Toppy.org.uk

[freeair]

My 5800 does not get used very often but the other day I noticed the box display was cycling between C4.58 and 'run'.

I am not sure when I purchased the Toppy but the hard drive is dated March 2009.

Having read a number of threads on failed PSUs I have tried the following.

Connected toppy to my PC (XP Pro SP3) and tried to load 'empty settings' but nothing appears to happen, just the message 'Wait downloading'.

With the HD disconnected the toppy still exhibits the same symptoms.

I have checked voltages with HD connected but only have an analogue multimeter.

HD voltages 5V & 12V

Starting with the 4 way multi plug and working down towards the front of the box.

5V
12V
30V
24V
17V
7.6V
5V
3.2V
15V

Do the techie gurus feel this could be a capacitor issue?

Thanks

Dave

[alan_m]

Connected toppy to my PC (XP Pro SP3) and tried to load 'empty settings' but nothing appears to happen, just the message 'Wait downloading'.

With which program/utility are you attempting to load EmptySettings?

[andyfras]

Do the techie gurus feel this could be a capacitor issue?

The 3.3V is low at 3.2V - it suggests that C25 (tall green one) is failing and is probably slightly domed.

[freeair]

@alan_m I was using TFDN_USB

@andyfras I wish I was clever On closer inspection C25 is slightly domed when compared to the other caps.

Can I replace it with a similar cap or should I go for a better spec one, if there is such a thing?

Also do I need to be concerned about high voltage anywhere, such as on the large heatsink? Is that likely to hold a charge from the C5 cap?

Thanks for your help.

Dave

[andyfras]

Replacing just C25 may fix the immediate problem, but it wouldn't be long before the rest start to fail too. Only green Toppy capacitors ever show physical signs of failure.

I can supply a kit of 13 top specification capacitors (currently £7 including postage). PM me for details.

[alan_m]

Connected toppy to my PC (XP Pro SP3) and tried to load 'empty settings' but nothing appears to happen, just the message 'Wait downloading'.

TFDN_USB doesn't work with a 64 bit operating system, Assuming 32 bits and the topfield tool-set was installed prior to connecting the Toppy.

Reboot computer
Turn off Toppy at the mains plug
Start TFDN_USB and find Emptysettings and hit download
Turn on the Toppy at the mains
Emptysettings should only take a few seconds to download

[Geoff Bacon]

XP Pro SP3 is 32 bit so TFDN_USB should be ok.

Note: you may have to connect the USB lead to the same pc port you used when installing the driver (assuming that you have previously connected to the pc)

Suggest you replace all capacitors before doing anything else (andy can replace them for you if you ask him)

Geoff

[freeair]

Finally got round to replacing the caps supplied by Andy, sadly my Toppy exhibits the same symptoms, cycling between C4.58 & Run.

Guess it's time for it to be recycled into it's valuable metals

Dave

[juwlz]

Even more environmentally friendly: send it to Andy. If he can't repair it, he can at least use the working bits for spares.

[andyfras]

Guess it's time for it to be recycled into it's valuable metals

Not at all. Try disconnecting the hard drive to see if it works OK as a receiver.

If it does, the hard drive is probably corrupted and this can often be fixed by connecting the hard drive to a PC running TopfHDRW/Doctor.

Or, you could send the whole thing to me and I'll hopefully sort it out for the price of the postage and a pint (assuming that no other components need to be replaced).