Solder on filter coil

[MixMasta]

I am recapping a Antec Truepower 430 and I just noticed that there is this glob of solder on this filter coil(I guess its a filter coil). I have never seen anything like this before. Is this solder glob supposed to be there or serve some purpose? (I didn't do this, I haven't even started soldering new caps on yet). Please advise!

[Toasty]

Re: Solder on filter coil

Not supposed to be there. Likely a splash from factory. You can -try- to remove it using something plastic so you don't nick the enamel insulation on the coil wires. You might even try with your fingernail. It may just 'pop' off if you try.

If that breaks through the insulation at some point, it might make the unit go *bang*.

You are aware these are motherboard killers, right? Bad 5vsb circuit. Make sure you recap it complete.

Toast

[everell]

Re: Solder on filter coil

Toasty - are you suggesting that the Antec TruePower psu has a bad 5vsb problem like the Bestec ATX-250 12E? I am at present recapping a Antec True550 EPS12V 550 watt power supply. I certainly don't need a mobo killer. I wonder if my DM311 add on board would be a good project idea for this model.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Solder on filter coil

More like don't just do the main O/P filters, recap the whole thing.
If you leave the Fuhjyyu in +5vsb then you have a mobo killer.
.

[MixMasta]

Re: Solder on filter coil

You guys are saying the 220 uF caps are bad too?

[Wizard]

Re: Solder on filter coil

All of the caps. Especially these.

Cheers, Wizard

[MixMasta]

Re: Solder on filter coil

Got to say, there are plenty of threads on this message board that say don't bother with these.

[Toasty]

Re: Solder on filter coil

>>Got to say, there are plenty of threads on this message board that say don't bother with these.<<

Hmm, $2 of caps vs. Motherboard...

PLUS the chance to tear this apart again...?

hmmmm I wonder...? Door #1 or Door #2 or the BIG BOX where Alice is standing...?

>>Toasty - are you suggesting that the Antec TruePower psu has a bad 5vsb <<

I suggested nothing.

[MixMasta]

Re: Solder on filter coil

Worse then I thought I guess. Solder has definitely melted through the enamel and shorted these wires. Where do I get a new coil and how do I size it, specifications, etc. Digikey? There are two wires wrapped around...

[Toasty]

Re: Solder on filter coil

>>Where do I get a new coil and how do I size it, specifications, etc. Digikey? <<

You don't. Unless you have another -identical- unit that you can pick parts from, there is no source for these.

This was a working unit?

Stand it up so the glob of solder is facing downward towards table. Use your iron to heat it up solder and try to draw it off on the iron's tip. No force, no scraping, just see what will come away.

If you can get enough solder off, you may be able to see better on there. Can you take a clearer closer pic? A little different angle?

Toast

[everell]

Re: Solder on filter coil

Once you get the solder off, spray some Humiseal or paint on a Q-tip and dab the Humiseal or paint on the area where the solder was. That will re-seal the area where the solder was. Then you don't have to replace the coil.

[MixMasta]

Re: Solder on filter coil

Toasty: This is what I did.

Much of the solder was already soaked between and under the wires before I started trying to remove it. I removed most of the solder on the surface, but there is solder left between and under the wires. I don't get how this thing ever worked in the first place.

Should I try to remove it from the pcb? I can probably force the wrapped wires apart then and remove as much solder as possible. I even have some clear coat I can spray on it. I don't think it will be too hard to physically separate the thicker and thinner wire in the areas where the solder is.

[i4004]

Re: Solder on filter coil

mhm...i dunno was it such a good idea to try to remove it at all...
you end up heating it, and that just make more chance you'll reach the copper as that insulatign lacquer is thin....
(i would just check if it gets hot while running...if not, i wouldn't be touching it)

could you make a macro image of the situation after your attempt?
if you wanna continue be sure to insulate it well afterwards, be it pieces of insulating tape or whatever....

as for pulling it out, consider how hard will ti be to put it back, ie how many wires it has connected to pcb, are they stiff enough etc.

>Got to say, there are plenty of threads on this message board that say don't bother with these.

those are probably threads about motherboards, not psus.

[Toasty]

Re: Solder on filter coil

Okay. I wanted some confirmation that that solder in fact -does not- belong there. Also that it was not a factory adjustment to get the supply working.

I did some digging through the forum and found a pic in a thread by 22turbo back in 6/07.
There is no solder on his identical coil and supply:



I think you're on the right track if you can pull this out and work on it. You'll be able to better work in that spot. It's just to far down and close to the board to work on carefully and easily.

You'll also be able to easily read across the windings with an ohmmeter and make sure they aren't shorted together.

Use plastic implements to work on it. You don't want to knick these wires or the core as you proceed.

You can use spray laquer, but I think once you have them separated, that some RTV silicone will be excellent, less messy, and will hold the wires in place nicely and keep any "ringing" or buzzing noise from happening. Playing with the windings will loosen them up and could produce an annoying zzzzzzzz sound. The RTV will stop that, cold.

Plus, you'll need the RTV once you get it back in place to re-secure and isolate it from the heat sink and its "neighbors".

Pics of progress please, not just finished.


Toast

[EDIT: And while you're there, get that little cap next to it out and replaced. ]

[MixMasta]

Re: Solder on filter coil

It might take me a while to get to this, but I am up for the challenge. I'll take some pics as I go.