supply repair issues…You ought to know them!
Basic yet often overlooked problem…
Check for faulty or incorrectly positioned voltage selector switch. I've seen this happen many times. The equipment is moved around resulting in the aforementioned problem. Accidents happen…
Look sharp!
Upon removing the casing – look sharp! Look for what? Well, look at each component…Perhaps the electrolytic capacitors are broken or slightly loose? Decayed glue impeding components? Too much dust?
Repairing SMPS can be hard if there are layers upon layers of dust covering the components. So, get a mini vacuum.
Promptly change the damaged capacitors. As for decayed glue, just remove by scraping carefully as to avoid damaging the affected parts.
Solder of fortune…
Yes, you read that right - solder of fortune. You see, it may cause you a small fortune should you mess up the soldering process!
SMPS failure may also be caused by shoddy solder connection job by the manufacturers.
Use the right soldering items e.g. a fine tip one for small sized components, while a soldering gun is ideal for bigger sized parts.
Repair Bible?
If you want a really, really thick bible-like guide on repairing SMPS, be sure to get one that has lots of easy to follow pictures and diagrams. If it offers personal email support from the author, that's even better!
Like this one.
SMPS Repairing – How the Experts Repair SMPS Units
Want to know how to repair a switch mode power supply unit (SMPS)?
Okay first you must understand this: proper SMPS repairing procedure needs to be followed; otherwise you may diagnose a particular problem incorrectly.
Trust me; you absolutely do not want to commit incorrect diagnosis…I made this mistake and it turned out to be very costly!
Fortunately, I stumbled across a download only SMPS repairing guide which has helped sharpen my troubleshooting skills.
Thank goodness because I do not want to make the same mistake – wrong diagnosis is something I try to avoid at all cost!
By the way, you can learn more about the SMPS repairing guide by visiting this site. I think another window will open so take note…
Look, I've since discovered that fixing SMPS is really not that difficult. I've followed the steps outlined in that repair guide (written by an expert) numerous times AND I've applied what I learned to great success.
You know, a lot of experts successfully repair SMPS by…
…Fully understanding the basics of switch mode power supply. They know all about the components found in every section of SMPS units, how the entire unit functions and so on.
…Pinpointing the actual problem based on proper schematic diagram reviewing, and comprehending the critical waveforms and exact voltages of every section available in SMPS.
…Discovering the right output voltages and using the appropriate testers to examine the functionality of each SMPS component. For example, you can use a zener diode tester to identify possible problems occurring on other components – not just the zener diodes!
...Using several different approaches for repairing SMPS. In order to troubleshoot various types of SMPS, an expert may employ several different methods.
You see, once you understand how the unit works the function of each component, circuit design data, multiple repairing process etc, you'll soon realize that it's quite fun to fix SMPS.
What you should do is get a comprehensive manual on SMPS repairing (ideally one with full color photo demonstrations and step-by-step tutorials), you'll learn a lot quicker if you follow this type of manual in a bit-by-bit fashion.
You can find that kind of manual by clicking right on this link.
Okay first you must understand this: proper SMPS repairing procedure needs to be followed; otherwise you may diagnose a particular problem incorrectly.
Trust me; you absolutely do not want to commit incorrect diagnosis…I made this mistake and it turned out to be very costly!
Fortunately, I stumbled across a download only SMPS repairing guide which has helped sharpen my troubleshooting skills.
Thank goodness because I do not want to make the same mistake – wrong diagnosis is something I try to avoid at all cost!
By the way, you can learn more about the SMPS repairing guide by visiting this site. I think another window will open so take note…
Look, I've since discovered that fixing SMPS is really not that difficult. I've followed the steps outlined in that repair guide (written by an expert) numerous times AND I've applied what I learned to great success.
You know, a lot of experts successfully repair SMPS by…
…Fully understanding the basics of switch mode power supply. They know all about the components found in every section of SMPS units, how the entire unit functions and so on.
…Pinpointing the actual problem based on proper schematic diagram reviewing, and comprehending the critical waveforms and exact voltages of every section available in SMPS.
…Discovering the right output voltages and using the appropriate testers to examine the functionality of each SMPS component. For example, you can use a zener diode tester to identify possible problems occurring on other components – not just the zener diodes!
...Using several different approaches for repairing SMPS. In order to troubleshoot various types of SMPS, an expert may employ several different methods.
You see, once you understand how the unit works the function of each component, circuit design data, multiple repairing process etc, you'll soon realize that it's quite fun to fix SMPS.
What you should do is get a comprehensive manual on SMPS repairing (ideally one with full color photo demonstrations and step-by-step tutorials), you'll learn a lot quicker if you follow this type of manual in a bit-by-bit fashion.
You can find that kind of manual by clicking right on this link.
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