First victim-Microwave

[Aviator X]

So we burnt the popcorn in the microwave. Now I can't get the smell out of the darn thing. You know what that means...PROJECT!

At least that's what I told the wife. "Yes Honey, I'm going to have to buy some electronic engineering tools to dig in there and get the stink out." 

Is there anything I need to be careful of as I proceed with the autopsy? Capacitors maybe? Gamma Rays?

By the way, the new microwave is already in the kitchen.

[MosherIV]

Is there anything I need to be careful of as I proceed with the autopsy? Capacitors maybe? Gamma Rays?

If you do not know much about microwave technology, I would avoid messing around with one.

There is a very dangerous transformer feeding a very high voltage capacitor. Most Microwave ovens should be designed to bleed the capacitor for safety but if you do not know what I am talking about - DO NOT MESS WITH IT !

Do some research first. Search for info from others. There are lots of people doing stuff with microwave ovens, lots of youtube videos, some dangerous, some not. What and learn first.

Have fun but stay SAFE. 

[coppice]

I'm not sure most microwave ovens actually bleed the big capacitor to safety. It typically gets charged up to 4kV, and its fairly big, so it holds considerable energy.

Have to tried just opening the machine in a sheltered outside spot for a day or two, to let the breeze/wind/gale/typhoon blow away some of the odour?

[Ian.M]

Make half a litre of a strong solution of bicarbonate of soda.  Microwave it in an open container till it boils vigorously.  leave it to cool without opening it.  Repeat boiling it at intervals over 24H.  Don't let it boil dry.   Clean the interior thoroughly with hot water and a little detergent, let it air with the door open for a day and most of or all the smell should be gone.  You now have a spare working microwave.

I cant think of many uses for a working microwave in the workshop.   You can use it to heat water based chemicals - but its usually easier and safer to use a water bath. It can also be used to check insulators for dielectric losses at 2.45MHz - if they get hot or melt you probably don't want to use them for circuits operating at UHF upwards.

[Brumby]

Is there anything I need to be careful of as I proceed with the autopsy?

ABSOLUTELY!

Gamma Rays?

Not at all.

Capacitors maybe?

You had better believe it - or the subject of the autopsy might be YOU.

and I am serious!


The capacitor in a microwave oven could easily be capable of killing a human a week after it has been unplugged from the wall.  As mentioned above, we can be talking about voltages around 4kV - and with significant energy behind it.  We are NOT talking about static electricity, here!!

If you don't know how to safely discharge such a capacitor then DON'T go near it.

Please.

[Brumby]

For odour removal, I like the alternatives mentioned above that do NOT involve disassembly of any kind.

Aside from the capacitor safety issue, there is also a question as to what odour removal efforts you would make with direct access to the internals.

[lacek]

Remember there is
if you don't believe me please hear that inside there is a "A part called a 'magtrometer' which (...) could explode"
Sarah Faye Pierce's from  Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

Don't repair, but a new one.

listen from 1:44:00 on

[N2IXK]

A "magtrometer"? 

How about a magnetron?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavity_magnetron

And while they are known to fail, I can't think of anything short of a lightning strike that could ever cause one to "explode", no matter how poorly one was installed.

The fact that manufacturers can spout this outright bullshit and politicians willingly gobble it down speaks loads about the state of affairs here in the "Land of the not-so Free"

[Brumby]

A "magtrometer"? 

Yes, I had the same initial reaction - but, to be fair, the lady did say she represented the manufacturers.  As such, you could allow her a bit of leeway in not hearing "magnetron" correctly and possibly confusing it with the term "magnetometer".  (I see some readers cringing here...)

Having said that, though, the fact that a representative of the manufacturers does not have a basic technical understanding really has to make you question whether such a person has any technical validity to be in such a role.

So, upon reflection, I think I will add my own  as well.

[schmitt trigger]

I don't have the time to watch the whole video, but I believe they are lawyers in the video.
 
To them if she had said "magnetosphere" or "magnetostriction" instead, it would have meant the exact same thing.

[Aviator X]

I hear your warnings loud and clear and shall heed them. Your insight has really changed the meaning of my subject title "First victim". As eager as I was to open up the microwave and play with its entrails, I have decided to be content with researching its powerful components. This should not be a beginner's project. Microwave-1 / Aviator X-0

[Ian.M]

https://www.repairfaq.org/sam/micfaq.htm

[Aviator X]

https://www.repairfaq.org/sam/micfaq.htm

Like stone tablets from the mountain, your knowledge has descended upon me. Thank you for the resource.