thunder machine - power wont come on

[brd]

Hi, Can anyone help me please. We were playing my Thunder machine last night and suddenly it lost all power in the middle of a reel spin.
We checked the plug fuse, the power switch inside and the 2 fuses near the reset key but they all seem OK. Its just absolutely dead.

I also tried all the reset buttons I can find but nothing!
I searched the forums for information but I cant even find any archive information that might help.
I'm really peeved. I've only had it 2 weeks!

[brd]

this is where i looked

[arbycoffee]

what is your voltage there ?
the power supply that comes in the machine from Japan is plugged into a 100 volt AC. What are you using to convert to that ? or close to that ?

[Tulsa]

If you have a volt meter, check to make sure (if this is transformer equiped) that you have voltage coming from the tranformer to the power supply (gray box on bottom left of picture).

Since you've only had it two weeks, did it come with a warranty?

[brd]

Hi, thanks for the responses, it should be under warranty and it came with a transformer. i am going to get some new fuses just to be sure (even though they look ok)
i suppose it could be the transformer thats goosed?
is there anything else that could cause total failure of the power supply?
i mean could it be a terminal problem?

[Tulsa]

Unless you had some kind of spike in voltage to blow a fuse in the power supply. I would think if it's a fuse, it's a cheap enough test to change it and see if it blows again.

[arbycoffee]

If you didn't smell bangers frying when it happened, than it sounds like a fuse.

[brd]

OK, fuses changed and no joy. there was no bang or smell, it just went off.

i had an idea though. if i leave the power switched on via the transformer then if the transformer is working it will get warm wont it?
so logically, if the transformer doesnt get warm then that is the likely probem? is that too obvious i wonder?

[Tulsa]

I'm not sure how fool-proof that method would be. As long as you have power at the plug the transformer is plugged into, there will still be power running to it. It shouldn't get hot if it's not functioning but if it's attempting to function but not able to output power, it may still yet get hot.

[keesterdog]

i had a similar problem with my machine. the key in the reset switch for some reason was hot glued in place. i pulled the key out. pulled off the glue. replaced the key and haven't had that problem since. by the way, that is not the reset switch that you have circled in your pictures. if i remember correctly that is your odds adjustment button.

[brd]

Hi again.
Yes, the key is the odds adjustment key. the reset is the button at the side of it (i think!?)
I left the transformer plugged in for 20 minutes and it was stone cold. does that tell me anything?

[slotter]

The first place I'd test is as suggested above: Get voltmeter and make sure you have power out of the transformer. I had a transformer blow on a machine because the vendor had chafed a wire and it came in contact with the door hinge.

(Also, the cold tranformer would seem to indicate it isn't working.)

[Tulsa]

Yeah a cold transformer isn't a good thing but it's a whole lot better than a dead power supply. Transformers are relatively cheap and easy to get and easy to change out.

Contact your vendor and let them know what you've discovered so they can replace this one.

Now stupid question time, you have plugged in a lamp or other functioning device into that wall plug to make sure you didn't kick the breaker on the wall plug?

[Stealth]

If there is a transformer, that is your problem...it is a 100v machine. There should not be a transformer in that machine.

[arbycoffee]

If he is in the UK, he would need a Transformer for even that I think, are they 220v ?
"an inquiring mind needs to know or I will wet my pants"

[d mowery]

Just a dumb thing that has happind to me more than once , Check the power cord sometimes this has came of fat the transformer and sometimes the molded plug end has had a open at one of the wire joints and shown up later , Just some thoughts as this has happined more than I like to think

[biigdaddy]

A cold transformer may not indicate a bad transformer. If there is no load on the transformer (i.e. no current being drawn through it to power lights, electronics, etc.) due to something downstream from the transformer being dead (like the power supply circuit card) then the transformer will not heat up. It heats up due to the resistance of its wires and the current flowing through them.

The best test of the transformer is as Tulsa indicated - measure the output voltage of the transformer.

[luckydog]

I agree with Tulsa, check your wall outlet first, I had a refigrator that quit working, it turned out to be a bad wall outlet.

You could have a faulty cord or on/off switch on the machine also,

You could try replacing the cord and using a different outlet.

[brd]

hi all.
many thanks for all the suggestions. im really grateful.
i tried the socket and anything else thast might be really obvious.
i dont have a voltmeter but i'll take the transformer to work and test it.
i have emailed the supplier who is a member on here so i will see what he says. thanks again (oh! also, UK is 240v, the transformer was as supplied)

[PachisloUk]

Just for your information, the power voltage supplied for the purpose of home electronics in the UK is 230v. Several years ago we used to say it was 240v but this spoken voltage was down rated to 230v even though the actual supply never changed. UK voltage can vary in it's supply from 220v upto 250v. Hence why our transformers cost alot more to make than the US ones

Just stating this incase any members in the States were going to do a calculation/formula for the power rating.

Good luck in your repair. Should be the transformer/converter you are using.