Restored USB Room Humidifier
This is yet another gadget brought to me by an Ayurveda Doctor (a recent acquaintance) with the complaint that it no longer worked. The bottom portion holds the liquid which reaches the top through a wick placed in the middle and gets evaporated by a heating coil placed around the top hole. It is just like a liquid mosquito repellant that is commonly available in the market.
The difference is that this works on 5V through a USB charger but the latter works on 230V mains. In this unit, the coil is getting hot by pulses generated by the circuit on a small PCB housed at the top portion. Following picture would help us follow:
You would perhaps have already noticed the rust formations on the screws and assumed what would be the reasons for failure and the conditions of the PCB.
Following pictures would clear any doubts:
Evidently water has entered inside and caused rust formations on the coil connector and charging socket. I cleaned the PCB thoroughly using IPA and brushed off the rusts. But nothing could be done for the charging socket or coil connector. So, I removed them and directly soldered the charging wire as the jack was also very badly rusted, and the coil connector, as exact replacement was not available in the market.
Then applied power to see the SMD LEDs emitting different colors and watched it in amusement for some time, as such noval gadgets are rare to come. Then fixed the unit back and kept it ready for delivery. Mission accomplished with satisfaction finding its collection place.
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 74 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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Tayo
June 8, 2024 at 10:34 pm
Well played Maestro. This is exactly as i have done in the past so i must be in good company. But how did you solve the water intrusion issue???
Parasuraman S
June 9, 2024 at 9:37 am
I told the customer to be careful! Many thanks for your appreciating comments!
Albert van Bemmelen
June 8, 2024 at 11:25 pm
These devices are still very uncommon in my country just as those Ayurveda Doctors? Never seen any of them.
Parasuraman S
June 9, 2024 at 9:38 am
Many countries have its own special men and gadgets! Take a world tour and spend sometime with people from many walks of life!
Imoudu.O
June 9, 2024 at 4:06 am
I guess those colorful leds add beauty to the whole unit.Good job sir.
Parasuraman S
June 9, 2024 at 9:39 am
Yes, dear, it does indeed! Many thanks!
Yogesh Panchal
June 9, 2024 at 10:34 pm
Good Repair! sir
Parasuraman S
June 10, 2024 at 9:31 pm
Thanks!
Waleed Rishmawi
June 10, 2024 at 6:45 pm
thanks for sharing your success repair story with us. I never worked on such devices before. the problem with these devices that included water or humidity tends to leak somehow and cause problems. have a blessed day my friend.
Parasuraman S
June 10, 2024 at 9:31 pm
Yes, you are right, dear! Thanks!