Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Just a follow-up for others that may run into this someday I took apart the PRS10 and disassembled the lamp assembly, Not easy.. I discovered that the MRF134 in there was still functional but that there was a second short that was preventing oscillation, this looked to be due to solder reflowing slightly from a joint to a chip cap had been soldered with an excess amount of solder in manufacturing I removed this, tested the fet which was still ok but would be a real bear to replace. I then tested each discreet component (ceramic caps with LC meter, resistors etc) I put the lamp assy and the PRS 10 back together Now looking though the hole provided I can see that after a short warmup the lmap now does light (it didn't previously) however the unit no longer locks to Rb I have shelved the PRS10 and rebuilt my reference around a Trimble thunderbolt. Perhaps at a later date I'll have another go at it thanks for all the help On Wed, 2011-02-16 at 22:37 +, Brendan Minish wrote: Interestingly it was not your normal tin whisker (I have seen a few of those, just..) it was a substantial one that had grown out from the stack of 2 Ceramic caps in series with the coil to the RF choke in series with the DC supply to the lamp housing. It might even have been a solder blob left over from production but it looked quite crystalline. It's a bit ugly in the lamp assy because the heat and strong RF field made a bit of a mess of insulation on the RFC and the heater leads but everything else seems ok I'll try and locate an MRF134 and see how I get on, certainly worth the price and time by the sounds of it. thanks for all the help and encouragement On 16/02/2011 22:14, Pete Lancashire wrote: http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/ I've fixed two cell phones for friends and I have a very nice MP3 player I got for $1. Each was fixed with a stiff brush with a combination of compressed air (outside) and a vac inside. -pete PS if you do the air thing don't forget about static use a ionizer. On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 1:58 PM, Bob Campli...@rtty.us wrote: Hi Real solder has lead in it to eliminate tin whiskers. We're going to see a lot of stuff die in the coming years from these little critters. Bob -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of Magnus Danielson Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 4:55 PM To: time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/16/2011 10:31 PM, paul swed wrote: Well a couple answers. If those are RB whiskers try the heat gun at 300 degrees on it for 15 minutes. As Magnus suggests and I just tried for the first time. It actually worked and I recovered the rb lamp. While the heat gun on the Rb lamp is a nice trick, the whiskers most likely is nothing but traditional tin whiskers. A bit of re-soldering to remove bad metal and replacement of burned transistor is where I would start. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Thank so much for taking the time to do this, it's genuinely much appreciated My replacement fet for the lamp assembly is on it's way from China and I'll report back how I get on with the repair 73 Brendan My On 23/02/2011 15:29, Robert Watson wrote: OK, Here is the result of my lunch-break scanning session. I had to use a desktop A4 sized scanner so you might need scissors and tape to make sense. The 17x11 sheets are split onto overlapping two letter sized pages (Rb lamp driver is on last couple of pages). Don't have time to tidy it at this stage. Usual caveats: link may not be around forever so if someone wants to find a better home for it, do so. For personal use only etc. http://people.bath.ac.uk/eesrjw/prs10/PRS10_revH_BoM_schematics.pdf Regards, R. On 23 February 2011 09:04, Robert Watson robertwatsonb...@googlemail.com wrote: Hi folks, OK, have found the manual and it's not as bad as I remembered; there are six 17x11 fold out sheets. The schematics are dated August 12th 1999 and are for Revsion H. I'll scan the schematics and the parts list in case that helps folks with non rev. H units. There are no copies of the silkscreens for component ident as near as I can see. Will see if I can scan these in the next couple of days. R. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Hi folks, OK, have found the manual and it's not as bad as I remembered; there are six 17x11 fold out sheets. The schematics are dated August 12th 1999 and are for Revsion H. I'll scan the schematics and the parts list in case that helps folks with non rev. H units. There are no copies of the silkscreens for component ident as near as I can see. Will see if I can scan these in the next couple of days. R. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
OK, Here is the result of my lunch-break scanning session. I had to use a desktop A4 sized scanner so you might need scissors and tape to make sense. The 17x11 sheets are split onto overlapping two letter sized pages (Rb lamp driver is on last couple of pages). Don't have time to tidy it at this stage. Usual caveats: link may not be around forever so if someone wants to find a better home for it, do so. For personal use only etc. http://people.bath.ac.uk/eesrjw/prs10/PRS10_revH_BoM_schematics.pdf Regards, R. On 23 February 2011 09:04, Robert Watson robertwatsonb...@googlemail.com wrote: Hi folks, OK, have found the manual and it's not as bad as I remembered; there are six 17x11 fold out sheets. The schematics are dated August 12th 1999 and are for Revsion H. I'll scan the schematics and the parts list in case that helps folks with non rev. H units. There are no copies of the silkscreens for component ident as near as I can see. Will see if I can scan these in the next couple of days. R. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Robert, THANK YOU Had, K7MLR At 07:29 AM 2/23/2011, you wrote: OK, Here is the result of my lunch-break scanning session. I had to use a desktop A4 sized scanner so you might need scissors and tape to make sense. The 17x11 sheets are split onto overlapping two letter sized pages (Rb lamp driver is on last couple of pages). Don't have time to tidy it at this stage. Usual caveats: link may not be around forever so if someone wants to find a better home for it, do so. For personal use only etc. http://people.bath.ac.uk/eesrjw/prs10/PRS10_revH_BoM_schematics.pdf Regards, R. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well. Peter Cooper, of Fermi Lab, says, Every experimentalist knows that the apparatus, or at least your understanding of it, is always at fault until demonstrated otherwise. He also says, Nature is really unmoved by what I, or anyone else, believes. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Robert, as well from my side a big THANK YOU! Arnold Am 23.02.2011 16:29, schrieb Robert Watson: OK, Here is the result of my lunch-break scanning session. (...) http://people.bath.ac.uk/eesrjw/prs10/PRS10_revH_BoM_schematics.pdf ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Hi, I have a ring-bound original paper copy PRS10 manual somewhere. Assuming I can find it, I can probably scan PDF the appropriate pages - the schematics are on fold out pages if I recall so it might be a bit of a jigsaw puzzle! Regards, Rob. On 18 February 2011 21:08, Henk h...@deriesp.demon.nl wrote: Hi, Nice to read that there are PRS10 circuit diagrams on paper available. Did somebody scan them? If yes, can that scam made available to the list? Henk Op 17 feb 2011, om 22:55 heeft Laurence Motteram het volgende geschreven: I would just like to point out that SRS is one of the few companies who still provide complete manuals with parts lists and circuit diagrams (although circuits are only in the paper manuals, not the pdfs). Regards, Laurence Motteram -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of J. Forster Sent: Friday, 18 February 2011 8:11 AM To: shali...@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem I've had such blowoffs from SRS, simply asking for a schematic of an old power supply. Uncooperative and unhelpful is a total understatement. I will never buy any of their stuff again. I simply don't care if it is the best in the world (which it is probably not the case), if the documentation and other minimal support is not available, they are simply a company not worth dealing with. Even if I got it free, it's still not worth half the price. YMMV, -John = I wanted to say those customers who bought them new directly from them While I do not agree with the practice, many companies treat their primary customers better than those who buy aftermarket. What is relevant is what the vendor believes is relevant. What you and I think about it IS irrelevant. They do not want to exert control on who owns it later, but they exert control on what they do with their spares. Its a fact of life. Didier KO4BB Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Magnus Danielson mag...@rubidium.dyndns.org Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:26:41 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/17/2011 12:23 PM, shali...@gmail.com wrote: It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. Full price? Someone payed full price for it originally. The notion that can have control over who owns it later is strange and not relevant. Sending it to them for repairs may be possible thought. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Dave at ArtekMedia might be able to help out. He's good at large prints. Best, -John '== Hi, I have a ring-bound original paper copy PRS10 manual somewhere. Assuming I can find it, I can probably scan PDF the appropriate pages - the schematics are on fold out pages if I recall so it might be a bit of a jigsaw puzzle! Regards, Rob. On 18 February 2011 21:08, Henk h...@deriesp.demon.nl wrote: Hi, Nice to read that there are PRS10 circuit diagrams on paper available. Did somebody scan them? If yes, can that scam made available to the list? Henk Op 17 feb 2011, om 22:55 heeft Laurence Motteram het volgende geschreven: I would just like to point out that SRS is one of the few companies who still provide complete manuals with parts lists and circuit diagrams (although circuits are only in the paper manuals, not the pdfs). Regards, Laurence Motteram -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of J. Forster Sent: Friday, 18 February 2011 8:11 AM To: shali...@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem I've had such blowoffs from SRS, simply asking for a schematic of an old power supply. Uncooperative and unhelpful is a total understatement. I will never buy any of their stuff again. I simply don't care if it is the best in the world (which it is probably not the case), if the documentation and other minimal support is not available, they are simply a company not worth dealing with. Even if I got it free, it's still not worth half the price. YMMV, -John = I wanted to say those customers who bought them new directly from them While I do not agree with the practice, many companies treat their primary customers better than those who buy aftermarket. What is relevant is what the vendor believes is relevant. What you and I think about it IS irrelevant. They do not want to exert control on who owns it later, but they exert control on what they do with their spares. Its a fact of life. Didier KO4BB Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Magnus Danielson mag...@rubidium.dyndns.org Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:26:41 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/17/2011 12:23 PM, shali...@gmail.com wrote: It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. Full price? Someone payed full price for it originally. The notion that can have control over who owns it later is strange and not relevant. Sending it to them for repairs may be possible thought. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
totally agree, and you get two free scanned manuals in return. I sent him the CLIPs for a couple HP 7/MMS modules and I think his scan is better them my original. -pete A very satisfied customer On Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 2:42 PM, J. Forster j...@quik.com wrote: Dave at ArtekMedia might be able to help out. He's good at large prints. Best, -John '== Hi, I have a ring-bound original paper copy PRS10 manual somewhere. Assuming I can find it, I can probably scan PDF the appropriate pages - the schematics are on fold out pages if I recall so it might be a bit of a jigsaw puzzle! Regards, Rob. On 18 February 2011 21:08, Henk h...@deriesp.demon.nl wrote: Hi, Nice to read that there are PRS10 circuit diagrams on paper available. Did somebody scan them? If yes, can that scam made available to the list? Henk Op 17 feb 2011, om 22:55 heeft Laurence Motteram het volgende geschreven: I would just like to point out that SRS is one of the few companies who still provide complete manuals with parts lists and circuit diagrams (although circuits are only in the paper manuals, not the pdfs). Regards, Laurence Motteram -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of J. Forster Sent: Friday, 18 February 2011 8:11 AM To: shali...@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem I've had such blowoffs from SRS, simply asking for a schematic of an old power supply. Uncooperative and unhelpful is a total understatement. I will never buy any of their stuff again. I simply don't care if it is the best in the world (which it is probably not the case), if the documentation and other minimal support is not available, they are simply a company not worth dealing with. Even if I got it free, it's still not worth half the price. YMMV, -John = I wanted to say those customers who bought them new directly from them While I do not agree with the practice, many companies treat their primary customers better than those who buy aftermarket. What is relevant is what the vendor believes is relevant. What you and I think about it IS irrelevant. They do not want to exert control on who owns it later, but they exert control on what they do with their spares. Its a fact of life. Didier KO4BB Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Magnus Danielson mag...@rubidium.dyndns.org Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:26:41 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/17/2011 12:23 PM, shali...@gmail.com wrote: It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. Full price? Someone payed full price for it originally. The notion that can have control over who owns it later is strange and not relevant. Sending it to them for repairs may be possible thought. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Hi, Nice to read that there are PRS10 circuit diagrams on paper available. Did somebody scan them? If yes, can that scam made available to the list? Henk Op 17 feb 2011, om 22:55 heeft Laurence Motteram het volgende geschreven: I would just like to point out that SRS is one of the few companies who still provide complete manuals with parts lists and circuit diagrams (although circuits are only in the paper manuals, not the pdfs). Regards, Laurence Motteram -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of J. Forster Sent: Friday, 18 February 2011 8:11 AM To: shali...@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem I've had such blowoffs from SRS, simply asking for a schematic of an old power supply. Uncooperative and unhelpful is a total understatement. I will never buy any of their stuff again. I simply don't care if it is the best in the world (which it is probably not the case), if the documentation and other minimal support is not available, they are simply a company not worth dealing with. Even if I got it free, it's still not worth half the price. YMMV, -John = I wanted to say those customers who bought them new directly from them While I do not agree with the practice, many companies treat their primary customers better than those who buy aftermarket. What is relevant is what the vendor believes is relevant. What you and I think about it IS irrelevant. They do not want to exert control on who owns it later, but they exert control on what they do with their spares. Its a fact of life. Didier KO4BB Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Magnus Danielson mag...@rubidium.dyndns.org Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:26:41 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/17/2011 12:23 PM, shali...@gmail.com wrote: It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. Full price? Someone payed full price for it originally. The notion that can have control over who owns it later is strange and not relevant. Sending it to them for repairs may be possible thought. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. However, I agree about the high price. That would be better than go away Didier KO4BB Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: li...@lazygranch.com Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:37:38 To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurementtime-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: li...@lazygranch.com, Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem If you want to write a turd note about their service, I will pin it on their door. These companies need to know the reach of the internet. If they had any brains, they would offer you a replacement at a ridiculously high price. -Original Message- From: Brendan Minish ei6iz.bren...@gmail.com Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:11:37 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem Right, to follow up on my own email I took it apart The lamp assembly has failed. In the PRS10 the lamp is exited by a strong RF field @ 150Mhz this is generated by an MRF134 within the lamp package The failure mode was caused by the growth of a substantial tin whisker within the lamp assembly which appears to have killed the MRF134. I made contact with SRS about purchasing a replacement lamp assembly but since I bought it on the used market they are not willing sell me a replacement lamp assembly. Frankly I am not terribly impressed with their response on this. Does anyone on list have a 'donor' PRS10 that might have a good lamp assembly that they would be willing to sell me ? Perhaps someone on list has a commercial relationship with SRS and might be able to assist me with purchasing it? Hoping someone can help out, My alternative is to attempt to source an MRF134 and have a go at replacing it but there may be other damage in there regards Brendan On 14/02/2011 18:53, Brendan Minish wrote: Hello all My SRS PRS10 ( http://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm ) Rubidum frequency standard was power cycled a few days ago, since then it has not achived rubidium lock. I have tried a full rest and also further power cycles with no joy. The SRS RS232 application reports the following parameters that 'look wrong' ad3 (lamp drain ) 2.001 sd2 (fet voltage set ) 255 ad3 at 2 (Lamp drain volatge 20V) would appear to correspond with the Rb lamp discharge not beginning this unit is of course out of guarantee and came to me via Ebay about 5 years ago, is anyone on list familiar with troubleshooting these units who Might have some general ideas of how best to proceed with repairing the unit -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
On 02/17/2011 12:23 PM, shali...@gmail.com wrote: It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. Full price? Someone payed full price for it originally. The notion that can have control over who owns it later is strange and not relevant. Sending it to them for repairs may be possible thought. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
I wanted to say those customers who bought them new directly from them While I do not agree with the practice, many companies treat their primary customers better than those who buy aftermarket. What is relevant is what the vendor believes is relevant. What you and I think about it IS irrelevant. They do not want to exert control on who owns it later, but they exert control on what they do with their spares. Its a fact of life. Didier KO4BB Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Magnus Danielson mag...@rubidium.dyndns.org Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:26:41 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/17/2011 12:23 PM, shali...@gmail.com wrote: It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. Full price? Someone payed full price for it originally. The notion that can have control over who owns it later is strange and not relevant. Sending it to them for repairs may be possible thought. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
I've had such blowoffs from SRS, simply asking for a schematic of an old power supply. Uncooperative and unhelpful is a total understatement. I will never buy any of their stuff again. I simply don't care if it is the best in the world (which it is probably not the case), if the documentation and other minimal support is not available, they are simply a company not worth dealing with. Even if I got it free, it's still not worth half the price. YMMV, -John = I wanted to say those customers who bought them new directly from them While I do not agree with the practice, many companies treat their primary customers better than those who buy aftermarket. What is relevant is what the vendor believes is relevant. What you and I think about it IS irrelevant. They do not want to exert control on who owns it later, but they exert control on what they do with their spares. Its a fact of life. Didier KO4BB Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Magnus Danielson mag...@rubidium.dyndns.org Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:26:41 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/17/2011 12:23 PM, shali...@gmail.com wrote: It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. Full price? Someone payed full price for it originally. The notion that can have control over who owns it later is strange and not relevant. Sending it to them for repairs may be possible thought. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
I've worked for Fortune 100 companies (let alone the top 500) and start-ups. They both often buy used gear. Even if the gear breaks and needs repairs, there are accounting reasons why buying used makes sense. (Repairs are expensed. Bean counters like that.) Thus to screw anyone that buys used is a poor business practice. HP has/had a different approach. They bought used gear for destruction. Evil, but less evil than SRS. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Hi, HP sels (sold?) refurbishes instruments also. Henk Op 17 feb 2011, om 22:28 heeft li...@lazygranch.com het volgende geschreven: I've worked for Fortune 100 companies (let alone the top 500) and start-ups. They both often buy used gear. Even if the gear breaks and needs repairs, there are accounting reasons why buying used makes sense. (Repairs are expensed. Bean counters like that.) Thus to screw anyone that buys used is a poor business practice. HP has/had a different approach. They bought used gear for destruction. Evil, but less evil than SRS. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Hi Back a while Motorola bought up all the used two way gear they could via the trade in process. Every single piece of it went to the crusher, no exceptions for anybody. Very much in warranty or 20 years old, to the crusher it went. The practice made them few friends, but it apparently made business sense. I have no idea if they still do the crusher thing today or not. Bob -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of li...@lazygranch.com Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 4:28 PM To: shali...@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem I've worked for Fortune 100 companies (let alone the top 500) and start-ups. They both often buy used gear. Even if the gear breaks and needs repairs, there are accounting reasons why buying used makes sense. (Repairs are expensed. Bean counters like that.) Thus to screw anyone that buys used is a poor business practice. HP has/had a different approach. They bought used gear for destruction. Evil, but less evil than SRS. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
I would just like to point out that SRS is one of the few companies who still provide complete manuals with parts lists and circuit diagrams (although circuits are only in the paper manuals, not the pdfs). Regards, Laurence Motteram -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of J. Forster Sent: Friday, 18 February 2011 8:11 AM To: shali...@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem I've had such blowoffs from SRS, simply asking for a schematic of an old power supply. Uncooperative and unhelpful is a total understatement. I will never buy any of their stuff again. I simply don't care if it is the best in the world (which it is probably not the case), if the documentation and other minimal support is not available, they are simply a company not worth dealing with. Even if I got it free, it's still not worth half the price. YMMV, -John = I wanted to say those customers who bought them new directly from them While I do not agree with the practice, many companies treat their primary customers better than those who buy aftermarket. What is relevant is what the vendor believes is relevant. What you and I think about it IS irrelevant. They do not want to exert control on who owns it later, but they exert control on what they do with their spares. Its a fact of life. Didier KO4BB Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Magnus Danielson mag...@rubidium.dyndns.org Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:26:41 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/17/2011 12:23 PM, shali...@gmail.com wrote: It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. Full price? Someone payed full price for it originally. The notion that can have control over who owns it later is strange and not relevant. Sending it to them for repairs may be possible thought. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
On 02/17/2011 10:55 PM, Laurence Motteram wrote: I would just like to point out that SRS is one of the few companies who still provide complete manuals with parts lists and circuit diagrams (although circuits are only in the paper manuals, not the pdfs). They can actually deliver paper manuals... ponder a bit on that one... Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Not unless you are the original purchaser, and can prove it. Contrast to HP. -John == I would just like to point out that SRS is one of the few companies who still provide complete manuals with parts lists and circuit diagrams (although circuits are only in the paper manuals, not the pdfs). Regards, Laurence Motteram -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of J. Forster Sent: Friday, 18 February 2011 8:11 AM To: shali...@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem I've had such blowoffs from SRS, simply asking for a schematic of an old power supply. Uncooperative and unhelpful is a total understatement. I will never buy any of their stuff again. I simply don't care if it is the best in the world (which it is probably not the case), if the documentation and other minimal support is not available, they are simply a company not worth dealing with. Even if I got it free, it's still not worth half the price. YMMV, -John = I wanted to say those customers who bought them new directly from them While I do not agree with the practice, many companies treat their primary customers better than those who buy aftermarket. What is relevant is what the vendor believes is relevant. What you and I think about it IS irrelevant. They do not want to exert control on who owns it later, but they exert control on what they do with their spares. Its a fact of life. Didier KO4BB Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Magnus Danielson mag...@rubidium.dyndns.org Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:26:41 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/17/2011 12:23 PM, shali...@gmail.com wrote: It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. Full price? Someone payed full price for it originally. The notion that can have control over who owns it later is strange and not relevant. Sending it to them for repairs may be possible thought. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Better yet, HP has a ftp site with old manuals. HP (Agilent) isn't what it used to be, but I suspect it has its share old timers that at least try to keep the old HP spirit alive. -Original Message- From: J. Forster j...@quik.com Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:29:02 To: Laurence Motteramlmotte...@scientific-devices.com.au Reply-To: j...@quik.com, Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Cc: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurementtime-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem Not unless you are the original purchaser, and can prove it. Contrast to HP. -John == I would just like to point out that SRS is one of the few companies who still provide complete manuals with parts lists and circuit diagrams (although circuits are only in the paper manuals, not the pdfs). Regards, Laurence Motteram -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of J. Forster Sent: Friday, 18 February 2011 8:11 AM To: shali...@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem I've had such blowoffs from SRS, simply asking for a schematic of an old power supply. Uncooperative and unhelpful is a total understatement. I will never buy any of their stuff again. I simply don't care if it is the best in the world (which it is probably not the case), if the documentation and other minimal support is not available, they are simply a company not worth dealing with. Even if I got it free, it's still not worth half the price. YMMV, -John = I wanted to say those customers who bought them new directly from them While I do not agree with the practice, many companies treat their primary customers better than those who buy aftermarket. What is relevant is what the vendor believes is relevant. What you and I think about it IS irrelevant. They do not want to exert control on who owns it later, but they exert control on what they do with their spares. Its a fact of life. Didier KO4BB Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Magnus Danielson mag...@rubidium.dyndns.org Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:26:41 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/17/2011 12:23 PM, shali...@gmail.com wrote: It sucks, but they may only have a small qty of the spares, and they keep them for those customers who paid full price. Full price? Someone payed full price for it originally. The notion that can have control over who owns it later is strange and not relevant. Sending it to them for repairs may be possible thought. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Right, to follow up on my own email I took it apart The lamp assembly has failed. In the PRS10 the lamp is exited by a strong RF field @ 150Mhz this is generated by an MRF134 within the lamp package The failure mode was caused by the growth of a substantial tin whisker within the lamp assembly which appears to have killed the MRF134. I made contact with SRS about purchasing a replacement lamp assembly but since I bought it on the used market they are not willing sell me a replacement lamp assembly. Frankly I am not terribly impressed with their response on this. Does anyone on list have a 'donor' PRS10 that might have a good lamp assembly that they would be willing to sell me ? Perhaps someone on list has a commercial relationship with SRS and might be able to assist me with purchasing it? Hoping someone can help out, My alternative is to attempt to source an MRF134 and have a go at replacing it but there may be other damage in there regards Brendan On 14/02/2011 18:53, Brendan Minish wrote: Hello all My SRS PRS10 ( http://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm ) Rubidum frequency standard was power cycled a few days ago, since then it has not achived rubidium lock. I have tried a full rest and also further power cycles with no joy. The SRS RS232 application reports the following parameters that 'look wrong' ad3 (lamp drain ) 2.001 sd2 (fet voltage set ) 255 ad3 at 2 (Lamp drain volatge 20V) would appear to correspond with the Rb lamp discharge not beginning this unit is of course out of guarantee and came to me via Ebay about 5 years ago, is anyone on list familiar with troubleshooting these units who Might have some general ideas of how best to proceed with repairing the unit -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
If you want to write a turd note about their service, I will pin it on their door. These companies need to know the reach of the internet. If they had any brains, they would offer you a replacement at a ridiculously high price. -Original Message- From: Brendan Minish ei6iz.bren...@gmail.com Sender: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:11:37 To: time-nuts@febo.com Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem Right, to follow up on my own email I took it apart The lamp assembly has failed. In the PRS10 the lamp is exited by a strong RF field @ 150Mhz this is generated by an MRF134 within the lamp package The failure mode was caused by the growth of a substantial tin whisker within the lamp assembly which appears to have killed the MRF134. I made contact with SRS about purchasing a replacement lamp assembly but since I bought it on the used market they are not willing sell me a replacement lamp assembly. Frankly I am not terribly impressed with their response on this. Does anyone on list have a 'donor' PRS10 that might have a good lamp assembly that they would be willing to sell me ? Perhaps someone on list has a commercial relationship with SRS and might be able to assist me with purchasing it? Hoping someone can help out, My alternative is to attempt to source an MRF134 and have a go at replacing it but there may be other damage in there regards Brendan On 14/02/2011 18:53, Brendan Minish wrote: Hello all My SRS PRS10 ( http://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm ) Rubidum frequency standard was power cycled a few days ago, since then it has not achived rubidium lock. I have tried a full rest and also further power cycles with no joy. The SRS RS232 application reports the following parameters that 'look wrong' ad3 (lamp drain ) 2.001 sd2 (fet voltage set ) 255 ad3 at 2 (Lamp drain volatge 20V) would appear to correspond with the Rb lamp discharge not beginning this unit is of course out of guarantee and came to me via Ebay about 5 years ago, is anyone on list familiar with troubleshooting these units who Might have some general ideas of how best to proceed with repairing the unit -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
write a letter (real one) to their ceo pres and if there is a engineering VP, only cost you a buck, fifty. sometimes works -pete On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 12:11 PM, Brendan Minish ei6iz.bren...@gmail.com wrote: Right, to follow up on my own email I took it apart The lamp assembly has failed. In the PRS10 the lamp is exited by a strong RF field @ 150Mhz this is generated by an MRF134 within the lamp package The failure mode was caused by the growth of a substantial tin whisker within the lamp assembly which appears to have killed the MRF134. I made contact with SRS about purchasing a replacement lamp assembly but since I bought it on the used market they are not willing sell me a replacement lamp assembly. Frankly I am not terribly impressed with their response on this. Does anyone on list have a 'donor' PRS10 that might have a good lamp assembly that they would be willing to sell me ? Perhaps someone on list has a commercial relationship with SRS and might be able to assist me with purchasing it? Hoping someone can help out, My alternative is to attempt to source an MRF134 and have a go at replacing it but there may be other damage in there regards Brendan On 14/02/2011 18:53, Brendan Minish wrote: Hello all My SRS PRS10 ( http://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm ) Rubidum frequency standard was power cycled a few days ago, since then it has not achived rubidium lock. I have tried a full rest and also further power cycles with no joy. The SRS RS232 application reports the following parameters that 'look wrong' ad3 (lamp drain ) 2.001 sd2 (fet voltage set ) 255 ad3 at 2 (Lamp drain volatge 20V) would appear to correspond with the Rb lamp discharge not beginning this unit is of course out of guarantee and came to me via Ebay about 5 years ago, is anyone on list familiar with troubleshooting these units who Might have some general ideas of how best to proceed with repairing the unit -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Well a couple answers. If those are RB whiskers try the heat gun at 300 degrees on it for 15 minutes. As Magnus suggests and I just tried for the first time. It actually worked and I recovered the rb lamp. I imagine the transistor may be hard to get but its a motorola should be obtainable. Good luck Regards Paul WB8TSL On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 4:19 PM, Pete Lancashire p...@petelancashire.comwrote: write a letter (real one) to their ceo pres and if there is a engineering VP, only cost you a buck, fifty. sometimes works -pete On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 12:11 PM, Brendan Minish ei6iz.bren...@gmail.com wrote: Right, to follow up on my own email I took it apart The lamp assembly has failed. In the PRS10 the lamp is exited by a strong RF field @ 150Mhz this is generated by an MRF134 within the lamp package The failure mode was caused by the growth of a substantial tin whisker within the lamp assembly which appears to have killed the MRF134. I made contact with SRS about purchasing a replacement lamp assembly but since I bought it on the used market they are not willing sell me a replacement lamp assembly. Frankly I am not terribly impressed with their response on this. Does anyone on list have a 'donor' PRS10 that might have a good lamp assembly that they would be willing to sell me ? Perhaps someone on list has a commercial relationship with SRS and might be able to assist me with purchasing it? Hoping someone can help out, My alternative is to attempt to source an MRF134 and have a go at replacing it but there may be other damage in there regards Brendan On 14/02/2011 18:53, Brendan Minish wrote: Hello all My SRS PRS10 ( http://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm ) Rubidum frequency standard was power cycled a few days ago, since then it has not achived rubidium lock. I have tried a full rest and also further power cycles with no joy. The SRS RS232 application reports the following parameters that 'look wrong' ad3 (lamp drain ) 2.001 sd2 (fet voltage set ) 255 ad3 at 2 (Lamp drain volatge 20V) would appear to correspond with the Rb lamp discharge not beginning this unit is of course out of guarantee and came to me via Ebay about 5 years ago, is anyone on list familiar with troubleshooting these units who Might have some general ideas of how best to proceed with repairing the unit -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
MRF134's are available on *pay and from other sources for a LOT less $$ than a lamp assy would cost if available. Adrian Brendan Minish schrieb: Right, to follow up on my own email I took it apart The lamp assembly has failed. In the PRS10 the lamp is exited by a strong RF field @ 150Mhz this is generated by an MRF134 within the lamp package The failure mode was caused by the growth of a substantial tin whisker within the lamp assembly which appears to have killed the MRF134. I made contact with SRS about purchasing a replacement lamp assembly but since I bought it on the used market they are not willing sell me a replacement lamp assembly. Frankly I am not terribly impressed with their response on this. Does anyone on list have a 'donor' PRS10 that might have a good lamp assembly that they would be willing to sell me ? Perhaps someone on list has a commercial relationship with SRS and might be able to assist me with purchasing it? Hoping someone can help out, My alternative is to attempt to source an MRF134 and have a go at replacing it but there may be other damage in there regards Brendan On 14/02/2011 18:53, Brendan Minish wrote: Hello all My SRS PRS10 ( http://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm ) Rubidum frequency standard was power cycled a few days ago, since then it has not achived rubidium lock. I have tried a full rest and also further power cycles with no joy. The SRS RS232 application reports the following parameters that 'look wrong' ad3 (lamp drain ) 2.001 sd2 (fet voltage set ) 255 ad3 at 2 (Lamp drain volatge 20V) would appear to correspond with the Rb lamp discharge not beginning this unit is of course out of guarantee and came to me via Ebay about 5 years ago, is anyone on list familiar with troubleshooting these units who Might have some general ideas of how best to proceed with repairing the unit ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
On 02/16/2011 10:31 PM, paul swed wrote: Well a couple answers. If those are RB whiskers try the heat gun at 300 degrees on it for 15 minutes. As Magnus suggests and I just tried for the first time. It actually worked and I recovered the rb lamp. While the heat gun on the Rb lamp is a nice trick, the whiskers most likely is nothing but traditional tin whiskers. A bit of re-soldering to remove bad metal and replacement of burned transistor is where I would start. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Hi Since the unit is current production, the part should be around. There are a number of the old Motorola RF parts that are very hard to find. They have been out of the RF business for quite a while. That should not be one of them. Based on a quick search, M/A-Com seems to make them. $20.95 at RF Parts. There may be other sources as well. Bob -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of paul swed Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 4:31 PM To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem Well a couple answers. If those are RB whiskers try the heat gun at 300 degrees on it for 15 minutes. As Magnus suggests and I just tried for the first time. It actually worked and I recovered the rb lamp. I imagine the transistor may be hard to get but its a motorola should be obtainable. Good luck Regards Paul WB8TSL On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 4:19 PM, Pete Lancashire p...@petelancashire.comwrote: write a letter (real one) to their ceo pres and if there is a engineering VP, only cost you a buck, fifty. sometimes works -pete On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 12:11 PM, Brendan Minish ei6iz.bren...@gmail.com wrote: Right, to follow up on my own email I took it apart The lamp assembly has failed. In the PRS10 the lamp is exited by a strong RF field @ 150Mhz this is generated by an MRF134 within the lamp package The failure mode was caused by the growth of a substantial tin whisker within the lamp assembly which appears to have killed the MRF134. I made contact with SRS about purchasing a replacement lamp assembly but since I bought it on the used market they are not willing sell me a replacement lamp assembly. Frankly I am not terribly impressed with their response on this. Does anyone on list have a 'donor' PRS10 that might have a good lamp assembly that they would be willing to sell me ? Perhaps someone on list has a commercial relationship with SRS and might be able to assist me with purchasing it? Hoping someone can help out, My alternative is to attempt to source an MRF134 and have a go at replacing it but there may be other damage in there regards Brendan On 14/02/2011 18:53, Brendan Minish wrote: Hello all My SRS PRS10 ( http://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm ) Rubidum frequency standard was power cycled a few days ago, since then it has not achived rubidium lock. I have tried a full rest and also further power cycles with no joy. The SRS RS232 application reports the following parameters that 'look wrong' ad3 (lamp drain ) 2.001 sd2 (fet voltage set ) 255 ad3 at 2 (Lamp drain volatge 20V) would appear to correspond with the Rb lamp discharge not beginning this unit is of course out of guarantee and came to me via Ebay about 5 years ago, is anyone on list familiar with troubleshooting these units who Might have some general ideas of how best to proceed with repairing the unit -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Hi Real solder has lead in it to eliminate tin whiskers. We're going to see a lot of stuff die in the coming years from these little critters. Bob -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of Magnus Danielson Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 4:55 PM To: time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/16/2011 10:31 PM, paul swed wrote: Well a couple answers. If those are RB whiskers try the heat gun at 300 degrees on it for 15 minutes. As Magnus suggests and I just tried for the first time. It actually worked and I recovered the rb lamp. While the heat gun on the Rb lamp is a nice trick, the whiskers most likely is nothing but traditional tin whiskers. A bit of re-soldering to remove bad metal and replacement of burned transistor is where I would start. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Like always they have them on ebay. I know most of you do not like them but they are for me the best source of obsolete parts. Bert In a message dated 2/16/2011 4:57:45 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, li...@rtty.us writes: Hi Since the unit is current production, the part should be around. There are a number of the old Motorola RF parts that are very hard to find. They have been out of the RF business for quite a while. That should not be one of them. Based on a quick search, M/A-Com seems to make them. $20.95 at RF Parts. There may be other sources as well. Bob -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of paul swed Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 4:31 PM To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem Well a couple answers. If those are RB whiskers try the heat gun at 300 degrees on it for 15 minutes. As Magnus suggests and I just tried for the first time. It actually worked and I recovered the rb lamp. I imagine the transistor may be hard to get but its a motorola should be obtainable. Good luck Regards Paul WB8TSL On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 4:19 PM, Pete Lancashire p...@petelancashire.comwrote: write a letter (real one) to their ceo pres and if there is a engineering VP, only cost you a buck, fifty. sometimes works -pete On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 12:11 PM, Brendan Minish ei6iz.bren...@gmail.com wrote: Right, to follow up on my own email I took it apart The lamp assembly has failed. In the PRS10 the lamp is exited by a strong RF field @ 150Mhz this is generated by an MRF134 within the lamp package The failure mode was caused by the growth of a substantial tin whisker within the lamp assembly which appears to have killed the MRF134. I made contact with SRS about purchasing a replacement lamp assembly but since I bought it on the used market they are not willing sell me a replacement lamp assembly. Frankly I am not terribly impressed with their response on this. Does anyone on list have a 'donor' PRS10 that might have a good lamp assembly that they would be willing to sell me ? Perhaps someone on list has a commercial relationship with SRS and might be able to assist me with purchasing it? Hoping someone can help out, My alternative is to attempt to source an MRF134 and have a go at replacing it but there may be other damage in there regards Brendan On 14/02/2011 18:53, Brendan Minish wrote: Hello all My SRS PRS10 ( http://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm ) Rubidum frequency standard was power cycled a few days ago, since then it has not achived rubidium lock. I have tried a full rest and also further power cycles with no joy. The SRS RS232 application reports the following parameters that 'look wrong' ad3 (lamp drain ) 2.001 sd2 (fet voltage set ) 255 ad3 at 2 (Lamp drain volatge 20V) would appear to correspond with the Rb lamp discharge not beginning this unit is of course out of guarantee and came to me via Ebay about 5 years ago, is anyone on list familiar with troubleshooting these units who Might have some general ideas of how best to proceed with repairing the unit -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
MRF134s are pretty available. Usually under $25. http://www.rfparts.com/transistors_MRF-TP.html In the PRS10 the lamp is exited by a strong RF field @ 150Mhz this is generated by an MRF134 within the lamp package The failure mode was caused by the growth of a substantial tin whisker within the lamp assembly which appears to have killed the MRF134. -- mailto:o...@ozindfw.net Oz POB 93167 Southlake, TX 76092 (Near DFW Airport) ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/ I've fixed two cell phones for friends and I have a very nice MP3 player I got for $1. Each was fixed with a stiff brush with a combination of compressed air (outside) and a vac inside. -pete PS if you do the air thing don't forget about static use a ionizer. On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 1:58 PM, Bob Camp li...@rtty.us wrote: Hi Real solder has lead in it to eliminate tin whiskers. We're going to see a lot of stuff die in the coming years from these little critters. Bob -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of Magnus Danielson Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 4:55 PM To: time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/16/2011 10:31 PM, paul swed wrote: Well a couple answers. If those are RB whiskers try the heat gun at 300 degrees on it for 15 minutes. As Magnus suggests and I just tried for the first time. It actually worked and I recovered the rb lamp. While the heat gun on the Rb lamp is a nice trick, the whiskers most likely is nothing but traditional tin whiskers. A bit of re-soldering to remove bad metal and replacement of burned transistor is where I would start. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Interestingly it was not your normal tin whisker (I have seen a few of those, just..) it was a substantial one that had grown out from the stack of 2 Ceramic caps in series with the coil to the RF choke in series with the DC supply to the lamp housing. It might even have been a solder blob left over from production but it looked quite crystalline. It's a bit ugly in the lamp assy because the heat and strong RF field made a bit of a mess of insulation on the RFC and the heater leads but everything else seems ok I'll try and locate an MRF134 and see how I get on, certainly worth the price and time by the sounds of it. thanks for all the help and encouragement On 16/02/2011 22:14, Pete Lancashire wrote: http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/ I've fixed two cell phones for friends and I have a very nice MP3 player I got for $1. Each was fixed with a stiff brush with a combination of compressed air (outside) and a vac inside. -pete PS if you do the air thing don't forget about static use a ionizer. On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 1:58 PM, Bob Campli...@rtty.us wrote: Hi Real solder has lead in it to eliminate tin whiskers. We're going to see a lot of stuff die in the coming years from these little critters. Bob -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of Magnus Danielson Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 4:55 PM To: time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/16/2011 10:31 PM, paul swed wrote: Well a couple answers. If those are RB whiskers try the heat gun at 300 degrees on it for 15 minutes. As Magnus suggests and I just tried for the first time. It actually worked and I recovered the rb lamp. While the heat gun on the Rb lamp is a nice trick, the whiskers most likely is nothing but traditional tin whiskers. A bit of re-soldering to remove bad metal and replacement of burned transistor is where I would start. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
MRF315 should also work Bert Kehren In a message dated 2/16/2011 5:37:49 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, ei6iz.bren...@gmail.com writes: Interestingly it was not your normal tin whisker (I have seen a few of those, just..) it was a substantial one that had grown out from the stack of 2 Ceramic caps in series with the coil to the RF choke in series with the DC supply to the lamp housing. It might even have been a solder blob left over from production but it looked quite crystalline. It's a bit ugly in the lamp assy because the heat and strong RF field made a bit of a mess of insulation on the RFC and the heater leads but everything else seems ok I'll try and locate an MRF134 and see how I get on, certainly worth the price and time by the sounds of it. thanks for all the help and encouragement On 16/02/2011 22:14, Pete Lancashire wrote: http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/ I've fixed two cell phones for friends and I have a very nice MP3 player I got for $1. Each was fixed with a stiff brush with a combination of compressed air (outside) and a vac inside. -pete PS if you do the air thing don't forget about static use a ionizer. On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 1:58 PM, Bob Campli...@rtty.us wrote: Hi Real solder has lead in it to eliminate tin whiskers. We're going to see a lot of stuff die in the coming years from these little critters. Bob -Original Message- From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On Behalf Of Magnus Danielson Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 4:55 PM To: time-nuts@febo.com Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem On 02/16/2011 10:31 PM, paul swed wrote: Well a couple answers. If those are RB whiskers try the heat gun at 300 degrees on it for 15 minutes. As Magnus suggests and I just tried for the first time. It actually worked and I recovered the rb lamp. While the heat gun on the Rb lamp is a nice trick, the whiskers most likely is nothing but traditional tin whiskers. A bit of re-soldering to remove bad metal and replacement of burned transistor is where I would start. Cheers, Magnus ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
[time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem
Hello all My SRS PRS10 ( http://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm ) Rubidum frequency standard was power cycled a few days ago, since then it has not achived rubidium lock. I have tried a full rest and also further power cycles with no joy. The SRS RS232 application reports the following parameters that 'look wrong' ad3 (lamp drain ) 2.001 sd2 (fet voltage set ) 255 ad3 at 2 (Lamp drain volatge 20V) would appear to correspond with the Rb lamp discharge not beginning this unit is of course out of guarantee and came to me via Ebay about 5 years ago, is anyone on list familiar with troubleshooting these units who Might have some general ideas of how best to proceed with repairing the unit -- 73 Brendan EI6IZ ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
