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Where To Start ..?

ThermO

Oct 29, 2017
3
Joined
Oct 29, 2017
Messages
3
I am trying to fix a couple 'quite new still'
"TW163 Thermocouple Welder's" that just stopped spot welding.
There are 5 of them, and it seems almost like they are all faulty
(yes, sent them back for warranty repairs already, but they are goofed again)
Batteries strong @ 12.7Volts..can't wait the months it takes to get them done again,
What/where is the issue on these things do you think?
Caps? (non are exploded/leaking)
All other components not burnt, or any obvious damage
Where to start..?

Exact model can be seen in last pic here:
http://www.maritimestress.com/thermo_weld_units.html
 

kellys_eye

Jun 25, 2010
6,514
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Jun 25, 2010
Messages
6,514
Only two real areas to look at - the controlling switch (to discharge the capacitors) and the capacitors themselves.

In my experience (of electric fence energisers), systems that rely on heavy discharge of capacitors to provide a pulse invariably suffer capacitor failure/degradation. Occasionally the switching device goes 'open' (sometime shorted, but not often).

Short-circuits and open-circuits are relatively easy to diagnose but the simplest way to prove a capacitor fault is just to replace them. Get a replacement and wire it in parallel with the existing capacitor first - it may just restore operation to prove the issue. Then swap out as necessary.

Pics of the internals would help a lot though.
 

ThermO

Oct 29, 2017
3
Joined
Oct 29, 2017
Messages
3
.
Pics of the internals would help a lot though.
Thanks a ton kellys!!
I have pics,
but the driver to upload from my cell to computer is now
down/missing/corrupted.. I scored the iinternet for the internals, but no luck.
There's 2 big Caps & 1 smaller one.
 

dorke

Jun 20, 2015
2,342
Joined
Jun 20, 2015
Messages
2,342
ThermO,
Please take care those caps are very dangerous !!!:eek:
Properly discharge them before handling and check with a DVM that they are discharged ,
don't ever short them !
 
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