Help! My Sbig CCD died!

[JohnH]

My ST2000xm emitted smoke from the PCB tonight. Now it willl not power up so it needs repair. Is there any advice from IIsers who have had SBig repairs - is this going to require retuen to the USA (I guess yes) and how long can I expect it to take?

I wisj I knew what caused this - I did have some odd power issues with this camera right from the start - it would only work properly with the DC power supply and not the AC one - I wonder if there is a fault in the PSU - I had better return the lot.

Bugger!

John

[gbeal]

John,
sorry to hear this, they are virtually bullet-proof too.
I did have an issue many years ago with an ST2K I had, can't really recall the part that smoked, an "IC" if I recall correctly.
A local electronics friend got the new IC (I still have the remaining 4, they were sold in lots of 5, LOL) and soldered it on. Not for the faint-hearted though, watching.
A Mayday e mail to SBIG worked for me, so maybe try that, although you do have a local rep, whereas I didn't.
Gary

[JohnH]

You were rigt an SOS email to SBig has resulted in excellent after sales service - a replacement PCB is on its way - cost $200. Hope it fixes the problem, wish I knew what caused it I am nervous now.

[gbeal]

Well that's good news John, and maybe they could shed some light on what possibly caused it, you asked them??
In the meantime I think I'd be getting the power supply checked, and really this could be done by a competent electrical person, it will have an input and output specification surely.
Good to hear you will make it work again though.
Gary

[JohnH]

Replacement PCB arrived today - fitted - it works, great service from SBig.

And a word of warning about LAB type power supplies - these often allow the ground to float - that is the -ve pole is not a true ground (earth). This is done, I think, to reduce noise.

BUT

In my case the difference between +ve and -ve was 13.8V the difference between -ve and earth was 24.7V baaad.

Bottom line is don't assume - check.

Regards

John

[gbeal]

Ah, wonderful John.
I wonder if the old PCB can be repaired?
Gary

[Karls48]

John, as ex engineer that worked with PS for long time - most of power supplies are floating - ea 0 volts is not tied to the Earth

[JohnH]

Possibly - to my eyes it looks like an SM resistor has cooked - the one on the GRND line of the 12CAUX port, beyond my feeble electronics skills I am afraid...

[gbeal]

Well, maybe find someone within the astro community that has the skills and look at fixing it. Handy to have a spare I reckon.
Gary