Astron RM-50M problem

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007
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 12:38 am
Location: Adding more toys to my Orion's

Astron RM-50M problem

Post by 007 »

*x-post from the 'lab*

I got a free Astron 50A linear 12V supply that blows it's 120V fuse at power-up. There is nothing connected to the supply, so this is an internal problem. I know these supplies aren't the best, but it was free because of the problem...so I am willing to spend some time and money to fix it.

I looked at repeater-builder, which makes mention of a failed diode bridge rectifier in 35A model, but I don't see these in the 50A model. What else should I be looking at for the failure point?
The serial bus on my Orion is working for it's money.
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ka7wnf
Posts: 365
Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2004 1:37 pm
Location: Seattle, Washington

Re: Astron RM-50M problem

Post by ka7wnf »

I have a Vista XXR 20 amp that did that. Turned out one of the power transistors mounted on the external heat sink was bad. It had a dead short. Blew the fuse.
Oldford
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Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2008 6:09 pm

Re: Astron RM-50M problem

Post by Oldford »

That's not really that bad of a supply. I've fixed quite a few over the years, and yes, the bridge rectifier can short out. It is much more likely that the pass transistor(s) is shorted. You can check them by removing them and "ohmming" them out.
Caution: if you have had the thing plugged in, the large filter cap stores a healthy charge. Discharge it with something other than your fingers. If you need a schematic, you can use almost any Astron drawing, as (if I recall) they just use more pass transistors for more amps.

Good Luck, Eric
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Bat2way
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Joined: Tue Jun 27, 2006 1:12 am

A Simple Fix

Post by Bat2way »

There are 2 chassis mounted rectifiers CR101,102 (1N1184A)(crosses to a NTE5982) which could be shorted out. As Oldford said, also check CR1,CR2 the square pseudo-bridge as I call it, for shorts.

I've had the rear AC socket vaporized by lightning on one of mine, and was easily repairable, so don't worry about these supplies, you got a real deal.
jim202
Posts: 120
Joined: Sat Mar 29, 2003 9:47 am
Location: New Orleans region

Re: Astron RM-50M problem

Post by jim202 »

I have also seen the output post short to the chassis. Sometimes they get over tightened and this causes the problem. It is easy to lift the wires from
these output terminals and see what happens.
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