Tektronix 2213A -- Overheating - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Gcsillaz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2021, 06:53:42 pm
content: Hello everyone,So.. I recently bought a Tektronix 2213A from a seller who said that it had never been serviced or damaged and had been working perfectly.When it arrived I opened it to see the inside if there was something fishy or replaced. Nothing caught my eyes.It is my first osciloscope. Few days ago I realized the cover directly above the PSU part was getting pretty hot (I live in a place where the ambient temperature is around 27 - 30°C)It was not possible to measure the temperature...Is it common for this area get pretty hot? It seems that on the rear panel there is some space for a fan installation... I searched for a mod of this sort but did not find any...A mod for installation of a fan would be complicated? Anyone have schematic so we can analyze where best to install it?Thanks in advancee!

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2021, 07:00:21 pm
content: Yeah they run pretty hot. The power supply on some variants has a fan installed. Key thing that generates heat is the preregulator and linear regulators inside the shielded section.SM herehttps://w140.com/tektronix_2213_service.pdfThe power supplies in these tend to blow up quite spectacularly as well as I found. 2235 is same arrangementhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tektronix-2235-repair-thread/If I even land one again the entire power supply is being ripped out and replaced with a 48V meanwell module

author: Gcsillaz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2021, 07:15:40 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on April 20, 2021, 07:00:21 pmWooow! Jeez!!! What a find!If I remember correctly on my Tek still has these "Aluminium" big caps, did not remember the RIFA ones tough...From your experience, would you advise me to take any action regarding the "restoration" of the scope or should I just use it until it "explodes" hahahaThanks!Obs. I will open it know to verify the RIFA ones... I've heard they catch on fire xD

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2021, 07:28:22 pm
content: Replace the RIFA ones because they are an instant fire hazard. Everything else can wait until it gives up.The only difficult to replace parts are the HT multiplier, switching transformer and intensity pot. Everything else is fairly standard parts wise.

author: Gcsillaz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2021, 07:50:30 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on April 20, 2021, 07:28:22 pmSadly it needs precision torx screwdrivers to open the PSU case which I do not haveBut I was able to look through the case... There are Nichicon/Rubicon Caps inside it together with the "aluminium" ones... There seems to be some sort of carbon dust close to the outlet (mby something exploded in the past?)Do you think that maybe someone already made this restoration?Thanks bd139!

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2021, 07:53:27 pm
content: Quite possibly someone has already sorted it. They are getting to the age where repairs are normal. Worth checking though.Worth investing in some Torx drivers - definitely needed to fix stuff these days.

author: Gcsillaz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2021, 08:00:13 pm
content: Will do!And when I get them... do you have a suggestion where I could couple a DC fan on the PSU to give it a more refreshing air? xD

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2021, 08:06:29 pm
content: Check the service manual for the 2235A (available if you google around). That will give you details on where to connect etc. Think it's a standard 80mm fan.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2021, 12:16:14 am
content: Quote from: bd139 on April 20, 2021, 07:00:21 pmThe 2213/2215 are really a separate series from the 2235/2213A/2215A. The 2235 or 2215A service manuals can be used for the power supply of the 2213A.