A PS I build a while back was screwed up yesterday when I was messing around. Its a variable split PS using 317's with, I think, about +-35V that it handles(20 somethign for the regulators).
I'm not exactly sure what happened(well, I think I know) but in any case what happened after was that the voltage would read either about 2 voltage when the turned down or around 25+ volts when up.
I think I fixed it as I replaced one of the protection diodes(the one from that goes from output to input). (I figured it was the diode since thats what there for). In any case it seems to be working but I'm not sure if any other damage happened.
When I built the circuit I didn't design it to be able to remove components easily(didn't have the room in the box). I thought that the protection diodes were there to protect the 317(even though it has its own protection) but I didn't know it would destroy the diodes in the process. Is this normal? (if it did I would have made it easier to replace them).
Also, in the case that the protection diodes do go does that completely eliminate(99%) any other things in the regulator circuit from being ruined. It wouldn't be fun to check the other protection diode I have or the 317. (since I probably would have to take them out of circuit to be completely sure).
I'm worried about the other diode but really don't want to try and take it out to check it and since the PS looks like its working.
(BTW, I think I essentially shorted the negative supply to ground and that is what caused it... but on the positive side ;/)
What do you guys think I should do?
Thanks, Jon