Updated:
11 Dec, 2009
KQLZ - Click to Rock
Netscreen Hardware Issues
I have a few Netscreens, but the one I use at home at the moment is a Netscreen 5XP. They're very nice (in their day) and hopefully one day I'll upgrade.Until then, I'm happily chugging along with this model which started fritzing on me today.
Most noteably, the clock was all goofy showing me the unit had been on for 11,000+ hours since April of this year (2009)! Also, when booting, the firmware would immediately complain about bad BCD numbers coming from the clock chip onboard.
Easy. On inspection (opening the box and doing some voltage checks), I found the original power supply rated for 5V @ 1.5A was only delivering 4.1V. This is bad. The onboard 3.3V regulator (I didn't write down the number, I think it was an LM series from National) probably needs (I'm guessing) 4.5V as it was only putting out 3.0V instead of 3.3V.
Oy! On using ANOTHER power supply I have around that delivered a full 5.0V, the unit was back to working.
So the external power supply (switcher type) went wonky. Replace Power Supply. Problem solved.
Update 2009, Dec. 10:
Cleaning up my bench I decided to take a look at the power supply. It's rated for 5V @ 1.5A, it delivers about 5V at 300mA. Upon (carefully) busting open the case, there was one suspect solder joint on the input isolation transformer. But more important, the output filter capacitor (Electrolytic Radial type 470uF @ 16V) was looking a little bulbous as evident at the top. I replaced it with 470uF @ 25V and retested on my electronic load. Presto! 5V @ 1.5A (well, more like 4.75V @ 1.5A, but within 10%). The Netscreen draws about 500-750mA anyway. So back into the box of servicable supplies it goes!
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