Repair of older WS-8-250 switches ?

[wtm]

I have some of the older WS-8 switches that are starting to get real intermittent on the cat5 sockets. You bump the cabinet, and the radios quits making data connections. DC connectivity seems to be fine on them. Wondered, if you can replace the connectors, and what the costs would be?

[Julian]

RJ45s, I can't replace, at this point in time. There's a piece of equipment that I need, and it's been going on the back burner.

We do have a shop in Norway which does have the equipment, but shipping may mean it's more effective to change the board.

I do currently have replacement boards in stock, in limited quantities. Don't take this as a definitive quote, since we don't quote repairs sight unseen, but a replacement board runs in the $150-175 range for the 8-250.

Will take up an equipment purchase with the boss again today, see if I can't get the leadership on board..

[wtm]

By chance, have you upgraded the connector sockets in the newer boards since those original units were made ? Have a feeling that the metals used in them back then, have chemically changed a bit, and that is why we are having the problem? The plating that the connector manufacturer said the pins had on them may not be as thick as needed to last a few years ? Changing the board might be the way to go on it. Have to weight the costs with shipping! Unit has worked great up until now. Thanks, wayne

[Julian]

personally, I recommend dielectric grease be applied to prevent oxidation on connectors and ends, just as a general best practice in deployments where environment control isn't around. Some guys don't like the mess of it, I dunno why more people don't use it, it prolongs the life of both port and cable end by keeping oxygen out.

Have you tried cleaning? I use a thin strip of 800 grit AlOx sandpaper, and then blow out the dust with compressed air - wham bam. Plating on these is pretty thick, you won't hurt anything. Also, IDCs like RJ45 connectors can fatigue over the years, try new ends?

[wtm]

First thing we did was put on new connectors, still just bump the cable and the data light goes out. GUI shows that the DC amps stay on, even though the port shows down. Got to be connector pin problems. What dielectric grease do you use ?

[sirhc]

Some people reported the WS-8-250-DC unit experienced RJ45 issues where they would not latch in properly.
The WS-8-250-DC used a different RJ45 Stack than any other unit.

Make sure you push/spring up the clip on the RJ45 end so it is clipping tight.
Try using a NON ESD RJ45 end and see if it clips in better.

There is a post on here somewhere where people used a small file to file the end and it then clipped in better.

[wtm]

Hi Chris, doesn't seem to be a problem with it clipping in. In fact had a problem getting the plug to unclip to look at it. Just now seems to go intermittent when it is bumped. Have @4 of them 1-4 on the switch. DC connections look good in the GUI, but it will drop the data connections. Replaced connectors to no avail. So I think that either the pins are getting worn, or have something on them, or ? We will be getting it back at the office, as soon as the new switch comes in and we can replace it!

Just thought that maybe it was worth seeing if the connector jacks could be replaced? Been running great for several years !

[Julian]

any silicone dielectric grease should be fine - this stuff gets good reviews: http://www.crcindustries.com/products/t ... 05113.html

one thing to avoid is putting it on things that may spark- once you pass an arc through/near silicone, it will form silicon carbide, which is a half-decent conductor.

hope this helps!