Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 November 2011, 12:38:24

Title: Microwave help.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 November 2011, 12:38:24
Our Samsung combi microwave seems to have gone tits up. The grill element heats up exactly as it should, but the microwave part does not defrost or heat up the food.

There are no nasty niffs and it switches on and off as it should. Any ideas chaps?
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Andy B on 09 November 2011, 13:04:34
Knowing nothing about microwaves if it was mine, I'd open the back, look for any fuses that might have popped. It worked for me once many years ago  :-\  ;)
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: feeutfo on 09 November 2011, 13:08:12
I had this, the things broken. The thing that does the microwaving bit. What the hells it called...?

Anyway, but another one it's fubar, iirc. By the time you've bought the part and fitted it, or had it fitted, could ave paid for a new one. I believe.  :-\
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 November 2011, 13:10:47
Knowing nothing about microwaves if it was mine, I'd open the back, look for any fuses that might have popped. It worked for me once many years ago  :-\  ;)


Yep. I reckon it could be something as simple as that, Andy. I'll test it out on the poodle next door, just to make absolutely sure that it's Donald Ducked.... ::) ::) :).
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: feeutfo on 09 November 2011, 13:11:35
Magnetron. Yes that's it. That's broke!

...no really. :)
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: aaronjb on 09 November 2011, 13:13:54
I had this, the things broken. The thing that does the microwaving bit. What the hells it called...?

A magnetron ;)

That'd be my bet too - although; Opti, is it an 'Inverter' microwave or a regular old fashioned microwave?

(D'oh, beaten to the magnetron bit)
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 November 2011, 13:14:11
Magnetron. Yes that's it. That's broke!

...no really. :)


Expensive, Chris?.....The microwave is about a decade old.
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: aaronjb on 09 November 2011, 13:15:52
Just a random page I found, but might give you an idea of prices: http://www.signalsuk.com/signalsuk.nsf/ViewSC?OpenForm&cat=Magnetron

And how to test a Magnetron (far too scary for me): http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/mag_test.html
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 November 2011, 13:17:46
I had this, the things broken. The thing that does the microwaving bit. What the hells it called...?

A magnetron ;)

That'd be my bet too - although; Opti, is it an 'Inverter' microwave or a regular old fashioned microwave?

(D'oh, beaten to the magnetron bit)


No idea, Aaron. It's a Samsung C109ST, if that helps. :y
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: aaronjb on 09 November 2011, 13:20:33
I just saw you say it's 10 years old, which would rule out 'inverter' models (they seem to be a very recent thing) :)

With the age and fact that you'd be replacing parts 'blind' .. it's probably less hassle to just replace the whole oven..
[edit] And I can't find anyone listing replacement magnetrons, though that generic list might have one - if you take it apart to find the model number (without blowing yourself up ;))
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 November 2011, 13:24:41
I just saw you say it's 10 years old, which would rule out 'inverter' models (they seem to be a very recent thing) :)

With the age and fact that you'd be replacing parts 'blind' .. it's probably less hassle to just replace the whole oven..
[edit] And I can't find anyone listing replacement magnetrons, though that generic list might have one - if you take it apart to find the model number (without blowing yourself up ;))


Will do. I've nothing much to lose. I might just get lucky.... :y
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 09 November 2011, 13:25:01
Its rare for the magnetrons to go, much more common failure is the high voltage cap which takes out either the high voltage fuse (if fitted) or the high voltage rectifier diode.

Either way, there is many KV of DC around that bit so watch your fingers!
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Kevin Wood on 09 November 2011, 13:58:54
Also not unknown for one of the (several) interlock switches that prevent operation with the door open to go out of adjustment or fail, ditto a thermal cutout switch. Sometimes there's a fuse or two. (If the fuse is on the HT side of the transformer, replace it with a suitable type of high voltage fuse).

But, often, as said, the diode and capacitor are a bit marginally rated or poor quality and they go pop.

Parts are readily available on Ebay, just be careful, as said. They can thoroughly ruin your day.
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: aaronjb on 09 November 2011, 14:09:34
Either way, there is many KV of DC around that bit so watch your fingers!

That's why I said it was far too scary for me, earlier :) I've had quite enough (relatively harmless) belts off the HT systems in CRTs.. and cars.. and.. well, anywhere you can find an HT system, really.. enough to put me off playing with things like microwaves!

So a fair warning to Opti :)
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Debs. on 09 November 2011, 14:20:17
"Magnetron"

Anyone else thinking of Woody Allen`s: Sleeper? ::)

......much hilarity and giggles here! ;D
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: hercules on 09 November 2011, 15:19:57
Knowing nothing about microwaves if it was mine, I'd open the back, look for any fuses that might have popped. It worked for me once many years ago  :-\  ;)
ive had that with my sisters,it was a big fuse insude and cost about £5.it fixed it and ran for a few more years
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 09 November 2011, 16:25:02
Either way, there is many KV of DC around that bit so watch your fingers!

That's why I said it was far too scary for me, earlier :) I've had quite enough (relatively harmless) belts off the HT systems in CRTs.. and cars.. and.. well, anywhere you can find an HT system, really.. enough to put me off playing with things like microwaves!

So a fair warning to Opti :)

The magnetron voltages and currents can only be described as the most potentialy lethal electrical supply you have in the home
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 November 2011, 16:29:00
"Magnetron"

Anyone else thinking of Woody Allen`s: Sleeper[/i]? ::)

......much hilarity and giggles here! ;D


Orgasmatron perhaps, Ms Debs.... :-* :-*
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: aaronjb on 09 November 2011, 16:43:14
Either way, there is many KV of DC around that bit so watch your fingers!

That's why I said it was far too scary for me, earlier :) I've had quite enough (relatively harmless) belts off the HT systems in CRTs.. and cars.. and.. well, anywhere you can find an HT system, really.. enough to put me off playing with things like microwaves!

So a fair warning to Opti :)

The magnetron voltages and currents can only be described as the most potentialy lethal electrical supply you have in the home

I'm definitely never opening mine if it stops working.. Opti is a braver man than I if he wants to poke around in one! :)
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: STMO123 on 09 November 2011, 17:30:08
That's your roof, your gas regulator, your telly and now your microwave oven. You're a rather Jonah mate.  :o
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 November 2011, 17:34:16
Knowing nothing about microwaves if it was mine, I'd open the back, look for any fuses that might have popped. It worked for me once many years ago  :-\  ;)


Yep. I reckon it could be something as simple as that, Andy. I'll test it out on the poodle next door, just to make absolutely sure that it's Donald Ducked.... ::) ::) :).

I'd try it out on your mole Opti, you won't upset the neighbours!!  :y
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 09 November 2011, 18:49:14
Also not unknown for one of the (several) interlock switches that prevent operation with the door open to go out of adjustment or fail, ditto a thermal cutout switch. Sometimes there's a fuse or two. (If the fuse is on the HT side of the transformer, replace it with a suitable type of high voltage fuse).

But, often, as said, the diode and capacitor are a bit marginally rated or poor quality and they go pop.

Parts are readily available on Ebay, just be careful, as said. They can thoroughly ruin your day.

I'm not sure it'll be a door switch.....otherwise the grill/oven wouldnt work. :-\

I know mines a different make , but mine turns everything off grill/oven/microwave if the door is open...(or it thinks it is....a door switch is slightly out of alignment)
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 09 November 2011, 18:51:37
Either way, there is many KV of DC around that bit so watch your fingers!

That's why I said it was far too scary for me, earlier :) I've had quite enough (relatively harmless) belts off the HT systems in CRTs.. and cars.. and.. well, anywhere you can find an HT system, really.. enough to put me off playing with things like microwaves!

So a fair warning to Opti :)

The magnetron voltages and currents can only be described as the most potentialy lethal electrical supply you have in the home

I'm definitely never opening mine if it stops working.. Opti is a braver man than I if he wants to poke around in one! :)

I must be braver than you as well then  ;D I've had mine in bits several times......all perfectly safe if its not plugged in!  ;) ;D ;D
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: aaronjb on 09 November 2011, 18:54:09
I must be braver than you as well then  ;D I've had mine in bits several times......all perfectly safe if its not plugged in!  ;) ;D ;D

Not like CRTs, then.. every belt I've had from them, they've been unplugged (sometimes for a while) ;)
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: CaptainZok on 09 November 2011, 18:57:56
I must be braver than you as well then  ;D I've had mine in bits several times......all perfectly safe if its not plugged in!  ;) ;D ;D

Not like CRTs, then.. every belt I've had from them, they've been unplugged (sometimes for a while) ;)

Screen acts as a capacitor working at some pretty huge voltages so that's not surprising really. You're supposed to discharge em before playing.
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 09 November 2011, 19:10:20
Bugger all current in a TV HT supply though.

Magnetron anode voltages are 3-5KV and if its a 900W input power oven then your talking a merry 300mA + and a stonking great big capacitor to store a laod of charge to........all orders of magniture greater than a CRT setup.

But still, not hard to diag and work on (read about as simple a circuit as you can get!), just either leave it off for a day or so or discharge the cap with a suitable resistor.
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 November 2011, 19:14:23
Bugger all current in a TV HT supply though.

Magnetron anode voltages are 3-5KV and if its a 900W input power oven then your talking a merry 300mA + and a stonking great big capacitor to store a laod of charge to........all orders of magniture greater than a CRT setup.

But still, not hard to diag and work on (read about as simple a circuit as you can get!), just either leave it off for a day or so or discharge the cap with a suitable resistor.


It is...
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 November 2011, 19:19:51
I must be braver than you as well then  ;D I've had mine in bits several times......all perfectly safe if its not plugged in!  ;) ;D ;D

Not like CRTs, then.. every belt I've had from them, they've been unplugged (sometimes for a while) ;)


So they can give you a pisser even when disconnected?..... :o :o
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: feeutfo on 09 November 2011, 19:22:17
Buy another one Opti. Seriously!
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Tony H on 09 November 2011, 19:37:50
Keep an eye one the Aldi and Lidl websites for special offers on microwaves you can pick up a decent one for less than fifty quid, they also come with a three year Guarantee :y based on that it's not worth messing about trying to repair  your old one by the time you take into consideration the cost of parts time etc, and the fact you can "get a hell of a belt off that :o :o :o"  :y
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Webby the Bear on 09 November 2011, 19:39:25
forget getting a new microwave; simply make sure you have all the take away menus for your area  :y
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 09 November 2011, 19:41:22
I must be braver than you as well then  ;D I've had mine in bits several times......all perfectly safe if its not plugged in!  ;) ;D ;D

Not like CRTs, then.. every belt I've had from them, they've been unplugged (sometimes for a while) ;)


So they can give you a pisser even when disconnected?..... :o :o

You can get a much bigger belt off an unplugged microwave.

But, to be quite honest, if the microwave bit has not been used for a while it will be ok.

You will find inside a diode, a large metal capacitor and potentialy also a HT fuse.

A visual inspection is a good start, just visualy look at the cap and see if there are any bulges, dents or splits.
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 09 November 2011, 22:03:19
You tight wad, nothing has changed has it, 10 years use of you being poorly misused by the gorgeous mrs opti just cos you have to cook your own ding ding meals 3 times a day.  :-\

I remeber the days when you made mrs opti go with out a new washing machine,  . . . . . I really thought you had changed.  :-X


ps, if you are a bit short and they have a whip round for you then I have a bit of shrapnel I am willing to throw in.  ::)
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Rods2 on 09 November 2011, 23:53:43
Almost Christmas, so put it at the top of Mrs Opti's Christmas presents list and then make a hasty retreat.  :y ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 09 November 2011, 23:59:54
Almost Christmas, so put it at the top of Mrs Opti's Christmas presents list and then make a hasty retreat.  :y ;D ;D ;D

or even a tasty reheat.
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Rods2 on 10 November 2011, 00:01:09
 ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Rods2 on 10 November 2011, 00:11:31
Opti, safety first, when working on HT electronics ALWAYS only use one hand, best to put the other in your pocket as a few kV, hand to hand via the heart is very bad news.  :'( :'( :'(

During my electronics apprenticeship I never had to touch HT equipment but a friend who worked in a TV shop said that was how they were taught to repair TV's, because of the dangers of charged HT capacitors.
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Kevin Wood on 10 November 2011, 00:19:55
Opti, safety first, when working on HT electronics ALWAYS only use one hand, best to put the other in your pocket as a few kV, hand to hand via the heart is very bad news.  :'( :'( :'(

During my electronics apprenticeship I never had to touch HT equipment but a friend who worked in a TV shop said that was how they were taught to repair TV's, because of the dangers of charged HT capacitors.

A TV HT supply will make you jump,but can't deliver lethal current.

TBH, with this sort of device, it's a case of never operating it without the case on, and discharging the capacitor before you touch anything. To be frank, a shock from this will kill you, 100% certainty, hand in pocket or not.

It's a very simple circuit. All components can be tested and the fault found without working on it powered-up so it's simply not worth the risk of doing so.

Kevin

Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Debs. on 10 November 2011, 10:11:35
Forget the ping meals...... ::)

.....do something REALLY fun with that old radar-oven! :y

http://www.capturedlightning.org/hot-streamer/lulabs/Tesla.html (http://www.capturedlightning.org/hot-streamer/lulabs/Tesla.html)
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Kevin Wood on 10 November 2011, 10:47:56
Forget the ping meals...... ::)

.....do something REALLY fun with that old radar-oven! :y

http://www.capturedlightning.org/hot-streamer/lulabs/Tesla.html (http://www.capturedlightning.org/hot-streamer/lulabs/Tesla.html)

Ummm. :-X
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: aaronjb on 10 November 2011, 10:55:39
Ummm. :-X

You've got one at home, haven't you...
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Kevin Wood on 10 November 2011, 11:06:59
Ummm. :-X

You've got one at home, haven't you...

I'd be lying if I said the though hadn't crossed my mind but, alas, no.
Title: Re: Microwave help.
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 10 November 2011, 20:09:30
Opti, safety first, when working on HT electronics ALWAYS only use one hand, best to put the other in your pocket as a few kV, hand to hand via the heart is very bad news.  :'( :'( :'(

During my electronics apprenticeship I never had to touch HT equipment but a friend who worked in a TV shop said that was how they were taught to repair TV's, because of the dangers of charged HT capacitors.

Better than Viagra so I've heard!  ;)