F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Determine the power link on the PCB for distributing power

Determine the power link on the PCB for distributing power

Determine the power link on the PCB for distributing power

K
56
09-02-2024, 07:49 PM
#1
Hey there, I’m a lab technician who regularly fixes older equipment. We encountered a power board issue where I removed it but didn’t recognize the connector type—it doesn’t match the standard ATX power connector. Replacing it could save a $20k machine from being discarded. These units are quite old, so no manufacturer support remains. I’ve attached some photos via Imgur for reference. Feel free to ask if you have any questions!
K
KungFooToaster
09-02-2024, 07:49 PM #1

Hey there, I’m a lab technician who regularly fixes older equipment. We encountered a power board issue where I removed it but didn’t recognize the connector type—it doesn’t match the standard ATX power connector. Replacing it could save a $20k machine from being discarded. These units are quite old, so no manufacturer support remains. I’ve attached some photos via Imgur for reference. Feel free to ask if you have any questions!

J
Juan2610
Posting Freak
875
09-24-2024, 03:52 AM
#2
That’s nothing compared to an ATX PSU connector. It’s just a typical standard power plug style for many devices. These custom connections aren’t normal, so grab the multimeter and begin testing everything! Without any paperwork, you’re essentially starting from scratch.
J
Juan2610
09-24-2024, 03:52 AM #2

That’s nothing compared to an ATX PSU connector. It’s just a typical standard power plug style for many devices. These custom connections aren’t normal, so grab the multimeter and begin testing everything! Without any paperwork, you’re essentially starting from scratch.

A
achoo_ca
Member
69
09-24-2024, 05:40 AM
#3
It's an older board from a bioreactor controller. I can use a multimeter to check everything and have done some basic tests. I'm not sure if fixing that connection is possible without swapping out the connector type, which would need a different cable and isn't ideal.
A
achoo_ca
09-24-2024, 05:40 AM #3

It's an older board from a bioreactor controller. I can use a multimeter to check everything and have done some basic tests. I'm not sure if fixing that connection is possible without swapping out the connector type, which would need a different cable and isn't ideal.

S
STQZ
Member
162
09-24-2024, 12:26 PM
#4
It seems the circulator connector is damaged. You might remove it and install a standard housing with proper spacing. Some manufacturers offer custom connectors. Alternatively, you could solder directly onto the board—though that’s not ideal.
S
STQZ
09-24-2024, 12:26 PM #4

It seems the circulator connector is damaged. You might remove it and install a standard housing with proper spacing. Some manufacturers offer custom connectors. Alternatively, you could solder directly onto the board—though that’s not ideal.

M
MavrosGR
Senior Member
579
09-27-2024, 07:00 PM
#5
The COM4 to circulator port seems damaged. The connection point is exposed through the plastic casing. It appears my problem was locating the correct adapter, as I thought it would be a custom ATX power supply. I tried at MicroCenter but they seemed confused about the situation. I intended to remove and replace the connector, though finding the right pin configuration and dimensions proved difficult.
M
MavrosGR
09-27-2024, 07:00 PM #5

The COM4 to circulator port seems damaged. The connection point is exposed through the plastic casing. It appears my problem was locating the correct adapter, as I thought it would be a custom ATX power supply. I tried at MicroCenter but they seemed confused about the situation. I intended to remove and replace the connector, though finding the right pin configuration and dimensions proved difficult.

3
3Edge
Senior Member
718
10-04-2024, 05:23 PM
#6
We're in a dedicated electronics repair shop. This setup follows ATX specifications, but it's common for various connectors to use similar pin configurations. It's straightforward for standard 12-16 gauge wires.
3
3Edge
10-04-2024, 05:23 PM #6

We're in a dedicated electronics repair shop. This setup follows ATX specifications, but it's common for various connectors to use similar pin configurations. It's straightforward for standard 12-16 gauge wires.