Author Topic: The X-Ray image thread by Aurora - various electronics via X-Ray imaging (Read 109765 times)

Fraser · « **Reply #275 on:** May 19, 2016, 04:17:58 pm »

Replacement parts for my Audi A4 pollution control system started arriving today

They went int the X-Ray machine to check the quality and presence of the vital parts. The Pancake PCV is very hard to check visually as it is not a simple one way valve like others in the system. A quick look inside with the Faxitron showed me all i needed to see. It is identical to the OEM part.
In fact I would hazard a guess it is the OEM part as the VW Audi symbol and part number have been abraded away ! It is a Metzger part from Germany so likely the supplier to VAG for such parts.

Pics follow

Fraser · « **Reply #276 on:** May 19, 2016, 04:26:35 pm »

The Aluminium Billet PCV valve also arrived today. It is a quality part that far exceeds the engineering of the OEM plastic part. X-Ray imaging s difficult due to the thickness of the Aluminium. I took an image anyway just for fun. The stainless steel ball is only just visible. I am including the images of the plastic PCV first and then the new upgraded Aluminium ball valve second.

Fraser

SeanB · « **Reply #277 on:** May 19, 2016, 05:53:53 pm »

Nice images Fraser, though often you find the OEM and the aftermarket part are indeed made by the same manufacturer, often in the same mould just with a blanking slug fitted in place of the manufacturers marking. You often can see identical sprue marks, and identical ejection pin mismatches in the original part and the aftermarket one. Making a copy you cannot get those to match.

I have often found VAG will use the aftermarket parts as well, just repackaging them in a VAG branded box before selling them, and after doubling the price and adding a little more just in case there is an issue under warranty.

Just how many of the mouldings in your Audi are marked SEAT on the back side, with my VW it is a lot of plastic, though the engine is original VW Golf along with the gearbox.

Fraser · « **Reply #278 on:** May 19, 2016, 06:48:49 pm »

I had to buy two short hoses that have deteriorated due to heat and age (2005 car). Audi charged me £43 for the pair and that is a total rip-off but sadly I could not find decent quality alternatives. Sometimes I use ETKA to find the VW Passat 1.8T part number as that part is often the same, yet cheaper, from the VW dealership. Audi do like to pile on the profit ! Sadly in this case, these particular hoses on the Passat 1.8T are very different, so no dice. Thank goodness only two of the hoses needed replacement !

The new Billet PCV is a lovely bit of engineering but sadly the X-Ray does not do it justice. So much better than the OEM part. No wonder owners of upgraded 1.8T engines fit these as standard.

In the UK German, Swedish & French Car parts provide VAG parts much cheaper than the dealers. They often offer the choice of OEM supplier or 3rd party copy parts. My father bought a CAT as 'OEM supplier' and it was made by Germany's biggest CAT manufacturer and even had Audi warranty paperwork in the box !

I can see a lot of spare parts coming out of China but I am not convinced these parts are of equivalent quality to the OEM part.

Fraser

Fraser · « **Reply #279 on:** May 19, 2016, 08:34:02 pm »

For anyone confused by what they are seeing in the Pancake valve images her is a diagram tat may help. I also attach a picture of the parts internal design. Hopefully readers will now see just how much detail the X-Ray image has captured.

Fraser

NivagSwerdna · « **Reply #280 on:** May 19, 2016, 09:17:45 pm »

Do you do requests? Please can I have a Contactless debit card.

Fraser · « **Reply #281 on:** May 19, 2016, 09:28:44 pm »

I thought of doing that already but the X-Ray will show my card number etc so I have not done it yet.
I could place some lead over the required areas but will need to look into this. Watch this space.

Fraser

Fraser · « **Reply #282 on:** May 19, 2016, 09:47:23 pm »

OK, X-Ray images of a contact-less Credit Card. It has a large lump of lead across the bottom half to protect my data but there is nothing to be seen in that section of the card. I have moved the card closer to the top of the MX-20's chamber to achieve true (not digital) magnification of the IC etc.

The chip area actually looks quite pretty

Enjoy

Fraser

Fraser · « **Reply #283 on:** May 21, 2016, 07:16:24 pm »

Not sure if the following images are of interest but I thought I would make some images of a weird ceramic IC with a ROM socket on its top, and some lamps of various types.

I hope you enjoy

Fraser

Fraser · « **Reply #284 on:** May 21, 2016, 07:22:06 pm »

Fraser · « **Reply #285 on:** May 21, 2016, 07:23:16 pm »

Lamp filament

Fraser · « **Reply #286 on:** May 21, 2016, 07:26:39 pm »

Fluoro - 2 types

Fraser · « **Reply #287 on:** May 21, 2016, 07:28:20 pm »

Fluoro2

Fraser · « **Reply #288 on:** May 21, 2016, 07:31:24 pm »

Fluoro starter

SeanB · « **Reply #289 on:** May 22, 2016, 05:57:51 pm »

Nice pictures Fraser, the Tornado and the Ambiance are nice to see the internal construction, and the S10 starter as well. Too bad the starter cap does not show up well at all.

Debit card is interesting in how they use a spring to get the NFC coil connections, and then the flip over board to hold the chip on the back of the contact pads while bonding them on.

Fraser · « **Reply #290 on:** May 22, 2016, 06:06:07 pm »

Hi SeanB,

I suspect I can do better on the starter to capture the cap in more detail. Watch this space

Fraser

Fraser · « **Reply #291 on:** May 22, 2016, 08:35:41 pm »

Hmmm the capacitor in that starter is very low density. It makes it challenging to image , especially through the glass envelope of the gas filled bi-metallic switch.

Here are some quick attempts to get a better image. No real improvement. You can easily see the capacitor leads but the foil is very hard to capture as three quarters are behind the glass.

I want to build a rotation servo so that items like this may be rotated in a jig to make multi angle images. Possible then animating the many images together ?

Fraser

Fraser · « **Reply #292 on:** May 22, 2016, 10:39:05 pm »

Another deviation from the electronics theme

This time a sea shell. If anyone ever doubted that nature contains beautiful shapes, the common sea shell proves that it does.

Sea shells are actually quite hard to image due to their often dense construction. Very hard and often quite thick in shells like Sea Cowrie's etc.

A land snail shell would be easier but I did not have one to hand and a live one will likely go walkies on the imaging shelf !

Fraser

firewalker · « **Reply #293 on:** May 23, 2016, 08:44:34 pm »

Is there any chance you could find an EPP module to X-ray it?

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

Alexander.

Fraser · « **Reply #294 on:** May 23, 2016, 08:58:31 pm »

I do not have access to such a keypad and an X-Ray could reveal the countermeasures that I know are present in the design. Likely not a good idea to publish such images on the internet eh ?

I do not think my MX-20 would penetrate the stainless steel faceplate anyway.

Fraser

firewalker · « **Reply #295 on:** May 23, 2016, 09:08:10 pm »

The EPP module is easily removed by stainless still keypad. By doing so it gets erased. I have seen discarded ATMs in recycle center with the module still attached.

There is also a teardown.

Alexander.

Fraser · « **Reply #296 on:** May 23, 2016, 09:33:25 pm »

Yeah fair enough but I tend to avoid anything connected with credit unions, banks or other financial institutions. I do not need the grief if they take exception to something I post

The potted encryption module appears a pretty decent countermeasure. I would not be at all surprised to find X and Y matrix anti drill membranes inside it. If they have done their job properly it will also include anti-X-Ray screening of specific areas within it. Much depends on the perceived vulnerabilities that are being protected in the design.

Fraser

Fraser · « **Reply #297 on:** June 05, 2016, 10:15:30 pm »

PicKit 2

Fraser · « **Reply #298 on:** June 05, 2016, 10:18:03 pm »

Winstar LCD panel 2X16

Fraser · « **Reply #299 on:** June 05, 2016, 10:19:12 pm »

Winstar LCD close ups


EEVblog Main Site	EEVblog on Youtube	EEVblog on Twitter	EEVblog on Facebook	EEVblog on Odysee

Author Topic: The X-Ray image thread by Aurora - various electronics via X-Ray imaging (Read 109765 times)

Share me