Photo: SimHelp / Aidas Statulevičius

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A power supply unit (PSU) is a complex of a wide range of elements the purpose of which is to provide power. A power supply unit (PSU) is a complex of a wide range of elements the purpose of which is to provide power.

Small items can be powered by a few PSUs, however, such heavy equipment as a flight simulator, the components of which require different voltages and are located at different places inside or outside the simulator, is not capable of running with a help of a single unit supplying power. Correspondingly, the number of PSUs in flight simulators might vary from 20 to 40.

Therefore, the most powerful PSUs in flight simulators are applied for visual systems in order to have a clear and high quality image. Particularly high voltage is required by the cathode ray tubes (CRTs) which modulate, accelerate and deflect electron beam(s) onto the screen to create images.

What should you know about the repair work of PSUs?

In general, power supplies serve approximately for 10 years and the major technical issues are caused by electrolytic capacitors which will get dry over time and, subsequently, will not operate properly.

Consequently, power supply units, like any other device, need to be carefully maintained to be used as long as possible. SimHelp, the first point of contact and a complete solution finder to keep flight simulators in a perfect technical condition, thanks to its considerable expertise managed to point out the most frequent issues related to the repair of the PSU:

Obsolescence. While searching for a new power supply unit to replace the old one, there is a chance of failing to find a particular PSU as the manufacturers may have already left the market.

Reliability. In case someone succeeds in finding a necessary component, there is a risk to get a component without a warranty or without an appropriate testing for reliability.

Repair resources. If it is decided to repair a power supply inside the company without external resources, it might appear to be challenging and even dangerous. First of all, different manufacturers apply their own methods of repairing or testing the products that a client should be aware of in order to make the device work again correctly. Secondly, blueprints and specific tools are necessary to successfully carry out the repair work.

Moreover, while testing powerful devices there is a risk to suffer damage.

Testing. Finally, repair work or testing done by the company itself consumes a significant amount of precious time.

What an engineer can do in order to prevent power supplies from being damaged?

There are many ways an engineer might take care of power supplies before they stop functioning due to various technical issues. Primarily, the condition of PSUs depends on the maintenance. It is vitally important to periodically measure output voltage and check a PSU for an excessive electrical noise or spikes in output voltage which can indicate that a power supply needs to be overhauled.

Also, it is useful to monitor all the data and eliminate even the smallest technical issues as soon as possible. Usually this type of testing is carried out every 6 months.

What is more, it is advisable to keep corresponding spare parts in the stock to make it possible to replace the necessary component without any further delay.

“Also, it is worth inspecting power supplies which are kept as stock on hand. Even with no use power supplies might get influenced by the time or their certificates can be expired even before the power supply unit is used. Therefore, SimHelp is here to test, certificate and calibrate your power supplies at any time”, highlights Tomas Maldzius, SimpHelp Project Manager.

Why to choose the repair work?

First of all, the price is the key. In most cases, costs of repair are considerably lower compared to the value of a new power supply at the market price.

Furthermore, warranty is worth taking into account. All the repaired power supplies come with a 3-month warranty.

Additionally, a power supply sent for the repair is tested and calibrated according to all the standards and requirements.

Also, initial evaluation of the power supply is free of charge. It means that even if a power supply does not need a repair, after a check no charges are applied.

Finally, it is necessary to mention that the repair process can take as little as 24 hours.