Openbox stopped working

**allstarnz** · 14-03-13, 09:24 PM

My Openbox S10 has stopped working, it seems that something is dead.

It would seem from my limited knowledge that the internal transformer is dead.

The bit I have put the arrow pointing to is making a humming noise. It just stopped working, I didn't do anything different.

Is this fixable at a decent cost? Or is it pretty much a door stop?

**beer4life** · 14-03-13, 09:53 PM

I'd be inclined to check the electrolytic capacitors, large one at top of pix and the 6 on RH side.
If you find any bulging or leaking, replace the lot.
Use higher temperature rating if they will physically fit.

**weirdo** · 14-03-13, 11:06 PM

I agree with beer4life
C4 and C11 look seriously bloated
Replace the caps on your PS board

**LeroyPatrol** · 15-03-13, 07:04 AM

Kinda normal for transformers to make a little noise.

Leroy

**allstarnz** · 15-03-13, 11:10 AM

thanks gents, I'll see what I can do.

Originally Posted by LeroyPatrol

Kinda normal for transformers to make a little noise.

Leroy

It's making more than the usual amount of noise though, it sounds louder and more pronounced than it should.

**tristen** · 15-03-13, 12:32 PM

Yes. I agree that several electrolytic capacitors appear to be bulging.

Don't neglect to replace them with capacitors that are rated at 105 degrees C and low ESR.

**carjackma** · 15-03-13, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by allstarnz

thanks gents, I'll see what I can do.

It's making more than the usual amount of noise though, it sounds louder and more pronounced than it should.

The bulging caps are the problem replace them all even if they look good. the transformer hum will lessen once you change them and the voltages are all back to normal.
or buy one here there cheap enough.

even with EMS shipping its less than 30 bucks but id just use china post and buy 2 and keep one spare.

**allstarnz** · 21-03-13, 09:10 PM

I've ordered two new power boards from Aliexpress. I can't be assed pissing around with a soldering iron and all that.

**Rentakill** · 22-03-13, 03:47 PM

Gidday Allstarnz

Reacon you should have done the Cap change.. Cost would have been about $10.00.
At least then you could have uprated them and fixed the problem once and for all.
Your import power supply units will eventually do the same.

Cheers

Ren

**allstarnz** · 25-03-13, 12:49 PM

Not bad, it was dispatched from HK on Friday night. Turned up in the office at lunchtime today. Good for DHL

**allstarnz** · 26-03-13, 07:45 PM

Box is working again just like that, no more humming. Nice and easy install too.

The other problem is, where can I buy individual components these days. Capacitors seem to come in packs of 10, and I only need 1 or a few. Dick Smith aren't an electronics store any more.

**tristen** · 26-03-13, 11:41 PM

Originally Posted by allstarnz

...The other problem is, where can I buy individual components these days. Capacitors seem to come in packs of 10, and I only need 1 or a few. Dick Smith aren't an electronics store any more.

is your friend

Here are several names you might recognise.

**allstarnz** · 13-03-14, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by carjackma

The bulging caps are the problem replace them all even if they look good. the transformer hum will lessen once you change them and the voltages are all back to normal.
or buy one here there cheap enough.

even with EMS shipping its less than 30 bucks but id just use china post and buy 2 and keep one spare.

Greatest suggestion ever, I'm so thankful for you suggesting right now.

The original PSU lasted almost exactly one year, and it's gone again. Took the old one out, and replaced it with the spare. Hey presto, it's business time.

Openbox really aren't that flash.

**gordon_s1942** · 13-03-14, 09:16 PM

Last year a TV I use sounded a bit 'garbly' until it had been on a few minutes, like they were talking under water.
This problem happened before and I had it repaired but this time the sound didnt clear as it usually did and then I noticed HEAT waves coming from the top vents, ohhh ooohh !!.
No smoke, just heat waves.
Set turned off, disconnected, dismounted from the wall bracket and took the back off to find a component like the one the arrow is pointing at was sort of discoloured.
There was no real discernible smell but it just looked 'cooked' compared to another nearby.
I am guessing this was part of the power supply and I decided against repairing it again due to its age and previous problem, I could and did buy a new one later at less than what this one originally cost.
I absolutely detest junking anything but is it worth the time and cost to have an item repaired today when its already had a problem and more than 4 years old.