I bought a Thurlby Thandar TG210 function generator from Ebay for £10 a while ago which worked fine until yesterday. After turning it on, it developed a loud buzzing accompanied by a distinctive smell. I opened it up and the smell comes from the transformer, it's not a burning smell as such.
Is it worth replacing the transformer, or will this have damaged the circuits?
Is it worth replacing the transformer, or will this have damaged the circuits?
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Firstly, disconnect the secondary plug and check it is still noisy, if it is, replace the transformer and check the diodes/power supply for short circuits.
If it stops being noisy, check the diodes/power supply.
Version 2 has fuses instead of ferrite beads on ther PCBoard!
If it stops being noisy, check the diodes/power supply.
Version 2 has fuses instead of ferrite beads on ther PCBoard!
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Could you take a closer look at C32? That's the big capacitor touching the blue wire.
It could be just the lighting, but to me it appears that the top of C32 is not flat. An electrolytic capacitor with a "popped top" is bad, and could cause a short circuit that would make the transformer buzz.
It could be just the lighting, but to me it appears that the top of C32 is not flat. An electrolytic capacitor with a "popped top" is bad, and could cause a short circuit that would make the transformer buzz.
Thanks Jon, disconnected secondary plug and it's still noisy. I'm guessing the serial number possibly refers to the transformer ratings, 18V secondaries, there are no other markings on the transformer ?
JRE, trick of the light I'm afraid, C32 is flat.
JRE, trick of the light I'm afraid, C32 is flat.
Hi Neal,
If bridge diodes are OK, you should be able to connect bench DC power supplies (adjustable voltage/current limit) to supply filter caps; this should allow you to look for collateral damage and trouble shoot before replacement of transformer.
Good luck!
If bridge diodes are OK, you should be able to connect bench DC power supplies (adjustable voltage/current limit) to supply filter caps; this should allow you to look for collateral damage and trouble shoot before replacement of transformer.
Good luck!