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so then we need to switch off all the servers in data centres too to save the capacitors in their switched-mode PSU’s too?
Mine is in use most weeknights so would leaving it off at weekends help or do you switch off after every use?
Restarted again earlier and back to the amber light but I suspect it will die again if I charge. Seems to be the end of charge that causes the red light which would point to the capccitors.
so then we need to switch off all the servers in data centres too to save the capacitors in their switched-mode PSU’s too?
I’m sure that they use better quality capacitors. When I repair PSU’s in domestic equipment, I only use top grade Panasonic capacitors, and I’ve never had one fail yet. Whereas the original ones could fail after 2 or 3 years of constant use.
I only switch my charger off if I’m not going to need it for a few days. It takes a few minutes to reboot, so it could get frustrating if it’s turned off between every use. As far as most users are concerned, the downside of doing this is that it may extend its life beyond the 3 years warranty, leading to a costly repair.
I’ll be replacing the capacitors in mine the next time it fails.
New charger successfully installed, although not as firmly attached to the bracket as the previous one.
It’s a little different, the handle on the actual plug is shorter and the cable is a lot thicker making it difficult to wind up.
Anyway, difference aside, it charged my car last night and the process which broke the previous one doesn’t affect this at all.
Chargemaster were surprisingly quick getting it sorted so pleased with their service.
My Chargemaster now has a permanent red light. It turns off if I reboot it, but then comes back on as soon as I try to charge.
@andyfras – any advice? It’s nearly 4 years old now so I imagine I’d get nowhere talking to Chargemaster. Is it realistic that I could repair it myself (I can do basic electronics and soldering).
Trevor, have you seen Andy’s post on speakev re the wrong and incorrect orientation capacitors, your’s being an early CP the capacitors will be incorrectly rated and fitted.
@Trevor Larkum – I can supply a kit if you don’t want to source the components yourself. The old capacitors are a bit tricky to remove as the board has plated-through holes, but otherwise it’s fairly straightforward.
Capacitor values are:
1 x 3300uF @ 16V (C44 – uprated from original as it is on 12V rail)
1 x 3300uF @ 10V (C?)
2 x 560uF @ 35V (C63 & C?)
1 x 47uF @ 400V (C117)
1 x 10uF @ 400V (C?)Sorry about the missing capacitor numbers, they’re different on the later version which I now have.
The critical bit is the orientation of C63 (reversed in original version of the charger), which may still be wrongly marked on the board.
See pictures.
If anyone has a faulty charger but doesn’t feel confident in replacing the capacitors themselves, I will happily do it for them. The board is quite easy to remove (take photos) and can be sent as a small parcel (£3.40).
Smaller image version
Thanks everyone for your input, I’m taking note!
I’ve opened up my CP and taken a photo of the circuit board.
@andyfras – as per your comments, I interpret this as being one of the old sort with the capacitor the wrong way round?
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