I was asked if I would take a look at this guy's hearing aid dehumidifier. It had been intermittent and finally stopped working completely. I checked the tactile "start" switch in the top for operation and cracked solder joints, then opened up the base to look at the circuit board. A couple big transistors to turn on the fan and germicidal bulb caught my eye as being possible suspects....
Then I noticed the flex cable between the circuit board in the base and the circuit board with the switch in the lid. No need to look any further! Whimpy cable didn't hold up to 90° bends twice a day for 20 years!
Cables like this don't seem to exist these days. Digikey has part numbers for some that would work, but no stock.
I took the easy way out and soldered in headers and used some Dupont jumper cables. I think that will last as long as it matters, and easy enough to fix if it does not.
Then I noticed the flex cable between the circuit board in the base and the circuit board with the switch in the lid. No need to look any further! Whimpy cable didn't hold up to 90° bends twice a day for 20 years!
Cables like this don't seem to exist these days. Digikey has part numbers for some that would work, but no stock.
I took the easy way out and soldered in headers and used some Dupont jumper cables. I think that will last as long as it matters, and easy enough to fix if it does not.