[1000mp] Sudden FP-29 failure

Pete Smith [email protected]
Wed, 17 Dec 2003 12:38:51 -0500


The FP-29 that powers my Mark 5 spontaneously destroyed itself last week 
while powering the radio in receive, and Yaesu says it is way beyond 
economical repair.  Their tech doesn't think the radio killed it, it was on 
a good surge protector, and there was no lightning in the area, so he says 
"random component failure."

I know nothing about switching power supplies, but wonder what single-point 
component failure could cause $421 in parts and 2 hours of technician time 
to repair.  The PS was hot as a flat iron and the pilot light was out, but 
neither fuse had blown.  Very odd.  Anyone else had a similar experience?

73, Pete N4ZR
Happy Holidays
Check out the World HF Contest Station Database at
  www.pvrc.org/wcsd/wcsdsearch.htm