Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Economic option for failed power supplies for older 861's

RS Components list a VLT40-3200 (and a VLT60-3200) the output connector is the same layout of as the EMC40UT31/EMC60UT31 the only difference seems to be the lack of a "pot" to adjust the output. It's nominally 5.2v on V1 anyway.

It would seem to be fairly equivalent to the EMC40UT31? I haven't gone through the data sheet checking sizes and fixing hole spacings but I do know I've replaced a VLT40UT30 from a G98 with a direct replacement bought from RS and aVLT40UT30 with an EMC40UT31 which was taken out of an 861(v4 I think) I don't recall any significant differences in getting either to fit. The power input socket J1 was slightly off-set from the appature in the cage but the plug fitted. Both required an earth lead soldering to a tab on the board.

Farnell have a 15% off on line orders this week* and I think I might order a couple of these to prophylactically replace the PS in my G68s since the demise of the Health Check and warranty deal.

Regards

Richard

*This week apparently ends at midnight and there's a minimum £200 spend. Details, details!

Good idea Richard,

I'll order the EMC60UT31 and let you all know what happens.

If the wiki was working I'd put my results in there...

/Marcus

If you try this, these are the components you will need:

An ECM60UT31
An ECM 100 cover
A DS1813
and
Technical Note 7a

(UK URLs)
/Marcus

Is this still the recommended approach?

This is what I have done on a couple of 800 series units.

You need to check what PSU you currently have as you may not need the casework, and also check if your front panel (in case it has already been modified).

The difference in the PSUs is only the wattage, and it would depend on how many cards are in the unit as to whether the 40watt would suffice, although the 60watt would be far less stressed and probably would last longer (although from experience, it is the heat that kills the capacitors, which dry out and then kill the PSU).

Providing you're handy with a screwdriver and a soldering iron, the job should take around an hour.

Good luck,

Steve

Just to confirm this all works perfectly. Just remember to use a good voltmeter to ensure the output is 5.2V rather than the 5V that comes as default when you purchase a new power supply.

So you know, Symptom of a failed Power Supply for me was the 861 display not coming on correctly when turned on.

/Marcus

OK, an old thread but maybe useful to someone...

Not a bad idea to act on symptoms early. Got a M800 that flamed.
Thinking that the 12V voltage regulator exploded melting the MOLEX
connector behind and toasting the resistor in front. The main fuse
survived(!) Next step is to work out the culprit downstream. Approx
40ohms betwen yellow 12V supply and chassis so will pull out cards
until the low resistance path is found. Think the unit is a V2, any
reliable sources of used replacement boards?

Went for the XP ECM60UT31 (60W) over the 40W in part due to the 12V/3A
over 12V/2A. The kit is smaller than the OEM so maybe some minor drilling
etc... needed

My 861v6 did not come back on after a power outage.

Purchased the XP POWER ECM40UT31 from Digikey for <$60.

Trimmed the output to 5.2 volts.

It's back!

Glad I came across this thread. TY

It would be best if you were to also check/replace the capacitors on the caps board and back plane as not doing so can lead to early replacement power supply failure.

That is a bit out of my level of expertise with the soldering iron......

Can the whole board with the caps be replaced?