Welcome, Guest
Guest Settings
Help

APC Discussion Forums » Power, Racks, Cooling, Cabling & Software » PC & Workstation UPS

 
This question is answered. Helpful answers available: 5. Correct answers available: 1.


Permlink Replies: 3 - Pages: 1 - Last Post: Feb 8, 2010 5:00 PM Last Post By: antipode Threads: [ Previous | Next ]
antipode

Posts: 4
Registered: 2/6/10
Opening up the Case on an XS 900
Posted: Feb 6, 2010 5:49 PM
 
Click to report abuse...   Click to reply to this thread Reply
Does anyone know the proper procedure to open up the plastic enclosure on an XS 900 model UPS? I've been able to remove the rear panel via the 4 corner screws and disconnect the wiring with no problem. However, separating the case halves is difficult and appears to be "captured" by the front panel assembly. Not wanting to crack or otherwise damage the plastic, what do I do from here?

Thanks!
antipode

Posts: 4
Registered: 2/6/10
Re: Opening up the Case on an XS 900
Posted: Feb 8, 2010 11:27 AM   in response to: antipode in response to: antipode
 
Click to report abuse...   Click to reply to this thread Reply
For all you real techies out there, I determined how to open up the plastic case on an XS900 UPS, and successfully did it with no breakage. It just takes a little thought and gentle experimentation the first time, but after that it's a "piece of cake". If you would like to learn how to do it, you can e-mail me at: antipode at comcast dot net.
voidstar

Posts: 250
Registered: 11/10/07
Re: Opening up the Case on an XS 900
Posted: Feb 8, 2010 2:57 PM   in response to: antipode in response to: antipode
 
Click to report abuse...   Click to reply to this thread Reply
You could post the information here for posterity.
antipode

Posts: 4
Registered: 2/6/10
Re: Opening up the Case on an XS 900
Posted: Feb 8, 2010 5:00 PM   in response to: voidstar in response to: voidstar
 
Click to report abuse...   Click to reply to this thread Reply
Ok. It's probably harder to describe than do, but basically it involves snapping off the front panel which fits around the front edges of the case halves.

IF YOU DON'T FEEL SAFE OR COMFORTABLE WORKING ON ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC, AND MECHANCIAL COMPONENTS AND ASSEMBLIES, DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS PROCEDURE!

First, disconnect and the remove the batteries and set them aside along with the unit's battery cover. Next, after removing the rear panel (via 4 screws, one at each corner), the rear panel is gently pulled away. This exposes the rear panel wiring which has 5 leads connecting all of the rear panel sockets etc to the main PC board in the unit. These 5 wires are terminated with crimped push-on type spade receptacles which mate to their male counterparts mounted on the PC board. The wire colors are Black, White, Blue, Brown, and Green-w/Yellow stripe. I made a simple diagram of where each wire connected, although the PC Board also has their corresponding colors silkscreened onto the board as well. These silkscreened legends though may be difficult to see, that's why I made a diagram.

Once the rear panel is free from the unit, set it carefully aside where it can't be damaged or otherwise disturbed. A good clean uncluttered work area is a must. Also, since the unit will be laid on its side, make sure there are no bits of debris on the work surface which could mar the ABS plastic enclosure as it's being worked on. A smooth surface is preferred, but if a towel is used, make sure it doesn't have any bits of solder etc embedded and hidden in the fibers which could scratch the case plastic. I generally don't use a towel for that reason.

This is the process I used as described below and it worked for me. There may be a better way to do this, and/or done with special tools specifically for the purpose. In any event, go slowly and carefully. I take no responsibility for any mishaps, damage, or injuries should anyone else attempt this procedure and fail.

Orient the unit on its side so that the battery compartment is facing toward you and on your left. The exposed rear of the unit will be on your right. Also make sure that nothing obstructs the now-open rear compartment of the unit, as part of the main PCB protrudes from the rear of the case, and could be accidentally damaged if something hits it. A small rectangular opening will be observed in the middle of the bottom edge of the front panel on your left. Gently insert a flat-blade screw driver into this slot so it's blade is inside this opening between opening's front edge and what internally appears as two layers of plastic panels with a small seam in the center. This will be easily seen with the aid of a flashlight. Now gently pry the front panel forward with the aid of the screwdriver so its bottom edge bows out just slightly. Don't overdue it as the front panel could break or be permanently deformed. Keeping the front panel bowed out, notice that the seam along the side of the unit where the front panel meets the case side will expand with the widest expansion nearest the bottom of the unit. With another flat-blade screw driver, gently slip it into the tightest part of this open seam (this point will be closer to the top of the unit than the bottom). Pry with the bottom screwdriver a bit more, and the seam where you have the second screwdriver blade will open wider. Move this screwdriver further up the seam towards the top of the unit to keep it from closing back. DON'T use this screwdriver to twist the opening wider, as it will damage the plastic edges. At this point the seam at the top of the unit should have expanded as well, and with the edges of your fingers pull on the front panel along this seam. It then should snap free from the remainder of the case.

Notice that the now-free front panel is still connected with a flat cable to the unit through a slot in the unit's interior bulkhead. Obviously be carefull not to cut or otherwise damage this cable as you continue work on the main unit of the UPS. You will see along the center of this interior bulkhead, three Phillips-head screws which should be removed. These screws are not overly tight, nor should they be, and they fasten the front portion of the unit's case halves together. Remember that when screwing them back in. Just snug them up, as over-torquing them will strip the plastic threads in the case bosses. Also, in the battery compartment on the right hand side, you will see a plastic boss with another screw (same type and size as the previous three you just removed). Remove this screw as well and save in a safe place with the other three screws. Now, as you pull up on the case half from the back of the unit, you will find that it snaps free and exposes the interior PCB. Just go slowly when pulling it up and it should snap free without any trouble.

I had to open my unit as the fan was making a noise which I suspect was related to bearing wear. The fan was removed and partially disassembled to expose the tiny ball bearing assemblies. These were oiled (and we're talking incredibly microscopic amounts of oil here) and reassembled. So far the fan noise has been eliminated and the fan seems to run a lot smoother and quiter now, even when in its high-speed mode.

Now you will have access to the interior of the unit. Obviously you should be familiar with working on electronic components, especially related to electrical mains power supplies. Also, don't forget there are many static-sensitive components in these power supplies, and proper ESD procedures should be observed to avoid electircal damage to the components such as the MOSFET's and IC's.

Good luck!
Legend
Platinum Medalist: 3001 - 9999 pts
Silver Medalist: 2001 - 3000 pts
Super User: 1600 - 2000 pts
Guru: 1199 - 1599 pts
Advisor: 798 - 1198 pts
Specialist: 397 - 797 pts
Freshman: 0 - 396 pts
Helpful Answer (5 pts)
Correct Answer (10 pts)

Point your RSS reader here for a feed of the latest messages in all forums




Powered by Jive                                             
Forums