Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

My christmas tree has died

It's a black, dead twig looking thing that has fibre optic ends that are lit by a bulb and a spinning black doodah that is driven by a motor so that it gives a flickering effect. However, it has stopped working.

I'm not sure whether it's the motor, the transformer or maybe just the bulb so I've taken it apart to have a look The bulb is an M16 17W halogen which appears to be OK (although I know this is no guarantee that it is). The transformer has a voltage output of 12volts but the only other one I could find to test it was a 6.5volt, that didn't work either but then I'm not sure whether that would be enough to drive the motor anyway

I'm now out of my depth so apart from buying a new one (that one was 'orribly expensive last year ) what can I do?

IanW

buy a proper tree none of this fibre optic nonsense

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

I would if it would fit, but it's just a tiny gap next to the fireplace so the tree needs to be tall and thin I have another short, fat, real looking tree in the kitchen.

Coffin Dodger

Do you have a volt-meter / multi-meter? If so you can probe the bulb, motor etc. and see if it's getting power. You can also take the bulb out and try a continuity test on it to see if it's blown or not.

Have you checked the fuse? Is it plugged in / switched on

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

I do have my very own multi-meter but it is 200 miles away with the rest of my tools

The transformer and plug are all in one so I can't check it. And yes, it was switched on

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

I suppose the obvious answer is to replace the motor and transformer or whichever one is at fault. Would a 6.5v transformer power the motor up or not?

I like playing with electronics stuff and don't mind a little trip to Maplins tomorrow...urf urf

tanyatriangles

iTrader: (2)

Does the bulb light at all? Does the motor spin at all?

If BOTH have gone, it's likely that it's the tranformer.

You CAN get replacements, but you'll need one with at least the same power output, (usually quoted in mA, somewhere on the casing of the transformer), as the one you are replacing, or it'll quickly burn out.

BTW: don't touch the glass of halogen bulbs with bare fingers, use a soft cloth or a tissue

MMT WRX

Edited

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Thanks

I've sussed that it's the transformer after much tinkering and poking with sharp implements

MMT WRX

Maplins it is then

MMT WRX

Is it like this at Maplins