- 1). Analyze the bridge rectifier to confirm that it is set up correctly. Diodes should be placed in the circuit with the silver band end in the negative direction. The circuit will not operate properly if the diodes in the rectifier are not installed in the correct direction.
- 2). Set your multimeter to the diode setting. This setting is generally directly before the lowest resistance measurement setting. The diode setting sets a potential between the test probes and measures the voltage drop through the diode. This is much more efficient than simply measuring the resistance of the diode in multiple directions because the diode is not actually operating when the resistances are measured.
- 3). Measure the voltage across the intake transformer to ensure that the transformer is operating properly and has a voltage output as expected.
- 4). Measure the voltage across the capacitors connected between the diode bridge and the circuits output voltage test point. Compare the measured voltage to the expected voltage that may be calculated with simple circuit analysis or found in commercial circuit datasheets. Examine each capacitor for burn marks and to ensure that they are connected with the correct polarity directions.
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