PE150 Main Power Board Fix (in theory, at least...)

Since I've recently been asked about the fix that I've been promising for the last 18 months, I thought I'd share the theory. I have repaired one of my broken boards using the parts I've obtained however I've not tested it with a motor yet. For information, the repair requires the replacement of the:

• optocoupler - TLP750
• mosfet - FS3UM-9
• transistor - 2SC1740

These three items are circled in yellow on the picture below. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may also be necessary to replace the diode and zener diode (circled in pink on the picture below). Since I had the board and soldering iron out, I also replaced the capacitors on the board. Finally, I tested that the soldering was good. As soon as I have a spare motor to risk sacrificing, I'll give the repair a test....

 

 

 More soon, no doubt.

 

D



New PE150 fix coming very soon (I promise)...

About a year ago I promised a new fix for broken power boards. You may remember my lament that boards had a habit of blowing whenever the main motor failed and that new boards were expensive. Well, after a load of research and a bit of self-learning about electronics, I've concluded that the power board has a design fault inasmuch as there is no overload protection on the circuit which powers the motor. Perhaps one day I'll be able to design some protection into the circuit but until then, I will be repairing broken boards. I can do this because I've obtained a small supply of the long-obsolete components which comprise the circuit which powers the motor. I'll provide more details once the parts have arrived and I've completed and then soak-tested the first repair.

More soon, no doubt!

D

Brother PE150 replacement power board...

... has arrived. It's 'new old stock' circa 2007 so I wasn't hopefull of identifying any of the components on it. However, having done a quick search courtesy of Google I've found the datasheet for the main power transformer which is made by a different manufacturer to the ones on my existing broken power boards.

More soon, no doubt...

New PE150 fix coming very soon....

I have a new PE150 power board on the way from Brother. I'm rather hoping that it will be brand new and not just 'new old stock', particularly as it has a new part number. If so, then before fitting it I'll be doing some comparisons with an old (but working) board, and also collecting the relevant data sheets for all the components on the board. It may be that I can actually start repairing my old broken boards too.

New tutorial completed!

Well, about 95% done: Click here to view the Main board, power board and motor removal tutorial or follow the link in the left-hand margin