T-Zmax strip down.

[lobeydosser]

The button on my T-Zmax has stopped working. I think it is the spring under it that has either broken or is just stuck down.

So I want to strip it down to have a look at it.

I have got the head off and the insides appear to be glued with one small blob of glue at the top end, but I do not want to remove that until someone on here can give me some words of wisdom about how I do things from here.

So, can I get the insides out and if so, how?

[Perpetua]

I've popped your thread onto the Modders Board Lobey . . . you might find you'll get better noticed here for technical advice.

Sadly, that's not my forte, so I am of no use to you.

[lobeydosser]

Thanks Perpetua.

[maccafan]

If memory serves, the T Zmax has exactly the same circuit board as a Zmax.

So in all likelyhood the button (actuator) presses down directly on the microsswitch soldered to the circuit board. This microswitch is "sprung" by a tiny phospor bronze disc within the sealed switch which is almost impossible to repair.

The switch on the circuit board is a fairly standard 6 x 6 mm microswitch. The way to repair it would be to remove the circuit board (by desoldering all the connections) and de-solder the microswitch and solder a new microswitch on the board before re-assembly. Fiddly but doable.

Edit Add: If it is the EH Pro one then:

Sometimes the circuit board rotates a bit an the button sits on the microswitch at an angle. Simply rotating the board and aligning it correctly will sort out the issue.

If it is the microswitch that is foobar it's a bespoke right angle 3.2 x3.2 mm micro switch on the EH Pro which is almost impossible to source in UK.I have repaired a couple by transplanting the phospor bronze ring, which is a right fiddly job and a bit hit and miss.

[DiscoDes]

Mar 10, 2014 16:30:03 GMT maccafan said:

If memory serves, the T Zmax has exactly the same circuit board as a Zmax.

So in all likelyhood the button (actuator) presses down directly on the microsswitch soldered to the circuit board. This microswitch is "sprung" by a tiny phospor bronze disc within the sealed switch which is almost impossible to repair.

The switch on the circuit board is a fairly standard 6 x 6 mm microswitch. The way to repair it would be to remove the circuit board (by desoldering all the connections) and de-solder the microswitch and solder a new microswitch on the board before re-assembly. Fiddly but doable.

maccafan lobeydosser

I have a TZmax with exactly the same problem and will be doing the same when I have a spare few minutes, but I am led to believe that the switches are hard to source, so if you've got a link to the correct switch that would be most helpful.

[maccafan]

Sorry, if it is EHPro one, then read my edit to post above.

I was thinking of the box mod that sigelei put out which was also called the T Zmax I think??

[DiscoDes]

maccafan

Yes it's the Ehpro one (bought in the group buy) I actually have 2, my original is still going ok even though the button is a bit "iffy" but another I bought second hand is FUBAR'd. I was told the switches are a right pain to get hold of. I could remove the switch then and wire from the board to another switch. I guess I could gut it and make a box mod but just don't have the time to undertake the project. I already have a SID board sat here that the body went on that I stripped out, so 2 mods are a possibility

[lobeydosser]

Thanks for these instructions, but could someone tell me how I get the blasted innards out of the tube to start with.
I just cannot seem to shift them even although I have the top off.
I don't want to wreck anything before I get the chance to see what is wrong.

[maccafan]

If it is the EH Pro, remove the extension tube. The insert the square end of a 1/2 inch ratchet extension piece from the bottom and tap the board and the white insulator out gently.

If the button is fouling the microswitch, there is a chance you could rip the microswitch out or damage the OLED. So be very gentle. Also see if you can determine the position of the microswitch vis-a-vis the button by shining a light from the top.

There is a cut out in the insulator and you can gently try turning the circuit board by inserting a flat bladed screwdriver from the bottom if the microswitch is out of alignment with the butto. The glue only holds the grounding ring to the board rather than sticking it to the tube though there may be some excess which will easily break off.

[lobeydosser]

Thanks maccafan I will try that.