The UC3842 datasheet does show you can draw up to 20
mA from the Vref pin,
which should certainly power up a 555. But, this is a 5 V regulator, and
may
not be working properly. it may be that driving
several mA to the 555, E2
and
other components has cooked it over time. With the
555 removed, apply
resistors between pins 1 and 8 of the 555, and see how much load the
UC3842
can supply. I'm guessing that at 1 - 2 mA the
Vref output is going to
collapse,
indicating the UC3842 is "weak". If the Vref
does droop, make sure the Vcc
is
still well above 5 V. If so, it has to be the UC3842.
If the Vcc is also
drooping,
then follow the chain back to the power input to find
the defective
component.
It could be Q1, R27 R28,
R32 or for some reason the crowbar D19 is being fired.
I just tried this with a 1K resistor I had to hand, so 5ma not 1-2ma, and
the Vref droops. Vcc does not droop though, so I think the UC3842 needs to
be replaced. I will try that.
Incidentally, the UC3842 datasheet says that Vcc must have a short-path
bypass capacitor to ground. If I socket the UC3842 is that going to be an
issue?
Thanks
Rob