[time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem

[lists at lazygranch.com]

If you want to write a turd note about their service, I will pin it on their door. These companies need to know the reach of the internet. 

If they had any brains, they would offer you a replacement at a ridiculously high price. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Brendan Minish <ei6iz.brendan at gmail.com>
Sender: time-nuts-bounces at febo.com
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:11:37 
To: <time-nuts at febo.com>
Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
	<time-nuts at febo.com>
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] SRS PRS10 problem

Right, to follow up on my own email

I took it apart
The lamp assembly has failed.

In the PRS10 the lamp is exited by a strong RF field @ 150Mhz
this is generated by an MRF134 within the lamp package

The failure mode was caused by the growth of a substantial tin whisker 
within the lamp assembly which appears to have killed the MRF134.

I made contact with SRS about purchasing a replacement lamp assembly but 
since I bought it on the used market they are not willing sell me a 
replacement lamp assembly. Frankly I am not terribly impressed with 
their response on this.

Does anyone on list have a 'donor' PRS10 that might have a good lamp 
assembly that they would be willing to sell me ?
Perhaps someone on list has a commercial relationship with SRS and might 
be able to assist me with purchasing it?

Hoping someone can help out, My alternative is to attempt to source an 
MRF134 and have a go at replacing it but there may be other damage in 
there

regards
Brendan



On 14/02/2011 18:53, Brendan Minish wrote:
> Hello all
>
> My SRS PRS10 ( http://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm ) Rubidum
> frequency standard was power cycled a few days ago, since then it has
> not achived rubidium lock.
> I have tried a full rest and also further power cycles with no joy.
>
> The SRS RS232 application reports the following parameters that 'look
> wrong'
> ad3 (lamp drain ) 2.001
> sd2 (fet voltage set ) 255
>
> ad3 at 2 (Lamp drain volatge 20V) would appear to correspond with the Rb
> lamp discharge not beginning
>
> this unit is of course out of guarantee and came to me via Ebay about 5
> years ago, is anyone on list familiar with troubleshooting these units
> who Might have some general ideas of how best to proceed with repairing
> the unit
>
>


-- 
73
Brendan EI6IZ

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