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I'm trying to repair an old electric piano (Baldwin Piano Pro EP101) and I've gotten advice to check out the filter caps in the power circuit. I've metered out the voltages and I found power where I didn't expect it. Please see image:

enter image description here

Power from transformer coming in the top. Pins "I" and "J" are ground on the bottom. I've mirrored the board so the traces match up with the components on the top side.

  1. Why do I find voltage on the (-) side of the black capacitor?
  2. Why is the (+) of the black capacitor going to ground?
  3. I think both of these capacitors are in series, but why is there ground in the middle of the two caps?
  4. Does it mean I have power coming in through the "M" pin at that bottom that shouldn't be? Or maybe one of the diodes at D9 and D10 (2nd and 3rd from the left) are bad and letting the power go the wrong way?

Am I on the right track? Should I just start pulling parts and testing them out of circuit? If you're interested in the overall problem, see the short youtube video here: Baldwin Piano Pro - Very loud noises

Edit: Thanks for the feedback.Larger picture and my attempt of a diagram. Surprised to see AC and DC volts when I measured. Not sure what that is about.

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

enter image description here

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    \$\begingroup\$ measure the voltage across the black capacitor ..... what do you get? ..... Why is the (+) of the black capacitor going to ground? because the negative terminal of the black capacitor is connected to a voltage that is more negative than ground \$\endgroup\$
    – jsotola
    Commented Mar 30, 2019 at 19:14
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    \$\begingroup\$ I'm with @Transistor , Some details of that transformer are missing. Either those red & green transformer wires are connected somehow to the yellow transformer wires (perhaps inside the transformer), or there are other wires coming from the transformer not shown. You seem certain that I,J are ground...could there be a transformer connection to this point? \$\endgroup\$
    – glen_geek
    Commented Mar 30, 2019 at 19:15
  • \$\begingroup\$ The overall problem looks like keyboard trouble. \$\endgroup\$
    – AltAir
    Commented Mar 30, 2019 at 19:34
  • \$\begingroup\$ Measure Vdc across every part and Vac across the Caps. You should expect +Vdc across each cap and Vac<5%Vdc. Suspect any with 0V \$\endgroup\$
    – D.A.S.
    Commented Mar 30, 2019 at 20:07
  • \$\begingroup\$ @glen_geek You're right. There is a wire coming from the transformer that I labeled as 0 V. I think I am wrong to call that Ground. \$\endgroup\$
    – lopazopy
    Commented Mar 30, 2019 at 22:22

2 Answers 2

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I can only guess what those clever Japanese designers had in mind with these diodes.

Large E-caps must have a Dissipation Factor of << 1% where DF=ESR/Xc(120Hz) with 120Hz ripple current thus with the same current means Vac/Vdc =DF= <1%

Thus C1 is bad , C2 seems OK C3,C4,C5 are all bad.

I would replace all 5 Caps and consider replacing any other E-caps found on other circuit boards from Digikey or Mouser. Consult with tech support for equivalent or better in similar sizes.

enter image description here

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

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+1 for mirroring the underside of the board. Best practice is to draw the schematic and mark up the measured voltages. You can add one in using the CircuitLab button on the editor toolbar. Double-click a component to edit its properties. 'R' = rotate, 'H' = horizontal flip. 'V' = vertical flip. I suspect that there's a transformer centre-tap connected somewhere other than the top of the board so try to draw that too.

Why do I find voltage on the (-) side of the black capacitor?

The circuits must require both positive and negative supplies with respect to ground. This is common in audio circuits.

Why is the (+) of the black capacitor going to ground?

So that correct polarity is maintained.

I think both of these capacitors are in series, but why is there ground in the middle of the two caps?

Time for a schematic.

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

Figure 1. (a) A single-rail supply. (b) A split-rail supply giving both positive and voltage power outputs.

Does it mean I have power coming in through the "M" pin at that bottom that shouldn't be? Or maybe one of the diodes at D9 and D10 (2nd and 3rd from the left) are bad and letting the power go the wrong way?

No. All is well in that regard.

Post a schematic as best you can and we'll update the answer.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Sorry but your schematic here looks nothing like the board as all inputs go only to Anodes while an AC bridge input connects to one Anode and one Cathode on each input. But the caps are correct and there is no obvious 0V reference except may I,J which are paired. \$\endgroup\$
    – D.A.S.
    Commented Mar 30, 2019 at 20:11
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    \$\begingroup\$ My Figure 1 isn't meant to be a board schematic. All the inputs go to anodes only. That's why I requested more details. \$\endgroup\$
    – Transistor
    Commented Mar 30, 2019 at 20:21

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