chuck@csn.org (Chuck Luciano) (03/19/91)
There is no newsgroup that specifically suits itself to this flavor of question, so if you feel this question is out if place, please hit the 'n' key so that only one of us wastes bandwidth in an inappropriate place. Now then, if you are still reading I have a question about microwave ovens. Through pilot error I managed to run a microwave oven at full power for 70 minutes with nothing in it. It having nothing else to cook, cooked itself. I have serviced a lot of electronic equipment, amplifiers, tuners, tv's, etc. but never a microwave. There is apparently a magnetron and a power supply, the magnetron has two wires attached to it, it is a sealed unit. I have to assume that the oscillator is inside the sealed unit. Does anybody know if the magnetron is the most likely point of failure, or is the supply? Can I use a volt meter to measure the voltage from the power supply? Should I disconnect the supply from the magnetron before measuring the supply? If I disconnect the supply, should I provide a dummy load? Any other suggestions? The microwave is a sharp convection/microwave it is about two to three years old, I could provide an exact model if needed (I don't know it off hand). Does sams provide photofact folders on microwaves? Does the manufacturer put service manuals in the hands of mere mortals. I have a hard time believing that some sensible precautions, wouldn't reduce this to a fairly safe activity, but maybe you know otherwise. Any info on this is greatly appreciated, reply by mail and I'll post a summary if there is sufficient interest, and somebody can suggest the most appropriate newsgroup for this line of discussion. Chuck Luciano 303-421-9113 chuck@csn.org Disclainer: Don't try this at home kids, we're professionals here. -- Wow a .sig, I never had a .sig before.
steveq@syd.dms.CSIRO.AU (Stephen Quigg) (03/19/91)
In article <1991Mar18.165140.24974@csn.org> chuck@csn.org (Chuck Luciano) writes <stuff deleted> >I have serviced a lot of electronic equipment, amplifiers, tuners, tv's, >I have a hard time believing that some sensible precautions, wouldn't >reduce this to a fairly safe activity, but maybe you know otherwise. ***************WARNING****************** Microwave ovens are very simple, just a power supply (usually a doubler) and the magnetron. The thing is, the supply is LETHAL. It supplies 3-4 Kv at several hundred mA. Get across that and you've had it. Even experienced service people (here in Oz) have been killed by these things. If you are going to work on one of these things hot, then be VERY VERY careful. You won't get a second chance. Being aware of the risks, and having a healthy respect for the thing will go a long way to staying alive. <stuff deleted> Steve Quigg. D
terryb.bbs@shark.cs.fau.edu (terry bohning) (03/19/91)
I don't know if this has been posted yet, but there is at leas 1 book on Microwave Oven Repair: "Practical Microwave Oven Repair", Homer L. Davidson, 1984, TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA.