PSU capacitor damaged by thieves. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: .RC.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 02:56:36 am
content: Apparently low arse scum thieves walked into a Aus post facility on Saturday and spent the day there and tore into parcels and made off with who knows what.I had a parcel there that they brutally opened but they were obviously wierdo's as an electronic PSU did not tickle their fancy.They cut open the box and bent one of the ouput ripple capacitors right over, as well as cutting through a metallic tape over the transformer.It is a PSU from Quickoo to power one of their T12 clone soldering irons. 240V in, 24V outMy question is. Should I replace the bent capacitor, it is a 680uf 35V low ESR, as I wonder if the leads got ripped out slightly when they sliced into the box.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-27/australia-post-centre-robbery-police-investigate-parcel-theft/102028786

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 04:05:43 am
content: I'd probably replace it, it's likely ok but those are probably cheap noname capacitors anyway.

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 04:17:01 am
content: straighten out cap, patch transformers copper shading band, test out 90% it's fine.Jon

author: sean0118
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 05:19:19 am
content: If you do replace the caps, have a look at LCSC, often I've found they are the cheapest distributor when shipping to Australia is taken into account.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 08:40:35 am
content: If you do, use something reputable, I like Rubycon, Nichicon and Panasonic, there are other good brands though, just avoid cheap generic junk.

author: David Aurora
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 09:57:03 am
content: Is it even your problem? Aren't the post office insured for stuff like this? I'd have thought you would be owed a replacement

author: shakalnokturn
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 10:58:57 am
content: But then the time you spend arguing about your rights could be more valuable than the damaged goods...

author: David Aurora
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 11:34:41 am
content: Quote from: shakalnokturn on February 28, 2023, 10:58:57 amNo idea what the item was worth, but yeah potentially.Still, I've got better things to do with my time than fuck around fixing things I bought new, so unless it was a 2 minute fix I'd be chasing replacement or reimbursement

author: shakalnokturn
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 11:39:03 am
content: It should work as-is...If it doesn't I'd blame the quality check more than the Ausie thieves.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 08:23:38 pm
content: Often times it's worth repairing something just to avoid having to wait for a replacement to arrive. My time actively working on something is only part of the equation, there's also the total time including waiting to get something finished.

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2023, 09:35:31 pm
content: Just out of curiosity, which Aus Post facility?

author: .RC.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2023, 12:04:27 am
content: Quote from: aargee on February 28, 2023, 09:35:31 pmIt is in the link in my opening post. Rockhampton facility.The item was ~AU$17 delivered.

author: sean0118
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2023, 02:21:31 am
content: They might reimburse you and let you keep it.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2023, 01:21:03 am
content: If it's that cheap just use it, but if it's something that you need to be reliable I would probably replace the electrolytics whether they are damaged or not just because they're likely to be junk right out of the factory.

author: komrad2236
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2023, 04:36:18 pm
content: I doubt they ripped anything under the capacitor, most likely its just bent a little bit.Just imagine the situation, they probably struck it slightly with a knife.Still, best to de-solder it and test it with come capacitance tester.As well as look under the microscope for any tears where knife came in contact with it.Again its very cheap component, you can easily replace it.For transformer, I am not sure what is the function of that tape on the transformer, if it has important role of course it needs replacing.Also like someone said, it will be about what are you going to use it for.On the other note, I think its post office job to secure your package, they should be held liable, no ?Just using common sense.You do pay them for proper delivery, everything included, after all.

author: rfengg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2023, 02:30:18 am
content: "For transformer, I am not sure what is the function of that tape on the transformer, if it has important role of course it needs replacing. "The copper tape around the xformer is called a hum band or a flux band and serves to act as a shorted turn for leakage flux and thus reduce EMI.I would be inclined to mate the torn section of the copper tape with solder if you have access to a soldering iron.