Agilent E3620A PSU, Push button, knob repair - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 04:08:10 pm
content: This E3620A was cheap and I bought it without the push buttons.I was hoping that Keysight is selling these knobs, but they don't, bummer!Well, then I started to design the knobs in Solidworks, when I had the idea to look for a 3D file already done and to my total surprise, the E3620A is available as a STEP file from the Keysight website.http://www.keysight.com/de/pd-838235-pn-E3620A/50w-dual-output-power-supply-two-25v-1a?pm=PL&nid=-35677.384298&cc=DE&lc=gerAnd even better, the single parts in the step file can selected.So, I just grabbed the knobs.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 04:12:49 pm
content: Now I made the two knobs in to STL files and will have them made as Stereolithography SLA parts in high quality finish.Not this 3d printing rubbishHere is the large knob STEP file

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 04:14:48 pm
content: And here is the small knob as STEP fileStay tuned, I will show pictures when I have received the parts.If anyone needs some of these knobs, let me know, I will probably have a few more made.

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 05:37:34 pm
content: Excellent project. I have a 3630 that is missing all three of the smaller pushbutton caps and would really appreciate a set if you can do extras, I'm in L.A. I do have the larger power button if you need to verify measurements.Keysight did list the smaller button as an available part but after the convoluted order process I got an email to say that I could not order because my email address does not match my company name! Maybe we should have a word with Daniel about this silly rule?I don't know anything about Stereolithorgraphy so off to learn about that.Cheers,Ruairi

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 05:55:41 pm
content: Do the button caps from the other E36x0A series not work?The last time I ordered some I used the following part #'s:0371-3806 for the white power buttone3630-40007 for the small square push buttonsPrinting your own is still cool of course.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 06:31:59 pm
content: I was told by Keysight Germany, that these buttons are not available.Who knows, may be they will be available again in the futureSo, I thought to make my own, just for fun.If I should get the originals later, I still can exchange them.I will make so extras, if people need them.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 07:31:17 pm
content: The power switch button part # I gave doesn't show as being used by the E3620A but the smaller grey square button does. If you lookup parts specifically for the E3620A you don't seem to find them. I suspect some glitch in there system. Both part #'s I listed are in stock with Keysight US/Canada.I believe there are also equivalent parts sold at Digikey that work but are the wrong color.It will be very interesting to see your custom made parts - anyone who has looked at these series of supplies knows how many of them are sold with cracked/broken button caps, eventually you might be able to have a side business selling them.

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 05:50:27 pm
content: Agilent has a service note about the smaller (grey) ones. They were known to be brittle and break, so they will replace them free of charge is you are in the affected serial number range. Theservice noteis stillavailable to downloadand says "AGILENT RESPONSIBLE UNTIL: Always." which should mean that if you are in the affected serial number range, they will probably send you the two grey caps at no charge. Make sure to directly reference the service note when talking to them.Attached snapshot from the service manual parts list with part numbers for both.Attached also is that service manual which has schematics and parts list. They pulled this version from their site after changing their service level to "replace unit" instead of "repair". The currently available one does not have schematics or parts information.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 07:52:48 pm
content: Hello macboyThanks for this info.Keysight earlier told me that these buttons are not available.I have now requested them again from Keysight with the service note you supplied.Will see, if they have them now.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2017, 12:02:26 am
content: I had some of those square buttons replaced on E3630A supplies that were within the serial number range specified on the service notes. It took a lot of effort to get them, initially, because there wasn't a process in place to fulfill the service note. After a few months of back and forth with a handful of people at Keysight, I finally did get the replacements. Hopefully, it's easier to get now, at least for power supplies covered by the service note.For the E3620A, I'm not sure if the buttons are the same. The square ones look like the same ones that are on the E3630A.HV, I look forward to seeing your DIY buttons. So many of these supplies on the second-hand market have broken or missing buttons.

author: bluey
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2017, 12:16:19 am
content: Any luck getting keycaps. The service note says available for product's support life. How long does Keysight support products after they are discontinued??? Almost no parts listed on web site.Aren't the pushbutton posts fairly standard??Do Alps ones fit? - this one is listed as 12x7x10.5mmBlack Modular Switch Cap, for use with SPUN Series, Square KnobRS Stock No.123-9565ManufacturerAlps Mfr. Part No.UE201011

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2017, 01:27:57 am
content: The STL replacement buttons worked great.But, in addition I also got some new keycaps from Keysight, after I pointed the service note out to them.I am not sure, if keycaps from other manufacturers would fit, I did not try that.

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2017, 07:47:27 am
content: Hmmm. I bought a 3610A which had a cracked button. Ended up find an equivalent mentioned on the forums here.I wonder if my 3610A would be covered by their recall notice thing.I kept the broken button. Ordered a few spares of the replacement.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2017, 07:50:30 am
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on May 14, 2017, 04:12:49 pmNot to be that guy, but SLA is 3d printing.Cool project nonetheless. It's very neat that Keysight offers the models, it shows that they understand the needs of customers that like to plan things.

author: eurofox
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2017, 08:20:57 am
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on May 14, 2017, 04:08:10 pmI bought in the US the same power supply with the power button missing.I used a lego block, I used my milling machine to put it on the right size, fill the inside with epoxy, push it in place when the epoxy was not completely cured and this solve the problem.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2017, 10:18:47 am
content: Quote from: eurofox on November 05, 2017, 08:20:57 amWhat an ingenious idea!I will post pictures later of my new installed key caps

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2017, 11:30:34 pm
content: Quote from: nowlan on November 05, 2017, 07:47:27 amThe service note is for the small square-faced buttons that are used on the 3620 and 3630. They cracked due to a problem with the material formulation. The rectangular buttons didn't have the same problem that I'm aware of, though I have seen them crack as well.