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Hardware => Lynx Aether => Topic started by: sebjsan on October 01, 2012,

Title: Aether issue
Post by: sebjsan on October 01, 2012,
I plugged my Aether directly to a 120v outlet without thinking. Now it won't turn on. Did I burn something?
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: gforman on October 01, 2012,
if it is an Ather 2 check the fuse
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: TAdamsOK on October 01, 2012,
Most likely the rectifier and voltage regulators as that is way above what they are rated for. 
Title: Aether issue
Post by: sebjsan on October 01, 2012,
It's an Aether 2, forgot to mention.
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: thestig on October 02, 2012,
this is the exact reason why I decided against vampire plugs as quick disconnects on my aethers. I figured I would accidentally do that. I hope its an easy fix.


Grant
Title: Aether issue
Post by: sebjsan on October 02, 2012,
Can I use this as my replacement fuse?
http://m.radioshack.com/radioshack/product/detail.do?itemId=12580064&categoryId=&path=
Title: Aether issue
Post by: sebjsan on October 02, 2012,
Also, which voltage regulator do I exchange. I'm on mouser and can't figure out which.
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: tbone321 on October 02, 2012,
I would replace the fuse first before you begin swapping out regulators.  Then if you have a volt meter, check for voltage at the rectifier and then both regultors.  If the Aether wakes back up after you replace the fuse, then you don't have to do anything.
Title: Aether issue
Post by: rm357 on October 02, 2012,
Have you opened it up yet?

As others have said, start with the fuse, then the bridge rectifier, then the capacitor...

It's possible with the large cap that is in there that the fuse popped before the voltage got high enough to fry other things. But it's pretty dicey...

Be sure to inspect the big capacitor (if it didn't blow). If it is bulging anywhere, it needs to be replaced... It doesn't take a lot of excess voltage to make an electrolytic capacitor explode.

Also, check for burned traces...
Title: Aether issue
Post by: rm357 on October 02, 2012,
The radio shack fuse is ok, but not as good as the one from mouser. The mouser one is very fast acting, which if you are lucky, may have saved you a lot of grief. The radio shack one is just fast acting. It takes more current over a longer time to blow it.

For temporary/testing use it will be fine, but I would order a new one from mouser on my next order and replace it before using it as part of a show.
Title: Aether issue
Post by: sebjsan on October 02, 2012,
Sounds good. I'll order from mouser the fuse, rectifier and other. Just to make sure I have what I need this close to the big day. Thanks for all the help.
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: meman on October 03, 2012,
And get rid of those plugs...it's only a matter of time before some else does it again. I found these waterproof two-wire trailer light extensions and replaced the plugs on all my Aethers. Got em cheap at Tractor Supply Store, but they can be had at many places online as well...heres a link:
http://www.elawngarden.com/hopkims-towing-solutions-hopkims-towing-solutions-2wire-extension-p-5988.html?utm_campaign=google-simple&utm_medium=product_search&utm_source=google-simple.

Good luck,
Mike E.
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: sebjsan on October 03, 2012,
I understand how this would replace the plug on the Aether, but how to connect these to your power source?
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: chrisatpsu on October 03, 2012,
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100-pairs-2-Core-White-Waterproof-Line-15cm-long-each-male-and-female-22/701799_331631111.html
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: n1ist on October 03, 2012,
You take the assembly, cut it in half, and wire one piece to the Aether, and the other to the power supply.
/mike
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: meman on October 03, 2012,
Yep, what the other Mike said...just cut it in half and use one length for the Aether, the other for your power supply. I got fancy with mine and spliced them into the low voltage cable with some shrink wrap to keep things nice and dry.

Mike E.
Title: Aether issue
Post by: sebjsan on October 03, 2012,
Got it! 
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: n1ist on October 04, 2012,
When you do that, make sure the end connected to the power supply is the one where the red (positive) side is insulated.  Fewer chances of sparks and bangs that way.
/mike
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: mokeefe on October 04, 2012,
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When you do that, make sure the end connected to the power supply is the one where the red (positive) side is insulated.  Fewer chances of sparks and bangs that way.
/mike

Should it matter?  It's an AC voltage.

-Mike
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: n1ist on October 04, 2012,
 <fp.  Ignore that; I forgot that the Aether 2 uses 12V AC. 
/mike
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: chrisatpsu on October 04, 2012,
that's your one for the year, use it wisely....  oh wait...   >:D
Title: Aether issue
Post by: sebjsan on October 09, 2012,
Ordered the fuse from mouser. Installed it and its ALIVE!
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: chrisatpsu on October 09, 2012,
congrats!
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: zwiller on October 09, 2012,
Congrats!  You were lucky.

Don't forget to at least label your plug or even better swap it.  I am swapping mine with some 2 conductors of Rays. They are only $4 for ten. Just like the ones Chris referenced but black.
Title: Aether issue
Post by: sebjsan on October 09, 2012,
I ordered 4 conductor wire and plugs. Can I use that?
Title: Re: Aether issue
Post by: chrisatpsu on October 10, 2012,
sure, just remember which wires you used.