Thomson Sky-HD (and Sky+) PSU failure

[DiscoBob]

Thanks - just got to tell the customer!!

[morporktony]

I just read bugsys post from september - about the light just blinking on when powered up or down - he fitted a kit and was OK.... my box was producing a flickering red power light - and When I looked the caps were almost certainly duff

I fitted the relkit - and now all I get is the single flash when powered up or down..... so I just looked at voltages and +38 seems to be only +20 or so - all my new joints look sound - could anyone suggest what is now wrong?

[admin]

See http://www.SatCure.net/PSU/

[morporktony]

thanks for your prompt response - I had missed that little 2-liner about the +38 voltage.....- I had thought it might be a clue as to why it didn't work.... As someone who has (intermittently) done electronic bit and bobs - (I was building circuits over 40 years ago) I had expected no problems with the simple task of replacing 15 electrolytic capacitors using a kit.... so feel very frustrated When I can't identify and correct the problem.... I was confident that replacing the capacitors would enable the box to work.... - it seems as if the only suggestion is buy the second kit and suck it and see - is that true? - or get rid of sky and go back to my (still fully working) VCR

[admin]

I recommend taking the advice on the page and send the PSU (or complete Digibox) to Michael for investigation.
http://www.digifixltd.co.uk

I know it's satisfying to do stuff yourself but, unfortunately, I lack the knowledge to help and I don't want you spending money unnecessarily.

[DiscoBob]

Hi,

apparently there is a problem with my card - but my wife deleted your number off the phone, can you please PM it to me or send to my email address - need the parts by Friday!!

I have raised a ticket but would like for it to get out in the post today

Cheers

Bob

[admin]

If you need to enter your credit card details again, see http://www.SatCure.co.uk/payment.htm

[roskelld]

Hi all,

I just wanted a brief bit of advice before I start sending things off and spending cash.

My Thomson Sky HD box became stuck in stand-by. I followed all the instructions and fixes I could find, but nothing shifted it. Firmware updates, removing wires, reboots etc...

So I took a punt on the RELKIT33J, thinking that it was the best step forward, and even good tactics as it would be replacing the factory capacitors that come with such bad reviews.

I fitted the kit and rebuilt the box, but the same problem is still there. The box will not shift out of standby.

I can connect to the firmware update page (holding down backup) but go no further.

Now it seems that the step forward from this point isn't clear. I'm presuming my best bet is to seek out getting the whole box looked at by professional hands. If that's the recommendation, then do I contact Michael about this and organise a repair or are there any other steps I should take.

I've read all the supplementary information the /PSU page on SatCure, and I don't think I can really do anything more with the box. I don't have any more tools than the soldering equipment I had to replace the capacitors with, so I can't test the connections and such.

Thanks for your time.

[admin]

Please see http://www.SatCure.net/PSU/ again. Click on
"If the new PSU does not work, or you have a problem after replacing/repairing it."

[roskelld]

Thanks.

Looks like Michael's my next port of call.

I don't live too far from Buxton, so I'll probably work out a plan to pop in to the store.

[Heofz]

Hey everyone,

I think I've got a faulty PSU in my Thomson Sky HD box (bought new off eBay in April 2007, not really had many significant issues until now, perhaps a little sluggish fast forwarding & rewinding, maybe a couple of minor issues recording HD etc). If nobody minds, I would like to list all the following symptoms to confirm with you experts

• The problem: Sky HD box is stuck in standby. Tried powering off and on for 30+ minutes multiple times, will not respond.

• The red standby LED dims slightly When I press any button on the HD box, but does not react from my remote control.

• Tried forced update by holding back up button while powering up from power socket (LNB cables & HDMI connected).
   First few times I tried this, the 4 LEDs at the front lit up and I heard everything power on including the HDD. It remained on but after a couple of minutes drops back to standby.

• Repeating the above, I've noticed sometimes it drops back to standby only after a few seconds, depending on how long I've left it alone beforehand.
   The time it lasts during forced update seems to be quite unpredictable, but it never seems to make it to the end.

• I suspect that the PSU is at fault as When I do get the forced update going for more than a few seconds, I can hear the hard disk spinning up, and I very briefly see the white text on black background on my TV screen while it attempts to run, suggesting that the issue does not lie within the core system itself.

• Since I noticed this problem, I have never seen the little 40mm fan by the PSU spin up, in standby or during attempted forced updates, not sure if this is normal or not.

• I have never been able to get any life out of the Sky HD box apart from a red LED standby, and the forced updating.

• Whenever the box is plugged in and receiving power (i.e. in standby), I can hear a distinct fizzing noise coming from the PSU (sort of mixed between buzzing and hissing, or very fast ticking). Again I don't know if this is normal or a symptom.

• I opened up the case, and I noticed 3 capacitors are bulging (the really big one seems to also be leaking, and the 2 common ones bulging at the top):

Would you guys say after all this the problem is almost certainly the PSU?

[admin]

Ha ha, this is a wind-up.

1. Your PSU has CapXon capacitors so it's CERTAIN to fail. See previous discussions here.

2. You show a picture of a capacitor which has built up so much pressure inside that it is bulging and leaking. At this point it is totally destroyed. I am, frankly, amazed that your Digibox even lights up. I strongly recommend that you don't apply power to it again until it has been rebuilt.

[BB3Lions]

Hello,

My Sat Thompson PSU board has 3 may be 4 damaged CapXon capacitors - and through your website I found out why, thanks.

I was going to purchase your repair kit/send you to do it but instead i cancelled Sky and started a new contract but using the wifes name! So I have got a new Sky HD box from Sky coming this Saturday..

Another user on the AVForums stated you buy damaged PSU's? for £25.00 "I have read your FAQ pages" and I could not find the answer to this question.

If this is true could you please advise which dept I need to ring to sort the postage out etc.

Gracious!

[admin]

Please post it to the address on this page:
http://www.SatCure.co.uk/useful/returns.htm
Recorded Delivery recommended, although ordinary 1st Class is insured for up to £38.

Enclose a letter of explanation, requesting a cheque for £25.

[dlorde]

Big "Thank You!" to SatCure - my HD box stopped showing any signal last weekend after months of deteriorating performance, but the disk & cables checked out OK. I found this site and read about the failing PSUs, and When I opened the box, four of the PSU caps were badly domed, and three were leaking. So I ordered the capacitor kit, which arrived today, and replaced all the caps. My HD box is now back in action and all is working well.

Many thanks for the guides and service that enabled me to do this for myself and save so much trouble & expense.

p.s. the fan bolt kit was missing - but the rubber mounts were easy enough to refit (with a little silicone grease), so I didn't need it.