Converted a halogen torcherie > LED several years ago. I replaced the dimming switch with a standard, and increased the bulb size from standard 118mm to 189mm. Have been satisfied with the result.
Recently it started flashing (not flickering) about 2x/second when turned on. A few off/on cycles and it would start properly and then be fine. Now, it only flashes.
It looks something like THIS:
The ends are removeable. Inside is stuffed with wires and some kind of bundled components. There would be some fine solder removal to further get it apart.
So…anyone know if there is some simple surface mount component in that mess that would make it worthwhile to dig into?
Replacements bulbs seem to go from $25+ to almost $100.
These things are basicly Air Fryers for the LEDs and especially for the driver components inside.
Even if you change out the now faulty part, the chance that a different part is at the EOL is quite high.
You could measure the driver voltage and how much watt the light has and look for a new driver.
That thought encouraged me to take it one step farther and open it up.
The LED strips surprisingly have some thermal compound on the back contacting the heatsink, which is fairly substantial. Adequate? Don’t know.
This is what it looks like inside. No obvious fried components.
Don’t have a clue where to find a suitable driver, or if it’s worth it.
Check/Replace the electrolytics. If they’re cooking, they probably boiled out all their yummy juices, and whatever current they should be smoothing, is probably all bumpy and ripply, making everything else go mental.
Replacing those would be my first guess as well.
Best to put in some 105° ones or even more, they will need it…
Capacitors, Right?
I have 2:
-large brown one - 50v/220 microfarad . Now that I look closely with a magnifier to read it I see that the top is bulged slightly. Ah, ha?
Small brown one 50v/10 microfarad - I looks fine to inspection.
The large brown “loaf” says 224J/630V
The small blue “fat lentil” reads (maybe) DNR/7D471/(last line is messed up).
I know capacitors a bit and have replaced them successfully on motherboards and monitor screens, but only by using designated kits. I have no idea how to deal with replacements outside exact replacements. Does more or less matter?
The other 2 gizmos I know nothing about.
Maybe the blue one is a compact or ceramic capacitor? Looks fine. Do they go bad? How do you tell?
The food products should be fine. The bulgy one gots ta go, but the other one, too, just to be complete.
Thanks. Ordered a new bulb, but it’s gotta come from China so taking awhile. I bought the proper caps, put them in yesterday, and the light works again. Very satisfying.
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