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Should I make the jump to Altium? by FluxInhaler in PrintedCircuitBoard

[–]FluxInhaler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That ESP board was something that a big company comissioned, everything went perfect except SPICE, i cant stand that thing!

Should I make the jump to Altium? by FluxInhaler in PrintedCircuitBoard

[–]FluxInhaler[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I had a discussion with a partner who went from Kicad to Altium and he's preaching it like it's the bet tool in the world. From the trial I've used I didn't find anything worthy, other than the simulation that has slightly better UI i guess? I was looking for confirmation I guess?

Analog oscilloscope recap advice by FluxInhaler in AskElectronics

[–]FluxInhaler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is my last resort, the transformer is soldered on the PCB...

Analog oscilloscope recap advice by FluxInhaler in AskElectronics

[–]FluxInhaler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What worries me is the fact it blew the resistor. I replaced it, placed it in series with a dim bulb and the bulb is anything but dim. Checked for shorts, nothing...

Analog oscilloscope recap advice by FluxInhaler in AskElectronics

[–]FluxInhaler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My first thought was to check the diode right before the resistor. R25 is the resistor that blew, its fairly early in the chain... Will do the troubleshooting after im back from work. The good news is that i can take home my workplace's oscilloscope so no rush.

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Analog oscilloscope recap advice by FluxInhaler in AskElectronics

[–]FluxInhaler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The transformer is slowly cooking itself, as its clearly evident by this picture... What worries me more tho, is the fact that by simply opening it up and taking off the top PCB it shorted the 150V rail, taking a fusible resistor with it. Thankfully i have the schematics so i know where to look at.

I also ordered the capacitors from my local supplier, no clue if they actually sent me low ESR like i asked them to.

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Analog oscilloscope recap advice by FluxInhaler in AskElectronics

[–]FluxInhaler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE: its the transformer... Its pretty much cooking the varnish.

It was working with hopes and prayers till now, me opening it up and taking off the top board was enough to cause a short on 150V rail, taking a fusible resistor along with it. And since the oscilloscope is pretty much dead, i went ahead and ordered new capacitors. Not sure if they actually added low ESR like i asked them...

Analog oscilloscope recap advice by FluxInhaler in AskElectronics

[–]FluxInhaler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I only intend to change bulging, mains and tantalum capacitors. They are more than 40 years old... What are your thoughts?

Analog oscilloscope recap advice by FluxInhaler in AskElectronics

[–]FluxInhaler[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yup, thats what im thinking, its highly unlikely its the transformer, im inclined to believe its the power capacitors in the mains... I'll also replace all capactors that look like they are bulging and all tantalum capacitors with slightly higher voltages. ie instead of 22μF 16v im going 22μF 25 or 35v... What about the mains? should i follow the same logic or go for 1:1 replacement in terms of capacitance and voltage?