Hi,
My new PCS 500 is overheating:
I’ve checked the current consumption - it is 1,1 A (1100 mA) at no operation state. If no probes, no parallel cable is connected it sinks 1100 mA from the power supply. After 3 minutes the rear panel is to hot to put a finger on it.
What can be the problem?
Any hints?
Regards, N.
Hello,
Is the scope workig or not ? LED on/off ?
Wish adapter are you using ? (can be included)
Are you sure you are using the correct adapter and the polarity is OK ?
If this was OK, please return the unit to your local Velleman dealer.
Hi,
The scope works fine, the LED is on.
I use included AC/DC 9V adapter. It’s unloaded output is 13V, and loaded output is 9,3V. Seems OK.
I use included sensor heads, and “Oscilloscope Ver 2.02, Magnova Components, 2006” PC software.
It just heats on and on… Perhaps the osc. power section is bad?
As I need this osc. as testing equipment very much, how long you think the repair would last?
Regards Neno
If your PCS500 oscilloscope works OK there is no need to send it to repair. The rear panel of the PCS500 acts as a heat sink for the 5V regulator fitted to it. It is normal that the rear panel heats up and feels rather warm if touched by finger. The current and the voltages you measured are normal. The current consumption depends on the number of the input section relays energized, that is, the current depends on what volt/div range is selected and which of the AC/DC/GND coupling is selected. You’ll get lower than 1.1A current consumption in normal operation of the scope and also less heat.
This (over)heating still bothers me:
Would I lose the warrenty if I would mount the 7805 voltage regulator on the bigger cooler?
Regards N.
It would be better to discuss this warranty issue with the local dealer from whom you purchased the PCS500.
I initially thought the same not long after I bought my PCS500.
I’ve since been using it for nearly two years without a problem even though I still find the rear panel quite hot to touch!
Cheers,
Tb.
I’ve just mounted the 7805 voltage regulator on much bigger outside standing alluminium plate.
It doesn’t look pretty, but at least, the heat is outside now. 
Neno
I also noticed severe heating on the rear plate. My PCS500 is sitting on a very low shelf, against the wall, with poor ventilation.
I added a heatsink on the back, sticking out backwards. I took advantage of the existing screwfor the 7805, so no rework was required.
Heating feels now much more reasonable. Though, it never failed before.