panasonic microwave

[alan47]

when the microwave part of the microwave stops working. Can you change the magnetron thing yourself or is it just as wise to scrap it and buy a new microwave oven 

[Loosehead]

They're so cheap, I'd just by another �24.99 in asda.

[alan47]

cheers mate I was thinking that way myself but the wife wanted a microwave that did everything itself, roasting, baking, cooking cakes the lot but we (I) never used it for anything but defrosting or heating up stuff.

[d0gsb0dy]

I used to repair microwave ovens for a living some years ago, and, unless you know what you are doing, I would not advise an attempt at repair. The magnetron operates at an extremely high voltage, in excess of 4000volts, and, in addition, the capacitor can hold a lethal charge for a considerable time after switch-off.
You can probably buy a cheap oven for the price of a new magnetron, but you gets what you pays for. The best value for money is Sharp. Really good ovens.

[Tim Baxter]

I agree, I've had a panasonic multi-type oven for years.  It's packed up a couple of times and even though I dealt with magnetrons/klystrons professionally I still took it in to be repaired.  BUT because of the trend in decreasing prices I won't have it repaired again as new ones are incredibly cheap.

[alan47]

Tim, much did you reckon it cost for a new magnetron

[d0gsb0dy]

A couple more points, Alan. Just because the oven isn't heating, it doesn't necessarily mean that the magnetron has failed. Could be the transformer, capacitor, h.v diode or a micro switch. Some ovens have a fuse in the final HT lead, and there can be one in the feed to the transformer. Can't remember what I used to pay for magnetrons, but it was usually in excess of �20. They may be cheaper now.

[alan47]

Thanks to all,

dogsbody, your answer was brilliant but they all sound like the grandsons toys to me. By the time I got someone to figure out the fault and repair it, it would have cost a few bob.

I've gone out and bought a similar one but without the all dancing stuff which I never used anyway...�64.99 from Miller Brothers. �15 cheaper than Comet or Currys.

The wife will probably not notice for weeks!

Again thanks