Is my 3DO dead?

[nuckles87]

Is there anyway to fix a burnt out power transformer? Could that be caused by the system being left on?

Anyway, guess I'll find out when I have a moment to open it back up...

[Cyantist]

Is there anyway to fix a burnt out power transformer? Could that be caused by the system being left on?

Anyway, guess I'll find out when I have a moment to open it back up...

Get a new transformer with the same stats (rating etc) solderthe old out, replace withnew one.

Fairly common, easy fix.

[nuckles87]

Alright, looks like this is beyond my very limited knowledge. I have no idea how to see whether or not the transformer is the proble or not :(. I don't see any obvious way to open it up and I'm not sure how to test it.

I think I'm just gonna have to give it to a local guy to see if he can find the problem. THOUGH, if anyone with tech knowledge here can tell me how to test the transformer, I'll at least be able to rule it out before I give it to him.

[nuckles87]

I know I'm not supposed to double post, but I wanted you guys to see this:

I figured out the problem, it was INDEED the transformer, and I am getting it replaced. Thank you for all your help, I'd never have figured it out without you guys. Now I don't need to look for a new one anymore :D

Note to the mods: Sorry for the double post. I won't do this again :).

[hl718]

It's been 5 days and you added new information that could help others in the future. nothing wrong with the double post. ;)

-hl718

[nuckles87]

Alright, one more problem I've got for you guys:

There are no ratings or stats on the transformer itself. I see an amp and voltage number on the motherboard where the transformer plugs into. Are those the stats a new transformer would need?

[Psycho Fox]

Alright, one more problem I've got for you guys:

There are no ratings or stats on the transformer itself. I see an amp and voltage number on the motherboard where the transformer plugs into. Are those the stats a new transformer would need?

Glad you figured out it was the transformer. I gave up on my 3DO and bought another one. Unfortunately I bought it off an idiot who took my money and didn't send the console so I'm still without a working 3DO until the paypal refund comes through.

My 3DO occasionally jolts into life but power cuts out every few seconds and the CD tray now seems to be non-functional.

[retro]

Oops, only just saw this thread!

Where are you guys based? I can help with repairs in the UK, if necessary. Sounds like you're both sorted now, though.

[nuckles87]

US, Florida, regrettably XD. Really, I could repair it myself, if I could just replace the transformer. Anyone know where I can get a replacement? I'm looking at this batch of broken ones on eBay, but I'm worried they might go for the price of a working 3DO XD.

[retro]

I'm afraid I don't have access to an FZ-1 right now, and I don't have the service manual. If you can't get it from the board or transformer itself once you remove it, let me know and I'll see if I can find a unit to probe.

[nuckles87]

Ah, cool. Well, like I said earlier, the following numbers are on the board where the transformer plugs in:

3.15a 125v.

Is that the info we need?

[retro]

I take it this is the main transformer if there are more than one, i.e. one winding is mains voltage?

That's only telling you that it's mains voltage - you need to know the output voltage(s), and ratings.

[Cyantist]

Ah, cool. Well, like I said earlier, the following numbers are on the board where the transformer plugs in:

3.15a 125v.

Is that the info we need?

if its right where the transformers is then more than likely yes. You could do with asking about though.

[l_oliveira]

3.15a 125v.

Is that the info we need?

Nope, that's the rating for the protection fuse on the circuit board.

I'm not sure but I believe the transformer is either 10 or 12v by 3 amps.

I would like to hear the opinion from one of the 3DO wizards here.

Without a voltimeter you won't get anywhere with this repair, though... :shrug:

[nuckles87]

Huh, what do you mean by that? I thought it was a simple switch out?

[raylyd]

could be a voltage reg

[nuckles87]

Well, in any case, I just bought some broken 3DOs that still turn on on eBay. At this point, it should be a simple matter of switching out the transformers.

[bitrate]

So, whatever happened with this? My 3DO has recently gone dead too. I'd rather not have to buy another unit. I've already opened it up. The fuse that I saw was fine, no exploded or melted bits, though I didn't remove the metal shield over the CD tray or any other components. Help? :(

Oh, my mine is the Panasonic FZ-1 too.

When you say "dead", I assume you mean no response at all with power applied and switch turned on?
I only ask because I want to make sure of this. In other words, you don't have a situation where the power (red) LED illuminates, but the CD drawer won't open / won't play disks, etc.

I figured out the problem, it was INDEED the transformer, and I am getting it replaced. Thank you for all your help, I'd never have figured it out without you guys. Now I don't need to look for a new one anymore :D

I may have missed it somewhere in the thread here, but may I ask how you have determined the problem to be the mains transformer?



Here are some basics on the 3DO FZ-1 console power supply section:

DISCLAIMER - I do not recommend opening your 3DO console and probing around (especially when the unit is under power) unless you feel comfortable doing so. You may harm both yourself and the machine. :nod:


I assume you have a multimeter/oscilloscope or some means of measuring voltage and/or continuity.




Here is a basic overview of the power supply section (outlined in yellow) on the FZ-1 model. As you can see, it is integral to the main PCB.









The 9-volt regulator supplies power to the CD drive, fan motor (if present - some FZ-1's are supplied with a fan, some aren't), and audio amplifiers.
The 5-volt regulator supplies power to the CD drive and system board.

Please be aware that the mains transformer, full-wave bridge rectifier and filter cap. are active when the unit is plugged in regardless of the on/off switch.



Inspect these two locations for their associated DC voltages.








If neither voltage regulator has an appropriate output voltage, it is highly likely either the switch, fuse, or mains transformer is faulty.
Check the output of the mains transformer as indicated below.







Let me know what you find and we'll take it from there. :nod:

[l_oliveira]

Awesome post, Bitrate. I'll keep a copy for myself, even.

[Psycho Fox]

I've now got a new 3DO but am in the proces of trying to fix the temperamental one that caused me to start this thread.

The power still cuts out now and again.

One thing I have noticed is the biggest capacitor (rated 6800uf 25v). This is the Supply Filter capacitor (see image in previous post). This big cap gets very hot after only a few minutes of play. Could this be the cause of the power cutting out?

Anyone reckon by replacing it I may sort out the power issue?