HP C200/C240/C360 Power Supply problems - solved

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

Hi there,

I am a C200 owner, and probably not the only one messing around with
graphics cards trying to get debian to work on it. Today I inserted a
Belkin USB 2.0 32-bit card into PA-RISC system. I have found from past
experience that system can be fussy starting up and gives fault indication
on front bezel. This can be immediately corrected by sliding out the m/b
and relocking it closed so the centronics get good conduction.

This time however as Michael said, there is no fan noise, although kettle
lead arcs a little when connecting.

There is no front bezel lights on power on either.

Just got out my multimeter and found R19 is damaged, R28 is completely
fine... R19 is just stone dead and acting as an insulator. And as Michael
says they should give the same multimeter reading, since band colours are
identical.

Obviously, it goes without saying that adding x86 pci cards to the system
was the straw that broke the donkey's back, but what i am unsure of is if
x86 are hardware compatable with runway bus?... Did the resistor fail due
to too high load, short circuit from pci card or just too much heat build
up from all the dust gathered in the PSU?

If anyone knows the answer to the PCI question, please get back to me so I
can know for next time...  

As soon as i know it is safe to use PCI cards in there, I will continue my
quest to get x-windows working again...

I can definitely tell you that none of the xfree86-4.conf options support
SiS6326 and xwindows int10 causes immediate HPMC system halt on a C200...

Awesome,

After a power outage in our lab, our C240 system was dead.

Found the post regarding the resistors R19 and R28.

Popped to Maplin, bought a multi-meter, and set it to Ohms.

Carefully took the PSU apart, hey presto, when I put a probe on either side of R19 the reading was infinity.

Popped back to Maplin and bought a 180KOhm resistor (7 pence) and a beginner’s soldering iron set.

Unsoldered R19 (the resistor), and popped the new one in it's place. Using the noddy guide to soldering I managed to solder it in place without becoming part of the PSU myself.

Popped the PSU back into the box, and told a workmate that it was all fixed and that he should plug it in and try it.  

The box works again. Was a simple job even for a complete solder n00b like me.

The host has been up all morning and not burst into flames or anything (yet). And my mate didn't fry when he plugged it in.

Thanks to the above posts for giving me the confidence to have a go at fixing it. Not only did you saved me the fortune buying a new PSU, but you also seem to have kindled a new hobby (as I have been busily soldering things to each other around the house all weekend - much to the Mrs's annoyance).

Thanks again,
Regards,
Solder n00b.