Essential Question
How can a standardized approach toward electronic equipment troubleshooting save many hours of equipment downtime and costly repairs?
1. Symptom Recognition
Determine if the equipment is functioning as designed. Is it normal or abnormal? A trouble symptom is a sign or indicator of a malfunction Use your senses of sight and hearing! Indicator lights, speakers, meterssmoke! Look for degraded performance as well; degraded performance often leads to equipment failure Know your equipment!
2. System Elaboration
Observe any built-in indicators for more detailed information on symptoms Obtain a detailed description of any trouble symptoms Similar symptoms can be caused by similar faults! Check front panel switches and control settings What fault is probably causing the specific symptoms in question?
Symptom elaboration requires an evaluation of all observed displays Indications must be evaluated in relation to each other as well as the overall operation Record information observed! For example: How did each control affect an associated meter or other indicator? Think about the information before jumping to a conclusion!
Dividing the equipment into functional areas can save numerous trouble shooting steps
Microphone: Converts sound energy into electrical energy at an audio frequency Modulator: Amplifies the audio signal and sends it to the transmitter to change the carrier signal to be modified Transmitter: Provides an amplified radio frequency (RF) signal to the antenna assembly Antenna Assembly: Converts the electrical RF signal into an electromagnetic energy for transmission. It also receives electromagnetic energy and converts it into an RF signal for the Receiver Unit Receiver Unit: Converts received RF signal into sound Power Supply: Converts alternating (AC) voltage into suitable direct current (DC) for operation of the various units
6. Failure Analysis
Steps 1 and 2 were used to recognize, verify, and obtain descriptive information Step 3 allowed you to make a logical selection of the logical faulty unit Step 4 provided for simple input-output tests and localized the faulty functions Step 5 localized the fault to the circuit within the faulty unit Step 6 will involve the actual replacement or repair of faulty circuit components
Schematic Diagrams
Illustrate the detailed circuit arrangement of electronic parts that make up complete circuits Parts are represented symbolically Show what is inside the blocks of the block diagram Often provide voltage and resistance charts Actual faults can generally be traced to one or several individual parts resistors, capacitor, transistors, etc.
Some equipments may require specialized test equipment. Refer to the Maintenance Manual.