Electronics > Repair
53131A repair/upgrade
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ZGoode:
I bought some parts to upgrade the timebase in my 53131A and have some problems.  I'm thinking it might be a PSU problem since the OCXO is an extra 1.5A load, but I'd love some input.  I am using the 53131A upgrade board from CircuitValley.com with an MV89A OCXO.  My counter works and turns on with no problems without this board connected.  But when I do connect it the counter turns on with the screen displaying "FAIL: GPIB", and none of the keys are responsive.  If I remove the timebase it goes back to normal.  Any thought where to start?
Qw3rtzuiop:
I would start checking the power supply output. You can check the voltages on the main PCB.
With an RS232 cable you could also get the full error messages.
DeepLink:
The 53131A power supply is very likely to be the problem

Start be replacing all electrolytic capacitor right away
Even if the power supply seems to work, it is only a matter of time before it breaks

Also replace the fan, while you are working on it

The reason is that the power supply runs as soon as the power cable is attached (to keep the timebase running 24/7)
The 53131A is getting old and all the ones I have seen have there share of capacitor problems

I have repaired many power supply's and ended up making a PCB for a "hard power switch" as I don't use a build in timebase. I'm using a external house 10 MHz reference

schematic of power supply attached
TERRA Operative:
I'll 2nd the above. Of the various models of this series I've had come across my desk, they all needed replacement fan and capacitors in the PSU.
ZGoode:
Ok, that sounds like a good starting point.  Seems like this mostly confirms my suspicions so I'll order some new capacitors and start there.
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