[sdiy] OT: Whining Transformer

[Batz Goodfortune]

Y-ellow Steve 'n' all.
         Computer? Transformer? Say what?

What Kind of computer is this? Even the ol' Apple ][ used a switchmode.

Unless you meant that you pulled the cover off the switchmode, disconnected 
the fan and then risked life and limb to put your ear up to the main pulse 
transformer? Eeek.

In the now immortal words of Pauline Hanson, "Please Explain."

At 07:57 PM 10/20/04 -0400, Steve Begin wrote:
>My computer's power supply has started making a high pitched whining 
>noise, and I opened it up and tried to isolate the sound and it _seems_ to 
>be coming from a transformer, but it's very hard to pinpoint the source of 
>the sound, even when holding a cardboard tube up to my ear.
>
>Is it most likely coming from the transformer?  If so, will replacing the 
>transformer help?  If so, do these numbers mean anything to anyone? (they 
>were on the transformer but if it's a part number I can't seem to find the 
>part anywhere).
>LT070-3
>RC 0303
>HI-POT

Computer PSUs are a dime a dozen. Replace it. Don't even bother dealing 
with it. They don't play well with the other kids.

With mains transformers they some times make a noise because of loose 
laminates. Switch mode pulse transformers aren't iron cored. They're 
ferrite cored more like an RF transformer. And they work well above the 
audio spectrum. That's not to say they couldn't make some sub-harmonic 
noise in extreme circumstances but far less likely than a mains 
transformer. Since the core is a one or two piece solid ferrite structure.

The only way I can think of getting hold of a replacement transformer would 
be to find/buy an identical SMPS and rip one out of it. Ignoring the irony 
of that situation, you don't actually know it's the main transformer 
anyway. How about the little feedback/isolation transformer? When you 
consider what these things are asked to do it almost seems more likely.

>Any advice would be appreciated.  I can't stand high pitched whiny noises 
>unless they diguised as music.

I'm surprised you can hear anything over the noise of the fan. :)

Replace it. Do your part to add to the mountain of computer land-fill. A 
toxic  leech coming to a hole in the ground near you soon. Or you could 
always donate it to AEK's on-going SMPS research. :)

Hope this helps.

Be absolutely Icebox.

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