I think I killed my MAX PRO IV +! I need help!!!

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SpeedFreakIan
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I think I killed my MAX PRO IV +! I need help!!!

Post by SpeedFreakIan »

So I’ve been on the air for almost a month straight with my MAX PRO IV+. Last night I took my transmitter off the air to add a (tugicom) stereo encoder. I got it installed, no problem. i put the case all back together, and I turn it on. Now, I can’t get any RF out of the transmitter! I notice that the thermal sensor wasn’t pushed rite up against the output transistor’s heat sink, and the circuit board has yellowed from heat around the transistor. I’m assuming this is normal? But either way, I’m not getting any RF out, and my station is off the air! Thanks!
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pcs
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Post by pcs »

Yep, you may have burned the final. Contact us directly via e-mail (Contact us) to arrange for
service or instructions for replacement.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
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SpeedFreakIan
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Post by SpeedFreakIan »

today I pulled the heatsink off, and i found out there wasn't any heatsink compound between the transistor and the heatsink! the circut board looks riely brown/yellow around the transistor, so i'm priety sure the output is blown. do you think the transistor will be my only problem, or will there be more that's fried downstream of the output? i'd like to just order a new one, and have it overnighted so i can fix it and get back on the air!
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pcs
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Post by pcs »

Its probably just the final. I suggest you contact support via Contact us page
so we can arrange for everything.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
SpeedFreakIan
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Post by SpeedFreakIan »

well, here's the thing, i bought it from P.C., this place in IL. i'm assuming they wholesale from PCS? So i'm wondering exactly what transistor to order, beacuse the numbers ot the transistor look like they were ground off or something. Then i can just replace it myself. i'm going to take the transmitter to school with me tomorow, where (i think) i've got a fast enogh ociloscope to see that the final is my only problem.
Thanks for the help!
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pcs
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Post by pcs »

http://www.pcs-electronics.com/booster- ... p-257.html

Look at replacement final at the bottom.
Note that the pic is different, I did not have time to take a photo at a time so I just
grabbed first available photo I got.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
SpeedFreakIan
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Post by SpeedFreakIan »

OK, i'll look for that number TO220. Thanks!
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pcs
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Post by pcs »

TO220 is just a case type. The actual type of transistor is our secret.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
SpeedFreakIan
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Post by SpeedFreakIan »

Well, i got one ordered and it should be here tomorow. And if all goes well i'll be back on the air tomorow afternoon. Thanks for the help!
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pcs
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Post by pcs »

You ordered TO220? :)
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
SpeedFreakIan
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Post by SpeedFreakIan »

well, i ordered PD550 from Progressive Concepts. That's the number they gave me, i'm not exactly sure if it's the transistor's number, or their stock number. I had to get it from them, beacuse i'm in the US and i need it fast! But you can bet i'll neaver make another major purchase from them, they wouldn't even honor their 30 day gurentee!
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Post by pcs »

Its their internal number. Finals are not covered by warranty so there is no 30-day warranty on this.

This is clearly stated in manual, most if not all manufacturers have similar rules about finals.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
SpeedFreakIan
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Post by SpeedFreakIan »

The final came, i installed it, and it didn't work. so i'm way pissed off. i come back to it later, and i discovered i'd droped a drop of solder between the ground and one of the primearies! so i pulled that off, and it works! so now i'm on the air, with a monster heat sink, a cooling fan, and my stereo encoder :wink:
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