GW Instek GDS-2000A - BNC Oscilloscope plug damage

[Kiriakos GR]

My GDS-2102A this is now 6 years plus three months old.
This is two channels version,  and as expected I am frequently using CH1,  over the years I did performed no more than 100 mating cycles at CH1, and about less than 15 at CH2.

Yesterday I did try to plug-in a regular BNC male connector and I discovered an issue, center pin does not make any contact.
Then I did try Amphenol BNC,  MC Multi-contact BNC,  MIL type male BNC, non of them works other than the BNC of the oscilloscope probe.

Now I am convinced that CH1 female BNC this must and should be replaced.

I did contact GW Instek in Taiwan and waiting for their response.

Then I started a product search over search engines and after an hour I did found the proper spare part, this is Amphenol 31-5633.
Alternative branded equivalent this is TE Connectivity (Tyco brand) 5227673-1  

GDS-2102A BNC connectors they do not have any branding / markings, I am now assuming that these are local production of Taiwan from a source that GW Instek works with.
My CH1 BNC connector has intact all four contact pins, but the damaged area looks to be further inside than what a naked eye can see.

I am look after my scope as to were a treasure, so BNC plug misuse this is out of the question.
What I am currently suspect this is the oscilloscope probe connector center pin, this seems wider than other male BNC pins and for this reason still makes a contact.
From the other hand I an puzzled to decide if this detail is the smoking gun which caused premature failure at the female BNC?

For now I am going to post a few pictures, and I will post more details as soon I will get more information about alternative paths that I can follow so to get in hand relative spare parts.
This is going to be an out of warranty repair. 

 

[cluca1969]

Sorry for problem with your scope, it's hard to find original parts for such professional tools as you have. You can opt for a compromise solution until you find the original piece or at least one replacement for it. If you do not use the EXT. TRIG. entry you can replace them for the moment. Or you can get one on the back of the device (CAL. or OPEN COLLECTOR entry).
I hope my idea is not a bad or destructive one for you.

[Kiriakos GR]

Sorry for problem with your scope, it's hard to find original parts for such professional tools as you have. You can opt for a compromise solution until you find the original piece or at least one replacement for it. If you do not use the EXT. TRIG. entry you can replace them for the moment. Or you can get one on the back of the device (CAL. or OPEN COLLECTOR entry).
I hope my idea is not a bad or destructive one for you.

My first though this was also, about swapping one of the many BNC plugs (Gen1 / Gen2) with the CH1.
Digikey (USA) wants 18 Euro just for shipping of two new BNC, total cost about 30 Euro.

My scope this is six years old, back then GW Instek was very helpful regarding delivering spare parts, I got for example a spare soft-keypad (entire set of silicon push buttons).
Nowadays I wish to see how they will respond regarding soldered parts.
 
 

[Kiriakos GR]

On a second thought, a half-damaged BNC plug this is a serious downfall at any CH (1,2,3,4), you can not use any more a regular coaxial cable so to perform DC Offset calibration routine at GDS 2000A series (software - hardware controlled process). 

 

 

[Kiriakos GR]

I hope my idea is not a bad or destructive one for you.

I am son of king Leonidas   
If my army starts a fight it will always finish it.


To all ... what you see this is educational material (except if you have REAL soldering and de-soldering tools that even an electronics repairs specialist it does approve as worthy).

Regarding these BNC connectors there is no part-code markings and neither any branding.
Today I talked with GW INSTEK branch Veldhoven, the Netherlands, they may offer orderable spare-parts for 6€ its and 10€ shipping Post-NL.
I did insist to gain awareness of manufacturer name of the BNC ports, in the next week I will get their answer.
Mr. Tomas Aukstikalnis he is very cooperative and helpful so far.


I am now up to transplant ... GEN2 BNC at CH1 so to earn time and to schedule spare parts purchase with out me to be emotionally charged.       

[Kiriakos GR]

It seems that our service department did a good job here. 

Transplant operation succeeded, Coin battery also replaced by a new  EXP 2019 ( The old this is six years old but when tested still has 75% of stored energy).
Front cover and buttons received a good bath.

Funny enough after de-soldering the questionable BNC plug this it did recover it functionality, this inspired me at testing several contacts cleaner spray, but the final outcome this is that even as thoroughly cleaned, it contacts resistance was higher compared to other ones, HIOKI RM3542A turned out as the hero of the day due it 100 milliohm range. 
For my tests I did use one bright new male Amphenol BNC (just the gold plated pin).

Now I am calm again, and with out haste I will schedule my spare-parts purchase.     

[cluca1969]

Hi Kiriakos, you did a good job with your scope, I'm very happy for your success.

[Kiriakos GR]

Hi Kiriakos, you did a good job with your scope, I'm very happy for your success.

Thank you friend ! 
Today I received also an identical complement from GW Instek EU as they also monitor this topic