Busted Saturn

[Porksta]

So I bought a Saturn off of Craigslist the other day and decided to give it a whirl. I had it plugged in a Korean outlet using a simple tip adapter (goes on top of US style jack to make a Korean style plug). The adapter has worked fine with my laptop without any problems, so I figured the Saturn would do the same - nope. Within a couple of minutes I hear a poof and smoke starts coming out of the system. So basically here is my question - is there anything I can do? Is there a part I can buy that will repair whatever is got busted? Is it just easier to chuck the console?

[theclaw]

If it was brief enough and this system is correctly designed, the power supply unit may have taken the blow? That'd halt most if not all damage to other components. You probably could still find someone who needs its drive assembly / main board / etc.

[Porksta]

So buying a part here to fix it is pretty much out of the question?

[understatement]

It might have just blown the fuse I think it’s a “fast react” 1.6A fuse (that might not be what it’s called but there are fast and slow fuses you want the fast one.) If it did damage something else after the new fuse is put in, it ether won’t work or it will blow the new fuse even when using the correct volts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1LMGM6hEuo
This will show you where the fuse is and what happens if the PCU is bad.

[jb143]

Cascade failures are rare in electronics. If it wasn't just a fuse then more than likely you just burned up a single 30cent part. Open it up and look for any noticeable charring. Diodes, resistors, and voltage regulators would be the 1'st place I'd start.

Note: I'm not familiar with Saturn internals but this pretty much goes for repairing any electronics. Most are relatively simple and cheap fixes once you narrow down the problem. It's such a shame to see people junk things when they can be repaired easily.

[Porksta]

Alright, I will find some screwdrivers and open this guy up. Hopefully no soldering will be needed, I just don't have the ability to do that. I'll post here with my findings whenever that will be.

[FABombjoy]

You might be best to take a picture of the power supply board and see if you can find a used one (there are a few different styles). They can be installed & removed without soldering.

Repairing the power supply will definitely require soldering. If it got to the smokin' stage then I would doubt that it's only a fuse, and the fuse is soldered in to boot.

[omp!]

What voltage does korea have at the outlet? I am guessing you bought an american saturn off craigslist? If so america uses 110v, korea may use 220-240v. The power supplies for these are made for each region, the reason your laptop works is because it would be a switch mode type, which automatically detects the input voltage.

[theclaw]

I wouldn't be surprised if innocent PAL users unfortunately blow out quite a few US/JPN saturns this way.

[omp!]

I got a free saturn this way, it works but needs a new power supply.

[Porksta]

What voltage does korea have at the outlet? I am guessing you bought an american saturn off craigslist? If so america uses 110v, korea may use 220-240v. The power supplies for these are made for each region, the reason your laptop works is because it would be a switch mode type, which automatically detects the input voltage.

This.

[FABombjoy]

FWIW, the Saturn power supply is a switch type, but not one designed to work globally.

[Porksta]

Just popped it open. The inside looks like something melted or leaked, there is some liquid spread around on the inside. Looks like I will just chuck it.

[VertigoProcess]

Just popped it open. The inside looks like something melted or leaked, there is some liquid spread around on the inside. Looks like I will just chuck it.

anyway you wanna rip the motor out and give it to me... i got a few non spinning saturns i wanted to try new motors in...

[Porksta]

If you could tell me what that is and would pay shipping (keep in mind of my current location) I would be happy to.

[VertigoProcess]

just realized where you are... it wouldn't be worth it in shipping, thanks anyway though!

[bust3dstr8]

Sounds like the filter caps in the power section where overdriven and exploded....probally around $3 in parts and a little cleanup time.


http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/23300000/and-it-exploded-galaxy-quest-23372193-179-236.png

[staxx]

A picture would help. I wouldn't chuck it just yet. Hey Porksta, you could wait until you return back from Korea to send the Saturn. Oh by the way while you are in Korea, can you get me some autograph pictures of all the members of Girls Generation :)