How can I tear down this signal isolator? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Logan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2022, 05:19:17 pm
content: Hi friends.I have some "Jensen Transformers ISO-MAX VB-1BB", the same model as this ebay listing:https://www.ebay.com/itm/224641416586?I want to open its case and take out the internals, to fit it in another device. But they have no screws at all, and I think it's assembled by the gap as seen in the second photo, because an older version have some unknown type of glue sealing all around that gap. (The ebay listing is a newer version, which have no visible glue. I have both versions.)What method can I use to take them apart? I don't care about the case or even the connectors being destroyed, but the internal guts must be intact.Thanks!

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2022, 09:37:31 pm
content: If you don't care about the case you could use a hacksaw to cut the case open. I've done that with wallwarts to get at the transformer inside. Just go easy so you only cut the case and not the internal circuit.Another thing I've done is to use a rotary tool with a cutoff wheel. It'll melt the plastic as you cut through it.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2022, 10:07:10 pm
content: I've never done one of these but I'd suggest it comes down to if it is outdoor rated. If it is outdoor rated it is likely glued or ultrasonically welded. If it is indoor rated it could be a snap together case..\As for how to get into it, sawing is one choice. However there is a remote chance it might be a potted enclosure which might make salvage near impossible. I've had some success in the past with an strong bench vise and hammer & chisel. In the end it depends upon what you are after and how the unit is constructed.If you intend to do a lot of salvage work investment in a few tools can pay off. Some suggestions:Hammers, get a few but go cheap here and buy at garage sales, auctions and the like. Ball Peen, Engineers hammers and ect.ChiselsLarge sheet metal shears.4.5 inch grinder, get a variety of cutting blades for it. Much more useful than a Dremel for salvage.Propane torchfilespry bars / extra large screw drivers.Vise gripsPlus all the general tools most techs haveQuote from: Logan on June 25, 2022, 05:19:17 pmYou will need to know how the unit is assembled internally. If it is potted at all getting the parts may be a chore. The good news is that if you can see the glue you likely have a place to start. Some of those industrial glues though are surprisingly strong. My suggestion would be to cut from the top to try to raise the lid up and leave the border behind.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2022, 10:12:13 pm
content: Another method is the "vice of knowledge " (© bigclive) .Hold it in the vice and slowly tighten the jaws unit it bursts open ,if possible, clamping on diagonally opposite corners works best

author: Logan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2022, 10:56:29 am
content: Thank you everyone!Quote from: ledtester on June 25, 2022, 09:37:31 pmThey are steel, very thick steel.It's unlikely to be potted, there's a very similar model (same specs except the connector) VB-1RR, and the internal photo is here:https://www.cs1.net/pic/jensen_transformers/VB-1RR_open.jpgSeems I have to go pure brute force anyway. I was thinking you guys may suggest some more peaceful way...

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2022, 11:48:54 am
content: The top may be soldered onto the main part.