Andy's Solar-bugs

B.E.A.M.
BEAM is an acronym standing for :
Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics and Mechanics
last updated Oct. 24, 2001

Philips toothbrush HP735
:-( User testimony :-(

After doing much of the research on electric toothbrush, we finally choose this baby : Philips Jordan plaque remover. As shown on the box cover, it advertised : 2 action brush.
The model # is HP735. Not the top model, but I think it has all the features I ask for.
Features : 2 speeds : high and low Controlled pressure sensor 2 min timer with blinking light indicator Independently moving " active tip" container to hold up to 4 brush heads charger/holder waterproof ans safe
It is basically a very good toothbrush except the "waterproof" Well, I can't believe that there is few drops of water coming out when I open the bottom cap of the toothbrush !! There is about 5 ml of water inside !! (I weighted it before and after it is completely dry) The picture here is deceiving : warning : don't do that at home !!
We have the Philips for only 8 months. After is is completely dead, we bought another one. No, not the Philips. We bought Braun instead.

When I mentioned that it is " dead ", I meant it is not moving even after a full charge on the battery. So, it's time to open up this baby to see if I can save him.
Really nice 1.2V, 600mAh NiCd AA rechargable battery
All the electronics are SMD, light weight and small
Left red button : on/off switch Middle red button : speed control Right white led : timer blinking indicator
The motor is hugh, when compared to state of the art electronics !! Not even a Japanese motor !!
You can see the rust on the motor. The motor is completely dead. I even hooked it up with 3V battery to see if the shaft can turn. No luck. with the help of WD40, I spray alot through these holes into the motor, and turn the shaft by hands to loosen it. And finally it works again :-)
I think the water must sip through the crack into the toothbrush body. I remove the cover here to show that it is the most vulnerable part of the design.
Well, the brush head has a safe guard kind of design too. It has a plastic pin to direct the movement of bursh. But it would worn off in about 2 months (2 times/day usage). In order to extend the life of the brush head, I insert a metal pin onto the brush head here. So I can desire when to change the brush head.
Here is the closer view of my wife's brush head too. I have the metal pin here instead of the plastic pin (worn off already).