SAFETY

FIRST
Danger Sign
 SAFETY FIRST

Whenever you’re working on any electronics

equipment, your own safety has to come
first.
Every electronics technician must always take
safety precautions before he or she starts
work. Electricity must be handled properly, or
else it can injure or cause fatalities. Here are
some basic steps that show you how to avoid
accidents from occurring.
 Electrical shock

Once you open up a set, you’re are actually

exposing yourself to the threat of electric
shock. Always keep in mind that safety has to
come first.
A serious shock may stop your heart and if
large electric flows through your body, you
will receive serious burns.
.
Rules which should help you to
avoid electricity hazards

A. always turn off the equipment and unplug it

before you begin to work
B. If you have to run test while the equipment is
operating, turn the equipment on.
C. Wear rubber bottom shoes or sneakers.
D. Try to do the work with one hand, while keeping
the other hand in your pocket. That keeps the
possible current paths away from the heart.
.
Rules which should help you to
avoid electricity hazards

E. Don’t attempt repair work when you are tired or

rushed.
F. Always assume that all the parts in the power
supply are “HOT”
G. Use only plastic screwdriver for shock protection
during service operation
Discharging Switch mode Power
supply (SPMS) capacitors

Most SMPS have a resistor to drain the charge in

the main filter capacitor. But some resistor may fail
and the capacitor can hold this charge even after
you have turned off the equipment. This capacitor
has a range of about 150uf to 330uf at 400 working
voltage.
Discharging Switch mode Power
supply (SPMS) capacitors

Before you start to work on a power supply, always

turn off the power and discharge the capacitor. You
can do this by placing a resistor across the two legs
of the capacitor. The resistor value can be around
2.2 to 4.7 kilo ohms 10 watts. It takes only a few
seconds to fully discharge a capacitor. Double check
the capacitor with voltmeter after every discharge.
 Note warning

Do not discharge capacitor with screw driver

because
1. It may melt the tip of the screwdrivers
2. It will damage the capacitor and its terminal
3. If we are too near to the point of discharge, the
heavy spark may cause injury to our eyes.
Hot Ground Problem

Identifying Cold Ground In Circuit Board

Hot Ground Problem

Hot Ground Is The SMPS Ground Which Is

Also The Filter Capacitor Negative Pin

Figure 8.3- Identifying Hot Ground In

Circuit Board
 Hot Ground Problem

Modern equipment consist of two grounds, one of

which is a hot ground while the other is a cold
ground is the equipment ground.
 Hot Ground Problem

Be careful when taking voltage measurement

around these grounds. For example, if you want to
check the primary circuit of a power supply with
power on, always ground your meter or scope to
hot ground , while check the secondary side using
the cold ground.
 Hot Ground Problem

If the hot ground is not used and you used only the
cold ground, the voltage measurement might not
be correct and it may destroy your meter. One way
to prevent is to use an isolation transformer.
 Isolation transformer

When servicing any electronic equipment, always

use an isolation transformer to protect yourself
from an electrical shock. During servicing, the
isolation transformer is connected between the
equipment and ac power line.
 Isolation transformer

An isolation transformer is a transformer that has a

1:1 turn ratio to provide the standard line voltage at
the secondary outlet. This means that it does not
change the voltage. The transformer still produces
240 v AC at its outputs, but both sides of this AC
lines are indepenent of ground. If you were
accidently touch one of these outputs,
 Isolation transformer

You would be protected. The isolation transformer

must be rated to handle the power of any
equipment connected to it. Typical ratings are 250
to 500 watts.
 Isolation transformer

Note A variable transformer or variacs is not an

isolation transformer.
Discharging the cathode ray tube

The crt of a monitor and TV can hold a dangerous,

even if the monitor and TV have ot been used
several days. All CRT have graphite coating on the
internal and external surfaces of the glass bell.
Discharging the cathode ray tube

This conducting graphite coating are commonly

known as aquadag coating and it forms the two
plates of a high voltage filter capacitor using the
glass in between as dielectric. The external coating
is always connected to the monitor and TV chassis
ground by a spring arrangement around the CRT.
Discharging the cathode ray tube

This high voltage filter capacitor has very low

leakage. Before removing a CRT, ensure that you
discharge this capacitor in order to prevent shocks
or serious injuries.
 High voltage

Monitors and TV have sections that use very high

DC voltage. The high voltage is needed to be
applied to the CRT to attract the electron beam to
the phosphor. This high voltage could be as low as
12, 000 volt in a monochrome monitor or as high as
30,0000 volt in large color monitor. Flyback
transformer is the part that is used to generate the
high voltage.
 High voltage

The high voltage circuit inside a monitor or TV can

give you a dangerous electric shock and causes you
to jerk violently. You could cut yourself by
accidentally knocking on a sharp chassis edges. Be
familiar with the high voltage circuits before you
work on any high voltage equipment.
 X-radiation

An x-ray is a form of radiation produced when a

beam of electron strikes some material at a
relatively high speed. The only source of x-ray in a
modern Monitor or TV is from the CRT. Prolong
exposure to x-ray can be harmful. However, the CRT
does not emit measurable x-ray if the high voltage
is at high voltage adjustment value only. When high
voltage is excessive, then only X-ray is capable of
penetrating the shell of the CRT, including the lead
in glass material.
 X-radiation

Test the brightness and use a high voltage probe to

monitor o TV comes in for repair. When the
brightness is raised, usually the voltage will go
down and when brightness is reduced the high
voltage will go up. When troubleshooting monitor
or TV with excessive high voltage, avoid being
unnecessary close of excessive voltage. To ensure
continuos x-ray protection replace the CRT with one
with is of same or equivalent types as the original.
 Wearing Goggles

The CRT has a complete vacuum inside. It must be

handled carefully and safety. Always wear goggles,
to protect the eyes from flying glass, in the event of
an implosion when removing and old tube from the
set and installing a replacement. Do not lift the CRT
by the neck, instead the CRT facing downwards on a
soft surface
Electrostatically Sensitive Devices
(ESD)

Integrated circuits (IC) and some field-effect

transistors are examples of ESD devices. These
components can be easily damaged by static
electricity. There are several techniques which can
reduces the incidence of component damage,
caused by static electricity
Electrostatically Sensitive Devices
(ESD)

a. Immediately, before handling any ESD devices

drain the electrostatic charge from your body by
touching a known earth ground.
b. Store ESD devices in conductive foam pad until
installation in circuit.
C. Wear a grounding strap, attached to your wrist
D. Use only a grounded tip soldering iron to solder
or desolder ESD devices (some suggest using
battery powered soldering iron when working on
ESD circuits)
Electrostatically Sensitive Devices
(ESD)

a. Immediately, before handling any ESD devices

drain the electrostatic charge from your body by
touching a known earth ground.
b. Store ESD devices in conductive foam pad until
installation in circuit.
C. Wear a grounding strap, attached to your wrist
D. Use only a grounded tip soldering iron to solder
or desolder ESD devices (some suggest using
battery powered soldering iron when working on
ESD circuits)
 Fire

Before returning the equipment to the user, every

reasonable precaution is taken to avoid fire hazards.
Be sure to use only direct replacement and not one
that defeats some safety measure. For example, the
fuses in your equipment are carefully designed.
Fuses must be replaced only with the same sized,
type and ratings. Should you install a fuse that is
too large than the original rating, chances are that
the equipment will be flammable.
 Lifting

Some equipment like TV, Hi-fi or monitor can easily

weight around 15 to 30 kilogram. Many problems
arise when lifting this equipment from the floor.
Wrong posture when lifting equipment may cause
acute back pain. The right way to lift is keep your
back straight upright, and use your legs to supply
the lifting power.
 Lifting
• Some equipment like TV, Hi-fi or monitor can
easily weight around 15 to 30 kilogram. Many
problems arise when lifting this equipment
from the floor. Wrong posture when lifting
equipment may cause acute back pain. The
right way to lift is keep your back straight
upright, and use your legs to supply the lifting
power.
 ventilation
• Be sure that your work place has good
ventilation. Prolong exposure or excessive
inhalation of vapors from chemical spray and
fumes from lead may cause damage to your
nervous system body.
 Laser warning labels
• If you are troubleshooting DVD, VCD, Laser printer and
other laser-related, u will notice a laser warning label on
or near head assembly. Do not state at the laser beam at
any time. Always avoid directly exposing your eyes to the
beam. Prolong exposure of laser beam to the eyes may
cause eye injury or loss of sight. Do not attempt to adjust
the laser gain controls by any methods, other than those
described in the service manual. Incorrect adjustment can
increase the laser radiation beyond acceptable limits. You
have to use a laser power meter to confirm the existence
of a laser beam.
 Understanding analogue and digital
Multimeter
• Multimeter (analogue and digital) are one way in
which can see what’s going on in an electrical
circuit. Voltmeter, ohmmeter and ammeter are
essential in all electri work. Multimeter can go by
many names. Some people call them as
multimeter or just meter while othe refer them as
VOM or multimeter or even tester. They are among
the simplest and least expensive pieces of test
equipment available that every electroni enthusiast
should have.
• A multimeter is as basic to an electronic
technician as a brush is to a multimeter and in
the following chapters you will learn how to
measure electrical voltage, current and
resistance. Learning how to connect a meter and
read these electrical circuit values is a
fundamental skill that every electronics repairers
must know in order to successfully perform basic
tests, troubleshooting and repairing.
Meters function range
• Analogue and digital multimiters have either a
rotary selector switch or push puttons to
select the appropriate function and range.
Some digital Multimeter (DMMs) are audio
ranging; they automatically select the correct
range, resistance or current when doing a test.
However you still need the function.
• First, just before you make any measurement you
must know what you are checking. If you are
measuring voltage then select the AC (10 v, 50 v,
250V, or 1000V) or DC (.5 V . 10 V 50V, 250V or
1000V) range.. If you are measuring the resistance,
select the Ohms range (Rx1 ohms), Rx 10, Rx 100,
Rx1k, Rx 10k. If you are measuring the current
then select the appropriate current range (DC mA)
as shown in the photo in the previous page.
• Black test lead plugs into meter terminal
marked common, Com, or Red test plugs into
meter terminal marked or V- -mA
• Now that you know the very basic of a
multimeter, I’ll describe how you can use the
meters (analogue and digital) to take voltage,
resistance and current reading in the next few
chapters.
Precaution while using multimeter
• Don’t give shock or vibration to the multimeter especially
analogue meters, which have a delicate meter movement.
Sometimes even a slight fall from repair bench to the floor
could cause the digital meter LCD panel to craked.

• Even if after the zero ohm adjuster turned to maximum,

the pointer still does not reach zero, replace the batteries.
Batteris out of life must be immediately removed from
meter, otherwise components inside will get correded by
leakage of the battery electrolyte.
• When you are not certain of the voltage or
current value, measurement is always started
on the highest range to know its approximate
value.Lower range may be selected
accordingly.
• Read and understand the manual book that
comes with your multimeter.
• Don’t replace any meter fuse with one having
a higher current rating or slower response
time. In other word, do not replace the fast
blow fuse with a slow blow fuse. Go to fuse
chapter to more fuses.
• Don’t take any resistance (Ohm) measurement
in a circuit that has any power applied
otherwise it may cause the components inside
the meter to blow.
• Don’t connect your ammeter (meter set to current
range) directly across a power source, such as a battery
or power supply output. An ammeter must always be
connected in series with the load
• Always treat all electrical circuits with respect! Knowing
yp’re doing important. If you don’t know what you’re
doing in areas that could prove dangerous, such as in
240 volt household circuits, then don’t do it! Get more
information or just ask a repair friend to show or guide
you the right way to test circuits.
• Lastly, there are many difference among
various makes of digital and analogue
multometer. Always study the instruction
booklet that comes with a particular meter to
ensure you are using it properly and safely.
How to test AC/DC voltage
• Analogue multimeter can measure both DC voltages
(marked DCV or Vdc) and AC voltages (marked ACV
or Vac) It is importan to remember that all voltage
(either AC or DC ) must be measured in parallel
with the desired circuit or component. Never
interrupt a circuit and attempt to measure voltage
in series with other components. Any such reading
would be meaningless, and your circuit may not
even function.
• If you are not unsure of what range to use,
start with the largest range to prevent possible
damage to the meter. To check the 9 volts
batteries, I’ve selected the 10 DCV range as
shown below.
• In order to accurately test A, I C and DC voltage, I
only use the digital meter as it shows more
precise reading than the analogue meter. Set your
multimeter to its appropriate function (DC or ACV,
then select the proper range. Note, an auto , an
auto ranging digital meter aill select its own range.
Place your test leads across (in parallel with ) the
part under test as shown in all the photos below
and read voltage directly from the panel meter.
 How to take voltage measurment in
electronic equipment.
• If you want to test voltage in electronic
equipment, your meter black probe must
connect to the chassis as shown in the photo
below. The red probe then can be to touch on
the DC voltage points. Note: you must have a
good understanding about electroni circuit
and safety before you do any voltage testing
on electronic equipment..
• Warning: A switch mode power supply has
primary and secondary section. In order to
check secondary voltage the meter’s black
probe have to connect to cold ground (chassis
ground) I and if you want to test on the
primary voltage, the black probe have to
connect to primary ground! If you ae not
familiar of what I am saying, please ignore the
test or get a repair friend to assist you.
 How to perform Current Testing
• In most electronic troubleshooting and repair,
you will rarely take current measurement.
Most general purpose digital multimeter
allows you to measure AC current (ACA or Iac)
and DC current (DCA or Idc) in a circuit,
although there are often few ranges to choose
from. Normally analogue meter do not have
the AC current range.
• As with voltage measurements. Current is
measured in a working circuit with power
applied, but current must be measured in
series with the circuit or component under
test.
• Inserting a meter in series, however, is not
always an easy task. In many cases you must
physically interrupt a circuit at the point you
wish to measure, and then connect test
across the break. Although it may be easy to
interrupt a circuit, keep in mind that you must
also put the circuit back together
• Set your maultimeter to the desired function (DCA
or ACA) and select the appropriate range. If you
are unsure about proper range, set the meter to
its largest range. Make sure that the meter can
handle the amount of current you are expecting.
• Turn off all power to circuit before inserting a
current meter as shown in Fig. below. Inser the
meter and reapply power. Read current directly
from the panel meter.
 Measuring Currents
• Caution!
• Never try to read current in parallel. Placing a
current meter in parallel can cause a short
circuit across a component that can damage
the part, the circuit under test, or your
multimeter.
 Continuity or short circuit
• Continuity checks ensure a relible, low resistance
connection between two points. For example,
check the continuity of a cable between two
connectors to ensure that both ends are
connected properly. Set your analogue multimeter
to a low scale (XI Ohms) short (touch) the red and
black probes together, the pointer will go to zero
ohm. If it is not adjust the zero adjuster for
bringing the pointer to exact zero ohms.
• Now connect the two probes to the points
where the short or continuity is to be check
as shown in the photo in previous page. If the
meter shows zero Ohm, it ,eans the continuity
is present or the connection internally not
broken. Ideall, a ood continuity should be
about ) 0 ohms
• You can also use a digital meter that have the
buzzer sound to test the connection. If you
heard the buzzer sound while measuing the
wire or connection or internal wire is good.
 Resistance and resistors
• The word resistance means opposition to
same action. In electricity resistance means
the opposition to the flow of current. The
resistance is measured in ohm (). Resistance is
also expressed in kilo ohms, milli ohms etc.
With 1000 = 1 kilo ohm, 1000000 = 1 mega
ohms. The
• The main two characteristic or resistor are
resistance R in ohms and its power rating in watts.,
W. Resistors are available in a very wide range of R
values from a fraction of an ohm to many mega
ohms. The power rating may be as high as several
hundred watts or as low as 1/8 watt. Always use a
replacement resistor with a power rating that is
equal to or greater than the original. The value of
resistance can be measure by a multimeter.
 Types of resistor
• 1. Carbon composition resistor
• 11. Carbon film resistor resistor
• Metal-Film resistors
• Wirewound resistor
• Wir wounds
• Fusible resistor
• Variable resistor.
 Resitor Color calculation
• Fixed resistor are marked in several ways.
These are
• 1. Color coding
• 2. Straight numerical value
• Certain numerical codes that can be easily
translated.
• Because carbon resistor resistor are small
physically, they are color coded to mark their
R value in ohms. In memorizing the colors,
note that the darkest colors, black and brown
are for
 Typical example on how to calculate the
resistor Color codes
• Reading from left to right, the first band close
to the edge gives the first digit in the
numerical value of R. The next band marks the
second digit. The third band is the decimal
multiplier, which gives the number of zeros
after the two digits.
 Example 1
• Red violet red gold
• The first band is red for 2 and the next band is
violet for 7. The red multiplier in the third
band means add two zeroes to 27. The result
can be illustrated as follows
• Red violet red
• 2 7 x 100 = 2700
• Therefore, this R value is 2700 ohms with
tolerance ± 5%. The resistor tolerance means
the amount by which the actual R can be
different from the colour cooded value.
• For instance, the alone resistor value 2700
ohms resistor with +5 perscent tolerance can
have resistance 5 percent above or below the
coded value.
• This R, therefore, is between 2565 and 2835.
The calculations are as follows
• 5% of 2700 is .05 x 2700 = 135
• For + 5 percent, the value is
• 2700 +135 = 2835 ohms
• For -5 percent the value is
• 2700 – 135 = 2565 ohms.
 Example 2
• Green blue orane silver
• 5 6 x 1000 = 56000
• Terefore, the R value is 56000 or 56k ohms
with tolerance ± 10%. (silver is 10% please
refer back to table 1)
 Example 3 orange orange black gold

• The example 3 illustrate that black for the

third band just means do not add zeroes to
the first two digits”. Since this resistor has
orange, orange and black band, the R value is
33 ohms with tolerance ± 5%
 Example 4
• Brown gray black silver
• Therefor, the R value is 18 ohms with
tolerance ± 10%
 Example 5
• For these values, the third band is gold,
indicating a fractional decimal multiplier.
When the third band is gold, imultiple the first
two digits by 0.1 (refer back to table 1) The R
value is.
• Brown green gold gold
• 1 5 x .01 = 1.5 ± %%
 Example 6
• Yellow violet gold silver
• 4 7 x .1 = 4.7 ohms
 Example 7
• Red red silver gold
• For these values, the third band is silver. When
the third band is silver, multiply the first two
digits by 0.01 (refer back to table 1) The R
value is I
• Red red silver gold
• 2 2 x 0.01 = .22 ± 5%
 Example 8
• Blue grey silver silver
• 6 8 x 0.01 = 0.68 + 10%
 Example 9
• Green brown black red brown
• The first band is green for 5; the next band is
brown for 1 and the black for 0. The red
multiplier in the fourth band means add two
zeroes to 510. The result can illustrated as
follows;
• 510 x 100 =51000
• Therefore, this R value is 51000 ohms or 51 K
ohms with tolerance ± (brown)
 Example 10
• Yellow orange blue orange red
• 4 3 6 x 1000 = 436000
• Therefore, this R value is 436000ohms or 436k
with tolerance ± 2%
 Testing resistor
• There are two ways of testing resistor, using an analogue
or digital multimeter. Normally if a resistor fails they will
either increase in value or open up at all (open circuit).
You can check the resistor resistance by selecting the
ohmmeter range in the analogue and digital multimeter.
If the resistor is in circuit, you will generally have to
remove the resistor so you are testing only the resitor
value and not the other components in the circuit.
Always be aware of possible back (parallel circuit) circuit
when checking in circuit resistance measurements.
 Tools
• Tools are the basic requirement of a service
technician. Without tools, one cannot even
open the cabinet and have access to the
circuit.
 Soldering Iron
• Transistor and Ics can easily be destroyed by overheating. For
this reason, you must choose carefully when you select a
soldering iron for use with digital circuit like CMOS IC. Use a
low-powered iron, , with a rating of about 30 watts. Do not
use a high-powered iron, because it can easily overheat an IC
or other parts. If you overheat a trace on a circuit board, the
heat can cause the trace to lift fro the board. Soldering tips
can be manufactured in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Before you select the best tip for the job, you must
understand the ideal soldering conditions. Remember to
turn off equipment before you make any solder repairs.
 sponges
• Always keep a damp sponge near your
soldering station, and wipe the tip of the hot
iron frequently while you’re soldering. This
will keep the tip clean and shinny for
maximum heat transfer.
 Soldering iron Holders
• If you have soldering iron with no switch. (some
soldering irons have a switch, where each press will
increase the power from 30 w to 120 w, it will
remain hot all the time when it is plugged in.
Sometimes the solder iron becomes too hot and it
melts the plastics case of the soldering iron. The
holder is often formed into a spiral, with lots of air
space to radiate the heat from the iron and also to
prevent the soldering tip from touchind others
parts which can sometimes cause fire.
 Solder
• Solder is related by the proportion of lead to tin . For
example, 60/40 solder is 60% tin and 40% lead. The
diameter of the solder that I usually use is 0.8mm. Most
solders are manufactured with a hollow center which
contains flux. As a solder melts, the flux cleans the parts
and prevent oxidation to ensure a good connection.
Always use resin-core solder and under no circumtances
should you use paste flux containing acids or solvents or
use solder containing acid flux. Harsh solvents destroy
delicate components leads and circuit traces.
 Heat guns
• You can often temperature, it may be very
difficult to find with the cover removed. With
the cover removed, the circuit usually run much
cooler, and a thermal intermittent will not show.
In this case, it may be necessary to use a little
heat to identify the problem. A home hair dryer
works well if you use the lowest possible heat
setting. Be careful not to overheat the circuits.
Certain plastic materials can be easily damaged.
 Freeze Sprays
• Freeze Sprays or spray coolers are available for tracing
thermal intermittent. They use chemicals such as
freon to rapidly cool circuit component. A spray tube
is included to control the application closely. Thus, it
is easy to confine the spray to a specific component at
one time. Be very careful not to use just any spray
coolant.Some can generate static charges in the
thousands of volts when they are used. Sensitive
devices can be damaged by static discharge, so buy a
brand that is specified as ant-static.
 Screwdrivers
• Screws are made in different sizes and they’re designed
to be turned by screwdrivers of the corresponding sizes.
You will need a good set of screwdrivers with both
Philips and Flat slotted heads. Many people have the
habit of trying to turn a screw with whichever
screwdriver they have. Most screws can be turned
easily if you use a screwdriver of the right size. A power
screwdriver is also useful in electronics servicing
because equipment have numerous screw, that your
hand will get tired unscrewing them.
 Long nose Pliers
• A long nose pliers is needed to remove
components once they are desoldered from
the PCB board. They are very useful for
reaching into tight spaces inside the
equipment. For example components located
under the bely of the CRT are very difficult to
remove without pliers.
 Wire cutters
• Wire cutters are useful for cutteng wires, wire
ties and lead on large parts, such as resistors
and capacitors.
 Wire strippers
• Before you can make connections with a piece
of wire, you must strip away the plastic
insulation on a wire. Resist the temptation, to
strip insulation using wire cutters. Even if
insulation should be removed successfully,
wire cutters often leave a nick or pinch in the
conductor, which later might fatigue and
break.
 Magnifying lamp
• A magnifying lamp not only provides light, but
also makes it easier to read component
marking especially the surface mounted
components (SMD and small resistor color
code.. A magnifying lamp also can be use to
check for cracks, broken solder jpints or burnt
components in a PCB board.
 Spray Cleaner
• The wiper at a variable resistor might
accumulate dust after operating for a certain
amount of time. This can result in all types of
erratic or intermittent circuit problem. A spray
cleaner can be used to solve this kind of
problem. However if symptom persist, replace
the variable resistor.
 Toothbrush
• You may use a toothbrush to look for
intermittent or bad connection in a PCB
board. Simply run the toothbrush over the
PCB board until ypu push the bad connection
into working. Most of the time yu can locate
the fault using this way.
• In addition to the above listed tools, some
tools like table vice, hammer nail extractor
and drill machine are also used in workshops
especially for installation and dismantling
work.
 General test Equipment
• In this section, we highlighted general
equipment for electronic servicing. Some
equipment, such as a multimeter, is an
absolute necessity for the test bench. Other
equipment, such as transistor tester , is useful
but not imperative to hve. In any case, the
more equipment you have, the more
prepared you will be to troubleshoot all kinds
of electronics equipment problems
 Multimeter
• There are two types of multimeters in the
market, one is the analog while the other is
digital. Some people call them multimeters or
just meters, while other might refer to them
as volt ohm meters (VOMs) or multitesters.
Regardless of which name you choose to call
them multimeter are the handiest and most
versatile piece of test equipment that you will
ever use.
• The analog meter ccan measure ac and dc voltage current
and resistance and uses a meter to read out the test
results. A digital multimeter (DMM) performs the same
function, but it produces a digital display. DMM are
ranked by numbers of digits they display. A 3 ½ digit
DMM will indicate three numbers for each reading. The
half digit is reserved for character like +1 or -1. The more
sophisticated meters automatically choose the correct
voltage or resistance range. This feature is called auto
ranging DMM are easier to read more tolerant of operator
error and more precise than their analog multimeters
• A good DMM also include features like a
capacitance, frequency meter, continuity
checker and transistor checker. The diode
setting is used for checking all solid state
devices such as Ics, diode, transistor, SCR and
so forth.
 Oscilloscope
• Oscilloscope offer a tremendous advantage over multimeters.
An oscilloscope or scope can give you a picture of a changing
signal.Instead of reading signals in numbers or lighted
indicators, an oscilloscoe will show voltage versus time on a
graphical display. Not only can you observe ac and dc voltage,
but are also very helpful for checking the shape of an
electronic signal. If you know what kind of signal to expect and
the scope shows you a different signal, you know something is
wrong. The scpe may be used to check the operating
characteristics of parts like transistors and capacitors.
Oscilloscope have been used for many years to troubleshoot
power supply, amplifier and other analog devices.
• Don’t give the idea that you will need an oscilloscope for every
repair. For example, you need to check the presence of horizontal
and vertical signal in the input and output of a microprocessor IC.
It is also useful in checking the proper Red, Green, and Blue (RGB)
signal in the video ircuit. Without an oscilloscope, it is difficult or
almost impossible to trace the problem. The better the scope, the
higher the frequency of the signals that it can display and much
more expensive. Analog scope with 40 to 60 megahertz (MHz)
bandwith will serve you well. Some dual trace scopes can display
two signals at once. This allows to you check the timing
relationship of two related signal. If you have used an oscilloscope,
then you probably know just how useful they can be.
 Transistor tester
• You can make some simple tests on transistor
using just a DMM. Many different types are
available in the market. Transistor tester can
allows you to make sn in-circuit test, without
removing the transistor from the circuit board.
The tester indicates whether the transistor is
working and it also allows you to measure the
gain or output of the part. Most tranaitor
tester also measure diodes.
 Frequency counter
• Some DMM is equipped with a built in frequency
counter that can read frequency directly. The ranges
available is dependent on your particular meter.
Simple handled meters can often read up to 100Khz,
and bench top multimeters can hadle 10MHz or
more.
• A frequency counter is useful for checking the
frequency of, for example, the horizontal and
vertical sync signals coming from the computer and
the clock signal of the minitors microprocessor.
 DC power Supply
• In your servicing work, you will sometimes need to
provide power to parts of a circuit board, without using
the equipment output supply for troubleshooting
purposes. The output of the power supply should be
regulate so that the output votltage doesn’t change as
the power supply is loaded. I use a digital type of D
power supply which is a regulated power supply. It has a
voltage range of between 0 and 30 volts and current
from 0 to 5A. The adjustable current which limits of up
to 5 A aps, protects both the power supply and the
device under test from damage.
• A power supply is useful in troubleshooting,
for example, when you suspect that the
micoprocessors causes the Monitor cannot be
turned on. You can always place +5 volts to its
VCC input pin of the microprocessor and check
if the outputs are producing any signals. The
power supply can be used with other circuits,
such as circuit in power section, video, drives
oscillotors and etc.
 Capacitance meter
• Without a capacitance meter, it sometimes difficult
to determine a capacitor’s value. Choose a
capacitance meter that accurately measures the
value of any capacitors between 0.1 pF to 20,000
uF. Capacitance meter will usually display
capacitance in microfarad (uf) Nano farad (nF) of
pico farad (pf). As long as your reading is within the
tolerance of the capacitor’s marked value, you
know the part is good. It is best used to check fixed
capacitor
• (ceramic, Mylar, etc). For electrolytic type of
capacitor, an ESR meter is preferred.Some
DMM is also eqipped with a built-in capacitor
checker. Always discharge a capacitor before
testing.
 Inductance meter
• Most inductance meter comes together with the
resistance and caacitance measurment/range. It
also called the LCR meter. Inductance meter is
required to determine a coil or a winding value.
Winding’s value in flyback, power transformer,
horizontal and vertical yoke coil can be checked
with the inductance meter. An inductance meter
will usually display inductance value directly in
Henry (H) milihenry (MH) or microhenry
 ESR Meter
• Almost all electrolytic capacitor failures are
due to high ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance).
The high internal resistance reduces the
capacitor’s rate of change , effectively making
it an open capacitor. High ESR is usually as a
result of dehydration of the electrolyte due to
equipment heat, old age, corrosion, defective
rubber seal and high ripple current.
• High ESR in electrolytic causes various
problems. In a monitor vertical section, they
can cause ove/ under or video circuits, they
cause intermittent or missing colors. In high
voltage section, they cause horizontal output
transistor (HOT) to blow several minutes after
it is replaced.
• The job of finding any high ESR in electrolytic capacitor is
done by the ESR meters. Note that ESR cannot be
measured by a digital capacitance meter or a multimeter.
It has to be measured by the ESR meter. ESR meters come
in all shapes or a multimeter. It has to be measured by the
ESR meter. ESR meter come in all shapes, sizes and brand.
We found that a unit called cap anlyzer 88A ESR meter
manufactured by EDS in USA to be the first value for our
repair shop. Cap analyzer 88A is a powerful ESR meter,
user friendly, robust, versatile and capable in locating bad
or shorted electrolytic capacitor while still in the circuiit.
• This unique meter uses a test frequency higher than the most
others( >100KHz), automatically discharges the capacitor
under test for DCR (DC resistance) leakage, then checks and
display ESR on a 20 segment LED bar scale. It includes a low
capacitance one handed tweezers test probe, and even
beeps from one to five times depending on the ESR reading of
the capacitor. Because it is microprocessor controlled, it has
more features and is much more accurate than other meters.
Possibly, its best attribute is a three colored chart on the front
panel that shows typical ESR readings of good, fair and bad
capacitors depending on their capacitance.
• The cap analyzer 88A checks capacitors in-circuit
accurately because the frequency is high enough to
magnify the capacitor’s actual capacity and measures
only the ESR. Both DCR and ESR measurement are under
50 milivolts so that no active devices are turned on.
Because it checks DCR first, it will alert the technician
immediately if the capacitor or anything else in that
circuit is shorted or leaky, before it checks ESR.
Portability and battery-operated, this make it ideal for
repairs at the site, eliminating a double service call and
valuable technical travel time.
 Specialized Test Equipment
• In this section we highlight specialized equipment
for repairing certain types of electronic
equipment. These test equipment are specially
designed and tackle only on certain type of circuit
or component. Some repairs cannot be attempted
without the help from the equipment. The
required specialized test equipment depends
upon which part of the electronic repairing field
the technician or engineer wants to specialized in.
 Troubleshooting Monitor and TV
• 1. Flyback test (Besies checking if the flyback
transformer winding is shorted, it also can be
used to check the winding of switch mode
power supply, B+ coil and Horizontal ypke coil.
• 2. High voltage probe ( To measure the high
voltage at the anode of the CRT)
• 3. Pattern generator ( It allows you to test and
align the monitor/TV using standard visual
patterns)
• 4. CRT tester/Regenerator (A CRT
tester/regenerator enables ypu to test and
regenerate the cathode ray tube (CRT) of a
monitor or TV).
• 5. Monitor/TV Analyzer (It is an all in one piece
of equipment designed especially to test
monitor or TV’s).
• 6. Universal Horizontal Analyzer(Localize
Horizontal and B+ supply in Monitor and TV)
 Troubleshooting audio equipment
• 1. Function generator (Provides several different
waveforms at a variable frequency in making
audio test of the amplifier)
• 2. Distortion meter ( it is designed to measure
total distortion at any frequency between 20 Hz
and 20 Khz.
• 3. Wow and flutter meter (The wow and flutter
meter is ideal when servicing any record/plyback
equipment such as cassette players. VCR and etc.)
• 4. Laser meter ( to determine if the laser of CD players. CD Rom
drives VCD and DVD are working properly
• 5. Noise generator (You can quickly locate the defective stage at
both audio and Rf (radio frequency) circuits of the AM/FM table
and car raadio.
• 6. Tone generator (It can quickly locate the defective stage audio
and RF (radio frequency ) circuits of the AM/FM table car radio)
• 6. Tone generator ( it can be used the noise generator to quickly
locate a dead or weak stage with audio circuits.)
• 7. Audio signals tracer (The audio signal tracer troubleshoots
audio circuits from input to the speaker)
Troubleshooting transmitter equipment
• 1. Spectrum analyzer (for measuring harmonics
in the output)
• 2. Field strength meter (for measuring
transmitted power at a distance from the
antenna )
• 3. RF impedance Bridge (For transmitter and
antennas)
• 4. RF power meter (for measuring RF output
powwer)
• 5. SWR meter ( for finding standing wave ratio
on feeders.)
 Troubleshooting digital circuits
• 1. Signature analyzer (a tool which gives a technician
or engineer a convenient way comparing
complicated streams of date)
• 2. Logic probe (provides a fast and easy means to
indicate whether the test point is high low or
pulsing )
• 3. Logic pulser (to inject signals either a constant
high or low or a series of pulses at the inputs of a
device and then read the resulting pulses and the
outputs with the logic probe.).
• 4. Logic clip 9 Similar in appearance of the IC
test cllip. The lower end of the logic clip fits
over the pins of the IC being tested. A series of
lED’s alng the top of the logic watching the
output on the logic clip, and comparing the
results with truth table, a technician can
indicate if the IC is working properly)
• 5. Current tracers) To detect short circuit in a
board to a specific point).
• 6. Logic analyzer ( to display the states of many
different signals at the same time).
• 7. Logic comparator ( this device provides a
convenient way of checking a faulty IC against an IC
which is known to be god).
• 8. IC tester (this tester is different from the logic
comparator because it does not require the
technician to have good spare of IC being tested. This
tester is supervised by an on-board microprocessr).
• 9. Analog signature analysis (It works by
applying a current-limited AC signal across two
points of a component. The current flow
causes a vertical deflection of the trace while
the applied voltage causes a horizontal
deflection. Together they form a unique V/I
signature that represents the overall health of
the device under test. Analyzing the signaure
can quickly detrmne whether the component
is good, bad or marginal).
• 10. Digital oscilloscope (this equipment
digitizes each sample and stores it in memory.

• Thus, if you are looking

 Workshop
• Before you begin to repair any electronic equipment you
need a conducive work area where you can perform your
repairs. The requisite of a good workshop are as follows.
1. The workshop should have 3 pronged(grounded) electrical
outlets, good lighting and well-ventilated. Your work area
needs a very good lighting system. Some electronic
equipment uses Surface Mount Devices (SMD) which is
very small, thus making it difficult to identify the value or
part number. Without good lightings, you will have trouble
identifying its components.
• 2. It should be well-equipped with test instruments and
tools and should have sufficient storage space for spare and
related accessories.
• 3. Floor material should be anti-static, non sticky, easily
cleaned and non slippery. It should be kept clean of dust,
dirt, web, insects, etc.
• 4. The workshop should have fire extinguidher and a first aid
kit box.
• 5. The workshop should have fire extinguisher and a first aid
kit box.
• 6. The workbench should be equipped with complete power
strip with surge protectors, fluorescent lighting and
magnifying lamp. A magnifying lamp does not only provide
light but also makes it easier to read component markings.
• The workbench also should have sufficient
space for keeping test instrument tools
soldering iron and the set under test.
• There are many other accessories that makes
electronic repairing easier, which includes
jumper cables, power cords and chemicals just
to name a few.
• Good planning of a workshop will make
people enjoy working there!!!
 Understanding the equipment
• Before you start troubleshooting any kind of
electronic equipment, you have to first
understand how it works. As a technician, you
must develop the right level of understanding
required to repair the equipment efficiently.
Most beginners assume that this means you
must understand every parts or function of a
circuit. This kind of detailed knowledge is
helpful of course, but it is not necessary.
• As a technician, you normally won’t have to
deal with all the details of a circuits
functioning. You don’t have to design the
equipment, but all you need to do is to ensure
that is functioning. Any piece of faulty
equipment was once working; as such you
can assume that all of the complex design
problems have been taken fully understand
the circuit function, it is easy for you to