an AC DC problem with battery charger, no music at all

K&R wrote on Friday (13/02/2004) :

Selenium rectifiers, surely not ? No mistaking those when they go faulty :-)

( I checked the voltage and it

Diode rectifiers?

Temperature increase, internally shorted diodes perhaps?

The "little round things" are probably silicon diodes of the "press-mount" type commonly used in alternators. They are quite common in battery chargers, as well, and about the only thing that ever fails in them.

Sounds like one or both of the diodes has failed in short circuit mode. To test them, you need to disconnect the wire from it, and check it with a VOM or DVM with a diode test function. Should show low resistance in one direction, infinite in the other. If it shows low resistance in BOTH directions, it is shorted, and must be replaced.

NTE electronics sells suitable replacements. You can press them in and out of the heatsink plate with a bench vise and a couple of sockets.

Bob Weiss N2IXK

Isn't selenium poisonous?

Something like that, but the guy at the hardware store said I'd be OK if stopped overclocking myself.

F*ck off, Harry.

Thanks folks, apparently you know what you're talking about. ok rectifier is toast, where O where would I find a 60Amp rectifier, Radio Shack goes all the way up to 6.5 Amp and that's it. Any hints? I'm in Canada Alberta and far away from any mayor town. If interested I now have some pictures of the $#%#$# rectifier and if anyone wants to have a look at a none commercial toaster just let me know.

Thanks for the help. Richard

You can find large rectifiers at most of the major electronics parts suppliers. You may find it cheaper to replace the complete unit, if you cannot find these rectifiers through a surplus dealer.

Also, you will have to properly match the rectifiers for their mountings. Their specs are going to be simple since it is a charger. The part numbers on them, are most likely a house number, but you can start with that in case you are lucky and they are generic numbers. Considering that one is blown, I would consider to change all of them together.

Alternatively, buy an Indian take-away meal.

One of the best known rectum-friers!

Is that bot back again?