Button replacement on a Siemens control panel

Recently, the Siemens control panel for a CNC milling machine landed on our workbench. The buttons on the panel were badly worn, some were completely inoperable, others had lost their characteristic 'click'. The cause? Age-related wear, accelerated by a harsh environment with oil and metal swarf.

But, there is no need to worry! In our workshop, we expertly replaced the defective short-stroke buttons, affectionately known to us as 'click frogs'. Now everything runs (or pushes) like clockwork again. Finally, the machine was thoroughly cleaned and prepared for shipment back to the customer.

Here You can REQUEST YOUR REPAIR.

In March it was time to get out of school and into the real world! At MakroElectronics, we had the opportunity to inspire students interested in becoming electronics technicians for devices and systems.
This year we had 3 exciting hands-on stations prepared:

• Display replacement - the participants were able to replace a defective display themselves.
• Soldering practice - gaining first experience with a soldering iron and creating a small circuit.
• Component study - an insight into different electronic components and their functions.

It was another inspiring week full of curious questions, practical experience and maybe even the first steps towards a professional future!
Thank you to everyone who took part - we are already looking forward to next year!

#SCHAUREIN   #Berufsorientierung   #MakroElectronics   #Elektronik   #ZukunftGestalten

Repair of a 50-year-old HLW DC voltage amplifier

We recently received a DC voltage amplifier from a 50-year-old printing press machine with the fault description: ‘Output for display panel and output for GE4 (motor control) defective.’ After a thorough investigation, we found the cause: oxidised contacts on the output and measuring range switches.

With an increasing age, contacts oxidise due to wear and tear, moisture absorption, the degradation of protective coatings and the susceptibility of the materials used to corrosion. All of these factors can lead to poorer conductivity and impair the function of the electrical connections.

Thanks to the design of the switches, we were able to dismantle them, clean them thoroughly, apply corrosion protection and then reassemble them. As part of the repair, we also replaced the electrolytic capacitor in the power supply unit and the Zener diodes, as these showed excessive deviation.

Our repair professionals were able to ensure the perfect functioning of the DC amplifier again with the repair!

#Reparatur   #Druckmaschine   #Elektronik   #Gleichspannungsverstärker   #Instandsetzung   #Technik   #Nachhaltigkeit   #Oldtimertechnik   #Fehlerbehebung

Here You can REQUEST YOUR REPAIR.

Repair of a Movacolor dosing unit

Last week, a customer submitted a Movacolor MC30 dosing device to us for repair because its display was out of order. These devices are used to process free-flowing powders, ground materials or granulates and are indispensable in numerous production processes.

During the investigation, we quickly realised that the switching power supply was no longer able to start properly. At this point, the MakroElectronics experts realised what the problem was: switched-mode power supplies usually consist of a driver IC, an inductor and a starting capacitor. Electrolytic capacitors in particular are subject to natural wear and tear over time.

If the capacitance or the charging speed of the capacitor changes too much, it can no longer absorb and store the start impulse of the power supply IC quickly enough. The power supply unit then cannot execute its initialisation and cannot build up a sufficient output voltage. Worse still, a worn starting capacitor also accelerates the wear of the associated power supply IC and may even destroy it.

In this case, we only had to replace every worn component and the dosing device unit worked perfectly again!

Do you have problems with your electronics? We at MakroElectronics are here for you! Whether repair or replacement – we will find a solution for your concerns. If your device can no longer be repaired, we will almost always find an alternative replacement for you.

#Reparatur   #Movacolor   #Elektronikservice   #MakroElectronics   #WirHelfenWeiter   #Dosiergerät   #Nachhaltigkeit

Here You can REQUEST YOUR REPAIR.

Image error fixed

We recently received a Beckhoff display with an image error that occurs more frequently with this type of display. After prolonged use, the displays often fade due to age and the contrast settings have to be increased to ensure visibility.

What causes the image defect? There is a potentiometer on the back of the display that can be used to adjust the contrast. If the contrast is increased, a larger current flows through the potentiometer, making it warmer. Unfortunately, this additional wear and tear accelerates the ageing process of the display and, in the long run, leads to image errors.

Our solution: Unfortunately, the only solution in such cases is to replace the display. To maximise the life of your display, we recommend that you increase the contrast settings only in small increments.

Are you having problems with your displays or other industrial electronics? Contact us – we will be happy to help!

#MakroElectronics   #Beckhoff   #DisplayReparatur   #Industrieelektronik   #Service

Here You can REQUEST YOUR REPAIR.

Zoncn frequency inverter complete repair

We recently received a Zoncn frequency inverter that stopped responding.

On initial visual inspection, we identified the cause of the fault: a destroyed IGBT and a burnt area on the control board clearly indicated an overload. Apparently, the inverter had been exposed to excessive regenerative induction voltage during an intensive braking process of the motor. This led to an overvoltage in the intermediate circuit, which ultimately caused enormous damage to both the control board and the suppressor diodes.

Our team replaced the defective components – IGBT, control board and suppressor diodes – and thoroughly tested the inverter. The result? It was running like new!

Do you have equipment that refuses to work? Do not hesitate to contact us! Our electronics team at MakroElectronics repairs around 10,000 items every year – from complete assemblies to individual components at component level.

#Reparatur   #Frequenzumrichter   #Elektronik   #MakroElectronics   #Bauteilelevel   #Technikrettung

Here You can REQUEST YOUR REPAIR.

More brightness and less power consumption for a KBA display

We recently received a KBA display with the error message 'Display too dark'. The cause? Age-related wear and tear of the installed fluorescent tube – a common reason for displays that are too dark.

In such cases, we offer our customers an upgrade to LED lighting, which not only significantly improves the brightness, but also saves energy! In addition, fluorescent tubes are no longer manufactured for many displays.

Fluorescent tubes require high AC voltage. The conversion eliminates the need to generate high AC voltage, which avoids unnecessary power consumption and potential faults. We have therefore been able to remove the transformer and power transistor from the inverter circuit, making the display much more efficient and reliable.

We offer our LED upgrade for all popular displays including Siemens, Beckhoff, B&R, Mikrap and many others. If your display is losing its brightness, send it to us and we'll make it shine again!

Here You can REQUEST YOUR REPAIR.

#DisplayUpgrade   #LEDUmrüstung   #KBA   #Display   #Energieeffizienz

Last week we received an APC Back-UPS Pro 1200 whose batteries could no longer be charged.These devices are crucial for the power supply of servers or computers, as they enable a controlled shutdown in the event of a power failure.

However, our device had been stored for an extended period of time, causing the batteries to become deeply discharged. This led to a significant drop in performance and ultimately to an overload during start-up - which resulted in hydrochloric acid leaking from the battery. Fortunately, the electronics remained undamaged!

After replacing the batteries and thorough cleaning in the MakroElektronics repair workshop, the device is running perfectly again.

Tip: To prevent damage like this, it is important to know the specifications and storage guidelines for sensitive electronics!

Here You can REQUEST YOUR REPAIR.

#Repair #UPS #APC #Maintenance #Electronics #Technology

This week we received several B&R Acopos 1180s for repair - but one device in particular stood out. The fault description simply said: “Exploded”. There was hardly anything visible on the outside, apart from a scorched and dented ventilation grille. But when we opened it up, even our most experienced technicians were amazed: in addition to heavy soiling, oxidized ground poles, defective components and circuit boards, our specialists found several melted brake resistors - a sight we had never seen before!

Braking resistors convert excess energy into heat to prevent voltage peaks when a motor is switched off. These resistors were ceramic resistors coated with a protective layer of concrete that can normally withstand temperatures of up to 1400°C. But here they had simply melted. But here they had simply melted.

There are many reasons for this extreme damage: ageing processes, operation outside the specifications, faulty machine design or electronic defects in the control system could be the cause. The result? The voltage increased to such an extent that the insulation layers of the conductor tracks were punctured.

A repair was therefore unfortunately impossible or uneconomical. Nevertheless, we immediately organized a replacement device for the customer so that operations could continue without interruption. As a small souvenir, we kept a few beautiful glass beads from the melted resistor.

#Acopos1180 #RepairAttempt #Exploded #ResistanceWasPointless

September 2024

We recently received several Geset Alpha 86 HS stepper motor control units that were running out of round or had no output voltage. After a thorough diagnosis, we were able to trace the problem back to ageing electrolytic capacitors and defective MOSFET transistors. After replacing the faulty components, we carried out thorough functional tests to ensure that the motor control units returned to their original performance. Now they all run smoothly and reliably as usual again! Stepper motors offer high torque at low speeds and are an indispensable part of many industrial and commercial applications thanks to their reliability, ease of use and robust design.

If you are experiencing a similar problem with your industrial electronics, we will be happy to help you!

#Repair #IndustrialElectronics #StepperMotor #Alpha86HS #ElectricalEngineering #Reliability #Quality

August 2024

We recently received a defective A160 circuit board from a guillotine for repair. The problem: a failed automatic function due to the ageing of the circuit board, which was permanently exposed to dirt, mechanical and thermal stress. As a result of the constant stress, relays became dirty and a transistor burnt out. But there was no need to worry - we completely repaired our customer's electronics!

MakroElectronics has taken these steps for repair:

• Replacing the VIAs: Pressing in the hollow rivets.
• Patching the conductor paths: Old conductor paths were milled out, replaced and fixed with epoxy resin.
• Repairing the relays: Opening, cleaning and removing oxide layers.
• Replacing the transistor: The defective transistor was replaced with a new one.

Now the guillotine's electronics are running like new again!

If you are experiencing problems with your industrial electronics, don't hesitate to contact us. Our professionals are able to repair and modernise your ageing industrial electronics.

#Repair   #Overhaul   #IndustrialElectronics   #ElectronicalEngineering    #CircuitBoard   #Relays   #Transistor

July 2024

MakroElectronics is your partner for professional electronics repairs.

We recently received a B&R Power Panel 300 that was no longer working. After thorough analysis, we discovered that the problem lay in worn solder joints on the processor. But don't worry, the repair was child's play for the MakroElectronics team! With our rework station, we can precisely refurbish worn solder joints and restore the devices to full functionality. 

Do you also have defective devices like this one? At MakroElectronics, we repair PLC assemblies, operator panels, programming devices, industrial PCs and drive components. A repair is usually much cheaper than a new device and is often the only solution for obsolete or discontinued components. 

Put your trust in our expertise and let us get your industrial electronics devices up and running again! 

#MakroElectronics #Repairs #Electronics #BRPowerPanel #IndustrialElectronics #Sustainable #CostSaving #ReworkStation #ElectronicsRepair

June 2024

Recently, a customer asked us to check his Allen Bradley inverter, which could no longer be switched on. Naturally, we took on this problem and took a closer look at the inverter.
We could immediately see that the VDR (Voltage Dependent Resistor), which was installed to protect the DC choke of the intermediate circuit, had probably been triggered by a strong voltage spike and thus prevented the choke from burning out. Unfortunately, the voltage spike was passed through to the DC link capacitors, which were unable to absorb the overvoltage and burned out as a result. Without functioning DC link electrolytic capacitors, the voltage supply to the frequency inverter does not work and it no longer starts.

The problem could of course be solved by replacing the VDR and the electrolytic capacitors. All relevant components were then measured and a test cycle was carried out with the motor. After the repair, the customer was very pleased to receive his fully functional inverter back.

At MakroElectronics, we are here to help you solve problems like this on your industrial electronics. Do not hesitate to contact us!

#MakroElectronics  #AllenBradley  #FrequencyInverter  #VDR  #Condensor  #IndustrialElectronics  #ElectronicsRepair

We recently received a Lenze frequency inverter from a customer that wouldn't start after a long period of storage. The cause? The electrolytic capacitors! The electrolyte solution had dried out due to the long storage period. Our team was able to quickly locate and fix the problem by replacing ALL the capacitors.

An important tip: Electronic devices should be operated regularly (at least once a year) so that the electrolytic capacitors can regenerate. Regular maintenance can prevent problems like this, which will ultimately extend the life of your appliances.

If you also have problems with your electronics or would like your devices to be serviced professionally, then don't hesitate to contact us!We will be happy to assist you with our specialist knowledge and expertise.

#Repair #Electronics #Maintenance #MakroElectronics

April 2024

The Makro team even finds solutions for unusual and unusual repair tasks: One customer had a problem with his ‘original perfecta’ Polygraph cutting machine, which was over 35 years old. The Robotron control cabinet urgently needed some repairs. The age was making itself felt: Two circuit boards were out of order and some buttons on the control unit no longer worked. But we took on the challenge and the result is speaking for itself!

Repair of circuit board A175: The output voltage was no longer available due to burnt-out conductor tracks and a defective relay. As spare parts were scarce, we quickly replaced the conductor tracks and installed a comparable replacement relay, which required some adjustments.

Repair of circuit board A160: Several components had failed and the relay contacts were contaminated. We replaced everything and repaired the relay.

Repair of keyboard: The ""0 und "1" buttons were silent and others were difficult to respond to. What was the cause? The conductive rubber buttons had lost their conductivity over time. Fortunately, we were able to find unused buttons and replace them with new ones.

In the end, we were not only able to save the cutting machine and the control cabinet, but also win back our customer's smile! Further proof that with commitment and expertise, even old technology can be restored to its former glory.

#ElectronicsRepair #GDRtech #ControlCabinetRepair #WeLoveChallenges

March 2024

Our latest repair case: An OP 17-DP operator panel from Siemens arrived with the error message that it would not start up. After thorough analysis and the use of our thermal imaging camera, we were able to localise the problem precisely. The increased heat development was reason to a defective processor, which was also responsible for the high power consumption of the operator panel.

By replacing the processor, we were able to resolve the problem successfully. The replacement was possible without any problems as the processor did not have an internal ROM. At MakroElectronics, we repair at the component's level. Therefore, we only replace what is defective actually. This approach does not only enable a cost-efficient repair, but also ensures that your devices are ready to use as quickly as possible.

Our precise diagnosis and targeted repairs ensure that your devices function optimally. Put your trust in MakroElectronics - we'll get your technology back to peak performance!

#RepairSuccess #SiemensOP17-DP #MakroElectronics #TechnologyMaintenance

January 2024

A few weeks ago, a Yaskawa V1000 inverter arrived in our repair service center and its condition was anything but in "top form". The customer realised that something was wrong and asked for an inspection. The external condition spoke for itself: a lack of maintenance had led to creeping wear and tear. The heavy soiling created a dangerous creepage point between the connection terminal and the discharge resistors of the DC link, which ultimately led to a short circuit and the destruction of the IGBT.

After intensive cleaning and the replacement of electrolytic capacitors, ceramic resistors and the IGBT, we scrutinised the Yaskawa V1000 at our test station. All functions were successfully checked and passed the test with flying colours! The frequency inverter can now be sent back to the customer.

Remember to have your devices serviced regularly, not only to prevent breakdowns, but also to ensure their optimum performance! We are happy to service and repair industrial electronics components.

#MaintenanceIsSafety #MaintenancePaysOff #YaskawaV1000 #MachineCheck #ReadyForOperation #GeneralOverhaul

October 2023

That's why we make old machines fit again:

Today we would like to tell you about an exciting project where innovation and expertise go hand in hand. A while ago, our team took on an exciting challenge: the refit of a control cabinet for a book drying system.

Why did we dare to take this step? Well, the old system was getting on in years and there were simply no spare parts left on the market. Moreover, the employees no longer have sufficient knowledge about the outdated technology. But we believe in sustainable solutions and did not want to give up on the machine!

Our main goal in this refit project was to keep the machine's proven operating concept while at the same time using the possibilities of modern technology. We designed and built the control cabinet according to the specific requirements of our customer. The automation process is carried out via a specially developed software.

The result? A book drying machine that will not only continue to function perfectly, but also offers optimised processes thanks to the new technology and software. This means not only more efficiency, but also cost savings!

We are proud to be part of this project and look forward to continuing to develop innovative solutions for our customers in the future. If you too are facing similar challenges, don't hesitate to contact us!

#ControlCabinet #Retrofit #Innovation #Sustainability #Efficiency #CostSavings #EngineeringGenius #FutureTechnology