Electronics advice please

[Richie mac]

The wind I suspect has finally managed to break a seal in my workshop roof and and allow a tiny dribble of water.... My problem being the waters line of travel was directly in line with my cnc inverter which I didn't notice till electrics tripped out upon powering up ......
Does anybody know if it's likely to be repairable and /or have the know-how to do so ?

Cheers guys..... Richie

 

[dobbslc]

You might be lucky if you can completely dry it out before trying it again. Blow it out with compressed air then try a hairdryer on it.

 

[barracuda816]

As above, if its out of warrenty open it up and leave it to dry in the house. Check any of the pcbs that you can for corrosion. Then give it a go again. You may have gotten lucky.

 

[Richie mac]

It's currently sitting opened and drying right now but don't wanna maybe mate things worse ...... Have only opened case & not removed any leads or boards as I don't know anything about electronics and boy that small box is packed with what looks like 4 boards and I wouldn't know what I'm looking at/for ....

 

[rtbcomp]

It might be an idea to disconnect and reconnect any connectors (including edge connectors) to clean any tarnishing off.

 

[Gerula]

DO NOT simply dry it out, as the rainwater pouring on it may have carried with it dust and debris from the roof. You need to get some isopropyl alcohol (it's cheap) and carefully clean the boards.

Get some help from a mate who's familiar with electronics, this is no big deal at all if done properly.

 

[dobbslc]

Good point about the rain water ^

 

[Shox Dr]

Its the minerals in the water that does the most damage, this doesnt happen until it has dried out.

I heard that flushing with demineralised water then alcohol [surgical spirts/isopropyl etc] then drying out helps keep the magic smoke in.

Good luck

 

[Richie mac]

Thanks again guys I'll start removing boards after the kids are in bed so I can do it in warm & comfort for a change. Already had to order another as it's my main income & can't afford to drop behind but always good to have a spare at that cost....... Shouldn't be any outside debris as was only a tiny trickle through a crack in the silicone seal but will clean & check

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I'd also pack some packs of dessicated gel in there to help the drying-out process.

 

[rikrobson]

Thanks again guys I'll start removing boards after the kids are in bed so I can do it in warm & comfort for a change. Already had to order another as it's my main income & can't afford to drop behind but always good to have a spare at that cost....... Shouldn't be any outside debris as was only a tiny trickle through a crack in the silicone seal but will clean & check

If there are any large capacitors in the inverter please make sure they are discharged before you accidentally touch them or you are liable to wake the kids up.

 

[BrokenBiker]

If there are any large capacitors in the inverter please make sure they are discharged before you accidentally touch them or you are liable to wake the kids up.

and the neighbours...

 

[Richie mac]

I hadnt even thought of that @rikrobson thanks for the heads up old chap....... maybe i might leave it to someone more experienced than myself..... If anyone wants the job.....

 

[dobbslc]

They've probably discharged themselves by now though.

 

[rikrobson]

They've probably discharged themselves by now though.

would you really take the chance? 250 - 300V DC. It Hurts!!! Dare you

 

[MattF]

would you really take the chance? 250 - 300V DC. It Hurts!!! Dare you

Only for a moment though. A fairly high value resistor held across the pins will discharge any reservoir cap(s) safely enough.

 

[eSCHEn]

I hadnt even thought of that @rikrobson thanks for the heads up old chap....... maybe i might leave it to someone more experienced than myself..... If anyone wants the job.....

Where abouts are you Richie? If you're near hear you're welcome to fetch it round and we can have a look together

 

[Richie mac]

Thanks @eSCHEn very kind of you, but looks like I'm at the other end of the country to you....... I'm just outside basildon in Essex but thanks for the offer fella Thinking maybe I need to be doing an electronics course or 2 for future reference

 

[eSCHEn]

Yah, maybe not cost effective then

 

[Richie mac]

Haha cheers for the offer anyway buddy