Someone went crazy with the silicone - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nszeek
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 26, 2024, 03:55:11 pm
content: My notebook's charger thing died a while back and today I decided to scrap it for parts but someone decided to fill it to the brim with RTV. I bought it as a "Dell original" from a third party site but I doubt it is.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2024, 03:59:39 pm
content: That looks about right for a Dell charger, I've taken apart a couple.The silicone is used en-masse because chargers get dropped and shipping isn't always friendly, this reduces the chance of a fractured joint for some of the larger components. Also it probably helps damp any microphonic effects from inductors/transformers.Probably a little excessive in your case but better more than less generally.

author: AndyBeez
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2024, 04:02:03 pm
content: Even the silk screen says "Glue Rubber". I thought Apple were adhesive maniacs.I suspect that's some thermal coupling strategy, that also keeps the bill of materials down. Think yourself lucky they didn't fill all voids with expanding foam.

author: audiotubes
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2024, 05:12:44 pm
content: Looks somebody's kid brought silly putty to the assembly line that day

author: DonKu
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2024, 07:48:25 pm
content: "Misery loves company."Removal tips appreciated in advance.

author: nszeek
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 26, 2024, 08:12:18 pm
content: Quote from: DonKu on February 26, 2024, 07:48:25 pmI was searching how to remove it as well, so far I found out a post here (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/eda/pcb-silicon-coating-remover/) about it. Either 50% Isopropolyne Alcohol and 50% Acetone mix or heat to soften it up and then manual removal.Edit: I just copied the name "Isopropolyne Alcohol" but I think it's meant to be isopropyl alcohol.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 28, 2024, 06:05:53 am
content: Quote from: tom66 on February 26, 2024, 03:59:39 pmI concur.

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2024, 05:26:36 pm
content: Promising headline, but disappointing thread content.Pure click-bait.

author: HwAoRrDk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2024, 08:52:39 pm
content: Nobody going to comment on the fact it appears to be a salvaged board chopped up and fitted to a new, differently-sized case?The cut-out in the board for the mains receptacle is - how shall I say? - not an original feature...The excess silicone is probably to make up for the fact the board isn't an exact fit for its new home.

author: nszeek
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 29, 2024, 04:02:09 pm
content: Quote from: HwAoRrDk on February 28, 2024, 08:52:39 pmCouple people in the thread said it was original and I don't have much knowledge about this stuff so it was good enough for me.However, I paid half the price Dell was asking for on their site (I paid ~ USD 50 while the Dell one was ~ USD 100). I ended up buying one from Dell directly anyway because this one wouldn't be recognized as the correct charger by the notebook most of the time (sometimes it was recognized). I checked the voltages on it prior to opening it and it seemed correct. I also heard rumors Dell would send some weird voltage sequence when the thing was plugged it to authenticated it as a "Dell Original" charger but I couldn't check for it because I don't own an oscilloscope.