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



giffgaff...

Just thought I'd put this out there...

Motors...

In the Main board, power board and motor removal tutorial, you get to see the main motor used in the Brother PE150. This motor drives the needle mechanism and the spinning outer hook in the base of the machine. There are, however, two more motors in this machine. These two motors control the X/Y movement of the frame holder. These pictures, which are of one of the machines in my spares pile, show the size and location of the X and Y motors, and the gearing they are attached to:

For the record, I've never had one of these motors fail. I expect that's because, all things considered, they don't actually do a great deal.

More soon, no doubt....

D

Shameless advert (part 2)....

Like our page on Facebook. Short and sweet :)

Shameless advert....

... for our business. Feel free to have a browse around and even if you don't want to buy something it might give you some inspiration for your own projects!

 

 

More soon, no doubt....

 

D



Any requests?

Even though at the moment there are hardly enough hours in the day, I've decided to invite some topic or project requests. After all, the nights are now drawing-in and my work on rebranding our estore is nearly complete. I therefore expect to have some spare time on my hands. So, if you are contemplating making some changes to your machine, investigating a fault or fixing a new part, and you'd like to see a tutorial about it on this site, feel free to drop me a line and I'll see what I can do. I've stripped these machines back to the bare case, and fully re-assembled, so no subject is beyond this site. Or you might just want me to complete the tutorial on how I deep clean my machines!

More soon, no doubt....

D

A bit more on timing....

If you are having regular problems with timing slips and you're not trying to embroider heavy fabric or experiencing some other issue such as with thread tension, then it is possible that the bevel gear on the main shaft is loose. Specifically, the grubs screws in the gear have slackened off and any resistance in hook area causes an easy slip. It will be easier to explain with a few pictures.

You need to remove the outer casing to access the gear which can be seen just under the handle in this picture:

Here is a close up of the bevel gear and one of the grub screws (which takes a 3mm allen key)

 

 

And from a different angle:

So, if you are having repeated problems with timing slips you should investigate the bevel gear. To do that you need to follow steps 1 to 9 of the Take it apart tutorial. Then, using your allen key, back off the two grub screws in the gear and then reposition the gear against the corresponding plastic gear underneath. Turning the handwheel slightly ensures that everything goes into place snuggly! Retighten the grub screws and then follow the Check and adjust the timing tutorial. All being well, you'll be able to time the machine! Once you are happy with the timing, refit all the plastic trim and embroider a test pattern to check correct operation.

More soon (including an update on my power board fix which I'm sure now works but I need to buy another motor for testing purposes!)

D.