Vivitar 2000 (DF500 Board Troubleshooting), Basic tests of inverter components (transistor, transformer, diode) Options

[dkirk]

Here are some basic trouble shooting steps to help try and locate failed components on Vivitar 2000 DF500 boards. The only equipment required is a multimeter that is capable of measuring resistance and checking diodes.

There have been numerous reports of failed DF500 boards, and the steps below are an attempt at performing basic in circuit (but energy disabled) tests of the 3 main inverter components that may fail.

In Circuit Components To Be Tested
Inverter Transistor
Inverter Transformer
Inverter Diode

This is just my first attempt at putting together some information to help in trouble shooting of the DF500 board inverter section. I would appreciate knowing how the trouble shooting procedure works out for those who undertake it, and would also like to know what components are found to have failed.

If you spot any errors in the procedure please let me know and I will modify accordingly.

Working on your flash unit is done at your own risk to both you and your equipment. Make sure you discharge all energy (capacitors, etc.) before working on the flash unit, and disable all energy sources such as the battery.

 Vivitar_2000_DF500_board_inverter_transistor_check.jpg ( 148.54K ) Number of downloads: 122
 Vivitar_2000_DF500_board_xfmr_resistance_check.jpg ( 117.13K ) Number of downloads: 87
 Vivitar_2000_DF500_board_inverter_diode_check.jpg ( 120.43K ) Number of downloads: 78


Good Luck,
Don

This post has been edited by dkirk: Aug 12 2006, 01:27 AM

[212]

Man I'm glad you joined hagshouse Don, thank you very much! Added this to my favorites with your other helpful posts

[headnurse69]

Wow. This link is definately going on my page to help people out. Great work!

[capacmi]

Great stuff Don, I'll be checking some of my VIV 2000 DF 500 boards when I get the time and see if this info helps find a fix for them.
I had one that I did that low power mod on and got rid of the large yellow capacitor and it's working good so far. Thanks for the informative post on these Vivitars.

[dkirk]

Great stuff Don, I'll be checking some of my VIV 2000 DF 500 boards when I get the time and see if this info helps find a fix for them.
I had one that I did that low power mod on and got rid of the large yellow capacitor and it's working good so far. Thanks for the informative post on these Vivitars.

Capacmi,

Great, and glad you were able to follow my modification steps.

I am anxious to see what you find out when you try trouble shooting some of your DF500 boards per my instructions.

Don

[dkirk]

Did some troubleshooting on a failed DF500 board that willraygreen had, and the failed part was the inverter transformer (not a common failure mode).

The secondary of the "bad" transformer measured 111 ohms versus the 130 ohms that are in my troubleshooting instructions above, so thought this number should be recorded for future reference.

Replaced the "bad: transformer with one from a working DF500 board and this corrected the problem, and the secondary of the replacement transformer measured 127 ohms which is close to the 130 ohm value that I said represents the "normal" condition.

Just FYI,
Don