| |
| Author |
Message |
KINGS
4.99mW Green Laser Toy
Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 2
|
 Posted: 10/23/07, 6:02 PM Post subject: Some tech |
 |
|
Hey Gang!
About a year ago I purchased a 30 Mw laser lighting effect off E-bay. The unit has worked well until recently when it decides, on some days, that it doesnt want to play (ie the diode doesnt light up). The days when it wants to work seem to be pretty random but the mirrors and step motors that create the various patterns work every time? I've pulled the unit appart but cant identify any loose wires or damaged components. I've also experimented with temperature, and any other variable I can identlify, without success. The chances of me locating a service or shop manual are pretty remote as the unit was sourced from China (I can here you all saying...."now theres ya problem!").
I was wondering if anyone might knew what the fault may be (eg power supply).
Your wisdom would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
KINGS. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
godfrey
Wicked Lasers Master
Joined: 23 Feb 2006
Posts: 957
Location: St. Louis, MO
|
| Posted: 10/25/07, 12:29 PM Post subject: |
|
|
It is difficult to diagnose remotely, however you'd be surprised to learn that a lot of wiring harnesses can and do go bad. Particularly when the pins don't make contact while in their sockets. The only way to troubleshoot that is to check continuity from one side of the harness to the other. Use a digital volt meter for this.
If you have or have access to an ESR meter use it on the capacitors. This checks the capacitors while in the circuit and believe me they do go bad…Especially the small surface mount ones (the short silver can types). <-- They have about a 12 to 15 year life yet can still go bad prior to that.
Resistors and diodes rarely go bad…unless they exceed their ratings.
Additionally, check for cold solder joints or broken solder joints.
Wear a ground strap - laser diodes and most chips don't like static discharge. Otherwise you'll end up with a non working unit.
Start with the power supply, verify you have the right (or some) voltages present and work your way through the circuit. It takes time.
Beyond that, I can’t do much more… Sure, a schematic would be ideal...but like you've said it would be difficult to obtain one. Just don't throw it away if you can't get it to work yet.
From the sound of it, it could be something as simple as a broken solder joint that is just barely making contact, except under certain conditions, perhaps from vibration.
Phil |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
KINGS
4.99mW Green Laser Toy
Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 2
|
| Posted: 10/26/07, 4:45 AM Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks G...
I appreciate the time and effort you put into your response.
I'm not that proficent in the old electrical department so would an electrician (say one who specializes in audio/visual equipment) be capable of diagnosing a fault? (ie would they laugh in my face if I presented my laser to them for fixing!).
Thanks in adavance.
Kings. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
godfrey
Wicked Lasers Master
Joined: 23 Feb 2006
Posts: 957
Location: St. Louis, MO
|
| Posted: 10/26/07, 8:59 AM Post subject: |
|
|
Actually - that would be me as well. I repair broadcast video and audio equipment. I know my boss would say, "find the service manual"....but I don't think any of the thousands of JVC, Sony, Panasonic, Ikegami or Alesis manuals would help.
Entertainment lasers fall in to a different category for most people, and rarely is considered A/V equipment - though, because I have ADHD (adult attention hyperactivity disorder) everything sort of runs together.
Let me ask a general question to get the feel of this problem.
1) Laser works intermittently
2) Scanners (distorted / not distorted) (at any time)
Is this a silver model with the name "LanLing"? on it?
Any photos of it up close, open and closed would be great to get an idea of its design.
You've got me curious now.....
Phil |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum
|
|
|
