THE LEADING UK CONSUMER ELE TRONICS TECHNOLOGA MAGAZINE

SERVICINGVIDEOSATELLITEDEVELOPMENTS
MARCH 2000 £2.80 A REED BUSINESS PUBLICATION

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Fault reports TVs, VCRs, PC Monitors and Sate!'"

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 CONTENTS
March 2000 Vol. 50, No. 5

Innovation 259 designed a conveniently small unit, based on a low- Editor

priced tuner -IF module, that provides video, audio, John A. Reddihough
FM mono sound and 12V outputs.
What a Life! 262
Where did this strange crowd come from? Does Don Production Editor
run some sort of clinic or a telly repair shop? Donald Help Wanted 286 Tessa Winford
Bullock's servicing commentary.
Consultant Editor
Monitors 288 Martin Eccles
Teletopics 264 Fault reports from Ian Field.
Record year for sales. Pioneer launches first DVD
Publisher
recorder. ONdigital update. Business and trade news.
New video products.
State of the Trade: Summary 290 Mick Elliott
Michael Maurice's letter in the September 1999 issue
started a detailed discussion of the current state of the Advertisement
Satellite Notebook 266 consumer electronics repair trade in the UK. He now Sales Manager
The SkyDigital NPTV viewing card and satellite summarises the situation as he see it. Matthew Harradine
receiver fault reports. 0181-652 3033
VCR Clinic 294
Servicing the JVC HRD720 268 Group Sales Executive
John Coombes on how to tackle the various fault con- WCES Las Vegas 296 (Advertising)
Pat Bunce
ditions you could encounter with this VCR. The US Consumer Electronics Shows are the world's
0181-652 8339
Fax 0181-652 3981
Rebuilding Battery Packs 272
A major expense incurred with high-tech portable Editorial Office
equipment is battery pack replacement. It's possible to 0181-652 8120
save on this by rebuilding the pack. Pete Roberts Fax 0181-652 8111
explains how to go about it.
Note that we are unable to
Dealing with PCB Cracks 279 answer technical queries over the
Repair of a cracked PCB involves the board itself and telephone and cannot provide
information on spares other than
that given in our Spares Guide.

premier events for the display of new systems and

products. This Winter's one was no exception.
George Cole reports.

TV Fault Finding 300

DX and Satellite Reception 304
the tracks concerned. Paul Smith on ways of dealing Terrestrial and satellite DX reception. News from
with damaged boards. abroad and of satellite TV developments. Why 405?
-a look at early TV standards. Roger Bunney
March issue on sale
Satellite Workshop 280 reports.
February 16th.
Jack Armstrong's column on servicing satellite
receivers. Letters 308 Next issue,
A call for TV engineer licensing, Baird's contribution
dated April,
Test Case 447 281 to TV, estimates and quotations, the Ferguson ICCS
on sale March 15th.
chassis chopper transformer problem and other mat-
ters.
Off -air Test Signal Source 282
An off -air signal is often required when working on
audio and video equipment. Keith Cummins has Next Month in Television 311

TELEVISION March 2000 257

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258 TELEVISION March 2000

 COMMENT

Innovation
There has never been a time during which as and explore the capabilities of the available with full interactive capability. Such equip-
much development work and innovation software. This is a problem to which broad- ment could obviously be iiven intemet capa-
has been going on in the TV, video and relat- casters/webcasters are going to have to find bility. There is, in fact,/incredible scope for
ed fields as at present. There are reports of answers. If you are offering a service tot the product development. The pity is that so little
something new almost daily. Much of this has general public rather than say computer is being undertaken the/UK, because of the
been made possible by digital technology. It's experts, it has to be simple to use. loss of our indigenous consumer electronics
a matter of interfacing one item with another That will be sorted out in time. But mean- industry. There is of course Pace, with its dig-
to get interactive and other services (not as while the technology progresses regardless. ital boxes - the company keeps on coming up
easy as it might sound). Boxes speaking to There's a thing called intemet 2 for example. with something new .- and our cable operators
boxes like. PCs are linked to cable TV, or TV It would provide full -motion, high -definition and broadcasters are keeping ahead of the
sets to the intemet. 'IV sets are becoming TV. All it needs are suitable distribution links pack. But, as for so many years now, for basic
more sophisticated, with progressive scanning and modems. It could clearly have a major consumer electronics hardware you have to
capability for example, so there's no longer impact on interactive video services. But I look to the far eastern manufacturers,
the restriction of a poor display when the TV suspect that the investment required would be Japanese and, increasingly, Korean.
screen is used in a "PC mode". Or maybe you enormous. It might start as some sort of pro- What will we be actually watching? - or
would prefer to do it all through your games fessional service. Then again, things that start listening to for that matter, what with digital
console: Sega and others are developing new in this way can soon become mass -market speakers and the like. Display technology is
consoles that provide a bridge between cable products as production costs fall - and also advancing rapidly. Hitachi's new
TV and the interne. Moore's Law tells us that they must! widescreen rear -projection CRT system has
It's difficult at this point to see how things Digital cable of one sort or another appears been made possible by 'magnetic intelligent
will pan out. The consumer has yet to have his to hold out the best prospects for the develop- convergence', which takes ninety seconds to
say, because the technology is racing ahead of ment of the information age. But what most of set up automatically using eight sensors to
what can be offered at present in terms of us are concerned with is nice, convenient check an internally -generated test pattern. For
practical services. It's all very well to demon- hardware. Development here is also progress- something quite different, Samsung has come
strate that something is possible: will it be ing rapidly, with all manner of new products up with a set that uses a ferro-electric liquid -
wanted? After all it has to be user-friendly. beginning to appear or in the pipeline. How crystal panel to provide a high -definition TV
You might for example be able to call some- for example is information to be stored? The display (it's for the US market). Such technol-
thing up on the TV screen by simple operation DVD, versatile indeed as its potential is devel- ogy is not cheap, but does highlight the almost
of a remote -control unit, or do something sim- oped, is catching on rapidly. Meanwhile there limitless prospects that are opening up.
ilar but with much greater wider options using is much research going on into the use of hard - Consumer electronics is poised for an
a PC and a rather more complex operating disk technology for consumer applications. incredible future. But most of us will probably
procedure. What will Joe Public prefer? We Might this supersede the DVD? We will prob- continue with a couple of cheapo units cou-
don't know, and the problem is compounded ably need both, the hard disc for cable sup- pled, now, to a digital service of one sort or
by the fact that users differ considerably: plied information storage and retrieval, the another via a simple STB.
some will be prepaied to devote more time DVD as an inexpensive way of providing soft-
than others to exploring operational possibili- ware.
ties. What this means in terms of practical hard-
Correction
Do you make full use of your PC? I cer- The final line on page 206 in last month's
ware is all sorts of multimedia devices. They
issue failed to appear because of a glitch
tainly don't. Like many others I suspect, I use are already coming along. Pioneer has just between the editorial and printing comput-
a few simple routines that enable me to carry launched the first DVD recorder, while ers. It read "a transistor, but that's another
out the jobs I need to do. I haven't the time - Hitachi has a combi DVD-audio CD recorder story".
or, to be honest, the inclination - to sit down unit and Samsung a DVD/3D games player

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TELEVISION March 2000 259

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a full
se. New models new torso -
thee * Chstes something to
OW. So here we have the flen
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PHOENIX
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KIT1 86.96 Pace - PRD800,PRD900,PSR800,PSR900 Ferguson SRD5,SRD16,Grundig STR1, Mespro 5113260811,350811, Philips STU802/06M, Manhattan 860,960 Goodman
ST700, Toshiba TU-SD200,&kT99
KM 16.96 Pace. S8900,9200,9210,MRD920, Ferguson SRV1, druadig GIRD2000,3000, Philips STU801, Network 900,9200, Bush ERD150, Nokia SAT1500, Maspro SRE2508,36013,450S.Albe
SAT6600, Finlux SR8700, Thompson EIR84
KITS /.6.95 Amstrad - 8R510,520,540,E3RDR45,SRD550 KIT4 /.6.95 Amstrad SRD 500 KITS /.6.95 AmstradfiRX820.340 etc (export models)
KITS ICH Pace D100,120 KIT7 /6.96 Churchill D2MAC decoder KITS /6.96 Pace MSS100
KIT9 19.41 Pace MSS200,300,Apollo KIT10 113.11 Pace MSS500,1000 ETT11 15.95 Fergueon SR1)4,
KIT12 /16.46 Echostax SR5600(early PSU with adjuster) KIT13 120.71 Echostar SR6500,7700,8700 KITH 133.915 Amstrad 8110600
WT1517.55 Miretac (Sorenson PSU type only) KITH 0.95 Amstrad SRD700,8R960,101X100,301,501,1002,2001.8RD2000.SAT250
KIT 1716.96 BT 8VS800 KIT 18 /10.62 Amstrad SRD2000 KIT 19 /6.05 Bush IRD155
KIT 2016.96 Macpro ST 6 Orundlg 160,260,280,300 Matsui Rd600 Minerva tarsi £6.96 Amstrad 3110650
KIT231.9.96 PhIlip. STU909 IIIT28 17.95 Nokia SAT1700 (mainly surface mount) KIT26 111.96 Maapro ST -S

Economic Devices
32 Temple Street, Wolverhampton, WV2 4AN, UK Tele ++ 44 (0)1902 773122 Fax ++ 44 (0)1902 429052
 What
a Lite!
Where on earth did this strange crowd come from? Is it some sort of
clinic or a telly repair shop that Don runs? Donald Bullock's servicing
commentary
other morning I decided to go Walter Wainright came in carrying myself. I switched it on and found
The
fishing before work. So I made . his TV set. that it was dead. The 2.20 surge -
myself a flask of hot soup and limiter resistor R501 was open -cir-
another of hot coffee, wrapped up A Ticking Philips TV cuit and the 2SK2056 chopper tran-
well and arrived at the pool just "Hope you've got over whatever sistor short-circuit. I replaced them
before dawn. It was still and cold, was bothering you, Donald" he and switched on again. The unit
and a mist rolled gently over the said, then tapped his set. It was a flickered to life for a second then
surface of the pool. I tackled up, Philips Model 21ST1730/25B - the died. Steven noticed.
fixed my bait and swung it gently. GR2.1 chassis. "You should have checked R508
But instead of hearing it plop in, "Dead" he said, "no life at all. - the 47k0, 3W resistor there by
there was a scuffling noise. I No, I tell a lie. It's ticking. I tell a those two capacitors" he said. It
looked towards my floats and saw lie." was open -circuit. I replaced it and
that they were resting on ice. I When he'd departed I removed also the two items that had blown
should have stayed in bed. the back and checked the HT volt- up again. This time nothing at all
My glasses were misting up. age. It was pulsing between 30- happened when I switched on.
When I took them off to wipe them 60V. So I disconnected the feed to "Did you replace the TDA4605
they fell to the ground. As I bent the line output stage, by pulling out chopper control chip?" Steven
forward to retrieve them my flask the plug for the line scan coils, and asked, "it often fails with this fault."
of soup fell from the basket on to connected a 100W bulb as a load When I did as I was told the unit
my shin. I bawled out then heard instead. The set continued to tick. It sprang to life.
the crunch of glass. was clearly a power supply fault.
I was beginning to feel nasty, so I made some checks in the chop- A Monster TV
I decided stop an calm down. per control circuit and found that As I was boxing up the combi unit
Someone came threshing C2611 (68g, 25V) produced a the door of the shop flew open and
through the reeds. It was Walter high ESR reading. A replacement a monster TV set with legs stag-
Wainright, one of our customers, cured the fault. When I checked its gered in.
with his spinning rod. He recog- capacitance it was only slightly low "I'm Faggot, Ernie Faggot" it
nised me and smiled. at 61g. It was the resistance that croaked. As it settled on the
"Fancy seeing you here Don. had caused the problem. counter a tiny man appeared from
Lovely day, ennit? Makes you feel behind it.
good to be alive. Actually I have Video/TV Combi "Can't tell you how little it is"
my set in the car. Ticking. Caught Shortly afterwards William he said. "See what I mean?"
any?" Cramshaw called in with a Matsui "How little what is?" I asked.
I beckoned him over and said a TVNCR combi unit. I don't like He tapped the set. "This 'un. See
Very Rude Thing into his ear. He these combination models one bit. what I mean?"
jumped up and strode off. "What's up with it?" I asked. I looked at the set, which
That was enough. Time to get He scratched his brow. "Let me seemed very big to me, then at him.
back. When I arrived at the shop see now, just a moment, let me "Joo know, 'e ain't this big" he
Steven and Paul saw the fishing see . . ." said, holding his thumb and finger
tackle. There didn't seem much point in slightly apart. "See what I mean?"
"Catch anything?" Steven asked. carrying on with the interrogation. "Do you mean the picture is not
I shook my head. "One for you, eh?" I said to Paul. very high?" I asked.
"Well, I expect you enjoyed "Not me, Steven does tellys." "Course I do!" he replied, hold-
yourself, anyhow" he continued. I turned to Steven. "You can do ing up his hand again. "Little as
I said something that wasn't this one, can you?" I asked. this! See what I mean?"
very polite. They both breathed in "No, Paul does videos" he said. As he pranced off Steven
deeply and got on with their work. As I was getting nowhere I removed the set's back and went
As I was making a cup of tea decided to make a start on it straight to the field output chip.

262 March 2000 TELEVISION

 COMMENTARY

The set was a 28in. Baird Model control section. There are three, the
RR6890N. drive coupler C814 (1000, 50V)
"'Struth, I've never seen dry - and two LT reservoir capacitors,
joints like these" he exclaimed. He C818 (22µF, 100V) and C823
spent ten minutes resoldering them (10µF, 16V). Once replacements
then switched the set on. There was had been fitted the set fired up
full field scan, then it collapsed. As without any problems at all. It
there didn't seem to be anything joined the awaiting -collection pile.
else amiss he replaced the chip, a
TDA8172 (IC401). This time the Only so much
field scan came up and stayed up. Our next caller was a large, bullet -
headed man. He didn't seem to be
Fed up with it exactly sensitive. "Grype's the
Mrs Bison is a large lady. She was name" he hollered, "and I'm calling
wearing a fur coat and smoking a in about 'er." He jerked his thumb
pipe. Steven raised a polite smile as at his wife. "Sits in the dark for
he wove about through the haze. hours every night with a silly look
"I've brought my what's -it" she on her face. I mean, a man can take
announced, "you know, my thingu- only so much. A man can take only
majig." so much."
Steven's mouth moved a bit, but Mrs Grype blinked. Steven did-
words escaped him. n't know what to do. He coughed
"Right fed up with it I am" she and scratched the back of his neck.
continued. "All right to look at, but Paul decided to look for something
a pain in the neck. It's in the car under the counter. I clattered about
out there." in the scullery. When I returned
Steven and Paul went out and Steven was doing his best.
returned with a 28in. Philips set, "Er . . . I I. . . what . . ." he mut-
Model 28SL5770/05B. It was cer- tered. Then his face brightened.
tainly an attractive set, with its pol- "We repair television sets here Mr
ished teak -effect cabinet. Grype." Mr Featherpenny drew himself up to his full four foot eleven.
"Goes into standby just when 'e "I know" said Grype. "I want
wants to" she explained, "some- you to get ours to work. After all, a
times six times a night. Then 'e'll man can take only so much . ." . lowed by Ernie Faggot.
work all right for a month. Last The set was a 24in. Sony "Let me see now, let me see"
night 'e went off when Max KVX24WS1U (BE3B chassis). It said Cramshaw, "I've called for my
Bygraves came on. Course I didn't seems that Mrs Grype had been set. Let me see, where is it?"
mind that." watching an extremely dark picture "I've called for mine too" said
"Course not" I interrupted. for several weeks before the set Faggot, "see what I mean? I hope
Paul had a go at this one. He died. We found that the causes of it's ready. Only we've got visitors
tapped about the chassis endlessly the two faults were not related. tonight. See what I mean?"
and finally found that he could trig- The set was dead because R600 As Paul was dealing with these
ger the fault by very lightly tapping in the start-up circuit on the prim- customers Mrs Bison stumped in,
around in the line output stage area ary side of the power supply had followed by Albert Featherpenny
with a plastic trimming tool. failed. When this resistor was and the Grypes.
Shortly afterwards he localised the replaced the set came on but its pic- "Right" said Mrs Bison as she
cause of the trouble to the line driv- ture was so dark it was unwatch- tapped her pipe out on
er transformer. One of its pins was able, even in a dull light. Checks on Featherpenny's set, "where's my
dry -jointed. He had to use our giant the various supplies showed that bloody what's -it? You know, my
magnifier lens to see this. the 12V line was very low at only thingumajig?" She turned to Albert,
3V. The cause of the trouble was a "have you seen it, my thinguma-
Takes 'is time faulty MC7812 regulator, IC605. jig?"
"Don't get me wrong" Albert Once a replacement had been fitted Mr Featherpenny drew himself
Featherpenny said as he bowled in the set presented us with a picture up to his full four foot eleven. "I
with a Toshiba colour set. "I ain't of exceptional quality. certainly haven't, and I've no wish
saying 'e don't work like. All I'm to!" Then, as Mrs Bison gave him a
sayin' is that 'e takes 'is time. We Collections withering look, "mind" he said,
often 'as to switch him on two By now the shop floor was littered "don't get me wrong."
hours before a programme. And with repaired sets and Paul was "Mr Bullring" said Grype, "if I
sometimes 'he takes all of three having trouble stepping around could just have my set. It seems to
hours. But don't get me wrong. He them. Fortunately Walter Wainright be a bit of a madhouse here. How
allus do come on." put in an appearance. did you get all these nutters togeth-
Featherpenny's set was a "'Elio, 'ello Donald old fruit" he er?"
Toshiba 219T9B. Paul removed the said, "still playing the prat are we, I shone my nails on my lapel.
back and checked around in the or have you settled down now? "Influence" I said.
power supply section. As he could- You weren't in too good humour "My set please, Mr Bullring"
n't find any poor joints or loose this morning. No - I tell a lie, I tell continued Grype, "a man can take
connections he decided to replace a lie. You were downright nasty!" only so much."
the electrolytics on the primary side As Walter was paying up Well, at least we'd had a busy
of the main chopper circuit, in the William Cramshaw came in, fol- time and made a few pounds.

TELEVISION March 2000 263

 TELETOPICS
Record year for TV and Video sales
The latest figures from BREMA show boxes. Mr Peltor expects sales of 155,000 Digital Video models.
that 1999 was a record year for the IDTV sets to increase tenfold this Dixons has reported record trading,
TV/video trade, and there are signs year. with turnover for the 28 weeks to
that the boom conditions will continue VCR deliveries were a record November 13th up from £1.45bn to
throughout 2000. CTV sales in partic- 3.85m, but perhaps more significantly £1-72bn. The operating profit rose
ular were good. Deliveries to the trade DVD has proved to be a success with from £54.6m to £62.9m. But Dixons
were over 5.5m, of which 2.7m were deliveries of 235,000 players. DVD has announced a profits downgrade
small -screen and 2.8m large -screen software sales passed the 4m mark by for 2000 because of falling high -street
sets. This was a record for large - the end of the year, with disc sales prices. This applies particularly with
screen sets and, particularly notewor- over 1.4m in December alone (British mobile phones and computer games.
thy, widescreen set deliveries more Video Association figures). DVD is Phones that sold for £70 at Christmas
than doubled to some 852,000, an catching on at a faster rate than either 1998 were selling for £40 last
increase of more than 560,000. VHS or the CD. Camcorder deliveries Christmas. Colour portables have fall-
BREMA's director, Hugh Peltor, feels rose to 562,000 in 1999, still below en in price from about £120 to the £70
that this probably reflects the success the peak (580,000) reached in 1992. mark. Comet has also issued a warn-
of digital pay -TV, with 'free' set -top The camcorder figures include ing about pressure on margins.

Pioneer launches first DVD recorder

Pioneer has launched, in Japan, the first specific scenes. The Video Recording copy prerecorded DVD titles. Other
domestic DVD recorder, Model Format (VRF) version 1.0 standard features include a Disc Navi system that
DVR1000. It uses the DVD-RW format used is not compatible with existing provides an on -screen index of record-
which, with DVD-RAM, is part of the DVD-Video players however - they ings, component video output sockets, a
official DVD standard for recording. cannot read the format's complex table DTS audio stream, four -step fast for-
Up to six hours of video can be record- of contents. But future Pioneer DVD ward/reverse, slow-motion, a commer-
ed on a 4.7Gbyte disc, with picture recorders will also be able to record in a cial -skip function and timer recording.
quality decreasing as the storage time video mode that is compatible with The DVR1000 costs the Japanese
increases. The discs can be used and DVD-Video equipment. equivalent of about £1,300, the discs
reused some 1,000 times. Edit and shift The recorder has Dolby Digital costing some £17 each. Pioneer plans to
features are available, including erase, sound and conforms to various copy - launch DVD recorders in Europe early
combine, divide, move and playback of protection systems, so users cannot next year.

Video products decoder and DTS compatibility. The cal zoom (10x) and digital magnifica-
Hitachi has launched the first com- Hitachi Illumina TV range is the tion to 100x.
bined DVD-Video player/audio-CD world's first to use CRTs for rear pro- Samsung launched the Extiva 'all -
recorder, Model DVW1E. CDs can be jection with a widescreen display. in -one' entertainment station at the Las
copied at double speed and there are There is also a digitally -generated pro- Vegas WCES. It includes a DVD play-
analogue and digital inputs. Features gressive -scan option that's claimed to er, 3D games player and interactive
include Hitachi's Disc Navigation sys- provide better detail and increased dis- functions. 'Visual music' and 'infinite
tem, digital noise reduction, a 2x/4x play stability. There are two models, motion zoom' are amongst the
zoom, a built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 the 55in. C55WP910TN and 43in. advanced features incorporated. It is
C43WP910TN. expected to sell at about $500 in the
Sharp has launched what is claimed USA. Sale in Korea and Europe is
to be the world's smallest DVD player, scheduled to begin in the second half of
Model DVL70S. Features include a the year. Samsung has launched a free -
7in. LCD screen, Digital Super Picture to -air digital terrestrial receiver, Model
which Sharp says provides sharper pic- WS32W6DT, in the UK. It incorpo-
tures by adjusting the brightness and rates an interface socket to enable an
contrast, Virtual Dolby Surround, industry -standard CA module to be
Dolby Digital, MPEG-2 and DTS added for subscription TV. Features
audio outputs. A playing time of up to include a 32in. widescreen CRT,
three and a half hours is possible with a 100Hz scanning, Virtual Dolby
lithium -ion battery. Sharp has also Surround sound and compatibility with
introduced a new palm -sized mini cam- the ITV/BBC MHEG-5 digital text ser-
corder, Model VLSD2OH, that weighs vices. Users can upgrade to full Dolby
just 560g. Features include an f1.8 lens, Pro -Logic sound by adding extra
a 770,000 pixel CCD imager, an opti- speakers.
The Sharp VLSD2OH mini camcorder.

26-1 March 2000 TELEVISION

 TELETOPICS

Business/trade news
Thomson Multimedia UK (Ferguson) has moved from its traditional Enfield
location to West Mailing, Kent. The service, spares and all other departments
have relocated to the new offices at 30 Tower View, Kings Hill, West Mailing,
Kent ME19 4NQ. Phone no. is 01732 520 920, fax 01732 520 901.
Test and measurement equipment specialist Vann Draper Electronics Ltd.
has moved to new, larger premises in a Grade II listed building just south of
Derby. The new address is Vann Draper Electronics Ltd., Stenson House,
Stenson, Derby DE73 lFIL. Phone 01283 704 706, fax 01283 704 707, e-mail
sales @ vanndraper.co.uk
Onwa Electronics (UK), which has been assembling TV sets at the Simon
Side Industrial Park, South Shields since 1993, has gone into receivership.
Grant Thornton, joint administrative receiver, reports that several companies
have expressed an interest in acquiring the business.
Willow Vale Electronics Ltd. has released an updated CD-ROM catalogue,
issue 7, that includes 20,000 new products. For further information phone
0118 986 0158.
U -View has made Television Servicing Five available in CD-ROM form at
£79. The CD-ROM version offers a zoom facility (magnification up to 1,600
per cent on circuit diagrams), extra information, index hyperlinks and circuit BS Manufacturing's latest cordless soldering iron, Model
diagram navigation. Work is progressing on Book Six and other develop- P100, provides precision heating power (up to 120W)
ments. For further information contact U -View Technical Publishers, Unit 3F, despite being a tiny (19cm long), pen -style tool that weighs
Plumtree Farm Industrial Estate, Bircotes, Doncaster, Yorkshire DN11 8EW. just 57g. It costs about £18 (IRE22) and can be purchased
Phone 01302 719 997, fax 01302 719 995. on-line at www.vulkangt.com or from distributors.
A number of new/updated publications are available from ECS. There's the The P100 uses catalytic conversion for most of its appli-
third edition of the Equivalents Guide Book at £6.95. This updated work con- cations, delivering heat to the tip via infra -red radiation.
tains 7,500 entries including a TV model to chassis listing and TV, VCR, cam- The fuel, stored in the translucent handle, is liquid butane/
corder, satellite and monitor equivalents guides. Edition 23 of the Fault Index propane gas. A squirt from a gas canister refills the tank,
Books at £14.75 lists over 14,000 TV, VCR, video, satellite, camcorder and each refill providing about 45 minutes of continuous use at
monitor faults based on reports in Television. The company also provides a typical setting. Gas -flow regulation, by means of a slider,
databases in floppy disk form. Fault Indexes on Disk version 1.9 is priced at provides fine adjustment down to 20W. There's a wide
£17.50: it indexes 22,500 TV, VCR, camcorder, satellite, CD and monitor range of attachments. For further details contact BS
faults that have appeared during the last twenty years in Television. Kwik Tips Manufacturing Ltd., Strawhall Industrial Estate, Carlow,
on Disk version 1.1 at £22.95 contains edited TV and VCR fault reports - Ireland. Phone +353 (0)503 41340, fax +353 (0)503 40363, or
20,000 entries covering 1,435 chassis and models. For further details contact e-mail
ECS (Technical Publishing), 316 Upton Road, Noctorum, Wirral, Mersyside sales@vulkangt.com
L43 9RW. Phone/fax 0151 522 0053.

News from SEME

ONdigital Finding a high -quality replacement TV or monitor LOPT
ONdigital subscription sales reached Viewers will be able to buy a wireless quickly is vital for many repairs to be cost-effective. As a
552,000 at the end of 1999, a 34 per keyboard and send/receive messages very helpful aid SEME is offering free, to trade customers
cent increase since September. The via their TV sets for the price of a local only, the very latest HR Diemen LOPT cross-reference cata-
total includes 15,000 users who call. Internet access is also to be pro- logue, edition 9. It lists thousands of LOPTs for hundreds of
have signed contracts but have still vided, but will probably not arrive brands and also provides cross-references to chopper trans-
to activate their cards and 10,000 until second -generation boxes with formers, triplers and coils. HR Diemen manufactures LOPTs
STBs installed without subscriptions faster modems are available. that are supplied to many setmakers, a guarantee of first-class
(dealers, staff etc.). ONdigital ONdigital and SDN (S4C Digital quality. Phone the SEME sales hotline on 01664 484 000 for
expects to pass the million mark dur- Networks) have signed an agreement your copy of the catalogue.
ing 2000, half way to its break-even to provide a pay -per -view service, For the second year in succession SEME will be attending
point. Investment to date has been ONrequest, which will offer up to the ER Show, which is being held at the NEC, Birmingham
£211m. Pre -paid boxes accounted five channels of movies and other during March 26 -28th. The company will be demonstrating
for 50 per cent of sales during events via SDN's multiplex A. The its new SALI CD-ROM active -link catalogue. This user-
December - customers pay £119 for service is expected to start this spring friendly CD catalogue lists more than 750,000 products,
an STB and a one-year subscription and will be available to both many with pictures and some with exploded -view diagrams.
to six channels. ONdigital subscribers and free -to -air SEME's new ProVision 8 modular CCTV surveillance sys-
Field trials of the company's e-mail TV viewers. A subscription module tem, which is suitable for homes and small businesses, will
service, ONmail, are now in progress: that plugs into an IDTV set is also be demonstrated. You will find SEME at Stand 30 in
the service is expected to be launched promised for May. It will be free to Hall 12, where you will have the opportunity of entering a
during the first half of the year. subscribers. prize draw.

Satellite TV a week and almost 128,000 orders were pro- vice is currently broadcasting Euronews,
Nearly half of SkyDigital's subscribers have cessed. More than 350,000 viewers have reg- Fashion TV, RAI Uno, RTP International,
used the Open interactive TV service at least istered for Open's free e-mail service. TV5, ZDF and two RFI radio channels at
once a week since it started in October. Over Eutelsat has launched a new free -to -air 11.387GHz H. Eutelsat has ordered a new
a million visits were made during the pre - digital multiplex via its W3 satellite at 7°E. satellite which is expected to go into service
Christmas period, when sales exceeded Elm Called "The Best of Eutelsat", the new ser- as Atlantic Bird 2 at 8°W in mid -2001.

TELEVISION March 2000 265

 Satellite Notebook
The SkyDigital NPTV has been carried out, you call the able". The solution is to leave the
viewing card NPTV viewing number 0870 243 digibox switched to ch. 101
Mr Miller lives in an area where 8000 and give the customer's overnight (the subscriber call centre
the terrestrial TV signals are very address details and the serial num- advice is to leave it on ch. 101 for
poor. Now that digital TV is here, ber of the digibox. The latter is up to six hours). By the following
he wanted better reception. But available from the 'system details' morning BBC1 should have
Reports from there are no digital terrestrial TV sub -menu, after entering the 'sys- appeared. Once this has happened,
signals in his area, and he*didn't tem set-up' menu. Occasionally the selecting ch. 101 on any subsequent
Christopher Holland
want to subscribe to SkyDigital. digibox version number is required occasion will produce BBC1. Why
Hugh Cocks and There's a solution to the problem: as well. It can also be found in the the initial delay? Apparently it's
Michael Maurice you can use a Sky digibox with the system details menu. An NPTV because BBC1 is regionalised and
little-known NPTV (non -pay TV) viewing card, which has to be acti- the card has to obtain authorisation
viewing card. It provides reception vated, will arrive within a few days. for the correct area - this depends
of the terrestrial UK channels (and The card is of similar appearance to on the post code number.
more) with the exception of the the standard SkyDigital card - the The channels available with an
ITV channels - to prevent unautho- service is administered by Sky on NPTV card are shown in the
rised reception outside the UK, behalf of the UK FTA channels. accompanying table. Channels that
these are not available as free -to -air Activation can be carried out via are encrypted require the card to be
satellite channels. The cost of the the installation menu, with the digi- inserted. The various shopping and
card is covered by the licence fee. box calling Sky, or the NPTV some other channels between EPG
You don't have to sign a view- viewing number can be rung and numbers 650-700 are also avail-
ing contract to obtain a card, but a the card activated over the phone. able. Radio stations between EPG
digibox must have been installed - During this procedure the receiver numbers 911-935 are available,
the interactive Open TV contract has to be left tuned to ch.109, UK with the exception of Talk Radio
subsidises the cost of the decoder Gold. Prior to activation, on -screen (918) which requires a minimum
provided there's a telephone line message number four, "this card is Sky viewing subscription (£6.99
connection to it, and can be taken not authorised, call your broadcast- per month). C.H.
up if required. Once the installation er for assistance", appears. This is a
bit confusing, because UK Gold is Pace MSS100
not part of the NPTV package. This receiver lives at the top of a
Channels available with Once the card has been activated cupboard for several months a year
the NPTV card. message 04 disappears. Instead, while its owner is away. When
"press select for subscription being extracted from its hibernation
EPG no. Channel upgrade" appears at the bottom of recently it fell about a metre on to a
the screen. You get the same mes- hard floor. The bottom front of the
101 BBC1 sage with a standard Sky card on cabinet was cracked, and some rat-
102 BBC2 channels that don't form part of the tling noises were heard from inside.
104 Ch. 4 subscription package. Fortunately the owner hadn't tried
105 Ch. 5 Once this message is seen the to switch the receiver on in this
160 BBC Choice NPTV channels can be viewed. condition. There was no obvious
181 Travel They have the same EPG (electron- damage to the PCB, and the rattling
327 TCM ic programme guide) numbers as noises were produced by some
501 Sky News with a standard Sky viewing card. pieces of black plastic from the
507 BBC News 24 BBC1 (ch. 101) is usually quite lower section of the case.
508 Parliament slow to produce a picture after card As the receiver was an early one
513 CNN activation. BBC2, Ch. 4 and Ch. 5 (the date coding on the bottom indi-
553 BBC Knowledge are often there, but selecting ch. cated 1995) I replaced the large
691 God channel 101 produces only a stern message electrolytic capacitors in the power
694 Inspiration saying "this channel is not avail- supply and removed the piece of

266 March 2000 TELEVISION

 SATELLITE

screening foil from the inside bot- this link is missing, patterning will (continental) or 6MHz (UK) sound
tom of the case - in the past I've be seen on the picture when the subcarrier. Modern digital
had intermittent faults that were cover is replaced. receivers, though not the Sky digi-
caused by component legs punctur- Some case repairs had to be box, have software control of the
ing this insulation layer. done with a hot -glue gun. In future sound subcarrier and UHF channel
When the receiver was powered the receiver will be stored in a frequency - there's no modulator
the mains bridge rectifier's 471.1.F place nearer to ground level! H.C. coil that you can twiddle! World-
reservoir capacitor charged up but wide audio subcarrier selection
that was all. A detailed examination Echostar SR90 VideoCrypt (4.5, 5.5, 6 or 6.5MHz) is via the
of the PCB revealed that the link receiver installation menu. H.C.
between D18 and the 7812 12V I'd never come across one of these
regulator was broken. I fixed it, but receivers before. This one was Pace MSS300
this wasn't the main problem - dead. When I checked inside I This receiver was dead with the
with the 12V regulator disconnect- found that the construction had a chopper transistor short-circuit. So
ed the receiver will power up and, Far Eastern look about it. The I fitted the Pace upgrade kit - it's
usually, display the blue `no signal' mains fuse was intact, and there the same as the PRD800 one but
message though a signal is present. was a fairly standard chopper -type with different component reference
The mains transformer was in power supply. Two 56L.Q, 1W numbers. When I switched the
good condition and the PCB tracks resistors were connected in series receiver on again it remained dead.
to it appeared to be in good order, on the PCB, adjacent to the mains It didn't help that the customer had
but resistance checks showed that rectifier's reservoir capacitor. After got a camera/ printer engineer to try
the connection between one of its discharging the latter I checked the to fix the receiver: he had replaced
pins and the TOP202 chopper IC two resistors and found that one D13 with an unknown type! I
was open -circuit. A soldered link them had gone high in value. It replaced R65 (4.752) and D11/12/
restored normal results. seemed best to replace them both: 13 (all type 1N4148) but the receiv-
The metal earthing spring when this had been done the receiv- er still wouldn't start up. The new
between the top of the tuner and the er sprang to life. chopper transistor was short-circuit
metal layer inside the top cover I noticed that the UHF modula- base -to -emitter. Once I'd fitted a
couldn't be found: I soldered a tor at the rear of the unit had a slid- new BUT1 LA transistor the receiv-
stout piece of wire in its place. If er switch for selection of a 5.5MHz er came to life. M.M.

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TELEVISION March 2000 267

 John Coombes on how to tackle the

Servicing various fault symptoms you could

encounter with this VCR

the JVC HRD720

The JVC Model HRD720 was introduced in 1991. Tape threads but won't play, possibly intermittent:
It's a well -made, two -speed VCR that's worth Check that the pinch roller engages after threading, then
repair. The following is a summary of the faults if necessary for some other mechanical cause - there
I've encountered with it. The deck is the JVC M3. could be a broken nylon gear or faulty drive to loading
gear.
Mechanical Faults The cause of the fault could lie in the mechacon cir-
Poor recording/fuzzy picture: Head wear is likely to cuit. Check that IC601's supply (5V at pin 1) is correct,
be the cause. If the picture is marred by interference then its inputs and outputs. If necessary check IC601
rather than being of overall poor quality, the cause is (M37524M3-151SP) by replacement.
more likely to be dirt on the drum or somewhere in the
tape path. If the drum has to be replaced, ensure that the No drum rotation: Check that power is reaching the
correct one is ordered - different models in the range drum. If not check CP401 (ICP-F15). Check the drum
use different heads. drive assembly, which is usually replaced with the
motor.
Picture marred by interference: Provided the input A full investigation in this area is requires the use of an
signal is OK, also the TV set being used for the display, oscilloscope to check the coil drive waveforms and the
the cause is likely to be dust, dirt or faulty/worn heads. outputs from the Hall elements. This is all part of the
Clean the heads and tape path. Check that the threading drum motor assembly, which comes as a complete unit.
is OK. If necessary replace the drum.
Tape damage/tangling: Check whether the reel and/or
Irregular noise bars on picture: Check and adjust the loading belts are broken or stretched, then whether the
tape path and that the heads and tape path are clean. pinch roller is worn. Check the tape path: clean if nec-
essary then check adjustments and pressures - look for
Loss of sound -picture sync: This is caused by the tape sticky moving parts. The brake shoes. might need to be
path between the sound and video heads being incorrect. replaced.
The most common cause is a damaged loading arm. If
the path is too short, the sound precedes the picture and Drum rotates too fast: Check whether the motor drive
vice versa. is correct. If OK, check the motor. The cause is most
likely to be in the electronic circuitry however. Check
Squeaks: Check mechanical drive conditions and that the conditions at the pins of the HD49733NT servo chip
items such as the head spring are centred correctly and IC401. If these are OK the chip must also be OK. In this
not touching the sides. Check flywheels and tape drive case check the brake drive.
mechanisms. A little grease on the finger tip will often
work wonders. Check for plastic rubbing, and look for Shaky sound: Check mechanical parts such as belts,
stickiness in moving parts. take-ups, clutches etc. for wear. If replacement of any
worn items fails to cure the fault, check the capstan
Machine goes to rewind or rewinds when any key is motor drive. If the connections and driver chip are OK,
pressed: The end sensor unit is probably faulty. check the motor by replacement.

No rewind and/or fast forward: Check the reel belt Periodic noise on TV display: The audio -control head
then, if necessary, the switch assembly by replacement. could be dirty or worn. If it's OK, check at pins 29 and
30 of the HD49733NT servo chip IC401. No voltage or
Mechanical/electronic faults incorrect conditions here could meant that the chip is
This section deals with symptoms that could have either faulty. Check the tape transport path if the capstan servo
a mechanical or an electronic cause. is OK.

One function not working: Check that the VCR is load- Failure to record: If mechanical operation is OK,
ing correctly. If not, check the mode switch which could check the conditions around the video record/playback
be faulty or incorrectly positioned. If necessary check processor chip IC1 (JCP0016-2) then if necessary the
that the mechacon chip IC601 is operating correctly. mechacon chip IC601.

268 March 2000 TELEVISION

 VIDEO

18
D14 + R16
114
C18
33
4132-- 22
17
015 + 63V,77 I63V
C19
270
25V
.. C20
220
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ICP-N20
016
FML- 12S CN 2
TP2 nt, 05 - 9 48V
16 CP2 2661425
8 120
-Motor
L__ 13V
023 c''''C21 oC22 10k - 6 God
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05
100p gab
1kVomo RD15ES-
/V. 1000
116V 16V
1k: 1070
5 God
AU01 T181
,; 4 6V
3 Gnd cm)
Motor
470 - 17V
32
lic 'TM To main
B
10k .047 PCB
2 330

1k

017 ICP- N20

FMB- 24
r---1 TP1
CPI

01 2
L__J C24 C31
2504304
1200 1000
14 10V 10V

15
C251

C26 --MTZ33AT-77
47 33
3 SOV 35V 251
12
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DO
8+ R21
-4 Gnd
47 R2
10 D21+ 137
6nB 560 5 4.8V+
1k2 C29
C28 6 4.8V -
120 00
gr6.3V T63V To
11 timer/display
MTZ27BT PCB
02 -77 01
2SC3616 11.8k

470 7

Mains PCI
AC PC1116
D22
* -022/250V safety 442k MTZV6.2A
II II
001/250V safety IC1 LM3585
01
10k

AUOIZ ID 6 0 51

Machine switches itself off: Check that the mechacon fault. Check the conditions at the pins of IC601. If nec- Fig. 1: The chop-
chip IC601 is receiving correct information from all essary check it by replacement. per power supply
sources and that its supply and the clock/data lines are If the search is too fast, check the above points then the circuit used in the
OK. A mechanical fault could be the cause of the shut- conditions around the servo chip IC401. Check for dry - JVC Model
down. joints, and check the components in the path from this IC. HRD720 VCR.

Rewind faults: If the machine won't rewind to the end, The Power Supply
has trouble starting or leaves a loop or loose tape when Fig. 1 shows the chopper power supply circuit. Further
rewind stops, check the belts which could be worn or regulators and the power on/off switching arrangement
misaligned, then the clutches for wear. For any of these are on the main panel, see Fig. 2. The main items here
faults or failure to rewind automatically, check the sup- are Q802 which produces an unswitched 5.8V supply,
ply to the end sensors, then check from the sensors to Q803 which produces a switched 5V supply and IC801
the mechacon chip IC601. If the output from this chip is which produces the unswitched 5V supply for the
incorrect, replace it. mechacon and other circuitry. On/off switching is car-
ried out by Q801 which produces a switched 12V sup-
Faulty search: This usually means incorrect operation ply: the on/off switching signal from pin 47 of the
of the reel belt driven by the capstan motor. If its rota- mechacon chip IC601 is applied to its base.
tion is too fast there will be only lines on the TV screen,
if it's too slow the search will be slowed, if stopped the No results, mains fuse Fl (1AT) blown: Check the
picture will stop. Check the belt then the clutch assem- mains bridge rectifier diodes D1-4 (4 x 10E6 -F2) and
bly and the supply/take-up spools - lubricate the spin- the mains filter capacitors C2 and C3 (both 0.022µF).
dles if they are noisy or sticky, preventing free move-
ment. The mechacon circuit could be responsible for the No 48V supply: If the 48V supply is missing at pin 9 of

TELEVISION March 2000 269

 VIDEO

CN2 check D14 (AUO1Z), C18 (33µF, 63V), R16 (470 consists of gibberish in colour, check the DC conditions
safety) and C32 (22µF, 63V). at the pins of IC I. Otherwise check the erase heads and
the drive to them. This also applies when recordings are
No 12V supply: There should be 12V at pin 8 of CN2. partial, with some of the original recording left.
If nat, check CP2 (ICP-N20). If it's open -circuit and a If the recorder will not make timed recordings, check
replacement fails, check zener diode D23 (RD15ES- the DC conditions at the pins of IC1 (UPD75217CW-
T1B1) and C21 (1,000µF, 16V). If CP2 is OK, check 073) on the timer/display panel then if necessary at the
D16 (FML12S) and if necessary the DC conditions pins of the mechacon chip IC601 on the main panel.
around the regulator transistor Q5 (2SB1425-EU). Either chip could be faulty.
See also colour faults.
No 6V supply: There should be 6V at pin 4 of CN2. If
this supply is missing, check CP1 (ICP-N20), D17 E -E faults: If there's a hum bar on the E -E picture
(FMB24), C24 (1,200pF, 10V) and C31 (1,000g, check the DC conditions at the pins of IC1 (LA7575) in
10y). the tuner section. DI (E452-2) could be faulty. If neces-
sary carry out a systematic check on the diodes and
Electronic Faults capacitors in this area.
No functions: Check that the mechacon chip IC601 For no E -E sound check the DC conditions at IC1 and
(M37524M3-151SP) is receiving its 5V supply at pin 1. for dry -joints and open -circuit components in the signal
This comes from the UPC24MOHF 5V regulator IC801. path.
Check that the conditions at IC601's reset pin 28 are Interference on the E -E sound is sometimes experi-
correct. If not, check zener diode D602 enced. First try to adjust it out. Then if necessary check
(HZS8.2EB2TJ), C603 (1g, 50V), R603 (4.7k0) and the capacitors in the IF circuitry. Note that adjustments
R604 (10L52). Check the voltages at the pins of IC601, to the coils in this area can be tricky. If adjustment has
then if necessary the chip itself by replacement. The no effect and the interference is fairly constant irrespec-
CAT35C104P-023 memory chip IC602 is also suspect. tive of picture content, check IC1 by replacement. For a
Check that the on/off switching works. IC601 produces faint buzz the official recommendation is to try fitting
the on/off output at pin 47. It's applied to the base of an attenuator and adjustment of the vision detector cir-
Q801 (2SB1425EU) in the regulation section of the cuit. Even this will rarely eliminate a faint buzz alto-
main panel gether.

Switches to record during playback: This could be a No record/E-E vision or sound: Check the aerial and
remote control unit fault. The most likely cause within TV sockets, and that the tuner is receiving power and a
the VCR is the mechacon chip IC601. signal input. If so the tuner is suspect, but it's best to
carry out scope checks along the signal path - tuner,
No loopthrough signals, maybe one channel only: SAWF and IC1 (LA7575). This IC could be faulty, but
Check the aerial connection and the switching in this first check for 10V at pin 9 - the supply comes via Q3
area. The mechacon chip IC601 is suspect but check for and Q 1 . Check the VCO coil T 1 . Look for dry -joints
dry -joints in this area. If all channels are affected the and broken print/connections in this area. Video muting
aerial socket has almost certainly been damaged. is carried out by Q18 (DTC144EU) and Q5 (2SK381C),
audio muting by Q16 (DTC144EU).
Noise bar on picture: Once the supply lines have been
cleared, check the DC conditions at the pins of the Luminance faults: Check the DC conditions around
HD49733NT servo chip IC401. IC1 (JCP0016-2) on the main panel. If this chip has to
be replaced, adjustments will be necessary. This
Tape speeds up erratically: Clean and check the cap- requires an oscilloscope, frequency counter and a DC
stan motor. Check that the capstan FG signal is present power supply. It's advisable only in the workshop, with
at pin 37 of IC401. If missing, trace back. Check for the full service manual.
hairline cracks in the capstan servo circuitry. Nearly all electrical adjustments require workshop
equipment and the full service manual for the necessary
Playback faults: If there is no playback picture check instructions.
the DC conditions at the pins of IC1 (JCP0016-2) on the
video board. Otherwise check back from the output. Colour faults: IC1 (JCP0016-2) can be responsible for
If the picture or colour shakes from side -to -side, check various faults such as no playback and/or record colour,
the motor connections, that the supplies are stable and intermittent colour and poor playback and/or record
the servo adjustments, then the conditions around the colour. Check the DC conditions around this chip, also
servo chip IC401 - check voltages and if necessary the for dry -joints in this area. Make sure that there is 5V at
chip be replacement. pin 15 of IC1.
If the display has no line sync or excessive horizontal Either C71 (0.0027g) or LPF3 open -circuit will
sway, check the drum FG/PG waveform (4.2V p -p) at remove the playback colour.
pin 9 of IC401. If this is OK, check the voltages at pins If the above points are OK, a scope is required for sig-
5-9 of IC401 then suspect the chip. nal tracing in the relevant path.
If there's no playback sound, look for short- or open - For record colour faults trace the signal back from
circuits and dry -joints in the audio playback circuit. TP205. Tuning drift will remove the colour in the record
See also colour faults. mode.

Record faults: If the machine's recordings consist of a Tuner faults: For drift, try retuning then suspect the
blank screen with the sound all right, check the video 33V stabiliser D2 (HZT33-02). Alternatively the tuner
head terminals. Presence of signals here indicates that could be faulty. Tuner drift will result in loss of record-
the heads are faulty. Otherwise trace back through the ed colour and sound. For signal/intermittent signal prob-
video circuitry to IC1 (JCP0016-2). If the recording lems, check the aerial input through to the tuner, then its

270 March 2000 TELEVISION

 VIDEO

Q801 Switched
12V
2581425 12V

power supplies. If incorrect tuning voltage is the fault. C803

100
first check the unswitched 48V supply then DI (E452- C804
100 Ok
16V
6.3V
2), D2 and C8 (10g, 50V). Intermittent operation sug- Power
on/off
gests the presence of dry -joints or cracks in this area.
Failure to change channels, possibly intermittent, also 9802
2SC 7400 5.8V
points to dry -joints and D2.

Clock faults: Check for dry -joints on the timer/display

panel. If timer/clock data is missing at CN2, ICI C805
100
D801
(UPD75217CW-073) is suspect though crystal X1 could Fig. 2: Regulator
he faulty or dry -jointed. First check that ICI's 5V sup- 15 and power switch-
ply is present at pin 64. It comes from regulator IC101 ing circuitry on the
(GPI U541X) via D7. Note that ICI can be affected by main PCB.
Sw;Cched
interference, lightning and other influences. It is thus 6V 5V
advisable to check whether the clock can be restarted, 9
01...C808
by switching off at the mains then restarting, before con- 10k 100
5.3V
demning the chip.
The display unit FDP101 can be responsible for no
display, loss of digits or loss of complete numbers. First
check that data is reaching it from IC 1.
Check X I and ICI if the clock gains or loses time. 20C17405
9804
1C801
UPC24M05HF
Remote Control Unit 5V

The first, obvious, check when operation is faulty is the

batteries and their connections. The contacts could be 0811
100
dry -jointed to the PCB. If necessary check for dry -joints 6.3V
at LED I. LED2, XI (32.768kHz) and CFI (400kHz). If
the processor chip is faulty it's best to replace the hand-
L5051
set.

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TELEVISION March 2000 271

Rebuilding battery packs
packs appear to have the weight and
impregnability of a house brick,
they had to be assembled at some
stage. And anything that's once
been put together can always be
taken apart - somehow! If you are
lucky, the outer casing will be
screwed together, as some high -end
computer battery packs are. Usually
however you'll be faced with either
a rigid plastic casing that's been
welded or glued together or a pack
of shrink-wrapped cells.
Before you go any further, assum-
ing that the work is being done for a
customer, you must make him/her
fully aware that the job may not be
successful. Otherwise, even though
the unit may be scrap, a certain type
of customer will not hesitate about
taking legal action with a view to
getting you to replace the dud pack
with a brand new one - free!
When you are faced with a
`sealed' pack the first task is to
examine it thoroughly to discover
A major expense incurred with high-tech portable where it has been glued or welded
together. Having found the joint,
equipment is battery pack replacement. It's possible carefully prise it apart by working
to save on this by rebuilding a pack. Pete Roberts around it with something like a
sharp Stanley knife or a scalpel.
explains how to go about it Take great care not to penetrate the
pack: not only would you run the

0
risk of skewering a cell, but most
ne of the major expenses battery's capacity), is now known to battery packs contain other neces-
involved in owning today's cause cells to dry out prematurely. sary bits and pieces that you could
high-tech portable equip- When I was faced with the cost of damage - we'll come to them later.
ment is that of replacing recharge- replacing both my elderly Motorola Puncturing a cell can be very dan-
able battery packs, particularly personal phone's battery pack (at gerous. Some years ago I used
when the pattern of use results in a about £25) and the one fitted to my repair speedway ignition boxes that
shortening of the battery's design Leading Edge laptop (nearly £100) I frequently needed their sub -C
life. Camcorders, mobile phones decided that I had nothing to lose by NiCad cells replacing. As these
and laptop computers are commonly attempting to rebuild both packs. were potted in silicone rubber, they
programmed to switch off when Incidentally I've tried all ways of had to be literally dug out with an
their supply voltage is low, which reactivating duff cells in the past, old screwdriver. Many a time I
will be long before the battery has including interesting methods of punctured a cell, the result being a
been fully discharged. On the other blasting dendrites with a 10,0001.1F spurt of electrolyte. Short-circuiting
hand batteries are often left on capacitor. I found that 'reactivated' the internal structure also led to a
charge long after full charge has cells may work all right for a while few burn -ups. This was a job I
been achieved. Repeated partial dis- but soon fall back into their old always did outside, whatever the
charge seriously reduces battery ways, particularly in a high -current weather - with my face and eyes
capacity with NiCad packs - the so- application such as a laptop compu- well protected. A face full of caustic
called 'memory effect' - while con- ter. potash electrolyte would leave you
tinued overcharging, previously badly scarred.
thought to be safe at the C/10 rate Getting in Shrink-wrapped packs are easier to
(charging current in milliamperes The first task is to find a way into handle. It's fairly easy to feel the
numerically equal to one tenth of the the offending unit. While some gap between the rows of cells. Make

272 March 2000 TELEVISION

 BATTERIES

a slit down one of these gaps, again

taking care not to damage the other
items that will almost certainly be
present between cells.

What's inside
Once you've opened the pack you
will be confronted with the cells
together with (usually) some form
of sensing device that signals to the
charger when a full -charge condi-
tion has been reached and, in larger
packs, a fuse. All the systems I've
come across sense the rise in tem-
perature that occurs at the end of the
charging cycle. The sensor could be
anything from a thermistor, or a for-
ward -biased 1N4148 diode with the ity. A good example of this is the D ing of any low -capacity cells during Fig.1: National
charger monitoring its junction volt- cell size: a standard consumer D cell discharge of the pack. When charg- LM35 tempera-
age, to something like the dedicated has a capacity of 1.2Ah whereas the ing, any under -par cells could over- ture -sensing
National LM35 temperature -sensing industrial version has a much larger charge and heat up. If the tempera- chip in a laptop
chip used in my laptop computer capacity at 4Ah. You need to use ture sensor picks this up, charging computer bat-
(see Fig. 1). The large metal block at tery pack.
industrial versions anyway, as con- will be terminated prematurely. If it
the other end of the pack is the ther- sumer cells generally don't have isn't, the weak cell could explode -
mal fuse (see Fig. 2). This is wired solder tags. Never solder directly to with the battery pack and charger
in series with the cells and is intend- a cell, as doing this could melt the (and perhaps the user) prematurely
ed to go open -circuit with excess internal plastic separators. There terminated instead.
current as well as excessive temper- could then be an internal short, with
ature. If no form of sensor is appar- the accompanying risk of fire or an Putting it all back together
ent, the charger may measure the explosion. Once you have obtained replace-
terminal voltage to determine the ment cells the interesting bit starts:
state of charge. Replacements putting it all back together.
Suitable replacements are readily Individual cells will almost certain-
Cell removal available from industrial electronic ly have been assembled into
The next job is to remove the cells. suppliers RS and Farnell as well as `sticks', i.e. a number of cells
Carefully extract the cell 'nest' from CPC. Don't take size for granted. mounted nose -to -tail, or 'plates', i.e.
the casing. Make a careful sketch of After confirming the cell type and cells mounted side -by -side. If you
the disposition of the cells and their capacity, measure the size of the are lucky, the cells you require may
solder tags, together with the posi- original cells as accurately as you be available already preassembled
tions of temperature sensors and can. Order those of identical or, if in sticks that contain the correct
other items, then gently split the not available, a slightly smaller size. number of cells. Otherwise you will
assembly apart, noting where cells Bear in mind that the size of a given have to remake the sticks by solder-
have been glued together and where type of cell does vary slightly from ing cells together in series. Take
adhesive tape has been used to rein- brand to brand. care over polarity - it's very easy to
force the assembly. Incidentally Don't even think of replacing only wire in a cell backwards - and make
when desoldering a thermal fuse the faulty cells. Always replace the the soldered joints as quickly as pos-
you must use some form of heat - lot. If new cells are mixed with old sible. Fig. 2: Battery
shunt. Most of those used in battery ones there's a risk of reverse charg- If the original stick was fitted in a pack thermal
packs operate at considerably below fuse.
100°C, while standard 60/40 solder
melts at around 170°C. You must of
course take careful note of the inter -
cell connections, and retain any
pieces of insulating material. Some
battery packs use high -temperature
cells. If so, the same type must be
used as replacements.

Cell types
A lot of small battery packs, such as
those used by mobile phones, use
standard 'consumer' size cells, com-
monly the AA. Computer and other
large packs are more likely to use
industrial sizes such as the sub -C or
other non -consumer type. But
beware: apparently consumer sizes
may have a larger, industrial capac-

TELEVISION March 2000

BATTERIES

Testing
Fig. 3: Extra If you have access to the correct
insulation charger, it's a good idea to test the
(glass fibre pack before you return it to the cus-
tape) added tomer. This would probably not be a
in a mobile
phone battery problem with camcorder or mobile
pack. phone batteries where the appropri-
ate charger is available. Computer
batteries are invariably charged when
fitted in the machine so, unless you
can persuade the owner to leave the
computer and its power supply, you'll
have to use a bench supply to charge
the pack or just hope for the best.
Don't forget to tell the customer
that the rebuilt battery won't attain
full capacity until it has been cycled
a few times.

cardboard sleeve, refit it. Don't omit used in the assembly you could use Upgrades
to refit all pieces of insulating mate- standard Sellotape. I prefer to use I mentioned earlier that a rebuild pre-
rial in their original places. Extra the yellow polyester tape commonly sents you with an opportunity to
insulation may be needed should employed in transformer construc- upgrade a battery pack, using nickel -
positive solder tags end up squashed tion however. It's available from hydride cells. NiMH cells are lighter
against the cell's plastic wrapping. Farnell and RS in a variety of sizes. than NiCad ones and provide a larg-
You can see in the photo (Fig. 3) er cell capacity for a given size. They
extra insulation I fitted, made from Final interconnections can be repeatedly part charged and
glass -fibre tape, at the tops of the Once the cells have been mounted discharged without suffering any loss
cells in my mobile phone's battery the fmal interconnections have to be of capacity. On the downside they
pack. Red fibre washers are excel- made. Never leave out a thermal are still fairly expensive, and my own
lent for this task: use one that fits fuse or other safety device, and experience with them has convinced
snugly round the cell's positive pip. don't forget that heat -shunt when me that fast charging or over -charg-
Don't use PVC tape, which is easily resoldering the thermal fuse. Don't ing can severely curtail their life.
punctured. omit whatever type of temperature - From our point of view NiMH cells
Most battery packs have a mould- sensing device was fitted, and bear can be charged in exactly the same
ed base that's shaped to hold the in mind that while thermistors are way as NiCad ones, though the high-
cells. With this type all that's neces- not polarity sensitive all semicon- er capacity will call for a correspond-
sary is to fit the cell sticks into the ductor devices are. ingly longer charging period.
bays. In all the packs I've come Fig. 4 shows my complete laptop Charging systems that depend on
across the cells have been secured battery, rebuilt with NiMH cells, temperature rise to detect full charge
with hot -melt glue, so that's what I prior to refitting the outer cover. will work in the same way with
use when reassembling the pack. The final step is to assemble the NiMH batteries: adjustment may be
Where the casing has no bays, the outer casing and reglue the joint you needed with those that depend on
cells will have to be glued together originally prised apart. Packs with fmal battery voltage.
with fast -setting Superglue before shrink-wrapped outer covers, like
being finally secured with hot -melt my laptop battery, can either be In conclusion
glue. Some battery packs are rewrapped with new heatshrink While most battery repairs shouldn't
curved, so make sure that your cell sleeving or the original material can cause you any great problems, I per-
assembly is correctly shaped before be reused, fixed in place with glue sonally wouldn't handle medical bat-
gluing up. Where adhesive tape was and/or adhesive tape. tery packs. Make a mistake and a
vital piece of life-support equipment
could fail - you could be left facing a
manslaughter charge. You might still
end up as the fall guy even though
the failure is in no way connected
with your work - few if any lawyers
are technically qualified, and they
will always seek an easy target.
Finally, remember that under cur-
rent EU regulations batteries that
contain heavy metals such as lead
and cadmium must not be disposed
of as part of domestic or normal
workshop waste. Some suppliers will
take your old cells for return to the
Fig. 4: Laptop manufacturer for recycling. Other-
battery pack wise a local scrapyard would no
rebuilt using doubt be happy to take them off your
NiMH cells. hands.

274 March 2000 TELEVISION

distributor of electronic components

CD Pick Ups
Part No Price Part No Price Part No Price
KSS 152 A £13.00 KSS 213 B £11.50 RCTRTH8151 £20.00
KSS 210 A £10.50 KSS 213 C £11.50 RCTRTH8112 £15.00
KSS 210 £15.00 OPTIMA 6 S £11.50 CDM12.1 £15.00
KSS 240 A £16.25 OPTIMA 5 £11.50 CDM12.1 MECH £20.00

Line Output Transformers

Part No Code Elul& Code Part lio Coda Nang Code Edo
,ALBA HITACHI..continued PHILIPS SAISHO..continued
3714002 LOTO2 800p 2434002 LOT226 1350p 3119 108 31260 LOT9C 850p 43700000 LOTO2 800p
1043714002J LOTO2 800p 2434141 L0T33 800p 3119 108 31290 LOT': 1000p 7140021 LOTO2 800p
43700000 LOTO2 800p 2434274 LOT44 900p 3119 108 31440 LOT4:3 1100p SHARP
AMSTRAD 2434393 LOT405 1800p 3119 108 31441 LOT4:3 1100p RTRNF 1220 CEZZ LOT39 1500p
;1810951 LOT55 1250p 2434593 LOT44 900p 3119 108 31442 LOT4:3 1100p
13714002 2435006 LOT401 1500p 3119 198 62930 LOTS: 1000p
SONY
LOTO2 800p
2435131 LOT251 1300p 3122 108 10246 LOT171 1200p 1-439-286-00 LOT46 1000p
1043714002) LOTO2 800p
4370000 T02 00p 6201 LO 85 138 3607 LO 1
1-439-286-11 LO 46 1000p
AM1525 91H 105 8 36072 LO -439 1000p
T55 Op
U 8 36920 00p -39 T 1000p
FERG -439 6 1000p
438 1250p 8 36922 000p
00 D-3-5 1-439 1200p
06 D-3-0 T438 1250p 38 000p
3122 138 00p 39 1200p
06 D-3-0 72 OT438 12504,
3122 138 39 1200p
06 D-3-0 10 73 OT438 125
3122 138 -439 1100p
06 D-3-0: 101 0 105up 74 07438 125
1-439-
3122 138 38123 LOT3E 5 1200p L 8 1100p
06 D-3-088-001 L0T84 1200p 20075 LOT438 1250p
3128 138 20200 LOT4:3 1100p 1-439-387-11 LOT311 1200p
06 D-3-093-001 L0T204 1250p 3714002 LOTO2 800p
3 6 20201 4: 0.
1-439-387-21 LOT311 1200p
06 D-3-508-003 08 =
1
020 4: 1-439-416 LOT255 1300p
06 D-3-512-001 40 Op
39 1 -0 LOT9C 8
1-439-416- LOT255 1300p
29201-022-01 0432210
812 140 1024 T1 1200 1-439-416- LOT255 1300p
473197 000 Op
812 140 1036 T9C 850 1-439-416- LOT255 1300p
D 059 / 37 021
812 14' 21 LOT9C 850 1-439-416 LOT255 1300p
HINARI 27 1; 1-439-416- LOT255 1300p
3714002 0702 3
18 I. LOT
'Op
1300p
1024 1 TOSHill 1111
043714002J LOTO2 800p 4822 140 10306 LOTS: 1000p 1810951 LOT55 1250p
43700000 LOTO2 800p ORION 4822 140 10381 LOT I:8 1100p 2433751 LOTO1 1300p
CF 124 13 LOT67 1250p 3714002 LOTO2 800p 4822 140 10384 LOT1;7 1550p 23236098 LOT288 1200p
CF 124 E LOT67 1250p 043714002J LOTO2 800p 4822 140 10406 LOT": 1000p 23236198 LOT288 1200p
HITACHI 43700000 LOTO2 800p 4822 140 10544 LOT4: 3 1100p 23236201 LOT395 1200p
2424593 LOT44 900p 'PANASONIC 4822 140 10566 LOT4: 3 1100p 23236245 LOT395 1200p
2432461 LOT169 1250p TLF 14512 F LOT39 1500p AT 2076 / 10 LOTS: 1000p 23236255 LOT289 1100p
2432761 LOT169 1250p TLF 14520 F LOT40 1500p AT 2078 / 21 LOT3E5 1200p 23236425 LOT288 1200p
2433453 L0T82 1100p TLF 14521 F LOT39 1500p AT 2079 / 21 LOT 3E 5 1200p 23236427 LOT395 1200p
2433751 LOTO1 1050p TLF 14567 F LOT39 1500p AT 2079 / 40 LOT': 1000p 23236428 LOT289 1100p
2433752 LOTO1 1050p TLF 14568 F LOT40 1500p AT 2079 / 99 LOTT. 6 1200p TFB 4090 AD LOT395 1200p
2433891 L0T23 1050p TLF 14584 F LOT41 1550p SAISHO
2433892 LOT84 1200p TLF 14586 F LOT42 1500p 3714002 LOTT;
2433893 LOT23 1050p 043714002J LOTO; in tock...
2433952 L0T33 800p ease ring for ones not listed

TV Repair / Upgrade Kits

SERVICE KIT & UPGRADE FOR TDA 8178 S MOD KITS JVC FIELD OUTPUT REPAIR KIT
ONWA TV CHASSIS These kits are designed to replace TDA8178S fitted to This kit is desgned for the following models .

This kit is designed to be fitted to the followng makes: Mitsubishi 21" , 25" , 29" and 33" TV's
AV -295)1 EK , AV-29SX1EN , AV-29X1EN1 ,
ALBA / BUSH AKAI 21" & 25 " TV Kit 29" & 33" TV Kit
Order Code Order Code h/-295SX1PF , AV-295TS1 PF
GOODMANS HINAFI
JVC MATSUI MITSKIT1 MITSKIT2
Order Code : ONWAKIT Price : £3 + vat Price : £15 + vat Order Code : JVCKITI
Price : £12 +vat \1SE DNIY..i,
Price : £11 + vat
GEN IINE ...,%1111"PHOENIX1
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RERli 'ELIKTPAICIE )..'

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Tel : 0208 900 2329 Email : grandata.ltd@btinternet.com

Fax : 0208 903 6126 Website : hftp://www.grandata.co.uk
distributor of electronic components

Satellite PSU Repair Kits r- r

MAKE & MODEL CODE MAKE & MODEL CODE MAKE & MODEL CODE MAKE E. MODEL CODE

ALBA FINLUX MATSUI PHILIPS

SAT6600 SATPSU2 SR5700 SATPSU12 RD600 SATPSU20 STU802/05M , STU804 ,
SATPSU23 STU811 , STU824 SATPSU1
AMSTARD SR5100 MITSUBISHI SATPSU2
ST-PB10 SATPSU1 STU801
SAT250 , SR950 , SRD2000 , GOODMANS
SRD700,SRD950 , SRX1002 STU3301 SATPSU20
ST700 SATPSU1 NOKIA
SRX2001 , SRX301 , SRX501 , SAT1500 , SAT1600 SATPSU2 STU909 SATPSU22
SATPSU16
GRANADA STU350 SATPSU9
SRX502 KR1 LR1 , LR2 , M/N92MR1/A SATPSU1 SAT1700 , SAT2200 SAT2202 SATP-
SRD510 SRD520 , HR 1, JR1 SATPSU2 SU23 SONY
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NR2 , PR2 SATPSU8 PACE
SRD500 SATPSU4
M92MR2 SATPSU9 PRD700 , PRD800 , PRD900 , THOMSON
BRITISH TELECOM PSR800 , PSR900 , MRD950 , SRD11 , SRD 14 SATPSU1
SVS300 SATPSU17 GRUNDIG MRD960 SATPSU1 SRD7/8 , SRS3 , SRS4 SATPSU2
STR1 SATPSU1
BUSH GIRD2000 GIRD3000 SATPSU2
MSS500 , MSS1000 SATPSU10 THORN
IRD150 SATPSU12 MRD920 , SS9000 , SS9010 , SAT99 , SAT120 SATPSU1
GRD150 , GRY250 , GRD280 , SS9200 , SS9210 , SS9220 SATP-
ECHOSTAR GRD300 , STR200S SATPSU20 TOSHIBA
SR5500 EARLY PSU WITH ADJ SATPSU12 SU2 SAT99 , TU-SD200 SATPSU1
HITACHI MSS100 , PRIMA SATPSU8
FERGUSON SR -1050D SATPSU1 TS540 SATPSU10
SRD 5 , SRD16 SATPSU1 APOLLO , MSS200 , MS290 ,
SRD4 SATPSU11
MASPRO MSS300 SATPSU9
SRE250S/1 , SRE 350S/1 SATPSU1 PANASONIC
SRV1 SATPSU2
SRE250S , SRE350S , SRE450S SATPSU2 TU-SD200 SATPSU1
ST5 , ST -12 SATPSU20 TU-SD250 SATPSU9

CODE PRICE CODE PRICE CODE PRICE CODE PRICE CODE PRICE
SATPSU1 600p SATPSU4 600p SATPSU10 1230p SATPSU16 1;50p SATPSU22 1050p
SATPSU2 550p SATPSU8 650p SATPSUII 650p SATPSUI7 8: Op SATPSU23 650p
SATPSU3 600p SATPSU9 900p SATPSU12 1600p SATPSU20 6C0p

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VALUE CODE PRICE PER VALUE CODE PRICE PER VALUE CODE PRICE PER VALUE CODE PER
PACK PACK PACK PACK
lly2111 35 volts 63 volts continued 100 volts continued....
470uF CAP29 120p 13 10uF CAP52 50p 10 2.2uF CAP75 35p 10 33uF CAP99 155p 5
16 volts 22uF CAP53 45p 10 3.3uF CAP76 50p '0 47uF CAP100 175p 10
330uF CAP30 175p 13 33uF CAP54 50p 5 4.7uF CAP77 35p '0 100uF CAP101 210p 10
470uF CAP31 175p 1) 47uF CAP55 85p 10 10uF CAP78 50p "0 220uF CAP102 600p 5
680uF CAP32 210p 5 100uF CAP56 85p 10 15uF CAP79 95p 5 470uF CAP103 600p 5
1000uF CAP33 210p 1) 150uF CAP57 95p 5 22uF CAP80 75p 0 250 voltg
2200uF CAP34 525p 1) 220uF CAP58 145p 5 33uF CAP81 85p 0 3M3 CAP104 175p 10
3300uF CAP35 500p 5 680uF CAP59 650p 10 47uF CAP82 95p 0 10uF CAP105 260p 10
4700uF CAP36 610p 13 1000uF CAP60 435p 10 58uF CAP83 130p 5 47uF CAP106 435p 10
25 volts 2200uF CAP61 245p 2 100uF CAP84 120p 0 400 volts
10uF CAP37 45p 1) 3300uF CAP62 1000p 5 150uF CAP85 280p 5 1uF CAP107 215p
22uF CAP38 45p 13 50 volts 220uF CAP86 280p 0 2.2uF CAP108 225p
47uF CAP39 48p 5 10uF CAP63 50p 10 330uF CAP87 400p 0 4.7uF CAP109 315p 5
100uF CAP40 70p 13 22uF CAP64 70p 10 470uF CAP88 525p 0 10uF CAP110 400p 5
150uF CAP41 95p 5 47uF CAP65 85p 10 380uF CAP89 500p 0 22uF CAP111 250p 2
220uF CAP42 120p 1) 100uF CAP66 85p 10 1000uF CAP90 540p 5
47uF CAP112 350p 2
330uF CAP43 140p 5 220uF CAP67 175p 10 100 volts 450 volts
470uF CAP44 190p 13 330uF CAP68 245p 10 3.47uF CAP91 50p 5 1uF CAP113 280p 5
680uF CAP45 315p 5 470uF CAP69 435p 10 1uF CAP92 85p 0 2.2uF CAP114 320p 5
1000uF CAP46 365p 13 680uF CAP70 490p 5 1.5uF CAP93 70p 5 4.7uF CAP115 495p
1500uF CAP47 390p 5 1000uF CAP71 525p 10 2.2uF CAP94 50p 5 10uF CAP116 550p 5
2200uF CAP48 200p 2 2200uF CAP72 325p 2 3.3uF CAP95 50p 5 22uF 415p
CAP117 2
3300uF CAP49 220p 2 63 volts 4.7uF CAP96 50p 5
4700uF CAP50 365p 2 0.47uF CAP73 35p 10 10uF CAP97 95p 0
6800uF CAP51 390p 2 1uF CAP74 35p 10 22uF CAP98 105p 0

: 0208 900 2329 Fax : 0208 903 6126

distributor of electronic components

jyToScart Kits / Scart Cables / Phono Leads rri:A

Scart Adaptor Kit Ultimate Scart Kit Scart to Phono Scart Cables
(Economy 5 piece kit) (Standard 11 piece kit) 1
Adaptors Description Code Price

An inexpensive but versatile A comprehensw & practical

Code : PLG17
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Satellite , F Fi & some Camcorder & lit Fi (including Price : £1.00 + vat Standard 21 Pin Conneced (1.5m) PLG23 70p
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PRICE : £4.50 + vat PRICE : E1E.00 + vat

Scart to Phono Cables Phono to Phono Leads

Description Order Code Price Descriplon Oorder Code Price
2 phono pugs to 2 phono plugs heavy duty cable 10m PLG29 300p
Scart to scart & 4 ph mo plugs 1.5m (Stereo 2 way) PLG3" 300o
Scart to 2 phono plys 1m (Stereo Audio Only) PLG3: 1203 Standard Leads and Moulded Connectors
Phono plug to phono plug 1.2m PLG30 40p
Scart to 2 phono pkgs 5m (Stereo Audio Only) PLG3! 200a
Phono plug to phono plug 5m PLG31 90p
Scart to 3 phono plt.w Gold 1.5m (Stereo /Video 1 way) PLG4C 2503 Phono plug to phono socket 5m PLG32 90p
Scart to 3 phono Wigs 1.2m (Stereo /Video 1 way) PLG4' 1753 2 phono pigs to 2 phono plugs 1.2m PLG33 75p
Switched scart to 3 iono plugs Gold 1.5m PLG4: 3003 2 phono pigs to 2 phono plugs 5m PLG34 100p
2 phono p Jgs to 2 phono sockets 1.5m PLG35 75p
Switched scart to 3 mono plugs 1.5m PLG4 2003
3 phono pigs to 3 phono plugs 1.2m PLG36 90p

Transistors / Linear IC's

BU208A 75p BUT18AF 65p MJ15003 250p TIP31A 22p LM24067 400p STR10006 450p TA8427K 200p TEA2164 160p UC3843AN 80
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BU2508AF 110p BUW13A 200p MJ15015 250p TIP33 50p LM324 30p STR40090 350p TDA1170N 85p TEA2261 185p UC3844AN 80p
BU2508D 130p BUZ80 135p MJ15016 350p TIP33C 60p LM339 35p STR4211 315p TDA1175 175p TEA2262 275p UC3845AN 80p
BU2508DF 120p BUZ80AF 200p MJ15022 400p TIP34C 60p LM393 45p STR440 800p TDA1180 120p TEA5101A 300p UPC1188H 350p
BU2520AF 170p BUZ90A 180p MJ15023 400p TIP35C 65p LM723 40p STR441 950p TDA1518BQ 240p TEA5101B 175p UPC1488H 115p
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BU2525A 325p BUZ91A 260p MJ2501 100p TIP41A 20p SAB3035 275p STR451 800p TDA15580 300p UC3842N 60p
BU2525AF 220p IRF510 70p MJ2955 55p TIP41C 22p STK4131 480p STR4512 400p TDA2004 150p UC3842AN 80p
BU2525D 240p IRF520 75p MJE13007 100p TIP42C 22p STK4141 II 420p STR50103A 260p TDA2005 150p UC3843 80p
TIPL791A STK4142 530p STR54041 320p TDA2030 80p

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BU2527AF 400p IRF530 75p MJE13009 100p 80p
BU426A 70p IRF540 100p MJE18004 125p AN5151 200p STK4151 680p STR58041 250p TDA2030H 100p
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BUH315D 175p IRF740 90p S2000N 150p HA13155 920p STK5333 650p STRD4420 550p TDA4601 120p Diodes , Voltage regulators,
BUH515 200p IRF820 90p S2055A 175p HA13157 950p STK5337 500p STRD6108 450p TDA4605 190p
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This advertisement is just a selection of our stock.

We also stock :he following
Video Heats , Pinch Rollers ,Belt Kits Idlers ,Semite Kits Video Motors Cassette HousingE Audio Control Heads ,
, , ,

Mode Switches , Video Lamps , Satellite Spares , LN 3 s Back Up Batteries , Servicing Tools and Aids , Digital Multimeters,
,

TV Switches , Line Output Transformers , Japanese --ansistors , Li leer IC's Computer IC's CMOS and 74 Series and , ,

muc- much more I All at competitive pricesI

Please contact us if you ca inot find the part you are looking for.
* Please add £1 p+p and VAT to all oilers * All components are brand new
* We accept payment by Acces , Switch , Visa , Cheque and Postal Order
* All prices quoted are subject to availabilty and may be changed without prior notice
K.P. House , Unit 15 , Pop In Commercial Cen-..e , Southway , Wembley , Middlesex . HA9 OHB England

Tel : 0208 900 2329 Email : grandata.ltd@btinternet.com

Fax : 0208 903 6126 Website : http://www.grandata.co.uk
Dealing with PCB Cracks
As PCBs have become thinner, impossible job, it usually is!
with less framework to sup-
Repair of a cracked port them, the number of sets Track Repairs
that appear in the workshop with a There are four basic methods of car-
PCB involves the cracked PCB has increased. There are
several methods of repairing broken
rying out track repair, as follows:

tracks. These are described below, (1) Scrape the coating off the track on
board itself and the along with their advantages and dis-
advantages. The first step however is
each side of the crack and apply sol-
der along the track. This is a quick,
to stabilise the crack itself. cheap and easy approach to the prob-
tracks concerned. PCB Repair
lem. The disadvantage is that the
repair will be weak - solder can frac-
Paul Smith on how Except where the damage is of a very
minor nature it's best to remove the
ture at an early stage - and unreliable.
Keep the board flat, and allow the
PCB from the set. Place it flat on the solder to flow naturally.
to go about it bench and mate the two split portions
as closely as possible to their original (2) The second method is the same as
positions. If necessary they can be the first but using liquid silver instead
held on the bench top temporarily of solder. It's suitable for contact
with tape, clamps or wedges. lands in remote control units.
Mix some epoxy resin adhesive and Disadvantages are that the repair can
place small blobs of it along the be messy, that the silver takes time to
crack, on the component side of the dry, and that a small bottle of the liq-
board (in between the components). uid costs about £5 and the bottle frac-
If the chassis slides into thin runner tures easily if knocked.
guides in the cabinet, take this into Apply the liquid silver with a small
account before you apply any glue screwdriver or a piece of fine wire.
close to the edges of the PCB. Mask the surrounding area to produce
When the resin has set, examine the a channel for the silver to flow into -
crack closely. If it has definite ends, remove the tape when the liquid has
i.e. from one edge to another or to a set. Note that silver does not become
preformed hole, it will not creep with fully conductive until dry. When the
movement. If it fades into the board liquid is not in use, keep the bottle
however, find the end of it and drill a upright with its top firmly secured.
small hole here. This will prevent the
crack spreading with time. (3) Again as (1), but apply thin wire
into solder across a crack. This is a
When not to attempt it neat, flexible solution but is difficult
Two recent cases that appeared in our to implement when the tracks are thin
workshop are classic examples of and close together.
when not to tackle a repair of this Use a single strand from multi -
type. Both sets were less than a year strand cable. Check very carefully
old - one was only two weeks old - that the wire does not short to adja-
but because of the damage they were cent tracks.
not covered by the manufacturer's
guarantees. They could have been (4) Solder PVC -insulated wire to the
claimed for legitimately on insurance first available land at each side of the
policies, but as neither owner had crack. This is strong, and is less frus-
cover repairs were attempted. trating than method (3). But the fin-
With both sets over fifty links, using ished result can look messy and the
a combination of the methods wire can obscure tracks as work pro-
described below, were necessary. On gresses. Take care that tracks are fol-
completion of the work, which took lowed to the correct lands.
over two hours in each case, the sets Use single -strand insulated wire and
were tested. One had field linearity keep the wires as short as possible.
and video faults. The other one ran For short lengths, remove approxi-
hot and would cut out every ten min- mately 2mm of insulation from a
utes. Both defied all logical (and longer length of wire, cut off the
sometimes illogical) attempts at diag- required lead length then push the
nosis and, because of their cause, insulation along the core so that
these were probably one-off faults. there's an equal amount of bare wire
The end result was that one set had to at each end. Avoid the edges of the
be fitted with a new chassis while the PCB if it slides into grooves. If neces-
other one was scrapped. sary use the service manual to ensure
The moral here is: if it looks like an that the correct lands are linked.

TELEVISION March 2000 279

 Satellite WORKSHOP decoded pictures". The card sup- the picture in the service manual.
plied with it was one of those Even the lads at Pace Technical
naughty ones that have two ICs sol- couldn't explain the differences
dered to them. One of the problems until I gave them a detailed descrip-
with these 'cards' is that they are tion. It transpired that the D2 -MAC
made of fibreglass laminate, which board was for Model MSS260G,
is twice as thick as a plastic smart and that quite a lot of MRD950+
card. In addition the edges are and MRD960+ receivers had been
sharp and the contacts are soldered built with this board (182-0163203)
instead of being gold-plated. instead of the older version (182-
The sharp edges often damage 0163105) used in the
the gold-plated spring contacts MRD950/960.
inside the card reader slot, so I filed
them until the front edge of the Pace Prima
card was nicely rounded. I couldn't The proprietor of a local TV shop
do anything about the lack of gold brought this receiver in for repair.
plating. In theory the solder coating "It goes dead after five minutes" he
will produce a bad connection, the told me.
result being intermittent operation. I left it on test for several hours,
In practice however this seldom but it refused to die. When I looked
seems to happen. inside I found that it was in a bit of
The card now slid easily into the a mess. Someone had clearly
slot, but I was careful to place my attempted to fix the intermittent
free hand on the receiver's metal- fault and had resoldered every joint
work to equalise the potentials - in the power supply. A pity they
it's very easy to discharge body hadn't used some flux! Someone
Jack Armstrong static through the card and destroy had also smashed the channel
the card reader IC inside the recei- up/down buttons. I replaced these
ver. and tidied up the soldering. When
was fairly quiet for the On test the receiver produced the receiver was put on test again
Christmas
trade in my neck of the woods. pictures that were obscured by the intermittent fault still refused to
Fortunately I didn't get any of short, black horizontal lines. put in an appearance. As the shop's
those Christmas day calls to tune a Channel tuning didn't improve the customer was desperate to have the
video that the owner has been picture, and the on -screen menus receiver returned, I swapped over
"meaning to get fixed for months". floated diagonally across the the mother board with one I had in
I'm pleased that no one phoned, screen. A Relkit had already been stock and returned the unit.
because a rude reply can offend. fitted, so most of the capacitors in The following day I plugged in
The weeks since have been busy and around the power supply were the old board for more tests. It
but uneventful. There have been new and of the correct low-ESR refused to light up! The power sup-
fewer analogue repairs than previ- type. ply was pulsing, and occasionally
ously, as Sky Digital gradually I measured the ESR of the elec- the standby LED would light then
takes over, but higher sales of trolytic capacitors around the tuner go out again after a few seconds. I
accessories - including digibox and found that the readings were had checked all measurable compo-
remote control handsets, "TV eyes', within acceptable limits. But my nents, and had added heatsink com-
scart leads and scart switching Genie ESR meter showed that sev- pound to the TOP201 chopper IC,
boxes. eral of the electrolytics on the D2 - without success. On a hunch, I
Digiboxes are now beginning to MAC decoder board were not so decide to replace the TOP201
fail outside their guarantee period. I healthy. C72 (220µF) was the cause device with the slightly better rated
heard that one customer had been of the short, black horizontal TOP224. This provided a complete
quoted £300 for a replacement streaks, while C39 (1000') was the cure.
Our heading photo- Amstrad DRX100 "because nobody cause of the menus drifting across Early units were fitted with a
graph shows the repairs them" (if you do, please let the picture. I replaced nearly a TOP201, but I suspect that it is
182-0163203 D2 - slightly underrated - especially
me know!). For this reason alone I dozen capacitors in all before I was
MAC decoder board when heatsink compound isn't
used in the Pace think I would prefer to have one of happy with the picture quality.
the other three brands. I was puzzled however because used!
Model MSS260G
and some MRD950+ the component reference numbers
and MRD960+ Pace MRD960+ didn't tally with those in the circuit Circuit Design
receivers. This receiver arrived by carrier diagram. In fact the layout of the Many readers probably design sim-
with a note that said "streaky decoder was quite different from ple electronic circuits from time to

280 March 2000 TELEVISION

 SATELLITE

time and need a way of drawing cabinets and central heating ensure
them quickly and easily. I recently that these receivers require con-
downloaded an excellent software stant attention.
application to do just that! It's This one came in because it Jack Armstrong is willing to try to sort out
called "DesignWorks Lite v4.0" produced the usual intermittent readers' satellite TV receiver problems by e-
and is available, for both Macintosh "motor error" and "no signal" mes- mail. You can reach him via the Internet web
and Windows PCs, from Capilano sages. So I fitted the capacitors in site at:
Computing's web site at Relkit 10. Doing that cleared up
http://www.capilano.com these faults, but the contrast was http://www.ukstay.com/jack
The demonstration version now apparently switching itself
works for three weeks - long from high to low and back again If you have no internet access you can write to
enough for you to decide whether every few minutes. This affected him c/o Television, Room L302, Quadrant
it's worth paying a £25 registration the picture from the RF modulator, House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2
fee! I have been using the "Lite" not the outputs from the scart con- Please enclose two first-class stamps.
version for several weeks and it has nectors.
been a godsend (I do quite a lot of I traced the cause to Q61
circuit design). It comes with a (BC846B), the emitter -follower in check the electrolytic capacitors
library of symbols (US), but it's the video feed to the modulator, associated with the video path,
quite easy to create your own addi- and fitted the other four surface - using my Genie ESR meter. C87,
tional symbols if required. mount transistors from Trankit 10 C98, C99, C100, C107, C108,
There is also a "professional" for good measure. C109, C196 and C562 (all 10g)
version that has lots of other fea- Finally the pctures were very around the Nicky chip U9, also
tures, including "Spice" models. streaky. I traced the cause of this, C91 (100}tF, 35V) next to the tuner
using my Genie ESR meter, to and C97 (1µF) and C71 (10g)
Pace MSS10001P C502 (1,000pf, 16V) which is next which are in front of the RF modu-
This model is notorious for over- to the tuner. lator, proved to be in need of
heating - it has Dolby Pro -Logic replacement.
and dish positioner boards inside. If Pace PRD800 It would have been sensible to
people would install the unit in a This receiver had been well fit a fan, but the elderly owner did
sensible place, say a nice open cooked. I fitted the parts in Relkit not want this done - reckoned he'd
shelf in a cool room, there would 1, but the pictures were still be dead my the time any further
be no problem. But modern 'hi-fi' `streaky'. It seemed sensible to faults might arise!

Test Case 47
While those of us in the Test Case workshop are very famil- incorporates a Dolby Pro -Logic decoder. This seemed to be
iar with JVC video recorders our experience of JVC TV sets an easy matter to sort out. The phono sockets provide audio
is very limited. Maybe this is because JVC is not as big in the signals at `line' level, which is far too low to drive directly -
TV as the video field, or because the company's TV sets connected speakers. So Colin wired them to the AUX-IN
don't feature much amongst the rental receivers we look sockets of the hi -ft outfit, whose speakers were at the 'back'
after. Either way, we could have done better in dealing with of the room. This was a sensible move, but there was still no
a call out to one recently! sound! Why? It seemed unlikely that the set's
It all started with a telephoned request to go and look at a decoder/amplifier had failed.
large -screen JVC set. The fault symptoms were many, vari- The third problem was the that the VCR, which had pre-
ous and vague. Could we have the model number? viously been used with the 2lin. set, produced only black -
Apparently not. What was the screen size? Big. How old was and -white pictures when its output was fed via a scart lead to
it? This wasn't known. Surely, they asked, we wouldn't the JVC receiver. Colour had been present in full measure
charge just to come and look at it? Did we do free call -outs with the 21in. set. When the output from the VCR's modula-
and estimates? No our Pam said. Then, having obtained tor was selected by the receiver's tuner the picture came up
agreement to pay a call-out/inspection fee, she booked the in colour. The plot thickens!
job. Doc Colin was lumbered with it. Nor was this all. Regardless of the input source, the pic-
When he arrived he found that the set was a Model ture's contrast level went up and down with changes in the
AV28WX1EK, about three years old. He was told that the set light level in the room. With all the lights out in the evening
had been a bequest from a distant (in space!) relative, had the picture was soft. When the main room lights were
been transported a long way by carter, and had taken the switched on the picture contrast increased to produce a
place of a more robust 21in. model that had been relegated to harsher image. If the user went up to the set to fiddle with it,
another room. The main problem was that one of the terres- the picture contrast would reduce again!
trial TV channels was missing: instead of a picture, a blue The set's new owner put all these problems down to it
screen appeared. The other channels weren't too good either being a widescreen model, and added a few moans about the
until they had been tuned in by the Doc. Despite not having compromises involved when conventional (4:3 aspect ratio)
a user handbook, this was not too difficult. pictures were viewed. Were these various symptoms caused
The next problem was no sound from the speakers that by faults within the set? Certainly they couldn't have been pre-
had been connected to the rear output sockets - this model sent with the older 21in. set. For the solution, turn to page 311.

TELEVISION March 2000 281

 An off -air signal is
often required when
working on audio and
video equipment. Keith
Cummins has designed
this conveniently small
unit, based on a low-
priced tuner -IF module,
that provides video,
audio, FM mono sound
and 12V outputs. The
article is in two parts

Off -air test sigAislurcit

A'real' signal is often required, to complement an This output, which is protected by a 1A fuse, enables
AF oscillator and TV pattern generator, when the unit to be used as a small power supply.
work is being carried out on audio and video
equipment. With this need in mind I designed a piece of Outputs (3) and (4) are optional: you don't have to fit
equipment that I originally called my "black box". It's the modules that provide them if you feel that these out-
conveniently small at 220 x 150 x 64mm. The unit puts are unlikely to be required.
accepts a UHF analogue TV signal and has a five -chan- The good news is that the main items involved are
nel selector switch (this number could be increased if available cheaply from Sendz Components. The double -
required - see later). When all the options are included, insulated power supply, which needs a simple modifica-
it provides the following outputs: tion, costs £2 while the tuner -IF unit costs £3. Sendz can
also supply the tuning potentiometers, which fit
(1) Video, positive -going, at IV peak -to -peak, 750 Veroboard, at eight for 50p. They have assured us that
impedance. plenty of these items are in stock. Other items used are
available from Maplin Electronics - a full list will be
(2) Audio to drive an amplifier, at 1.2V peak -to -peak, provided in Part 2 next month.
471(0 impedance.
Basic arrangement
(3) Audio at 40 impedance, to drive a speaker. Power Fig. 1 shows the interconnections between the modules
approximately 2W. in a unit that incorporates all the options. We'll start
with an basic description of what goes on.
(4) An FM mono signal that can be reproduced via an As it comes, the power supply provides stabilised 12V
adjacent FM radio or tuner. and 24V outputs. Remove the unit from its case, then
connect the 24V supply in series with the 12V supply.
(5) A DC level that indicates input signal strength. This modification provides 12V and 36V outputs.
Transplant the unit's innards to the black box.
(6) A switched 12V supply to operate ancillary equip- The 12V supply feeds all the modules while the 36V
ment, e.g. an aerial amplifier. supply is used for tuning. When you consider the small
current needed for the tuning potentiometers, this really
(7) An unswitched 12V supply that's constantly avail- is like using a steam -hammer to crack a nut, but who
able whenever the unit is powered. cares when the power supply has cost only £2!

282 March 2000 TELEVISION

 PROJECT

Pragmatism rules in this case, and the small loading rr ----*UHF aerial input
SK1
Cover screening foil 01
Signal
ensures that the stability of the supply is excellent. LED
L. Phono Tr
The 12V and 36V outputs from the power supply are socket
Tuner-IF unit Demod
tank
taken to the 'on -off and channel -selection module', AFT
which is a piece of stripboard with flying leads to the discrim D2 5K2

channel selection switch, the indicator LED and other El

modules. The channel -selector switch has six positions, BU VT AGC AFT 8 9 11 12 13 R2

off plus five channel selections. Once the switch has NC NC

selected a voltage from one of the preset potentiometers R1

it's passed to the tuner -IF unit. 12V
Video

The tuner -IF unit

There were no connection details when the tuner -IF
Video + DC

Audio + DC
C3

0
oTP1 R3
output

SK6 j
unit, which is in a single can, arrived. So I had to do a AFC \ SW1
to
Audio
bit of investigation. The unit is marked with connections C2
OTP2 output
as follows: SKSr
R5

BU: The supply to the RF stage and oscillator/mixer.

VT: The tuning voltage. 6V

Speaker
output
AGC: A DC output that varies with signal strength. Tuning Switched
Audio
3, -
voltage 12V
module
21
AFT: For automatic fine tuning. AFC action is disabled 5
FM ° 7 6 5

on/of f SW2
when this pin is clamped at 6V. On -off
and Vol
channel select
B: 12V supply input for everything except the RF sec- RV1
tion. CS
Fl FM
8: Not identified. on LED

R6 03
9: Audio output.

10: Not fitted. 36V 12V OV

Power supply -03

11: Not identified. FM R8
module PT I
SK4
12: Not identified. FM
I C 6 1.p output
J
13: Video output. 240V AC Earthed screening box tiM]

The aerial input consists of a phono socket. There is of and lights the on LED. RL1's contacts connect the 36V Fig. 1: Inter-
course a chassis (OV) connection. supply via R2 to the parallel -connected tuning poten- connections
tiometers RV1-5. SW1a selects a potentiometer and thus between the various
The tuner -IF unit gives excellent results: definition is a channel. RL2 connects the 12V supply to the rest of the modules in the off -
good, and the sound background is very quiet, without a unit. Because a large capacitor (C2) is used to decouple air signal source
trace of intercarrier buzz. It may be necessary to adjust the 12V feed to the tuner -W unit, R4 is included to limit unit.
the AFT discriminator. If so, it's easy and will be fully the inrush current handled by the reed relay (RL2).
described in the setting -up procedure. The unit also Fig. 2: On -off and
appears to be sensitive, with a good signal-to-noise ratio Tuner inputs/outputs channel selection
- great value for £3! The aerial input to the unit is connected to a conven- switching.
No circuit details are available. In the list above pins 8,
11 and 12 are shown as unidentified. This doesn't mean
20 05
that they cannot be used. I've simply had no need to find 12V RL2 Switched 12V
out what they are intended for. Maybe someone out R2

there has a circuit diagram for a Sharp TV set that uses

this unit and can tell us what the functions of the uniden-
tified connections are. RV5

On -off and channel selection unit RV4

Fig. 2 shows the circuitry on the on -off switching and
channel selection board. The arrangement I adopted
came about simply because I happen to have a box full RV3
R1
Tuning
voltage
of 12V reed relays. A single double -pole relay could be r
0--wv--0 4
SW10
used, or no relays with a separate two -pole switch. The SW1b RV2

latter would enable six or more channels to be selected. oft

These points are left to the constructor to decide about. RV1

My arrangement is so simple it hardly requires descrip-

tion. When the wiper of SW1b is connected to a groun-
0V OV
ded contact, current from the 36V rail activates the relays 30 05
05011

TELEVISION March 2000 28 3

 PROJECT

12V
01
4
strength. The circuitry is shown in Fig. 1 and works as
Audio
R4
follows. The tuner's AGC output drives the base of the
TC2 R1 TOA2030
pnp transistor Tr 1, whose emitter is connected to the
IC1 switched 12V supply via the 5.6V zener diode D2 and
TDA2030 R2. D1 is connected between the collector of Tr I and
RV1
6
1 2 345 chassis (OV). As the AGC voltage drops with increasing
OS
03 signal input, the offset voltage introduced by D2 is
7
0
Audio to 51(3 exceeded and the current through Trl and the signal
LED DI is determined by the voltage developed across
Half rail 8 R5 R2.
voltage 0
16V) R If a more precise indication is needed, the voltage
R6 developed across R2 can be measured by connecting a
C1
meter between pins 1 and 4 of socket SK2. The voltage
CS
OV
varies as shown in Table 1, taking a signal input of
196021
02 approximately 4mV as an arbitrary 0dB level.
The audio output, at 1.2V peak -to -peak, is present at
Fig. 3: Audio module circuit. The tab of the TDA2030 chip is connected to pin 9. It sits on a DC level of 5V. This signal is fed to
pin 3 internally. The use of screened twin cable for the connections to the the phono audio output socket SK5, to the audio ampli-
volume control is recommended, with the screen connected to terminal 7. fier module and the FM module. The latter two modules
are optional: you can fit neither, either or both depend-
12V
ing on your requirements. The audio output at SK5 is
0 buffered by R4, which increases the output impedance
C8
R3 to 471d2. R5 completes the path to chassis, enabling the
R4 coupling capacitor C4 to charge under all conditions.
C1 CS
The tuner's video output, at pin 13, is fed to the BNC
R2
Tr1 video output socket SK6. Unloaded, it's a 2V peak -to -
peak positive -going signal on a DC level of 4V. C3
Tr3 C 2 um R1
blocks the DC component, R3 allowing C3 to charge if
C there's no connection to the video output socket. When
R6
Tr2
the output is loaded at 7552, the level falls to IV peak -
C10 to -peak. From this it follows that the output impedance
0 is 750 and there's no need to include a buffer stage. The
Mac
C9 R7
output appears to drive a correctly terminated 7551
In
0
coaxial cable without difficulty. Apart from being used
R8 D2
to drive a monitor, this output can also be connected to
0 an oscilloscope, enabling both analogue and digital sig-
I06031
OV
nals to be examined.
00u put

Fig. 4: Circuit diagram of the Velleman P1771 FM transmitter module. The audio module
The audio module is based on the useful and robust
TDA2030 power op -amp chip. I have used this IC in
several projects and have never had a failure - the out-
put can be short-circuited without the device blowing
up. The audio module is built on a 25 x 60mm piece of
Veroboard and is thus quite compact. A small heatsink
is required for the TDA2030 chip.
Fig. 3 shows the circuit of the audio module. RI and
R2, decoupled by Cl, provide a 'half -rail' voltage (6V)
which, via the volume control RV1, biases the
TDA2030 chip (at pin 1) to half way between 12V and
OV. Thus the device's output swing can be nearly ±5V
which, if you do your sums, works out at about 2.5W
with a 4SI load.
The bias from the half -rail potential divider is con-
nected to the 'bottom end' of the volume control RV1,
whose slider is connected to the non -inverting input of
the chip. The audio signal is connected via C2 to the
`top end' of RV1. R5, R3 and C3 form the feedback net-
Fig. 5: The Velleman module after modification. work, with 100 per cent DC feedback and AC feedback
that determines the voltage gain - at mid -audio frequen-
cies this is determined by (R3 + R5)/R3. R6 and C5
tional coaxial socket then, via a short length of coaxial form the familiar Zobel network. C6 blocks DC at the
cable, to a phono plug that fits the tuner's input. In this output, while R7 enables C6 to charge when there is no
design use is made of three outputs: AGC voltage, audio connection to a speaker, avoiding a loud 'plop' should a
and video. speaker subsequently be connected. R4 and C4 decou-
With no signal input the AGC voltage is at a maxi- ple heavier current changes that could possibly modu-
mum, about 7.25V. With a very large signal input the late the 12V supply.
AGC voltage falls to about 2-25V. DI, the signal LED Note that the half -rail voltage is also used to disable
(yellow), lights with an intensity that depends on signal the AFC action, via SW1 (see Fig. 1). Thus R I and R2

284 March 2000 TELEVISION

 PROJECT

(Fig. 3) must be retained, to retain AFC switching, Table 1: Signal input indication metered
should you decide not to fit the audio module. In this at pins 1 and 4 of SK2.
case there would be no need to use Cl.
Signal input Metered voltage
FM Module
The FM module proved to be an interesting part of the 0dB 3.25V
project. I decided to buy a Velleman P1771 module and -6d B 2.4V
modify it as required. The original circuit is shown in -12dB 1.75V
Fig. 4. This Belgian module was designed as a small -18dB 1.32V
transmitter or use in applications such as baby alarms. It -24dB 0-65V
is illegal to use it in this way in the UK. Velleman No input 0.005V
claims very good frequency stability and, subject to the
changes to be described, I agree with this. Unfortunately
the modulator design is not very good and needs modi- signal could also be picked up on my car radio. 1 drove
fication. off and discovered that I could travel nearly a quarter of
When I first tested the module I found that its audio a mile before the signal faded out!
output was noticeably distorted. Presumably this does To reduce its radiation to an acceptable level I
not matter with a baby alarm, but it is unacceptable for enclosed the FM module in a screening box and added a
our application. A look at the circuit revealed where the filter in its 12V supply, the aim being to reduce the radi-
problem lay. Varicap diode D1 is the modulator. The ation to the same level as that of the local oscillator in
modulating input is applied via R2, D 1 's capacitance an FM radio. The screening box solved the problem.
changes being linked to the oscillator circuit via Cl. The Mechanical details of this and other constructional
problem is that D1 has no fixed reverse bias, which aspects will be provided in Part 2 next month. Note that
means that its bias has to be obtained by rectification of SW2 (Fig. 1) is included to switch off the FM output
both the oscillator signal fed back to it via Cl and the when this is not required. Ll and C6 decouple the mod-
audio signal fed to it via C8 and R2. Furthermore there ule's supply as far as RF is concerned.
is no DC return path for the diode, so whatever charge LED D3 provides FM -on indication. R7 (inside the
builds up on C8, a 4.71.1F capacitor, can remain for an screening box) and R8 (outside the box) form an RF
indefinite period. Ironically this can arbitrarily change attenuator. The FM signal can be taken from SK4 to the
the varicap diode's bias and thus the oscillator's centre aerial connection of an FM tuner etc.
frequency, undoing the efforts made to achieve good The use of printed inductors and an FET oscillator
frequency stability. If the baby cries loudly, the trans- (Trl), plus the modifications to the modulator circuit,
mission will move up the dial! ensure that this module has surprisingly good frequency
With this application we don't need a large audio gain, stability despite the absence of crystal control. The use
so the microphone input circuit can be modified. We do of stable, fixed bias for the varicap diode enables the
need pre -emphasis, which is another part of the modifi- working point to be set at a more linear point on its char-
cation. Fig. 5 shows the modified circuit. The original acteristic: this considerably reduces the audio distortion
component numbers have been retained: new ones have in comparison with that introduced by the original cir-
been given a letter suffix so that they can be readily cuit.
identified. Some of the component values have to be
changed -a list is provided in Table 2. Next month
Now for a detailed look at the modifications. First the This completes the technical description of the unit,
modulator circuit. RA and RB are added: RB provides a what it does and the options you can choose if you don't
return path to chassis, while RA provides D1 with want all the facilities possible. In Part 2 next month rec-
reverse bias. As the 12V supply is stabilised, there is no ommendations on construction will be provided along
need to stabilise the varicap diode's bias separately. with layout information, details of how to implement the
Secondly the audio input circuit. This is modified to modifications required to the power supply and
become a simple emitter -follower. Tr2 is deleted, the Velleman modules, setting -up instructions and compo-
audio input being fed via R6 to the base of Tr3, which is nent lists.
symmetrically biased between 12V and OV. CA pro-
vides the pre -emphasis required. R4 is adjusted to pro-
vide 250mV peak -to -peak at its slider. The reason I can Table 2: Modifications to the Velleman FM transmitter
state this confidently is the result of an unusual piece of module.
luck. No, a good fairy didn't leave some exotic piece of
Hewlett-Packard FM test equipment on my doorstep Component Modification
overnight! When transmitting its 'Graphics Channel'
my local RSL station TV12 rebroadcasts Wave 105 FM, Tr2 Omitted. Link out as shown in layout diagram
a local station, as the sound channel. So, to determine next month
when I had the correct deviation I first tuned my FM RA Added, 10MS2
receiver to Wave 105 and measured the peak -to -peak RB Added, 1NAL2
audio output, then retuned to the output from the FM CA Added, 470pF, in parallel with R6
module and adjusted R4 for the same peak -to -peak sig- C7 Deleted
nal (while the same awful record was being played!). C8 Value changed from 4.7pF to 0.1 pF
Having carried out these modifications successfully I C9 Deleted
decided, realising that I must not broadcast to the sur- R5 Value changed from 1k51 to 10041 and top
rounding neighbourhood, to check the signal radiated end rewired to the 12V line
from the FM PCB. Every receiver in the house could R6 Value changed from 5642 to 10042
pick it up. I then wandered off to the garage at the bot- R7 Value changed from 'IMO to 100k
tom of the garden and discovered that a good -quality R8 Deleted - replaced with a link

TELEVISION March 2000 285

READER SERVICE

HELP WANTED
The help wanted column is intended to assist readers who require a part, circuit
etc. that's not generally available. Requests are published at the discretion of the
editor. Send them to the editorial department - do not write to or phone the
advertisement department about this feature.
Wanted: Line and field timebase and the Philips N1500 and N1702 Lancs. 01942 703 843.
panel for the Ferguson 8500 chassis. VCRs). Send SAE or e-mail for com- Wanted: Service information and/or
Les Mawdsley, One Way TV, 82 plete list. £5 each, £100 the lot. Buyer a circuit diagram for the Peerless
Sandhurst Road, Rainhill, Merseyside collects. Mike Phelan, 21 St Barnabas Model 580 automotive diagnostic
L35 8NQ. 0151 426 4152. Road, Hightown, Liversedge, W. oscilloscope (circa 1982), photocopies
Wanted: Complete working PCB for Yorkshire WFI5 8BS. 01274 870 OK. Eric Kempshall, 109A Portland
the Sanyo Model CBP3024 (A3 -A14 872. E-mail Road, Hove, E. Sussex BN3 SDP.
chassis). It's a 14in. colour portable. mike@lean.co.uk 01273 382 001.
M. Payne, 66 Nevinson Avenue, Wanted: Does anyone know where Wanted: LOPT for a 5in. Orion
South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE34 Betamax VCR videotapes can be colour TV, or a faulty TV or an
8MP. 0191 537 2062. bought? J.H. Heath, Mallorca, Baileys equivalent unit with working LOPT.
For disposal: Television magazines Drove, Wool, Wareham, Dorset Also require a power supply for the
from 1967-1998 complete; Radio and BH2O 6EP. 01929 462 262. Sony Beta VCR Model SLC9UB, or a
Television Servicing books from Wanted: New or used heads for a faulty machine with working power
1969-1988; U -View TV and Video Denon DTR2000 DAT recorder. supply. Contact Kash on 0121 602
Servicing books from 1988 onwards. Must be cheap and in full working 3993 or e-mail
Many TV, audio and video manuals order. Lee Archer. Phone 01942 714 kash@punjab.fsbusiness.co.uk
(many originals, some photocopies) 268 or e-mail Wanted: User instruction book (pho-
from early Eighties to early Nineties. heads@room909.co.uk tocopy OK) for the Pye VCR Model
And a B&K 467 CRT restorer with Wanted: Working tuner -timer panel DV292 (or Philips AV6290). Also
approximately ten bases, in mint con- for the Ferguson Videostar 3V31, or a require a complete, working timer
dition - hardly used. CRTs, spares, scrap unit. Panel no. is TT/CTL PWB PCB (part no. 215B37501) for the
etc. Steve Cain, Chippenham, Wilts. ASS'Y 07 PU10432. Also require a Mitsubishi HSB11 (or HSB21) VCR.
Please phone 01249 445 069 for com- retro-fit Nicam panel and cableform W. Coates, 86 Brentwood Park,
plete list or alternatively e-mail for the Ferguson TX 10 stereo -text TV Belfast BT5 7LR. 01232 798 984.
stevecain@btinternet.com Model 37063, or a scrap set consid- Wanted: Modification details to
Wanted: I have a number of trans- ered. Please phone with price etc. Can remove teletext lines from the top of
formers type AT2048/11, lot 317. collect in the Blackpool area. A. the raster displayed by a Sony
Does anyone know what they were Clifford, 01253 697 460. KV134OUB colour portable with two -
intended for and any equipment Wanted/for disposal: Require a tuner IC decoder board B. D.H. Kidston,
makes/models? The Granada cata- unit for the Ferguson 2000 colour TV 102 Fergus Avenue, Livingston EH54
logue lists the numbers but doesn't chassis. Have for disposal several 6BG. 01506 433 371.
specify applications. Please phone modern VCRs, for repair or spares. Wanted: Sony camcorder Model
Roy Bailey on 01705 783 811. Some centre -load, all complete. Mick CCDV900E for parts. I'm not looking
Wanted: Picture -in -picture module Gee, 01702 558 444. for a serviceable one: what I need is
for the B&O LX6000, new or second- Wanted/for sale: Require a scrap the camera section. If that is OK, it
hand. David East, 189 Green Lanes, Salora 1M chassis with good CCU would suit my purposes. Bill Davies,
Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, W. chip. Have for sale a Primax TA901 18 Black Bridge, Holyhead, Anglesey
Midlands B73 5LX. Phone 0121 354 CRT regenerator, boxed with eight LL65 2BU. 01407 762 400.
2189 after 6 p.m. or e-mail adaptors and manuals, £145 ono. Also Wanted: Power supply and remote
DMEast@aol.com 250 plus TVNCR/sat/audio manuals - head cover for the Brenell Mini L,8 8 -
Wanted/for disposal/sale: Require e-mail for list/prices. Vince Buffin, track recorder. Also a circuit diagram
an MC1305 stereo decoder IC for the 01752 215 536 or e-mail for the B&K 467 CRT restorer/anal-
Quad FM3 tuner. Have for disposal vinceboo@niffub.freeserve.co.uk yser. V. Smith, 175 Lyon Park
(free for collection) a 3ft high pile of Wanted: Remote control unit for the Avenue, Wembley, Middx HAO 411D.
TV, audio and video manuals, mainly Samsung VCR Model SI3260. N.A.B. 0181 902 5447.
from the 60s/70s; a Luxor reel-to-reel Plumb, 58 Howell Road, Exeter EX4 Wanted: Operating instructions for
tape recorder, complete untested; and 4EY. 01392 277 444. the Xerox 645 typewriter/word pro-
a box of radio/TV valves. The follow- Wanted: Cassette lift mechanism, cessor, also an 'instruction disc' for
ing are for sale: A Unaohm EP684 complete assembly, for the Sharp this machine. I can copy and return
colour -bar generator, with manual, VCR Model VC381. Also circuit data. E. Roberts, 62 Hay Street, Perth
working £20. An early AVO LCR details to reduce station drift with the PHI 5HS. 01738 622 755.
bridge, working £10. Over thirty early Wireless World Nelson -Jones FM Wanted: LOPT (Murata MHF042-03
DS and SS CTV, video and camera tuner. Can collect. P: Rosbottom, 24 6Y06) for the 22in. Murphy Model
manuals (including BRC 2000 chassis Avon Road, Morley Hall, Wigan, M22S01 (ZX4200 chassis). C.M.
Continued on page 307

286 March 2000 TELEVISION

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 L -7* t
4-1-i"" "
I

4,4 ft.1 Monitors

capacitor. C613 is something to do these three electrolytic capacitors
with T602, which appears to be a had been replaced the monitor pow-
line -rate sync transformer. I ered up normally.
replaced them both, and added
Fault reports from 0.33pf, 63V non -electrolytic Elonex MN024 (F6Y)
capacitors in parallel with them to Care is needed with identification
Ian Field reduce self -heating produced by of the MN024. There are dozens of
ESR losses. For the initial test different versions from at least as
power up I removed the degaussing many manufacturers! A clue is pro-
posistor and reduced the fuse rating vided by the case style. The com-
to 2AF. As the monitor worked all plaint with this one, an Acer model,
right I refitted the posistor and was "shimmers". I've recently
Elonex MN034P replaced the fuse with the correct learnt to associate Elonex monitors
The complaint was "stuck in stand- type. The monitor then survived a with the need for electrode flashing
by until knocked on the side". As two-day continuous soak test fol- to clear focus faults. But the prob-
usual, it's not possible to tell from lowed by a day of periodic switch- lem this time seemed to be the
the model number what's inside. ing on and off. It has now been result of a faulty electrolytic. The
This one had a Philips chassis. I returned and there has been no fur- difficulty was, which one?
thought the P suffix might indicate ther complaint. The only answer was to start
this, but the next MN034P I picked with the electrolytic capacitors on
up looked like an Amstrad model! Dell Vi1428EBP the primary and secondary sides of
This version of the Philips chassis The job card said dead with a loud the chopper power supply and work
has two TO220 devices clipped to squeak from the power supply. I anticlockwise around the PCB, via
the rear metal bracket. One is a found that the power supply was the rear edge, until I found the cul-
MOSFET and the other a three -ter- shutting down instantly and that prit. Apart from most of the 10pF,
minal regulator. The MOSFET's there were no overloads on the sec- 50V electrolytics, those in the
soldering should always be ondary side. It was easy to establish power supply were all OK.
checked, as arcing here can cause a this fact because the regulation sys- Amongst the cluster of electrolytic
lot of damage. tem, which is based on a UC3842 capacitors between the cable mount
Both TO220 devices had fine chip, samples the voltage produced and the line output stage heatsink
cracks in their soldered joints. The by the auxiliary winding on the there was C353 (1µF, 250V), whose
MOSFET is connected to a small chopper transformer - the optocou- ESR exceeded the 70 limit of my
driver transformer and a larger pler has nothing to do with regula- meter. The nearby C361 (1g, 50V)
energy -storage inductor, both of tion. Since none of the outputs had an ESR of greater than 2n.
which needed fresh solder. After from the rectifiers on the secondary Replacing these two and the 10µF,
attending to this and, as a precau- side of the circuit are sampled for 50V capacitors in the area con-
tion, a quick trawl around the rest regulation purposes, it's safe to run cerned seemed to do the trick.
of the PCB the monitor worked the power supply with them all dis-
first time every time - without any connected. Sony CPD15SX1
need to hit it! The cause of the shutdown was The complaint was "intermittent
the fact that the MCR100-6 thyris- screen distorted". There was an
AST Vision 41 tor Q102 was firing and clamping additional comment on the job card
(CMC1418AD) pin 7 of the UC3842 chip. The - "also movement when you tap the
The 3.15AT fuse had blown, but no voltage at the gate of this thyristor sides". This is not one of those
obvious short-circuit could be is smoothed by C110 (10g, 50V), models in which the swivel base
found. The regulator is an which produced an ESR reading of erupts through the main PCB if you
STR59041: this device and this between 2-3g. The voltage comes, place anything heavier than a tele-
type of fault seem to go together! via R108 and the 18V zener diode phone directory on top of it! With a
Before condemning it however it's D105, from the error voltage reser- few scattered exceptions the solder
always worth checking the elec- voir capacitor C108A (68µF, 25V). joints looked perfect, so I began by
trolytic capacitors in this area. This produced a similarly bad ESR attending to the few that weren't.
C613 and C614, which are both reading. The supply reservoir The small microcontroller sub -
22g, 50V, each produced an ESR capacitor for the chip, C109 panel, along the same side of the
reading of about 2f2. C614 is the (100g, 25V), also had an ESR of PCB as the LOPT, can be of SIM
regulator's error voltage reservoir just under a couple of ohms. Once or SIP design, i.e. it may have its

288 March 2000 TELEVISION

 MONITORS

own pins and be soldered in or may even worse! The focus fault refused monitor given a final soak test.
clip into a SIM socket. The latter to budge until the flylead was cau- Apart from having a Trinitron
can occasionally give trouble tiously eased under the CRT's tube this chassis is almost identical
because of tarnished contact pads. anode cap. to one of the AST LR14 versions.
Usually giving it a wiggle will This may sound to be a drastic The value of C322 is 5.6nF
solve the problem, but in stubborn step, but back in the days of hybrid (1.6kV), but it's a resin -dipped type
cases a light rub with a fibre pen or CRT chassis most engineers would and is a lot bigger than the square
`soundflex' block may be required. happily resort to 'brushing' the ones that melt! The resin -dipped
When the monitor was powered CRT pins with the arc from the type has a much better reliability
and fed with a peak -white test sig- detached anode lead! In these days record - but this counts for nothing
nal there was a distinctly cyan of highly integrated semiconductor if the capacitor is not securely sol-
raster. When a colour -bar pattern chips the procedure is not without dered to the PCB!
was selected there were black bars risk. I have had a case, with a dif-
where the red ones should have ferent make of monitor, where a Super 4 1451CLR
been. The cause was the cable at 74LS86 mounted close to the CRT The job card said that this monitor
the "releif shroud", as it left the base was damaged. was dead. It wasn't - I heard the
plug. There was a bulge in the But in this case the monitor's EHT rustle up! But only three of
cable between the plug and the overload protection shut down the the CRT base pins were actually
adjacent suppression ferrite. While line output stage and the transient held fast to the PCB: all the others
faulty manufacture is a possibility, made the test PC reboot, with no had complete fracture rings around
I suspect that either the cable had damage to any of the equipment the solder fillets. The chassis in this
been twisted sharply close to the involved. It is however obviously monitor is almost identical to the
plug or the base unit had been safer to have an expendable PC CTX 1565D. Presumably this 14in.
jammed back against the wall with which to run monitors while model is an earlier version.
behind it, trapping the signal cable. this procedure is carried out!
Every once in a while you have to ICL-Fujitsu PC -TV Model
remind a customer that this risks Compaq 420 DB10301E
cutting off the air flow to the PC's Poor contrast and uncontrollable In the monitor mode there was a
cooling fan, with the possible con- focus were the complaints with this small, unsynchronised display. TV
sequence of a written -off mother- monitor. It's not unusual to find a operation seemed to be more or less
board as well as damage to the tired CRT in one of these old- all right - the picture was almost
monitor cable. timers, especially the early 420 (no stable. Given this fault, it's surpris-
suffix). In comparison with more ing that the monitor section didn't
CTX CVP5468LR recently manufactured monitors, blow up! Inspection revealed that
The main complaint was of varying the video bandwidth is limited and the tall, ceramic 2k0, lOW resistor
focus. The customer also wanted this can be mistaken for poor focus. R130 in the snubber network was
the width to be increased. So I set But the monitor had a decidedly held in only by brown glue: perhaps
about this first - it gave me some- poorly CRT. In addition several of the conductive nature of the glue
thing to do while evaluating the the glued -on geometry magnets had almost replaced the resistor func-
focus problem. The usual checks fallen off, leaving appaling geome- tion?! The rest of the PCB, overall,
for correct HT voltage setting, try. There was no hope of rejuve- had at least an adequate amount of
noisy presets and tired flyback tun- nating this CRT. solder, but it had either been applied
ing capacitors failed to reveal any- Fortunately there was a scrap too hot or with too little flux. The
thing amiss, so I moved on to plan unit in the stock room. It had been CRT panel looked very scruffy in
B - to add between 220-560pF abandoned because the LOFT had this respect, but was OK with no
across the LOPT's primary wind- failed. The monitor's original CRT need for any reworking.
ing. If any sort of ceramic capacitor was an NEC M34JUP33XX165(B), Once the monitor had been
is used here, its voltage rating the salved replacement I fitted was restored to normal working it
should be at least 8kV. an Hitachi M34JCA33X84. became apparent that the keyboard
By the time that I had found the Although everything fitted all right, had suffered a hard life. Several
best capacitance value to add, the the grey -scale needed some setting keys either didn't work or did so
focus fault had put in an appear- up. As the presets have quite a with severe bounce. I was able to
ance. The symptom was consistent wide adjustment range, it usually repair most of the damage by using
with what I've come to expect of a takes several goes at the cut-off and Ecolit silver -loaded track repair
Panasonic CRT (this one was an gain presets. For final adjustment, paint. The keypad consists of 'tac-
M34KBV280X19/25). My theory is the cut-off presets need to be accu- tile rubber cup contacts' on a plas-
that getter residues and/or stray rately balanced before you carry tic sheet, with silver-plated tracks.
contaminants accumulate on the out a last gain trim. The interleaved contact pads are
focus or screen electrode. Very carbon coated, but can be repaired
often this can be cleared by 'spark- Viglen CA1426LT with silver -loaded paint provided
ing' the electrode. The safest way This monitor had a pink grey scale. care is taken to avoid short-circuits.
to do this is to fit a flylead to the There were dry -joints everywhere, If a repaired contact still fails to
focus box on the CRT base and on the main and the CRT base operate correctly, try continuity
connect this alternately between the PCBs. Once this had been attended checks to the edge connector. The
focus output from the LOPT and to I found that the CRT needed one I was repairing had an almost
chassis. In more severe cases some- exercising. It was left for a pro- invisible scratch that had severed
thing stronger is needed - say the longed run displaying a peak -white the track leading to the escape key.
pulse at the collector of the line raster to settle the cathodes. The This was also repaired with silver -
output transistor. This one was grey scale was then set up and the loaded paint.

TELEVISION March 2000 289

 Michael Maurice's letter
in our September 1999
issue initiated a detailed
discussion of the current
state of the consumer
electronics repair trade in
the UK. He takes this
opportunity to sum-
marise the situation as
he sees it

I t has been interesting to read the moved to digital broadcasting, so from digital TV. ONdigital and
responses from a number of service there will be very little work repairing SkyDigital have done their best to
engineers to my letter in the satellite receivers. make life very difficult for indepen-
September 1999 issue of Television. dent outlets. If you install either of
In it, I expressed my great concern (2) VCRs are now selling at under these systems, especially ONdigital,
about the poor prospects for the future £70 for cheap, own -brand machines you will not be paid for any call-
of domestic electronics repair work. and as low as £120 for premium backs. From what I have seen, the
Incidentally a subsequent letter of brands. Estimates of say £48 to repair back-up service provided by
mine on the same subject was pub- a branded VCR are now being SkyDigital is atrocious. Most
lished in the letters section of the refused. A couple of years ago you installers are poorly trained and
Daily Mail. could have charged £80, and the cus- unhelpful.
The main point I wanted to empha- tomer would have happily paid up!
sise is that engineers and companies Much the same applies with most (6) The market for refurbished or sec-
will have to invest heavily in test small -screen TV sets, including major ond-hand TV sets and VCRs has
equipment and computers if they are brand ones. declined steeply. This is because the
to be able to service future consumer cost of new equipment is at an all-
electronics equipment. What con- (3) Almost every supermarket now time low, and with interest -free cre-
cerns me is that we are likely get little sells TV sets and VCRs. They are the dit, voucher schemes etc. it is very
if any return on such investment, budget variety, usually Bush or Alba, easy to buy new even if it can't be
especially with the sharp decline in but they are there right in front of you afforded at the time.
the amount of chargeable work avail- as you enter the store. You can't miss
able. In fact the capital invested could them, and they are cheap - very Can someone honestly say that they
be lost. cheap! In fact they are cheaper than haven't experienced a decrease in
There will always be those who the cost of the average weekly family their income from repairs? My
express optimism about the trade's shopping bill. monthly gross income from repairs
future. They seem to be a minority. I Modern TV sets and VCRs need lit- has fallen by over 30 per cent in com-
wish them lots of luck - they'll need tle if any setting up, so even this parison with my takings for the same
it. The stark reality of the situation is source of work has dried up. Suggest period in the previous year. But my
as follows: to someone that they should pay you bills still keep rising.
£25 to install a newly -acquired VCR
(1) Since the start of SkyDigital, there and they will think you are mad. Digital TV
Our heading photograph is has been a steep decline in the call for Chris Smith, the Minister for Culture,
a Television archive picture repairs to analogue satellite equip- (4) The average person doesn't care has announced that digital TV is here
and is not related to the ment. There was a small delay in this what brand his TV set or VCR is as to stay and that analogue TV services
author. decline because Zee TV continued to long as it's got a guarantee and he will start to be shut down in about
use analogue transmission, so the thinks he is safe for at least a year. seven -eight years' time. So Colin
Asian community wanted to keep Guy's decision not to service digital
their sets going. But Zee TV has now (5) There is no money to be made sets will mean that his work load will

290 March 2000 TELEVISION

 TRADE

decrease in the not too distant future. would have to replace all the sets and You would be laughed at if you tried
It will be interesting to see the pub- VCRs with new equipment. Even to make such charges for a TV, VCR
lic's reaction to digital TV. While then you can get only one card unless or hi-fi repair.
most people will accept some ghost- you are prepared to take out several It was said at a recent RETRA con-
ing and slightly snowy pictures with contracts. And even then broadcasters ference that the average age of TV
an analogue set, they won't accept are reluctant to issue more than one service engineers is 46. When you
pictures breaking up into mosaics, card per household. consider that this is a modern hi -tech
freezing and pixilating. The government's interest is purely industry, and that in most trades or
Kevin Davies (letters December) financial: income from leasing the professions you are over the hill at 35,
expressed exactly what I had aimed to remainder of the UHF band, together 46 is positively old. There are virtual-
get across to the readers of the Daily with the VAT income from the sales ly no new people coming into the
Mail when I suggested that digital TV of new sets and subscriptions, will trade. Computer repairs are far easier
is being forced upon us. Digital TV swell the coffers of the Exchequer. and the pay is much better, so young
either works well or doesn't work at Finally the public should be under people training as electronics techni-
all, with a very thin dividing line no illusion that digital TV equipment cians go into that or other areas
between these two conditions. To me will be easy to repair - if it can be instead.
the pictures produced by digital TV, repaired at all. This has even been My guess is that once the current
especially with the new breed of admitted by a major manufacturer, so generation of TV and VCR engineers
widescreen sets, are very plastic - what chance do we have? has retired or left the trade there will
looking and unnatural. Provided the be no one to take their place. It could
CRT is in good condition, most older A dying trade be that in ten years' time you won't be
sets give much better and more natu- Ours is a diminishing and dying trade. able to get your TV set serviced. This
ral pictures than the new digital ones. No other one is going down the pan may not matter at the cheaper end of
Digital TV doesn't provide viewers so rapidly. Plumbing, building, car the market, but what about the more
with anything like the flexibility they repairs, decorating and most other expensive end? It might not be so easy
enjoy today. If a household has say trades are all providing steady work, to find £1,000 for a replacement every
three TV sets and two VCRs, with and in these trades charges can be couple of years because there's no one
analogue TV members of the family increased. We cannot do this. Most to carry out repairs. These larger TV
can view all five terrestrial channels garages around here charge approxi- sets are also very heavy, so that two or
and/or record the five channels using mately £36-£38 an hour, with main more people are required to lift them,
timer VCRs. With digital TV you dealers charging £50-£70 an hour. and possibly a larger vehicle is

Repair SMDs on
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PUT HOT AIR TO WORK FOR YOU

TELEVISION March 2000 291

 TRADE

required for transport. ble in five -ten years time? If a firm work out cream off the profits, hold
Chassis replacement is an option. like SES couldn't make a go of it, no spares stock, have made no
You could use a laptop computer to why should we think we could? It investment in test gear, usually
download the contents of a faulty might be possible if we were to drive an old banger and, more
chassis's EEPROM, store them in gamble our savings and possibly our importantly, have no responsibility
the laptop's memory, then upload homes too. But what guarantees except for paying the repairer's gen-
them into the EEPROM in the would the store providing the con- erally low bills. Even for this they
replacement chassis, making any tract give us to make us reasonably usually expect a month or two's
adjustments as necessary. To do this sure that we would still be trading in credit. If the set bounces, the repair
you would have to purchase a laptop say five years' time? If such a ven- engineer is responsible. How do
computer, a manufacturer's inter- ture was successful, we could make such cowboys get the work? They
face and software. You would need money. If it were to fail we could come across as plausible and have a
interface boxes and software for lose a lot, including our homes and good line of patter with customers.
every manufacturers' sets you pro- everything we had saved. We could To avoid being mistaken for such an
pose to service - and probably dif- be left with a property either on operator my advertisements say
ferent software for different chassis. lease or freehold to dispose of - and "Please note that the work is all car-
Manufacturers don't give such ser- empty buildings still involve sub- ried out by myself and none is sub-
vice tools away free: they have to be stantial costs. contracted".
bought. This added to by feeling of woe. I
Can anyone tell me why sets have have reached the point, despite The future
to be so complicated and difficult to being prepared to work all hours to If, ten years ago, someone had sug-
service? What was wrong with a meet customers' needs, where short- gested that VCRs and TV sets
fuse and a fusible resistor? age of work is causing despair, anx- would be on sale in supermarkets
Remember that we are talking about iety and depression. I feel it is prob- and cash-and-carry outlets at under
relatively cheap brown goods, not a ably time to move on, as so many £70 they would have met total dis-
new car with the latest electronical- have recently. My wife feels that belief. Now that it's a fact, there are
ly -controlled engine and control this would be an awful waste of despair and long faces.
management systems. Customers skills acquired the hard way over a For those of you who are not
simply won't pay £200 plus to have long period of time. But what use familiar with it Wembley, where I
a TV set serviced. are skills if they don't put food on am based, is a large London suburb.
At one time it was possible to gen- the table? It's the sort of place that should gen-
erate a steady income from spares. I have decided to call it a day when erate a reasonable demand for ser-
You can still make some money business falls to such a level that I vicing work. Costs are moderately
from this. Customers often don't have to dip into my savings to pay high, because of house prices and
know the cost of parts. They often my day-to-day bills, including mort- shop and industrial unit rents. There
begrudge your labour charge gage, food etc. If I were to continue are a few local electronics retailers,
(because you should work for noth- under these circumstances, there also some component distributors. It
ing, like they do!), but they will pay would be little point in the endeav- should, if anywhere, be possible to
for spares. If a well-known high- our and I would lose what I have run a servicing business here. But
street electrical chain can charge £2 worked hard to save. it's very tough going.
plus VAT for a resistor or a capaci- A wholesaler friend of mine con-
tor, why can't we? But many manu- Cowboys firms that a lot of engineers have
facturers, desperate to cut costs, I have long thought that if we could given up and left the trade. So those
have put out the supply of spares to get rid of the cowboys, preferably engineers or repair organisations
distributors. The result has been by legislation, then at least the rest that can survive the next 12-18
higher prices to repairers, making it of us who can repair equipment our- months will have more of the mar-
impossible for us to apply a decent selves properly could earn a decent ket to themselves. That might give
mark up (if at all) to the spare parts living. With this in mind I wrote to us some hope.
we supply to customers as part of Stephen Byers and Nick Raynsford, There is also the fact that the elec-
their repairs. suggesting that if they want to get tronics industry has never stood
rid of the "rip-off Britain" image still. There is always something
Business assessment they should consider licensing new, with new problems, coming
A friend of mine was asked by a TV/video engineers in the same along. In the near future television
major department store to look into way that gas engineers have to be could change beyond all recogni-
setting up an independent workshop Corgi registered. tion as electronics, computing and
to service the VCRs that came in for I mentioned two types of cowboys. communications continue to con-
repair. Apparently the need came First engineers who are incompetent verge. Who is going to sort out the
about when SES of Dulwich closed and could leave equipment in a dan- fault, compatibility and interfacing
down. My friend asked whether I gerous condition. Secondly the problems that arise? Perhaps more
was interested in setting up such a engineer who can't and doesn't to the point, who is going to be
company. We both thought about it carry out any repairs: he simply around to install and set up this
and came to the conclusion that such picks up jobs and subcontracts them equipment, and will customers be
a business would require an invest- to others who can and do, simply prepared to pay? I get phone calls
ment of £50k upwards in order to adding a mark-up to the cost of the from people who have bought
secure premises, get the necessary repair when he returns the equip- cheap VCRs and TV sets from the
test equipment and tools, obtain ment to the customer. This mark-up local supermarket or superstore but
computers etc. is often over 100 per cent, some- can't set them up. They baulk at the
I told him that one would have to times up to 300 per cent. So far I prospect -of having to pay me more
look well into the future. Would ser- have had no response. than a tenner. So who knows? Send
vicing VCRs and TV sets be feasi- Engineers who subcontract their your answers to the editor!

292
March 2000 TELEVISION
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 VCR Clinic
Reports from
Eugene Trundle was complete lack of action and and, while the machine is playing
display - nothing was coming from back, press 'tracking auto' on the
Kevin Green, TMIIE the power supply. Only very brief handset and 'play' at the machine.
Steven Leatherbarrow pulses, at a rate of about two per If the ATR flag disappears, adjust-
Tim Edwards second, were seen when an oscillo- ment is complete. I found that sev-
scope probe was connected to the eral attempts had to be made.
John Coombes collector of the chopper transistor. If the ATR flag remains, a dif-
Paul Hardy and Normal operation was restored ferent procedure is required and a
Michael Maurice when capacitors CP007 (10µF, `service handset' (JG155) has to
50V) and CP008 (100µF, 25V) on be obtained. Fortunately I didn't
the primary side of the power sup- have to go that far with this
ply were replaced. E.T. machine. The manufacturer could
Akai VSG770 of course have fitted a potentiome-
`Error 1' usually appeared in the JVC HRJ665 ter or two, saving the cost of a
display at switch on. When this The only response this machine manual (about £20) and a two-
didn't happen the machine worked produced was a very faint ticking week wait. S.L.
normally for a while then shut itself that came from the chopper power
down, with error 1 again appearing. supply. A 15V zener diode, D5301, Daewoo V200
The cause turned out to be switch turned out to be the cause of the This supermarket special uses a
transistor TR215, which was leaky. trouble. It had gone short-circuit. Sony power supply module that's
I've been told that zener diodes K.G. in a neat little can. It is common for
D236 and D237 can cause the same C53 (11.1F, 100V) to dry out, the
symptom with this and similar Sharp VCM301HM result being a dead machine. S.L.
models. E.T. The tape would load and then play
for a maximum of about four min- Akura VX160
Sony SLVE720 utes, after which the machine would There was a very intermittent fault
Two of these machines have been cut out. Investigation showed that in with this machine: the playback
brought to us because of a low -gain the fault condition the drum motor FM signal would disappear at ran-
tuner. The RF through and playback stopped rotating. The cause of the dom, but never for long enough to
pictures were good, but E -E and trouble was the BA6977S drum enable fault tracing to be undertak-
off -tape pictures via the tuner were driver chip IC702. K.G. en. I eventually found that the
poor and grainy. In both cases the LA7376 FM amplifier chip in the
cause was a dry -joint inside the Sharp VCM26 can behind the drum was heat sen-
tuner/receiver module - at the front, There was extremely bad pattern- sitive. A replacement cured the
bottom corner, farthest from the ing, of the type you generally come fault. S.L.
aerial socket. The PCB's earth -land across only with co -channel inter-
solder link to the screening can ference. But it was also present in Ferguson FV71LV
tends to crack at this point. E.T. the playback mode and with the The customer complained about
aerial disconnected. The colour poor start-up, intermittent play and
JVC HRJ625 would drop out, and when present jumping to rewind etc. of its own
If the problem is failure to eject the differed in hue across the screen. accord. This looked like power sup-
cassette, with the capstan motor X501, which is associated with ply trouble. So I replaced CP07
whirring, the cause will probably IC201, was the culprit. S.L. (10g, 50V) and CP08 (100pF,
be that the spring anchorage has 50V). When DP06 (BYV10-20)
broken off the change arm (item 74 Orion D9600 was tested I obtained a reading of
in the exploded view of the deck). The upper deck of this double -deck 300g. I replaced it with a
When this happens the inject mech- VCR produced pictures that BYD33D. On the secondary side of
anism doesn't engage. In its confu- rolled/jumped. Adjustment seemed the circuit I noticed that there was
sion the deck laces the tape up to be the answer, but as usual an 85°C axial capacitor in position
again then shuts down. E.T. nowadays there were no presets to CP41 (220µF, 25V). So this was
adjust. What you have to do is this: replaced with the correct radial
Toshiba V204B set the display to deck A, play back 105°C type. I also replaced CP71
The symptom with this machine an alignment or known good tape (10g, 50V) on the print side as

294 March 2000 TELEVISION

 .

VIDEO

this can also cause problems. post. As the grease had hardened, grease around the idler: it had gone
When I refitted the power sup- the post didn't return to its correct hard and sticky. I had to strip down
ply and switched on I found that a position. The arm had to be both plates on the underside of the
cassette could be loaded but would removed, cleaned and regreased. I mechanism and regrease all the
not play properly, and there was no gave the machine a good clean and bearings and pivots. If you fit the
eject. To cut a long story short, by replaced the head -cleaning roller. pinch -roller kit, new grease comes
running the machine out of its case One problem remained after this: with it. This information will apply
I found that everything was work- there was a slight, very strange to other models that use the same
ing correctly. So where were the knocking noise. The cause was mechanism. M.M.
strange commands coming from? traced to the timing belt, which had
The base screws were too long. The stretched. P.H. Sanyo VHR190E
one on the side of the play button There was either intermittent or no
was touching the soldered pins Mitsubishi HSM4OV remote control operation. The cause
(track side) of connector BC06. (J deck) was dry -joints at the connectors
T.E. A tape was jammed in this that link the two front -panel PCBs.
machine. I unloaded it manually Resoldering provided a complete
Hitachi VTM230 then removed the cassette lift cure. M.M.
The complaint with this machine assembly for inspection. The cause
was about tape chewing, which to of the problem was that the peg Sony SLV625
start with was very intermittent. was out of engagement with the A couple of weeks after replacing
After a long soak test however it spring at the right-hand side of the the pinch roller and regreasing the
was obvious what was responsible cassette. As no other damage was half -load arm I was called back
for the tape damage. The pinch apparent, I retimed the mechanism because there was no record/E-E
roller was faulty, not because of and tried it with another tape. sound. Connector CN0306 on the
wear but because the retainer plas- Everything was fine, but the Nicam module was dry -jointed at
tic insert that holds the roller to the machine failed when the customer's nearly every pin that links it to the
arm assembly had split. As a result tape was tried. I had to retime it main PCB. M.M.
the pinch roller slowly moved again. The cause of the problem
down the shaft and the tape was was the customer's cassette. P.H. Sharp VCA55HM
then incorrectly positioned. J.C. Rewind and fast forward were OK,
Panasonic NVF65 but play was either very slow or not
Toshiba V212 "Poor signals" it said on the job at all. For a change the capstan
There was an unusual fault with card. When I tested the machine I motor was running freely. It had
this machine. When it was in the found that it would search for failed electrically, a replacement
playback mode it produced an E -E channels but wouldn't stop at a sig- restoring normal operation. M.M.
picture! The cause was the nal. In addition interference could
MC1409 shift register chip 1W20. be seen on the received picture as JVC HRJ600
The only reliable check is by sub- the transmission was tuned This machine wouldn't eject a cas-
stitution. J.C. through. The cause of the trouble sette fully. JVC's excellent techni-
was hash on the 45V supply cal department told me the cause is
Samsung SV421K because C1118 was open -circuit. the pin, on the main deck, that acts
If there is tape damage when the The other power supply lines were as a bearing for the relay arm and
tape is running, check the pinch OK. P.H. gear, and that the only cure is to
roller for wear. If there is damage replace the main deck chassis, part
when the tape is ejected, check the Ferguson FV81LV no. PQ11473B-4. The main deck
left-hand brake assembly. It can This machine wouldn't accept a comes as a bare chassis, so every
wear to cause this trouble. J.C. cassette. The cause of the trouble part from the old one has to be
was the small lever that actuates the removed and transferred to the new
Akai VSG745 cassette flap lock - it was missing. one - 105 parts excluding the drum
We've had two different faults with I couldn't find it in the machine, assembly. Be prepared to spend a
this model recently, both caused by and it's not available separately. few hours doing this.
a defective mode switch. The prob- Although the Willow Vale cata- After reassembly and testing I
lem with the first machine was logue has an exploded view of the found that there was a fault with
intermittent fast forward and L mechanism, the cassette holder the brakes. They didn't come on
rewind. With the second machine (item 16) is not shown in the parts when stop or play was selected
there was tape damage at eject, list. It is however available under after rewind or fast forward. The
because a loop of tape was being WVE order code 20081HC. P.H. cause was misalignment between
left out of the cassette. J.C. the sliding base (item no. 151) and
Mitsubishi HSM37B the control cam. So I replaced this,
Philips VR522 This machine was jammed in the the slide plate and main brakes. But
A number of power supply capaci- fully -loaded state. I released it by the brakes still didn't come on after
tors can cause the no results symp- turning the loading motor, after fast forward. To cut a long story
tom with this machine. In this case which the fault wouldn't recur. So I short, I found the cause to be lack
the culprit was C2112 (100g), stripped out the pinch roller and of grease on the new slide plate. I
which had fallen in value to just pinch cam helter-skelter gear and also had to replace the slide plate's
7p.F. J.C. then thoroughly regreased all the spring. The machine then worked
moving parts. A few weeks later I correctly.
Sony SLV625 was called back. This time eject Next time I'll make sure I
The original problem was tape was difficult, also going into play charge a lot more for my time!
damage because of a sticking limit and record. The cause was the M.M.

295
TELEVISION March 2000
 Show report
The US Consumer Electronics
Shows are the world's leading
events for the display of new sys-
t With A
Mobile Future.
tems and products. This Winter's
one was no exception. George
Cole reports
cent of households by the end of 1999. The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) has set an analogue
switch -off date of 2006, but few now expect that this will
happen. The ATSC system has been dogged by difficul-
ties, including high receiver prices (sets cost thousands of
dollars) and technical problems that have marred picture
quality.
Another problem emerged at WCES 2000. There is at
present no standard for connecting digital TV sets to cable
systems. FCC chairman William Kennard, speaking at the
Show, said that his agency was ready to intervene if the
two sides cannot come to an agreement. Fourteen of the
"111!"1 largest consumer electronics companies met at the WCES
to try to establish a technical standard for digital cable
This year's Winter Consumer Electronics Show connection. There is also the issue of copy protection. The
(WCES 2000) at Las Vegas provided more evidence Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), which repre-
of the convergence between computer and consumer sents the main receiver manufacturers, expressed the hope
electronics technology. Not only was the show dominated that the cable and content industries would soon be able to
by computer companies such as Microsoft: in addition, the remove the final barriers to compatibility and copy pro-
traditional consumer electronics companies devoted much tection. There have also been digital terrestrial TV recep-
time to presenting and promoting PC -relevant products tion problems, which were mentioned in our leader last
such as hard -disk recorders and solid-state recording month (page 195). The CEA says that DTV sales reached
devices. 120,000 units by the end of 1999.
Despite all this, many HDTV sets were on show.
HDTV Thomson Multimedia's Model F3810 is a 38in. direct-
The USA has adopted a high -definition digital terrestrial view HDTV set that sells for just under $4,000 (£2,700).
television standard known as ATSC (Advanced The Proscan widescreen Model PS3000 also has a 38in.
Television Standards Committee). It's actually a compre- screen. Thomson was demonstrating a 61in. HDTV pro-
hensive system that offers both standard- and high -defini- jection TV, Model PS65000. There were also HDTV set -
tion (1,018 lines) modes, with Dolby Digital (AC -3) top receivers for use with analogue TV sets, providing
audio. There are in fact no fewer than eighteen variations composite video, S -video and RF connections.
to the standard, with digital receivers able to offer differ- The Sharp Model LC-PD5OU has a 50in. HDTV plasma
ent line standards, a 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio, 30 or 60 display that's just four inches deep with a 16:9 aspect
frames per second for video -based material, 24 or 30 ratio. It has an RS232 interface and can display PC sig-
frames per second for film -based material and either inter- nals, offering XGA, SVGA and VGA viewing modes. The
laced or progressive scanning. There are also many 'digi- Sharp Model LC-28HD1 has a 28in. liquid -crystal display
tal -ready' receivers that can be connected to a digital TV (LCD), while Model 34N-WF5H is a Pure Flat HDTV -
decoder. ready TV with a 34in. screen and a Double Format
Initial ATSC HDTV transmissions started in 1998, and Converter that enables video to be viewed in standard -def-
it was expected that coverage would extend to fifty per inition (480 lines) or HDTV (1,081 lines) modes with

296
March 2000 TELEVISION
remote -control selection. Pick Programs to Record
The Sony Models KDP-53XBR500 and KDP-
61XBR500 are 53in. and 61in. HDTV sets. Panasonic
showed a wide range of TV receivers, ranging from a j Search by Name
9in. portable to a 65in. digital projection TV set, and Browse by Channel
highlighted its Tau Pure Flat television sets. Sanyo had Browse tly lune
a display with a difference: a 3D one that doesn't require
Manually Record Time/Channel
the viewer to wear glasses. This display has a resolution
of 1,280 x 1,024 and has been shown at various trade TitIo's Suggestions
shows around the world. It looks pretty impressive. Titio's To Do List
Until now Sanyo has been reluctant to say when it
would go on sale, but at WCES it was announced that The TiVo record
there would be a US launch this summer. There may selection menu.
also be an 18in. version.
At the other extreme Samsung showed the world's first
wrist -watch TV! ners, including Sony, Philips and DirectTV, the leading
US digital satellite broadcaster. A TiVo looks like a
Hard -disk recording systems video recorder. It plugs into a TV set and a telephone
US consumers have for some time been able to use a line: the latter provides a two-way link between the
new type of domestic video recording device. Known viewer and advertisers and enables programme data and
variously as hard -disk recorders, digital video recorders, software upgrades to be downloaded to the TiVo box. It
virtual set -top boxes and personal video recorders can also be linked to a VCR for archiving.
(PVRs), they record TV programmes on a computer Inside a TiVo box a PowerPC processor runs with a
hard disk rather than video tape. But they can do more Linux operating system. TiVo cannot at present be used
than simply record video on a disk. As a programme is with Dolby AC -3 (it does operate with Dolby Pro -
being recorded, it can also be streamed off, enabling the Logic) or for HDTV pictures, though future versions
user to pause, slow-motion or replay live TV broadcasts. may do so. Philips markets two TiVo products in the
If you are watching a programme and the telephone USA, the HRD112 which provides up to fourteen hours
rings, you just press the pause button, take the call then of recording time and the BRD312 that provides thirty
return to the spot where you left off. This is possible hours. Their prices are $499 (about £330) and $999
because in the pause mode the PVR continues to record (about £690) respectively. TiVo users also pay a month-
the programme. You can fast -forward to the real-time ly subscription of $9.99 (£7) for receiving the pro-
part of the programme. gramme services that enable TiVo to provide a variety
A PVR can 'learn' what types of programmes you like of smart features.
to watch then automatically record them. It can even One of these enables the user to indicate the types of
suggest programmes you might want to watch! The programmes of personal interest by using a thumbs -up
PVR became feasible because of the falling cost of hard - button on the remote control unit. This enables TiVo to
disk technology, cheaper MPEG-2 video compression `learn' say that a viewer likes watching football pro-
encoder and decoder chips, and smart software for pro- grammes. A new feature, WishList, uses word combina-
ducing programme data. The programme data is used by tions to search for programmes. Enter the words
the PVR to identify various types of programmes such `Indian' and 'travel' for example and TiVo will look for
as films and sports events. programmes that match the preference and automatic- Below: A group of
It takes about 1-2 Gbytes of hard -disk space to store an ally record them. The German media company Kirch Sony products that
hour of MPEG-2 video. Most PVRs have hard -disk has signed an agreement with TiVo and Philips for the use the company's
technology to be incorporated in the company's next Memory Stick solid-
capacities of 15-30Gbytes per disk. This is expected to state storage system.
increase to 100Gbytes by 2002 and one terabyte generation of digital set -top boxes.
(1,000Gbytes) by 2006. Sony announced its first PVR, which it refers to as a
There have been various difficulties to overcome in the
development of hard -disk recorders. One potential prob-
lem was the noise created by a whirring hard disk.
Another is the heat generated: this has to be solved
either by heat dissipation or including a silent fan.
Arranging the data on the disk so that it can be stored
and played back simultaneously is also difficult. As data
is continually being stored and deleted, fragmentation
(whereby data files get scattered all over the disk, slow-
ing operations) increases. Contrary to popular belief,
hard -disk crashes are not a big problem.
Various companies and groups of companies are
developing PVRs and other hard -disk based systems,
including Microsoft with its WebTV system, C -Cube
Microsystems and Western Digital, Sony and
CableVision Systems, Nokia, Pioneer, Pace, Telewest
and NDS.
The best-known PVR, TiVo, was out in force at
WCES. TiVo has attracted much interest and many part -

TELEVISION March 2000 297

SHOW REPORT

the company says will offer two recording modes. The

linear mode will be compatible with current DVD play-
ers; the other mode, which enables video recordings to
be edited and shifted, will not be compatible.

VCRs and camcorders

VCRs took a back seat at this year's WCES. Panasonic
however showed machines that use two systems, VCR
Plus+ (Video Plus in the UK) Silver and VCR Plus+
Gold. The former automatically sets up the VCR by tun-
ing into the channels available in the area. Users simply
enter their post code. The latter adds cable and satellite
box control.
Sony announced a Digital -8 Handycam that uses its
digital network recorder, at Memory Stick solid-state storage system for capturing
WCES. Known as Model still images digitally. Four of Sony's new models to be
SVR2000, it has a 30Gbyte hard - introduced this spring will offer Memory Stick record-
disk that provides up to thirty ing. More on the Memory Stick below. Sony also
hours of video or nine hours in showed the DCR-TVR820, the first camcorder to have a
the highest -quality setting (DVD- built-in printer - it prints out business -card sized images
Video). It's due to go on sale in that can be taken from tape or a Memory Stick. In addi-
April, selling at about $400 tion there was the Sony MD Discam, which stores video
(£270). on a MiniDisc.
Sharp uses another PVR system, Panasonic showed a digital camcorder that has three
ReplayTV. This provides similar possible ways of being linked to a PC: via an IEEE 1394
features to TiVo though the ser- link, an RS232 connector or a Card Link that uses an
vice comes free. 8Mbyte memory card. Sharp's Internet Viewcam can be
used to send video clips via the internet.
DVD
DVD has been officially declared Satellite broadcasting
to be the most successful con- Digital satellite broadcaster DirectTV now has over
sumer product launch ever in the eight million subscribers. The company showed a digi-
Top photo: Sony's Model DCM-M1 USA. More than five million tal satellite receiver that includes the TiVo video record-
MD Discamc. players have been sold since the ing system. It can store up to thirty hours of video.
Lower photo: Sharp's VN-E21U inter - launch in 1997. Hardware ship- Rival service provider Echostar unveiled the world's
net viewcam. ments are expected to reach eight first DVD/satellite TV receiver, which is known as the
million units this year, with Dish DVD. It has a 500 -channel tuner, Dolby Digital
household coverage exceeding ten per cent. There are audio and a multi -function remote control system. There
currently some seventy DVD player models on sale in was also the Dish HD, a high -definition satellite TV
the USA, with thirty brands offering them. The average receiver that will be available in the second half of 2000,
price is now $298 (£198), some models selling for less selling for about $500 (£330). Echostar says it now has
than $200 (£133). 3.4 million subscribers.
The Panasonic DVD-H1000 is a progressive -scan
DVD player that can also be used with CD and CD - IEEE 1394
Video discs. No launch date has been announced how- The IEEE 1394 (FireWire) trade association was present
ever. The Aiwa XR-DV526 is an audio system with a at WCES. It has been set up to promote this high-speed
three -disc DVD changer while the company's VX- digital link, which is included with almost forty per cent
F20DV1 is a combined 20in. flat -screen TV and DVD of the PCs sold in the USA and with MiniDV and
changer unit. Digital -8 camcorders. A new standard, 1394b, is being
Philips demonstrated its DVD+RW recordable DVD developed: it offers data speeds of up to 800Mbits/sec.
format, which is aimed at the consumer market. The A number of consumer electronics products that fea-
discs have a 4.7Gbyte capacity and use phase -change ture IEEE 1394 were on show, including several proto-
technology to record the signals. Philips claims that types from Kenwood. These consisted of DVD players,
DVD+RW, unlike other recordable systems under devel- AV receivers, CD players and MiniDisc recorders.
opment, is compatible with DVD-Video players. More
Below: A Philips recently Philips has suggested that the format is compat- Solid-state storage
TiVo PVR. ible with 70-80 per cent of existing DVD players. Tape is not dead, but the message from the WCES was
Pioneer was demonstrating its DVD-RW format, which that more and more consumer products will use solid-
state technology for storing audio, digital still images
and, eventually, video. Sony's Memory Stick is about
the size of a stick of chewing gum. Current versions
offer storage capabilities of 8, 16, 32 and 64Mbytes:
versions offering 128 and 156Mbytes and 1Gbyte capa-
bility are under development. Sony Memory Stick prod-
ucts include a portable music server and a video viewer.
Companies such as Thomson Multimedia and Philips
displayed MP3 audio players that can be used to down-
load audio files from the intemet and store them on a
SmartMedia memory card.

298
March 2000 TELEVISION
 Seen on sale for £20 each, these high -
Television reader offer: quality oscilloscope probe sets
x1, x10 switchable comprise:

oscilloscope probes, two xl, x10 switchable probe bodies

two insulating tips
only £21.74 a pair, two IC tips and two sprung hooks
trimming tools
fully inclusive* There's also two BNC adaptors for using
*Additional pairs as part of the same order, only the cables as 1.5m -long BNC-to-BNC
£19.24 each pair. links. Each probe has its own storage
wallet.
Please supply the following: To order your pair of probes, send the
coupon together with £21.74
Probes UK/Europe to Probe Offer, Jackie Lowe,
Total Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton,
Name
Surrey SM2 SAS.
Readers outside Europe, please add
Address
£2.50 to your order.

Specifications

Switch position 1
Telephone Bandwidth DC to 10MHz
Postcode
Input resistance 1ML2 - i.e. oscilloscope i/p
Input capacitance 40pF+oscilloscope capacitance
Method of payment (please circle) 600V DC or pk-pk AC
Working voltage
Cheques should be made payable to Reed Business
Information Switch position 2
Bandwidth DC to 150MHz
Access/Mastercard/Visa/Cheque/PO Rise time 2.4ns
Input resistance 10ML2 ±1% if oscilloscope i/p is
1ML2_
Credit card no Input capacitance 12pF if oscilloscope i/p is 20pF
Compensation range 10-60pF
Working voltage 600V DC or pk-pk AC

Signed Switch position 'Ref'

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Probe ti4) grounded via 9MQ, scope i/p grounded
Please allow up to 28 days for delivery
 TV
Fault Finding
Reports from LED. After eliminating many Sony KVX2162U (AE2
Colin J. Guy things I replaced the expensive chassis)
Gerry Mumford TDA8361 jungle chip (IC7015). At This set was stuck in standby. The
switch on there was a spark from front LEDs blinked eleven times,
Kevin Green, TMIIE the side of the LOPT then the new which indicates a teletext bus error.
Graham Colebourn chip died. With a new LOPT and I found dry -joints at the regulators
Steve Hague another TDA8361 chip fitted I IC683 and IC684 on board A how-
found that there was a green raster. ever: dealing with these cured the
Derek Bogiscin T7275 (BF422) on the CRT base fault. The usual dry -joints at the
Ian Field and panel had to be replaced as well. audio and field chips had previous-
Pete Gurney, LCGI ly been resoldered.
The set then came on, but there
Sony KV2705 was no line sync. Adjusting RV506
When there is no EW correction (line frequency) on board M locked
with these sets the usual cause is the picture, but not teletext or
Sharp DV5161H (4BSA the gate -controlled switch Q802. major on -screen displays. The
chassis) Not this time however. R567 minor channel number display was
This set was supposed to be dead, (82k12) was open -circuit. C.J.G. missing altogether. Some time was
but its power supply was running spent probing around until a dry -
normally. The cause of the fault NEI E2591TFXN (CE25 joint was found at pin 24 of IC304
was the 5V regulator transistor chassis) (CXA1587S). Once RV506 had
Q1010 (BC338) which provides the This newish and, for NEI, quite been adjusted back again all was
5V supply for various items includ- nicely made set was dead with an well. G.M.
ing the MC44006 colour decoder/ audibly pulsing power supply. The
timebase generator chip IC801. It mains bridge rectifier's 220g, Hitachi CL32WD2TAN
was leaky, producing a low output 400V reservoir capacitor was open - This set was dead. The cause was
(4V). C.J.G. circuit. C.J.G. quickly traced to D706/D710 which
were short-circuit. Their replace-
Hitachi TN Series Ferguson 59P7A (ICC5 ment restored the picture, but the
I have had several of these sets chassis) EW correction was poor. The set
recently with various faults, includ- This set appeared to be stone dead produced a good display once D707
ing failure of the field output chip though a slight rasping noise came and the field output chip IC701 had
and power supply blow ups. In each from the power supply. The source been replaced. In this chassis the
case the caption "C 46 TN" was dis- of this noise was arcing across bad field output chip contains a fair
played after the repair. To remove dry -joints at the large wirewound proportion of the EW correction
this, using the original handset, press resistor RP23 in the chopper tran- circuit. K.G.
both record buttons, switch the set to sistor's snubber network. After
standby then disconnect from the cleaning and resoldering this and Mitsubishi CT14MS1BM
mains supply. Reconnect the set and many other poor joints littered There was a very nice black line
start it up in the usual way. Does throughout the power supply and down the left-hand side of the
anyone know why this happens? I the line, field and EW stages I screen, i.e. the picture had shifted
am assured by owners that the cap- switched on again. This time the set across to the right. The value of
tion was not present before the fault came on but just blinked its LED R571 had changed. K.G.
occurred. C.J.G. once.
There was no drive at the base Hitachi C2976TN (A5
Philips 21PT165B (AA5 AB of the line output transistor TL31 chassis)
chassis) nor at the collector of the driver The power supply would start up
This set made a squeal as it transistor TL29. There was a then the set would revert to stand-
attempted to start then went to healthy squarewave at the base of by, suggesting that the comprehen-
standby. The microcontroller chip TL29, but it was held off because sive protection circuit was either
responded to remote control opera- the 1N4148 clamp diode DL28 was being triggered or was faulty. After
tion, indicated by flashing from the open -circuit. G.M. many checks with an oscilloscope I

300 March 2000 TELEVISION

 TELEVISION

found that the line output protection top. I found that the symptoms no line drive, with Q802 (switched
system was in operation, the culprit could be instigated by gently twist- 12V supply) cooking away gently. I
being C703 (1011F) in the diode ing the top of the decoder board. fitted a replacement but this made
modulator circuit. K.G. The cure was to resolder the no difference. The TDA8362A jun-
screening can's five mounting lugs. gle chip IC401 had the correct 8V
Matsui 21V1N (Grundig One of the lower lugs is a vital supply at pin 10 but wasn't produc-
CUC7350 chassis) earth connection. ing the line drive output at pin 37.
This set was dead. The owner said If this doesn't cure the fault the Its new appearance led me to
that it had "gone phut in the bottom crystals and trimmer capacitors are believe that it had been recently
left-hand corner". Inside there was suspect. In this model the lower replaced.
a Grundig chassis with the mains pair are the UK PAL ones. G.C. A check with various cata-
fuse blown apart. Two of the mains logues revealed that there are
bridge rectifier diodes and the Ferguson A59F (ICC7 numerous non -interchangeable
chopper MOSFET were short-cir- chassis) versions of this chip, intended for
cuit. I replaced all the bridge recti- This set had suddenly shut down. various different sets. It transpired
fier diodes, the chopper transistor When the customer had switched it that someone had fitted the version
and the UC3843 chopper control off then on again it worked but the that costs less than £5. It looks
chip IC60030. G.C. picture had hardly any red content, identical to the correct chip, but
even when displaying teletext. The doesn't work in this chassis. The
Ferguson 51L50 (ICC5 tube must have flashed over to the version required is available to
chassis) red cathode, because the 1 ki/ pro- special order from CPC at about
In this Nicam stereo version of the tection resistor (RT08) in series £28, and also from Maplin's NEI
chassis the luminance delay line with it had risen in value to 800ka division at about the same price.
VV53 is replaced by a small sub - G.C. This is worth remembering when
panel (PC1272) that carries the you provide estimates. I wouldn't
delay line and some S -VHS switch- Sharp 59C503H be surprised if the previous repair-
ing. The subpanel is mounted on I share Michael Dranfield's lack of er had greatly underestimated the
the chroma-luminance PCB by just esteem for this chassis (page 156, repair cost and returned the set for
three connecting pins, for the lumi- January). On the other hand we do that reason.
nance output (top), chassis and the need some expensive and unreliable Fortunately I happened to have a
luminance input (bottom). If the sets to keep us going these days! scrap Bush 1433 that uses the same
subpanel is vibrated or flexed too This one came in dead, and a quick chassis. The TDA8362A from it
much the printed track to the top inspection revealed the usual dry - restored normal operation. Since
pin in particular is likely to crack. joints on the scan -coil PCB and the then I've had another two of these
The result is a loss of luminance accompanying items of dead sili- sets with the same expensive prob-
drive and a very dark screen. G.C. con. Willow Vale supplies a chassis lem. S.H.
kit that contains everything normal-
Bush 16-7094 ly required to get one of these sets Sony KVX2172U (AE2B
When either the programme - or going. I fitted the kit and was chassis)
the volume - button on this 20in. rewarded with HT but not the reas- I thought this was going to be a
set was pressed the on -screen dis- suring rustle of EHT. Oscilloscope straightforward repair: the set was
play changed to 'video' and the checks showed that there was no allegedly dead. In fact it would
controls locked. The keys all line drive from the TDA8375A start up but then, after a few sec-
seemed to be scanned by the micro - chip IC201. This is a surface - onds, shut down with the sound
controller chip, so I decided to mounted horror the size of a indicator LEDS flashing. This indi-
order a replacement. When this postage stamp, with 64 pins. As far cates a deflection problem, which
arrived and was fitted it made no as I can tell it provides no advan- turned out to be dry -joints at the
difference. The cause of the fault tages in comparison with the previ- field output chip.
was a very leaky diode (D709) in ous generation of more engineer - When this had been repaired I
the key matrix. All that was friendly chips, and you don't get checked the set and found that pre-
required was a new 1N4148 diode. much change out of £40 for it. It set location number 3 wasn't tuned
G.C. was ordered however, prayers were to any of the local transmitters. I
said over it and it was then fitted. tried retuning it via the manual tun-
NordMende 3437 Success! ing menu and noticed that when I
This 26in. set was dead. The inter- The moral of this tale is: don't dialled in the correct channel num-
nal mains fuse had blown because get tied to an estimate with this ber preset number 8 in the tuning
the lowest of the three bridge recti- chassis. S.H. list changed to the same setting. As
fier diodes on the transformer a test I tried the opposite and found
board, DP43, was short-circuit. A NEI NE3743TX (11AK08 that number 8 also tuned number 3.
BY179 proved to be a suitable chassis) I tried the non-volatile memory ini-
replacement. G.C. We recently had in one of these tialisation procedure (after noting
portables - the chassis was covered down the settings) but the fault per-
Sony KVE2522U (AE1C in the February issue. The set sisted. So a new memory chip
chassis) appeared to be stuck in standby, but (IC072) was ordered and fitted.
This model has an advanced colour when I removed the back I saw that This was initialised, then the origi-
decoder with a digital comb filter it had received previous attentiorr - nal settings were stored in it. I
inside a screening can at the top of this had not been mentioned by the missed one however, and this
board B 1. The set's picture occa- customer of course. It didn't take caused an odd problem. The set
sionally lost its colour, flickered long to establish that the power appeared to work, but the A and B
strongly and pulled sideways at the supply was working but there was LEDs at the front flashed alternate -

TELEVISION March 2000 301

 TELEVISION

ly then, after about one and half bar moved up or down the screen. Replace the two 47µF electrolytics
minutes, the set switched to stand- Checks on the various inputs to this in the power supply with 100V,
by and back on again. The cause of PCB showed that everything was as low-ESR types, with 0.470, 63V
this was the feature setting called it should be - line and field pulses, Mylar or polycarbonate capacitors
`equaliser', which was set to on EW signal, vertical ramp, supply in parallel. These have a much
instead of off. Once this had been and some DC control lines. lower ESR than any electrolytic
reset operation was normal. D.B. As luck would have it we had capacitor of any value, and reduce
another of these sets in the work- the self -heating in the electrolytic
Panasonic Alpha 2W shop. So with great confidence I capacitors they protect. If R901 has
chassis fitted the U board from the other blown I replace it with an SCK122
There was no picture though the set in the one on the bench - only negative -temperature coefficient
channel indicator was alight. I to get exactly the same results! The surge -limiting thermistor. This type
found that the chopper chip IC801 next step was to compare very care- has a room -temperature resistance
wouldn't start up because pin 2 was fully the inputs to the U board in of about 1252, falling to 3-40 at the
held low by the standby/on control both sets. They were the same with running temperature. Once these
transistor Q802. This 2SD965R one exception: in the faulty set pin few small modifications have been
transistor was leaky collector -to - 1 was at 5V instead of 4.4V. The carried out these sets are no more
emitter. D.B. cause was soon found when the troublesome than most other econo-
plastic frame had been removed my designs. I.F.
B&O LX2500 from the bottom of the main PCB
This set wouldn't start up - it just in the faulty set. Pin 1 is connected Samsung C13352 (P68
went back to standby. I tried start- via a 2.2k52 surface -mounted resis- chassis)
ing it in the audio -only mode, when tor (R008) to one of the pins of the The customer complained that this
there is no line output stage drive, microcontroller chip IC001. One 14in. portable occasionally pro-
but the result was the same. Checks end of R008 hadn't been soldered. duced a bright picture with flyback
showed that the HT rose to almost The micro must load down the con- lines. Unfortunately the fault was
40V before the set shut down. This trol line marked HV BLK 1 a little rather elusive. We soak tested the
is the effect you get when the via R008. With R008 disconnected set for several days then returned it.
BU508 line output transistor TR11 the extra blanking operates when it A few days later the set came back.
is short-circuit. The transistor read shouldn't. D.B. The fault condition had started to
OK however. Other checks, on the put in more frequent appearances,
EW diodes etc., failed to reveal Alba CTV841 (Onwa and lasted long enough for checks
anything amiss. So I started the set chassis) to be made.
in the audio -only mode with the* The report said that this set "went In the fault condition the first
collector of the line output transis- when switched on". It was anode supply and the 180V supply
tor disconnected. It then worked, very similar to the fault with a to the RGB output stages remained
with the correct HT. But another Goodmans set I mentioned some correct, but the voltages at the col-
line output transistor failed to time back. The small 4.7nF, 500V lectors of the RGB output transis-
restore normal operation. disc ceramic capacitors C904/5/7 tors dropped to about 35V. The
A check on the drive to the line around the mains bridge rectifier 180V supply is fed to the RGB out-
output transistor in both modes tend to go bang - literally! Last put stage load resistors via choke
showed that it was 0.7V DC. So the time it was C907, which is in paral- L901 (33001). A replacement
transistor was being switched on all lel with the mains bridge rectifier's cleared the fault. P.G.
the time, shorting the HT line. This reservoir capacitor. This time it was
is one of those chassis that has a C904, which is across one arm of Orion 2093 Combi
transformerless line drive circuit. the bridge rectifier. As usual the This TVNCR combi unit was dead.
The cause of the trouble was a dry - 4.70, 5W surge limiting resistor With only the end caps of the inter-
joint at one end of the 22051 resis- R901 had sacrificed itself to save nal mains fuse still in place there
tor R52, which should enable the the fuse, but this time R902 (2.20, was obviously a short-circuit in the
base of the pnp driver transistor 2W) had also blown open. This power supply. The cause was quick-
TR15 to go high so that it switches resistor generates the chopper ly traced to the STK73410 chopper
off. TR15 and TR11 were both on switch -off ramp which, fortunately, chip IC501. I had to obtain a manu-
all the time. D.B. is capacitively coupled to the chop- al to find the values of the two
per drive circuit - so the damage high -wattage safety resistors that
Sony KV2OWS1U (BE5 gets no farther. had also disappeared. For reference
chassis) Although the use of non Y or they are R508 1.8a 3W and R506
In all display modes except 4:3 X2 rated capacitors in the C904/5/7 275I, 3W. Both can be obtained
aspect ratio there was a blanked positions is cause for concern, there from CPC to special order. Once
part of the picture at or near the is one 'benefit'. Failure of these these items had been replaced the
bottom of the screen. It consisted of capacitors often brings a set into unit worked normally. P.G.
a horizontal bar approximately two the workshop just in time to pre-
inches high. In one zoom mode the vent the damage that occurs when Philips 28PW632A/05
picture could be seen appearing the two small electrolytics give up! `Poor picture' was the complaint
again below the blanked section. I The procedure that I find works with this widescreen set. On test I
discovered that extra blanking was with these Onwa sets is as follows. found that there was no green drive
being produced by the small sub - Replace as routine C904/5/7 with at the CRT - the cathode was cut
PCB U, which directly blanks the XIX1 (both specifications together) off because of a failure in the green
RGB drives to the CRT base PCB. resin -dipped disc ceramic capaci- output stage on the base panel. The
When the preset potentiometer on tors - the same type that's used in cause was soon traced to the BF422
this PCB was adjusted the blanking high -specification monitors. transistor T7364. P.G.

302 March 2000 TELEVISION

BOOK TO BUY This book is the definitive study of the life and
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THE INVENTOR OF STEREO inventors who, due to a cruel set of
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 Terrestrial and satellite DX reception. News from
abroad and of satellite TV developments. Why 405?,
a look at early TV standards. Roger Bunney reports

DX and Satellite Reception

December was a poor month signals in chs. E2/R1 on the 11th infotv@digitalychannel.net
for me personally. First the however. Ryn Muntjewerff Good to see that analogue trans-
domestic analogue Astra (Holland) reports that his last F2 mission is alive and well. Indeed on
receiver went 'bang'. Then the reception was on November 24th, several days throughout December
Pace DXing dish positioner decided when he received ch. E2 signals our old analogue friend UKI-149
to forget its east -west tracking from the Middle East. But Robert was uplinking Breakfast Show
information. An evening had to be Copeman in Victoria, Australia inserts for Channel 4 via NSS-K
spent finding both the usual and the received ch. E2 signals from Dubai, (21.5°W).
more elusive satellite positions - UAE, his first sighting from this During the month there was
the new numbers differed consider- source in nine years! Reception was extensive coverage of the Shuttle
ably from the original listing! There at 2010-2015 and 2026-2028 GMT. flight from NASA TV (Johnson
was local flooding, in which we Meteor Shower (Ursids) propaga- Space Centre) via the Reuters NSS-
were trapped, and there were gales tion was reasonably active: over the K digital feed at 11.588 GHz V
on Christmas Eve. Next morning I Christmas period I received signals (SR 5632, FEC 3/4). The aim of the
was on the roof with spanners, on several occasions, mainly mission was to capture and repair
clinging to a leaning aerial that unidentified ones in chs. E3 and the Hubble telescope. Classic
threatened to demolish the tile roof. E4. Christmas Eve produced some footage was seen of the Challenger
All this plus two versions of flu in good visual sightings - between Shuttle chasing the errant telescope
two weeks made me feel my age. I gaps in the rain clouds! then transferring it to the cargo bay.
was in bed for three days during the There are reports in Radcom's Once the repairs had been complet-
start of the new millennium. 50MHz column of amateur radio ed, Hubble was returned to space.
Very little DX reception was contacts between Romania and On one circuit the astronauts pro-
reported during December. F2 Australia on October 31st and of vided views of Earth, zooming in
propagation never developed, the Mediterranean amateurs working on various locations including their
Chechnya MUF over the North Atlantic path New Zealand on November 9th. own launch pad, with the buildings
burns, a report rarely reaching 35MHz. Peter Unfortunately in the UK we were a
to the UK via and road network clearly visible.
Schubert (Rainham, Essex) little too far to the north for such For several says over the
the RTV lease.
received Russian communications reception. Christmas period Chaosfilms
uplinked material from Paris using
Satellite Sightings the same Reuters feed but with ana-
Good news for analogue zappers: logue NTSC transmission. The con-
Telstar 12 (launched as Orion 2) at tent consisted of various parties and
15°W transmitted a clear NTSC test pop groups in and around Paris: it
pattern, 'Welcome to Telstar 12', was being fed to VH-1 and MTV.
throughout December at On the 27th I lost the uplink
11.542GHz V. Digital feeds will because of rain fade - France was
soon take over however. Eutelsat I suffering from heavy rain and gales
F5 at nearby 12.5°W (the 'Atlantic at the time - and had to use thresh-
Gate') has been transmitting the old extension down to 3.5dB to
Italian cultural channel Digitaly as maintain picture capture with my
an analogue signal at 12.516GHz 1.2m dish. The uplinks were all
V. The signal is sent from Fucino, from 1800 hours onwards.
Italy to Ontario for N. American Overseas TV seemed to take
cable transmission. A digital ver- considerable interest in London
sion is transmitted at 12.673GHz V, activities during the approach to the
SR 27500, FEC 3/4. More informa- year 2000. Portuguese TV was seen
tion on Digitaly can be obtained feeding several inserts to Lisbon
from via a Brightstar hire of the Reuters

304 March 2000 TELEVISION

 DX -TV

feed. The Dome, the Houses of appreciate the problems that arise,
Parliament, Harrods and red buses but I do feel that the technical capa-
were featured! bilities of some present equipment
A recent check on Telecom 2D require reassessment. When you get
(5°W) revealed an interesting digi- fading with an analogue signal the
VIDEO
tal multiplex at 11.599GHz H (SR picture remains, though with a
27500, FEC 3/4). If you are inter- reduced carrier/noise ratio, i.e.
ested in farming, check Canal more sparklies. Once a digital sig-
Rural. At the same spot I found nal falls below a certain point,
Globecast Espana (service identifi- determined by dish size, FEC,
cations as Bloomberg) with colour BER, transmit power, receiving
bars and a promo. system noise figure etc., the pic-
On December 8th I noted a cou- ture cuts out. For example the BBC
ple of Italian 'events'. Intelsat 705 sent an OB unit flying out over the
(18°W) produced an afternoon Atlantic to take air shots of the
funeral with a large crowd at final setting of the sun in 1999.
11.135GHz V (analogue): colour Unfortunately there was pixellation,
bars carried the identification `Artel freezing and blackness. Well, it was
Veglie (LE)'. Eutelsat W3 (7°E) a pioneering effort. Analogue satel-
produced a children's Christmas lite transmission has been perfected
concert in a large hall with silver over many years. How long will it
puddings (?) being distributed to take to perfect digital satellite
the audience: this was at links? links between homes, offices etc. Canal Rural, part of a
11.174GHz H, again analogue. without need for fixed copper wires digital multiplex
The analogue signals from TV Broadcast News and the expense and disruption of available at 11.599GHz
de Mauritanie via Arabsat 2B Satellite radio receivers: Trade digging trenches. H via Telecom 2D at
(30.5°E) at 3.919GHz RHC suf- readers could soon find that they Spain: Retevision is installing sixty 5W.
fered bad distortion on December are being asked about satellite radio DVB-T transmitters as the first
21st. All evening there were mas- receivers for the new Worldspace phase of digital terrestrial TV in
sive hum bars, sparklies and hori- service, which is intended primarily Spain. They should provide 50 per
zontal tearing - not unlike a seri- for Africa. The Afristar satellite is cent coverage of the population,
ously mistracking VCR. now providing CD -quality radio rising to 70 per cent within twelve
I was delighted to hear from services in L band (1.5GHz) via
David Lott (Cambridge) who also three beams that cover Africa, the
uses an RSD ODM300 digital Middle East and the North
receiver. He mentions that many of
the SIS horse -racing feeds previ-
ously transmitted via Sirius at 5°E
African/Mediterranean areas.
Manufacturers such as Sanyo, JVC,
Hitachi and Panasonic are produc-
Aerial TechniqueS
have gone to either PowerVu or, in ing receivers that incorporate their 'Nieves Pro75
New Channel
the UK, use fibre -optic links. own aerial. Worldspace plans to Ultra high gain Master Medium
David's interest in satellite recep- target, commercially, South Africa wideband UHF Duty Rotator
first then Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, aerial digital
tion goes back to the earliest days ready. Covers
of Sputnik in the late Fifties, when Senegal and the Ivory Coast. A channels 21-68
a warbling doppler-shift tone signal recent demonstration given for the with 19dB forward gain. £69.95.
at 11.99MHz was transmitted (and, British DX Club at Reading con-
UNIVERSAL DIGITAL VIDEO 2" main mast 'A" stub
if I recall correctly, another at firmed that excellent -quality recep- mast. Vertical load
SYSTEMS CONVERTERS
around 40MHz?). tion is possible using a basic com- "We specialise in multi -standard TV's & VCR's carrying 113kg.
The Millennium festivities were mercial receiver placed next to a PAL-SECAM-NTSC- Colorotor £89.95.
south -facing window. Worldspace BM bit memory, Bearing E18.95.
a delight to satellite enthusiasts two sets of S -
seeking elusive and non -encrypted plans to launch additional satellites VHS inputs & THOMSON 14" MULTI -
SISlink feeds. My own reception over the next few years to provide BROADCAST QUALITY
CDIA-820 outputs, NTSC SYSTEM TV
was restricted by illness. I did how- L -band radio services to most other to PAL and PAL to NTSC, 500 lines Covers VHF/UHF PAL/SECAM L for use
parts of the globe. dynamic & static resolution, full line & in UK France & Europe.
ever note several feeds from frame conversion, time base correction, IC screen multi -standard
Eutelsat II F3 at 36°E, but they Radio Communications: The AC operation £649.00 PAL/SECAM (NTSC via scart)
were encrypted and were present recently introduced SpeedLAN 4M bit memory, two II VHF -UHF hyperband tuner
for only short periods. I never man- 10Mbits/sec Wireless Bridge, from inputs & outputs, 59 -channel memory
aged to receive the Shetlands BBC the Black Box Company, is indica- NTSC to PAL and PAL Fastext
teletext
feed, but did receive a couple of tive of the way in which commer- PROFESSIONAL auxure to NTSC also SECAM,
CDM-1100
111 S -VHS
500 lines static resolution, dynamic 300
NTSC (analogue) feeds via cial communications are develop- lines, full line & frame conversion, time (via scart)
Telecom 2B/D at 5°W: one at ing. It provides microwave links base correction, AC operation 1449.00 240V AC
11.513GHz H was to US networks between premises separated by dis- 2M bit memory, single
operation

from Paris, the other at 11.689GHz tances of up to 16km. With higher - input & output, NTSC £269.00
H was to NHK Tokyo. NTSC sig- gain aerials, communications over COMPACT MULTISYSTEM
to PAL and PAL to NEW 1999
distances up to 40km should be NTSC also SECAM, CATALOGUE
nals were also seen via Telecom 2C CDM-600
420 lines static resolution, dynamic 250 Available by return of post tot only E1.50 or ring
(3°E), one from Paris at 12.643GHz achieved. lines, full line & frame conversion, time with your credit card (fully refundable on first
V and another, unusually, of an The minister of state for small base correction, AC operation...1299.00 purchase over E201

Egyptian choir in an appropriate businesses and e -commerce has

setting at 12.600GHz V. introduced a new wireless telecom- 11 Kent Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset BH12 2EH F71
munications service operating at Tel: 01202-738232 Fax: 01202-716951 E-mail: ateeliOtdirconso.uk
Having previously worked for
(All prices ere inclusive of VAT, delivery by courier 010.00)
many years in live TV I fully 3.4GHz. It will provide flexible

305
TELEVISION March 2000
PPIPNINIS

Noord Holland' at the top and Thirties, the maximum video band-
Nozema K55' at the bottom. width that could have been handled
was about 3MHz. With an aspect
Satellite News ratio of 4:3, the maximum number
Eutelsat and Loral Skynet have of lines would have been 450. The
reached planning agreement that pulse generators then used divided
will avoid interference between the the line frequency to obtain the
former's satellites at 12.5°W and field frequency, which was 50Hz
the latter's Telstar 12 at 15°W. (see below). If you multiply 50 x 3
Interesting comments from x 3 x 3 x 3 then 5 you get 20,250.
Malcolm Campbell, a senior BT Divide by 2 and you get the 405
business manager. Despite the com- line frequency, 10,125Hz. Other
pany's expanded satellite opera- multiplications give us 441, which
tions with the Paris Teleport in was used on the Continent during
1998, he feels that fibre -optic the late Thirties, and 625 which of
cabling will gradually erode the course is still in use.
dominance of international satellite Andrew comments that the 405 -
months. There will be four national links. BT may install fibre -optic line pictures were very sharp and
The Hubble
telescope being digital TV multiplexes, which will cabling between London, Paris and detailed, with the mono definition
transferred to the occupy channels 66-69 instead of New York. It could offer cost sav- better than that seen with 625 -line
Challenger being scattered throughout the UHF ings, since fibre links are at present PAL receivers. The latter cover up
Shuttle's cargo band. more cost-effective than satellite the lack of detail with LF colour
bay for repair. Poland: I understand from the ones. Analogue contracts are a rari- information.
Reception from BDXC that all the TV transmitters ty these days in the company's The reason for adopting 50Hz as
NASA TV via the that operated in Bands I and II (chs. satellite linking business, most of the field rate (and for the
NSS-K satellite's R1-5) have closed down. the traffic having gone digital. Americans adopting 60Hz) was to
Reuters lease. Ireland: As part of a move to UHF A Greek digital programme mul- standardise with the domestic AC
the following Band HI transmitters tiplex, Nova, is to start via Hot Bird mains supply. In those days DC
are being phased out: Achill, (13°E). It will eventually offer smoothing was less efficient, and
Fanad, Castlebar, Castletownbere, some twenty channels, using Irdeto the AC studio lighting could cause
Letterkenny and Moville. encryption. Cost will be £20 bar effects on the received picture.
Sweden: The popular TV4 channel monthly. An alternative Greek digi- Use of a 50Hz field rate minimised
has formed a partnership with sub- tal multiplex, OTE, is also testing the possibility of this. The principle
scription channel Canal Plus via Hot Bird - check at 12.188GHz has been proved in practice. At
Nordic. The two will co-operate in V. It uses Mediaguard encryption. times when power problems have
programme production, sports ser- The Setanta Irish sports channel been severe, for example with load
vices and film making. is now available, in PowerVu digi- shedding during the miners' strike,
Portugal: The national RTP ser- tal form, across Australia via the TV pictures were often marred by
vices are not to be sold off despite Optus B3 satellite at 156°E. severe hum and ripple effects.
falling finances. Commercial rival Intelsat has provided details of After World War II the UK
SIC now regularly claims over fifty the Y2K precautions it took to returned to 405 lines. Most
per cent of viewers, with RTP1 and ensure that the organisation's sev- European countries opted for 625
2 at under thirty per cent. enteen satellite systems, covering lines. France decided to adopt 819
The Netherlands: The new Dutch 200 countries, didn't crash - partic- lines, though the pre-war 441 -line
regional station RTV Noord ularly the control function that system was kept going until the
Holland is now in operation on ch. involves Washington and six other mid Fifties. The Americans had set-
E55, with horizontal polarisation monitoring stations around the tled on 525 lines in 1941.
and 200kW ERP. Transmissions globe. Some 1,400 items of equip- Subsequently both France and the
are from the PTT tower at Wormer, ment have been checked during the UK adopted 625 lines. The 405 -line
north of Amsterdam. The PM5544 past three years. The organisation's system was finally closed in the
test pattern is used, with `RTV commitment ends with delivery at a early weeks of 1985. During the
client's site: thereafter Y2K com- final months there had been a fall
pliance is the responsibility of the in technical standards as ERPs were
Obituary client. reduced to maintain transmitter
It is with deep regret that I have to report the death valve life, and there were no more
of Bindu Pakadi on October 31st. For many years Of Many Lines and test transmissions. An unfortunate
Bindu sent us reports, initially of his terrestrial DX
successes then, after ATS-6 in the mid -Seventies,
Things ... end for the system that led the
Andrew Emmerson's 405 Alive, world into the era of high -definition
his satellite activities. He pioneered UHF (714 and published quarterly, always pro- TV, setting the standard for over
754MHz) reception from the Ekran satellites, vides a good read. It's devoted to fifty years.
despite being remote from the intended target zone the old system A transmissions, the My thanks to Andrew for per-
(northern Russia/Siberia), and encouraged other technology, the people involved mission to plunder from his article.
enthusiasts to experiment. More recently he was and stories about the services when 405 Alive is published by The
active in band C (4GHz), and had been planning to all was in monochrome with 405 Radiophile, Larkhill, Newport
`go digital'. lines. I found an item in issue 43, Road, Woodseaves, Staffs ST20
I will miss his letters, which have provided "Television Line Standards - Why ONP. Please include a stamped,
interest and news over the last twenty five or so 405 Lines?", particularly interest- addressed envelope should you
years. In bidding farewell to an old friend, we ing. write to the publishers for details of
extend sympathy to Bindu's family in their sad and At the time when the 405 -line either of these two excellent publi-
unexpected loss. standard was devised, in the early cations.

306
March 2000 TELEVISION
 READER SERVICE
Continued from page 286

Crook, 1 Carice Gardens, Clevedon, published 1955, also the 1955-56, Cotswold Drive, Garforth, Leeds LS25
N. Somerset BS21 5DY. 01275 879 1956-57, 1959-60 and 1960-61 vol- 2DA.
620. umes. Phone Vince Stanley on 01353 Wanted: Remote control unit for the
Wanted: Heads, belts, spares and new 862 076 (answerphone). Panasonic Model NVHD100 VCR.
tapes for the Philips VCR Model Wanted: Circuit diagrams for the J.S. Day, Kilirvan Cottage, Southend,
N1700. Phone Steve Rowley at 01889 Ferguson TX80 chassis, the Scopex Argyll PA28 6PJ. 01586 830 695. E-
578 416 or e-mail 4D10A, the EMI scope 101, the TV mail
steve@ljl.co.uk Universal 37C3, the Sharp Model jsd2839@kilirvan.freeserve.co.uk
For sale: As a result of retirement MC1421, the Amstrad PC8256-8512 Wanted: Complete deck for the
from the trade I have for disposal a and the Grundig 340 audio centre. Hitachi VTF770E (UK) VCR. Leslie
large collection of service manuals, Also a CD7176-CP chip and a JVC Hine, 9 Well Street, Ulverston,
many for quite recent models. Also HA1141 chip and a keyboard for the Cumbria LA12 7EG. 01229 582 557.
some test gear and spares. Call Keith Amstrad PC9512. D. Griggs, 5 Wanted: Circuit diagrams for the fol-
Evans on 01424 425 810 (Hastings, Collingwood Avenue, Muswell Hill, lowing: Philips 21PT4424/05 (L7.2
East Sussex) or visit my web site at: London N10 3EH. chassis); Finlandia 51LZ8/H combined
www.sniffout.net/home/jasper/retire.htm Wanted: Service manual (photocopy TV/satellite receiver; Cascade
For disposal/wanted: Have the fol- OK) for the Vega Shiljalis 6in. CTV510. Also need user instructions
lowing for sale, an Alcoa 1.8m prime - portable mono TV Model 402D. R.H. for the Philips SBCR430 universal
focus petal dish, polar mount and Avery, Flat 54, Hereford Court, remote control unit. K.G. Cargill, 1
ground mount, a 24in. pot -type jack Hereford Street, Brighton, East Sussex Stradowen Drive, Strathfoyle,
new boxed and a 24in. reed -type jack BN2 1LF. 01273 623 409. Londonderry BT47 6XN. 01504 861
used for one year plus LNBs but no Wanted: ZC84328P IC as used in the 268. E-mail
feed horn, £100. Also two Goodmans Ferguson Model 51P7 (TX98 chassis). kcargill@lineone.net
Magister speaker systems with 15in. M.L. Pope, 76 Barkby Thorpe Lane, Wanted: LOPTs for the Philips G6
bass units at £20 each. For disposal Thunnaston, Leics LE4 8GS. 01162 chassis, single -standard version, and
free a Sharp SR550 large hi-fi music 602 270. E-mail the Decca CTV25 (dual -standard).
centre. Does anyone have a Moto mps @pope16.freeserve.co.uk Also want any UK dual -standard
Rumi scooter they want to sell? I used Wanted/for disposal: Require a cir- colour sets, working or non -working,
to do service calls on one in the Sixties. cuit diagram or service manual for the Mike Bennett, 65 Hamilton Lane,
David Payne, 01268 696 969 (Essex). Armstrong 421 (or 425/426) audio Exmouth, Devon EX8 2LW. 01395
Wanted: Newnes Radio and amplifier. Have for disposal a working 274 227. E-mail
Television Servicing first five volumes Sony RM606 RC unit. J.V. Gibson, 4 mdb@permanent.co.uk

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307
TELEVISION March 2000
 Letters
selves. They should have the basic to the BBC for monitor use. These
necessary test equipment and work- were the largest tubes available for
shop facilities, or be in the employ their markets at the time. In 1935,
of a company that has them. using an improved Farnsworth
Companies should employ only Image Dissector, Baird successfully
those who can show they are tech- demonstrated 700 -line images and
nically competent. pointed out that the allocated TV
We welcome letters from our
bandwidth could not carry this video
readers and try to publish as (2) A company or individual should rate; indeed even 405 lines needed
many as we can. You can send not be allowed to advertise services more than this to be transmitted cor-
them typed, handwritten, or on unless they can carry them out rectly - the reason why observers
disc. Address them to the competently. could see no difference between
Letters Editor, Room L302, Baird's 240 -line and EMI-Marconi's
Quadrant House, The Quadrant, (3) There should be a central 405 -line pictures in 1936-7.
Sutton, Surrey SM2 SAS. known and advertised organisation By 1945 Lord Hankey's TV
to which engineers belong and to Committee, in a white paper that
which the public can complain. endorsed Baird's World War II
research, suggested 1,000 lines and
Call for licensing In view of the current desperate 3D. We still don't have it! The date
There have been calls at various situation in the trade, I suggest that of the world's first electronic
times to regulate and license the as many of us as possible should colour receiver, the Telechrome
consumer electronics servicing write to our local MPs. It might with 600 lines, is August 1944 not
trade. It would hopefully banish the help to make the point by enclosing 1940 as stated. By 1946 Baird was
cowboys and rip-off merchants, copies of any relevant back-up selling the Grosvenor receiver with
thus providing more work for gen- material such as letters and articles 27in. CRT, the largest in the world.
uine, qualified engineers while pro- in Television. The more of us who From 1947 Baird's company
tecting the public against shoddy, write in or go to see their MPs, the Cintel started selling to the BBC
dangerous work. greater the chance that something CRT flying -spot units to replay
Such regulation and licensing will be done. from cine film. At the present
would have to be imposed by the A campaign could be started by moment Cintel dominates this mar-
government, which does not seem interesting the local and national ket worldwide, with factories in 67
to be aware of the situation. While press and getting organisations such countries.
talking to my MP, The Right Hon as RETRA to make representations. Baird can be justifiably proud of
Barry Gardner, recently about If you do write and receive a his immense achievements. My two
another matter I took the opportuni- reply, it would be helpful to send a books The Secret Life of J.L. Baird
ty to mention the various problems copy of such correspondence to me (Century -Hutchinson) 1986 and
that service engineers face. He via Television so that the situation Vision Warrior (Orkney Press)
seemed to be very interested in could, in a few months time, be 1990 are essential reading.
what I told him. I suspect that most reviewed. Dr Peter Waddell, Senior Lecturer,
of us would like to see some form Some MPs will take notice, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
of licensing, but it has been argued especially if you badger them. You
that this would reduce competition can write to your MP at The House Alastair Carruthers writes: As
and could lead to higher prices of Commons, Westminster SW1. the editor specified a strict limit to
(MPs and civil servants don't live Michael Maurice, the length of my article there was
in the real world). The following Wembley, Middx. much that had to be left out. My
trades/professions are licensed apologies for misspelling the name
however: gas engineers (Corgi), PS: I am at present looking into of Baird's colour tube, Telechome
black -cab drivers, minicab drivers, another matter, "theft of service", instead of Telechrome, and for
financial advisers, lawyers, char- and will be commenting on this in a referring to it as a camera tube. The
tered and certified accountants, further letter. initial version was a two-colour
doctors etc. But anyone can call device, with blue-green and orange -
himself a TV engineer and set him- Baird red phosphors coated on opposite
self up in business. I feel that regu- I feel that Alastair Carruthers' article sides of a translucent screen within
lation should include the following: A Century of TV (January) was a bulb and electron guns at each
extremely thin on J.L. Baird and his side. The huge thing would hardly
(1) Those who call themselves TV achievements. In 1938 Baird's com- have been practical for domestic
or VCR engineers should be pany was selling the Model T14 use. Baird took out a patent for the
required to show that they are com- receiver which had a 15in. CRT. At idea in 1940 and demonstrated the
petent to carry out work them - the same time 22in. tubes were sold tube in 1944. He seems to have

308
March 2000 TELEVISION
 LETTERS

done quite a lot of work on tubes which affects any metal close by. came up with a job offer, and I was
once he appreciated that mechani- The result was unexpected failures taken on as a field technician with a
cal TV was not viable. The pre-war of the S2000AF line output transis- company car.
Baird sets, including the T14, were tor. This was strange, as the set had Peter F. Exeter,
made by Bush Radio. Bush and been in this state since new (1994) Dereham, Norfolk.
Baird Television were then con- and had not initially caused prob-
trolled by the Ostrer brothers, Baird lems. But I had previously replaced I read with interest the letter from
having gone his owns way to con- the original 2SD1546 transistor M.R. Chambers in the December
centrate on research. The Hankey with an S2000AF. Maybe the origi- issue, having a similar story which
Television Committee recommend- nal type is more tolerant of high unfortunately ended a thirty-year
ed the resumption of 405 -line trans- temperatures. career with Mastercare. My job as a
missions, with a possible future On the latest occasion I was service engineer based at Bedford
change to 1,000 lines. Baird died tempted to try a belly band as sug- came to an end when I was subject-
on June 14th, 1946. He had indeed gested, but opted for a simpler idea ed to the same humiliating psycho-
been a great innovator, taking out - bending the corner of the heatsink analytic abuse. The regime operat-
150 patents between 1923-1945. away from the chopper transformer. ed by the local area manager puts a
This can be done because of the terrible strain on employees. This,
Estimates and quotations metal gauge used and the fact that combined with his management
Paul Smith's article on estimates there are no components in this style, forced me to take early retire-
and quotations (February) was great area. The result has been a com- ment on the grounds of depression
as far as it went, but there can be plete success, with the heatsink caused by work -related stress. It
problems. For example, a Matsui now at normal temperature. seems to me that M.R. Chambers
colour portable was recently I hope this helps anyone with a was probably fortunate not to get
brought to me for repair. The similar problem. the job.
owner had refused an estimate of R.F. Weston, M.R. Mulliss,
£80 from another outfit that was Rubery, Birmingham. Wyboston, Bedfordshire.
presumably more interested in sell-
ing a replacement set. I traced the Not Even a Chance I read the letter from M.R.
cause of the fault to a 3901cf1 resis- I would like to sympathise with Chambers (December) with sadness
tor in the start-up circuit. It's a M.R. Chambers (Letters - that an obviously motivated
common enough occurrence, one December). In 1996 I returned to young man had been stopped from
we all get time to time. the UK after working for five years building a career as a TV engineer
Now, how would Paul charge in Australia. Being just over 50 by a company which should know
for this? If he was to say labour years old, I took quite a gamble better than most that there is a defi-
£30, parts 10p, I'm sure that many coming back with no job. The day nite and worrying shortage of
customers would never believe it or after I returned however there was young people coming into the ser-
think they were being ripped off by an advertisement in the local paper vicing field. In all sectors sixty per
being charged £30 to fit a 10p com- for field technicians at Mastercare. cent of the service engineers are
ponent. I can just hear the cus- My spirits were lifted when, on now in their fifties, and of those to
tomer, can't you? No, much better phoning, I was given an interview whom I have spoken many would
to say "I can fix it for £30.10 the following day. At the interview like to take early retirement while
including parts and labour". Good, I received very similar treatment to most of the rest would like to do
eh?! You've got your money, and M.R. Chambers. The local service something else.
the customer goes away singing manager told me that as far as he The pressure on this gallant
your praises - "what a nice man, was concerned I was just the person band of chaps and chapesses is
and so reasonable". he was looking for and the job was enormous. While most customers
The beauty of this approach is mine if I wanted it. But the final are a pleasure to deal with, a pro-
that if the customers are nice folks decision was not his: I would have portion are disagreeable, bad man-
but not very well off you can adjust to through a psychoanalytic test nered and demand immediate ser-
the price down a bit. If they get up which, according to him, would be vice. Unfortunately companies
your nose you can bump it up a bit. no problem. I had been in the trade that expect loyalty, trust and
At least that's what I tend to do. all my working life, five years as a respect together with high produc-
Best of luck, fellow repairers - trainee then the rest of it, apart tivity at all times do not return
and don't let them get you down! from ten years as a service manager these qualities and, as M.R.
Mike Haywood, with a national rental company, as Chambers has no doubt discov-
MHTV, Falmouth. a field service technician. I had also ered, pay very little.
spent three months working in M.R. Chambers and others like
Ferguson ICC5 chassis London dealing with customer him will however have the last
In the September issue (page 793) complaints, which had got out of laugh. In about ten years time the
M.J. Bennett mentioned line output hand with a company that had been shortage of engineers will be so
transistor failure with this chassis, taken over. acute that it will probably be possi-
the line output stage heatsink get- At the end of this, to quote M.R. ble to pick your employer rather
ting hot where it's in close proximi- Chambers, "soul destroying and than vice versa. I have also found
ty to the chopper transformer. I've totally humiliating" test I was told I that companies which rely on psy-
had the same problem with this was not the type of person they chology tests for employee selec-
chassis. The transformer produced a were looking for. It makes one tion nearly always have a weak
heating effect in the area of heatsink wonder what type of person management structure (they cannot
close to its ferrite outer core. Mastercare does employ! make decisions unaided): because
Both outer limbs have an air gap Fortunately a colleague I had the middle managers are chosen by
that produces magnetic leakage worked with in the late Sixties psychologists, most have probably

TELEVISION March 2000 309

 LETTERS

been promoted beyond their ability, do in TV sets, blown itself to bits back. Within months C54 would
but no one is going to admit to such and burnt up the connector. A have been effectively open -circuit
a mistake. replacement connector cost £13 and the power supply would again
Change is on the way however. complete. This was charged to the have blown up.
This consumer society will want its customer at £20 plus £20 call out. For effective repair of an ana-
32in. screens, surround sound and Result: a profit of £27 for less than logue satellite receiver the appro-
digital whatever all the time. So an hour away from base, and a very priate Relkit should be fitted. These
TV service engineers Will be call- happy customer who had been told are available from SatCure (01270
ing the shots in the not too distant that the freezer was, at eight years 355 411).
future. Stick at it Mr Chambers: old, uneconomic to repair and Alan Willcox,
there are other companies (and would have to be replaced at a Cardiff.
countries) that will value your potential cost of well over £200.
expertise in the years to come. I also do electrical and plumbing Stranger than Fiction?
Caroline Evans, work - even unblock drains if I have a widescreen Sony Model
Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. asked to - although I don't adver- KV28WS1U. Because of its uncer-
tise the fact. tain construction - the PCBs tend
ASC Status The point is that there is plenty to dance in time with the music - it
I have made many requests to man- of work available. If you are versa- requires regular attention. This con-
ufacturers to obtain ASC (autho- tile and charge reasonable prices, sists of lowering it, face down, on
rised service centre) status but you will make a good living. to the carpet, removing the boards
always receive the reply that my On the subject of spares prices, I and cleaning the contacts.
area of Gloucestershire is already recently received a leaflet from My last effort was somewhat
covered. If any manufacturer has an Willow Vale offering a Sharp different. The set slipped and land-
opportunity for a fully -qualified VCM302 VCR for £71.49 plus ed heavily on the carpet and my
and experienced engineer with a VAT. As a matter of interest, know- toe. I retreated from the room in
fully -equipped workshop and a ing that these machines have an hast, expecting an implosion, then
good, sound base of existing pri- integrated head drum/motor, I gingerly returned. When I switched
vate customers to become as ASC looked up the cost of this item. It's the set on I was rewarded with a
in this area, would they please con- £53.18 plus VAT. I already have remarkably good picture. After
tact us. several Sharp VCRs that have been completing my maintenance job the
I would also be interested in scrapped because of the need to result was the same. My wife then
hearing from any regular readers replace this unit - some are less than came into the room and remarked
who can offer advice or comments two years old. I wouldn't want to on how good the picture was.
on this issue. sell a customer a product that could I appreciate that what is a 'good
Robert Ingleby, be unrepairable in under two years, picture' is a subjective matter, but I
Professional Electronic Services, and make this clear to customers really do believe that there has been
25 Pyart Court, Coleford, who seem reluctant to have older an improvement. Have I discovered
Gloucestershire GL16 8RG. VCRs serviced. As Martin Pickering a previously unreported renovation
Phone 01594 837 364 or e-mail points out (letters January), with the technique? I assure you that this is
pro.elec.serv@ LineOne. net right sales pitch we can save some all absolutely true.
far better machinery from the scrap G.D. Adams,
Work heap. This also helps the environ- Ringstead, Northants.
Could I add another two pennyworth ment - after all, every scrap
to the debate on where the trade is machine eventually ends up in a Interference
going? Geoff Darby says (letters hole in the ground. A recent move to a new location
January) that he didn't attend col- Cohn J. Guy, caused a couple of problems. I now
lege for five years to end up repair- Boston, Lincs. have a low-pressure sodium light
ing vacuum cleaners. But to make a just outside: as it warms up, a line
living we must be prepared to take ESR Checks runs down the TV screen. Then, as
on anything. Right now I have more In his Satellite Workshop column in I was watching, the colour went,
than enough TV work to make a fair the November 1999 issue Jack the picture broke up and the sound
living. If asked however I will glad- Armstrong mentioned a fault with a became funny. This happened only
ly repair vacuum cleaners or virtual- Pace Model MSS300. The unit was with BBC -2 and Ch. 4. After inves-
ly anything else. Just remember: for dead with the chopper transistor tigating various interference possi-
half an hour to strip a machine, blow short-circuit and the surge -limiter bilities I discovered, quite by
out the crud with an airline, lubri- resistor and mains fuse open -circuit. chance, that the wiring to my room
cate the bearings, maybe fit a new When checked with an ESR meter light was burnt through at the lam-
belt and brushes and reassemble you C59/60/61 produced no readings. pholder. It must have been arcing
can charge £15 plus parts, saving the Without question they were the away. Rewiring cured that, but I
grateful customer the £100 cost of a cause of the failures. This problem still have the street -light problem.
new one. And all with no brain occurs only when the mains supply Another thing is that the elec-
strain! is disconnected then restored. tricity supply seems to be far less
A customer recently asked me to Jack also found that the mains well regulated than it should be,
look at a freezer. It was dead with a rectifier's reservoir capacitor, when varying between 270V at the high-
foul smell that came from the back. checked, had the correct value est and 245V at the lowest. I sup-
This smell came from the connector (47g) but produced an ESR read- pose most people don't bother
on the compressor. I discovered ing of 50. He was right to replace about the line voltage unless lamps
that it contained a posistor -a larg- it. This capacitor (C54) should pro- start popping.
er version of the type familiar to us duce an ESR reading of 2.511 or Ian Johnson,
TV engineers. It had, just as they less. Its replacement avoided a call Kidderminster.

310 March 2000 TELEVISION

 TELEVISION INDEX/DIRECTORY AND
Answer to Test Case 447 FAULTS DISCS PLUS HARD COPY INDEXES
- see page 281 - & REPRINTS SERVICE
What a catalogue of complaints! Yet the widescreen JVC set INDEX DISC
was not in any way faulty. These modern large -screen Version 8 of the computerised Index to TELEVISION magazine covers
receivers have lots of settings stored in software. Some are Volumes 38 to 49 (1988-1999). It has thousands of references to TV, VCR,
available to the user, with the help of the operating CD, satellite and monitor fault reports and articles, with synopses. A
instructions and a series of on -screen menus. Others have to TVNCR spares guide, an advertisers list and a directory of trade and
be set by a technician and are described only in the professional organisations are included. The software is quick and easy to
workshop service manual. Sometimes, though not in this use, and runs on any PC with Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS. Price is £36
case, the technician adjustments can be carried out only by (supplied on a 3.5" HD disc). Those with previous versions can obtain an
using a special remote -control handset. upgraded version for £16. Please quote the serial number of the original disc.
Problem number one was easily resolved by use of the See the CD-ROM offer below.
auto -tuning feature. There's provision to display a blue
screen instead of snow with a weak or no signal. Similarly FAULT REPORT DISCS
the lack of audio outputs from the rear sockets was because Each disc contains the full text for television VCR, monitor, camcorder, satellite
they had been switched off via the features menu. TV and CD fault reports published in individual volumes of TELEVISION,
The third problem, absence of colour with VCR play- giving you easy access to this vital information. Note that the discs cannot be
back via the scart connection, was caused by the fact that the used on their own, only in conjunction with the Index disc: you load the
EXT mode had been set to S -VHS, perhaps because the pre- contents of the Fault Report disc on to your computer's hard disc, then access
vious owner had a posh high -band VCR. it via the Index disc. Fault Report discs are now available for:
The contrast change with different ambient light levels is
a feature of the JVC set's ECO mode. Once again it can, if Vol 38 (Nov 1987 - Oct 1988); Vol 39 (Nov 1988 - Oct 1989);
required, be switched off via the features menu. Vol 40 (Nov 1989 - Oct 1990); Vol 41 (Nov 1990 - Oct 1991);
Ability to deal with software settings has become a vital Vol 42 (Nov 1991 - Oct 1992); Vol 43 (Nov 1992 - Oct 1993);
aspect of TV servicing. Vol 44 (Nov 1993 - Oct 1994); Vol 45 (Nov 1994 - Oct 1995);
Vol 46 (Nov 1995 - Oct 1996); Vol 47 (Nov 1996 - Oct 1997);
Vol 48 (Nov 1997 - Oct 1998); Vol 49 (Nov 1998 - Oct 1999).
Price £15 each (supplied on 3.5" HD discs).
NEXT MONTH IN TELEVISION
FAULT FINDING GUIDE DISCS
These discs are packed with the text of vital fault finding information from
Spares Guide 2000 TELEVISION - fault finding articles on particular TV chassis, VCRs and
Latest updated version of the Television spares guide camcorders,Test Cases, What a Life! and Service Briefs. There are now
three volumes, 1, 2 and 3. They are accessed via the Index disc. Price £15
Servicing dumb terminals each (supplied on 3.5" HD discs).
A dumb terminal is one of a number linked to a mainframe
computer. Many are now elderly and beginning to fail. This COMPLETE PACKAGE ON CD-ROM
offers opportunities for profitable servicing, as companies The Index and all the Fault Report and Fault Finding Guide discs are
are usually pleased to have them repaired. Ian Rees available on one CD-ROM at a price of £196 (this represents a huge saving).
investigates this field, dealing specifically with the Wyse Customers who have the previous CD-ROM can upgrade on CD-ROM for
WY120 which was distributed by ICL and other £46 (other customers call for a quotation). Please quote the serial number
manufacturers. The article nevertheless serves as a general of your disc when you order.
introductory guide to servicing this type of product.
REPRINTS & HARD COPY INDEXES
An auto scart changeover circuit Reprints of articles from TELEVISION back to 1986 are also available:
This circuit was devised by Michael Dranfield to enable the ordering information is provided with the Index, or can be obtained from
outputs from two security cameras with scart outputs to be the address below. Hard copy indexes of TELEVISION are available for
recorded alternately. It uses a 555 timer chip and fits into a Volumes 38 to 49 at £3.50 each.
two-way scart splitter box.
All the above prices include UK postage and VAT where applicable. Add
Modern cable TV networks an extra £1 postage for non -UK EC orders, or £5 for non -EC overseas
The use of optical transmission in CATV networks has orders. Cheques should be made payable to SoftCopy Ltd. Access, Visa
vastly increased capacity. Recent developments such as or MasterCard Credit Cards are accepted. Allow 28 days for delivery (UK).
wavelength division multiplexing can substantially multiply
the services that can be carried by one fibre. SoftCopy Limited,
J. LeJeune investigates this technology. 1 Vineries Close, Cheltenham, GL53 ONU, UK.
All about film capacitors Telephone 01242 241 455.
Plastic film capacitors, e.g. polyester, are probably the type Fax 01242 241 468.
most widely used in electronics. Ray Porter describes their e-mail: sales@softcopy.co.uk
construction, characteristics and failure conditions. Web site: http://www.softcopy.co.uk

Published on the third Wednesday of each month by Reed Business Information Ltd., Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS. Filmsetting by
JJ Typographics Limited, Unit 4, Baron Court, Chandlers Way, Temple Farm Industrial Estate, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 5SE. Printed in England by Polestar
(Colchester) Ltd., Newcomen Way, Severalls Industrial Park, Colchester, Essex C04 4TG. Distributed by MarketForce (UK) Ltd., 247 Tottenham Court Road,
London W IP OAU (0171 261 7704). Sole Agents for Australia and New Zealand, Gordon and Gotch (Asia) Ltd.; South Africa, Central News Agency Ltd. Televi-
sion is sold subject to the following conditions, namely that it shall not, without the written consent of the Publishers first having been given, be lent, resold, hired
out or otherwise disposed by way of Trade at more than the recommended selling price shown on the cover, excluding Eire where the selling price is subject to cur-
rency exchange fluctuations and VAT, and that it shall not be lent, resold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by
way of Trade or affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever.

TELEVISION March 2000 311

 Wholesale Distributors & Export Agents
of Domestic Electronics & Appliances
he Largeskent inW&
THOMSON, FERGUSON, SANYO, MITSUBISHI, BUSH, ALBA, GOODMANS
FACTORY GRADED (MINT) SANYO/SHARP
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32" Wide £300
VCR
One Year Warranty
from £45 Lava Lamps, Table Lamps, Floor/
Ferguson 25" OP complete £200 Wall Lamps, Touch Lamps, etc
CD Radio Cassette from £15
from £6
CD Micro Hi-Fi from £25
CD Multi Disc from £39 11/C Toy Cars from £7.50
CD Walkman from E12.50 Trimmers, Foot Spa, Phones, Car
BT Phones from £15 Battery Chargers, Audio Karaoki.
BT Dect Phones from £35
Massager, Facial Saunas, etc.
BT Dect Answerphones from £45 Send for List Now
MANY MORE OFFERS AVAILABLE
Quantity based on stock availability and all prices are plus VAT
DE NM DEMIIIMPIEE - VISIT APPOINTMEN111.11M.
PhoneFax0121-359
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702
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PHOENIX HOUSE, 190 BRIDGE ST. WEST, ,,S7CM,a,

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Looking for ICs TRANSISTORs?
A phone call to us could get a
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ADC AN AM AY BA BC BD BDT BDV BDW BDX BF
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Noise Figure
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EN60065
DTA DTC GL GM HA HCF HD HEF ICL ICM IRF J KA
KIA L LA LB LC LD LF LM M M5M MA MAB MAX MB
- " ....r) MC MDA J 1TE MJF MM MN MPS MPSA MPSH MPSU
+1"
Technical Specification MRF NTM NE OM OP PA PAL PIC PN RC S SAA SAB
ROMAN 4381 4382 4383
SAD SAT SDA SG SI SL SN SO STA STK STR STRD
Ampl.blad(MHz)
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011111e
TEA TIC TIP TIPL TEA TL TLC TMP TMS TPU U UA
Vat gain VHF (dB) >20 >20 >20 UAA UC UDN ULN UM UPA UPC UPD VN X XR Z ZN
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'EC enactors Mail, phone, Fax, Credit Card orders & callers welcome.
Folly shielded
These ptoducts are available from UK's mein distributors and wholesalers
Connect

Televes Cricklewood Electronics Ltd

Toleviks UK LTD Tel. 01533 875821 Fax bit3.3 66c, teJevt, uktg)teleVeS.COre WWW televes corn 40-42 Cricklewood Broadway London NW2 3ET
Tel: 0181 452 0161 Fax: 0181 208 1441
312
TELEVISION March 2000
 Delivered Direct to
WILTSGROVE
28129 River Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B
II °
Your Door
Tel : 0121 772 2733 Fax : 0121 7. .,..
1
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1 1
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HR
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- 5" Monitor Features: STVDST-01 SIMULATOR
-v.- i with Security Di s p I a y : 3 1/2 LCDx a 2ummmd ihsepighytt1W9h \ 0 C .13
...-- 32KHz MONITOR
..,*

Ili
-..
Camera.
Compact, easy to install
Light weight & versatile.
Polarity: Auto Polarization.
Battery: 9V
High Voltage symbol
Low voltage indication
Size: 150mm x 70mm x 24mm
ir
\.1.
_
--4-t-F3
'
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r427.5

HR -
SIMULATOR for
Diode Split Flyback
Transformers.
.
.1, -*I - ' High Resolution monitor.
The Camera has an
Technical specification:
Accuracy: i a% reading s NO. of digits \ ,! I -S-
Contents:-
v / x STVSDT-01.
v 1 x Mains Adaptor.
electronic auto -iris for
any lighting conditions
guaranteed for I year.
Environmental temperature: 23-c ±vc.
Relative Humidity: <75%.
-' cs.
ea.
..-
sx . 1 set of 4 connections.
a User's Manual.
from full sunlight to DC Vohs: 200mV/2V/20V/2001/±0.5%, 1000Vi0.8%. - a Certificate of
almost darkness. AC Volts: 200V/750V21.2% Warranty.
DC Current: 200 A/2000 A/20,4421%,200Mai1.2%, 10422%.
Resistance: 200ohm/2000ohm/20Kohm1200Kohmt0.8%, 2000Kohm21%.
Temperature range:
ORDER CODE PRICE -40 - .1000*C. ORDER CODE PRICE ORDER CODE PRICE
Transistor hFE:
AV -4100 £89.00 .,00°. SER-8001 £4.99 LOPT-TESTER £69.95

, -"
MAINS SWITCH :

Replacement Mains Switch suitable for:- Replacement Mains Switch suitable for:- I /
BUSH : 14277, 2029T, CTV3455, CTV4855.
JVC: CI4ET1EK, Cl4E1, C14ET1,
CC21E71, C21M3.
HITACHI : C1411R, C14117.
FERGUSON : B51F/NX,
A41F. A59FIN, A36F,
A68N, D51ND, ICC7,
C51T. .
i ....-""-
.4 1115.::,
GOODMANS : 2195T, 1494, 1557NTX, Only 1 "
''IL
CTV1300, 1428T. BAIRD : RR5191. Replacement Mains Switch
DAEWOO : T204, T140.
..
4- FINLUX : 28524,25524, FR1314, 5025S
each
£3.95 suitable for-
Replacement CD Lasers: -
SHARP : DV5103, SV25/2888S. PART No. ORDER CODE PRICE
NIKKAI : BABY10, TLG1433.
FINLANDIA : CD59LZ6F.
HITACHI : C28P440, C25P745.
AMSTRAD : CTV1400. KSS210A/
MATSUI : 2897N.
BPL : 9103KDR11. KSS212A - AP -1002T -£10.95
ALBA : CTV701, CTV10.
ITT/NOKIA : DIGIVISION6381, SFN5581, SFN6361,
GRUNDIG : 9030. Only
ti i 14.111 Only SFN7161, 7165.
PIONEER : SD21/5/8AV1
PERDIO : CT1411 KSS213C - AP -1096 -£11.25
ORDER CODE £1.95 ORDER CODE AKAI : C72896, C72870. ORDER CODE Z- each
a Uu
SW -1009
each
SW -165 SW -111G KSS213F - AP -1041 -£12.10
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3 Preset Electronic GEQ
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16 Music Calendar
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 Seect,taptezworld
TV AND VIDEO LTD
2000 PRICE LIST
SONY PHILIPS TOSHIBA PANASONIC HITACHI
KP41S3 £650 32PW6332 £350 48PW6DP £700 TXW36D2DP £500 C32WD4TN £325
KV32WS2U £450 32PW9631 £350 3787DB £750 TXW32D2DP £350 C32WD2TN £300
KV32WF1U £350 28PW9631 £250 32MW8DB £450 TX29AD2DP £185 C28W4OTN £250
KV28WS2U £275 28PW6332 £225 3387DB £375 TX29AD1DP £175 C28WD2N £185
KV28WF1U £235 29PT6433 £195 3377DB £325 TXW28R3 £225 024 W1 TN £140
KV29F3U £195 29PT6773 £250 3357DB £300 TX28MD3 £165 C2979TN £185
KV29F2U 29PT9113 £250 2987DB £285 TX25AD2DP £145 C2886TN £185
£185 28PT6770 £185 2877DB £250 TX25MD3 £135 C2848TNS £175
KV29F1U £175 20PV164 £150 2857DB £225 TX21MD1 £90 C2548TN £95
KV29F5U £175 14PV170 £135 2577DB £155 TX21S3T £80 C2867TN £165
KV29XIU £175 14PV163 £125 2573DB £135 TX21S1T £70 C2856TN £125
KV25F3U £155 14PV274 £145 2557DB £145 TX21S3R £60 C2156TN £95
KV25F2U £145 143PT1563 £55 2151DB £75 TX143BR £50 C21217 £65
KV25F1U £135 14PT1363 £55 2173DB £100 TX14B3T £60 C14147 £65
KV25K5U £135 21" FASTEXT £65 1752TB £70 C1411T £55
KV25X1U £135 21" NICAM £75 1450RB £55 VCRs C14118 £45
KV21X4U £95 LONG PLAY £35
KV21V6U £185 SHARP VIDEO PLUS £40
KV21V5U £165 76E F2OH £550 JVC NICAM £45 AIWA
66FW53H £300 AV32WR2EK £325 VXT1480 £150
KV21T3U £80 AV28WR2EK £225 Includes all brands except these
KV14V5U 66DS03H £135 VXT14505 £125
£135 29SX2EK £185
below:
66CS03H £125 NICAM P'sonic £95 VXG140 £100
KV14T1U £65 59DS03H £110 29SX1EK £175
KV14V6U VIDEO PLUS £85 VXT1420 £125
£150 59CS03H £95 25SX2EK £110
KV14M1U £55 25SX1EK NICAM Sony £95
51DT25H £85 £95
21TS2EK VIDEO PLUS £85
51DSO2H £90 £80 MITSUBISHI
21TS1EK NICAM Toshiba £95
51AT15 £85 £70 C28BW2BD £225
C14E1T £55
VIDEO PLUS £85
DV5131H £50 C28AV1B £125
FERGUSON DV5161H £60 MISC STOCK C28D7B £185
T78DPL £300 37DT25H £50 20" REMOTE OEM £45 C28C7B £125
37AM 12 £50 CAMCORDERS
T78N £250 20" FASTEXT £50 C25D7B £125
Standard Camcorders £95
21" NICAM
T28DPL £135 £65 C25C7B £110
AKAI Digital Camcorders £125
T68N £120 20" FASTEXT GRUNDIG £50 C25AV1B £95
2867DPL £165 Also available is a selection of 20" NICAM £60 C21T7B £85
T59N £95 2159TS £65 non -working Camcorders 1433 BUSH £50 C21A5 £55
T51N £60 2137 £65 Standard £40 20" FASTEXT DAEWOO £50 C14M7 £50
T51F £50 2567 £125 Digital £55 20" NICAM £55 C14M5 £50

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INCREDIBLE PRICES FOR INCREDIBLE STOCK!

Our prices have been reduced even more for the new millennium so that we can give you the best
possible deals on top-quality graded stock.
As an independent retailer you can rest assured that buying nearly new graded stock at prices nobody
else can beat will allow you to make a bigger margin and still be price -competitive to your customers.

Please note all prices are based on a minimum quantity of five products and are liable to VAT
Stock subject to availability. Pro -logic stands and speakers are sold separately.
Head Office: BIRMINGHAM 208 Bromford Lane, Erdington, Birmingham B24 8DL Tel: 0121 327 3273 Fax: 0121 322 2011
CLEVEDON Unit 20 5C Business Centre, Concorde Drive, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 6AU Tel: 01275 341789
CLEVEDON IS NOW OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY
PRESTON Unit 439 Oakshott Place, Walton Summit Industrial Estate, Preston PR5 8AU Tel: 01772 312101
Sole UK
f1 gents toe
/
/0/ S ED E LTA TUBES14" from £25
TC-402D
Due to its weight and size, the TC-402D is the
ideal instrument for the installation of
FM and Terrestrial TV antenna, as well as CATV
systems.
16" from £25
II Peak detection
Built-in loudspeaker for AM and FM reception
Multi -turn potentiometer to enable tuning
Weight including batteries: 1.9 Kg 20" from £50
II Frequency Indication with 4 digit LCD Display

TC-90
21" from £60
Portable equipment, with many applications,
designed to carry out any type of Terrestrial TV,
FM Radio, CATV and Satellite TV. installations.
Price INCLUDES carriage and VAT

Other Sizes - POA

Frequency Sweep on Satellite
Peak Detection
Measurement of terrestrial TV from 20u V to Rechargeable 12V / 2.6 Ah Battery
3V without the need of external attenuators Weight including batteries. 3.5 Kg

TC-80
The TC-80 has been designed for the
De -Scratching Service
reception of TV Satellite systems, the
installation and testing of domestic and
SMATV systems.
VISA Ring Irene
II Rechargeable 12V / 2.6 Ah Battery
Full Band Frequency Sweep
Switchable 14V or 18V LNC Power Supply Weight including batteries: 3.3 Kg.
EXPRESS TV
Available from most wholesale distributors across the UK or direct from
The Mill, Mill Lane
COASTAL AERIAL SUPPLIES RUGELEY, STAFFS WS15 2JW
Unit X2, Rudford Industrial Estate, Ford, Arundel BN18 OBD TEL: 01889 577600
Telephone: 01903 723726 Fax: 01903 725322 Mobile: 0976 241505
FAX: 01889 575600

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Unit 75 Barracks Rd, Sandy Lane Ind. Est. Stourport, Accepted
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TELEVISION March 2000 315

 ELECTRONICS
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS
OF DOMESTIC
Do you use
ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES
Unit 15 Marks Hall Margaret Roding Dunmow Fccnx CM6 1QT
Telephone: 01245 231684 Facsimile: 01245 231862
Colour Picture Tubes?

D'LEC
r.'ek
GRADE S TRADE rainfi
Large TACI1 16 x 9 Format Televisions front £450

Large REAR ECTIO Televisions 52" from £1,500

(U.K. distributors for Vista)
We also carry a Large selection of
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36cm portables from £70
51cm televisions nicam front £150
59cm televisions nicam from £200 Does your existing C.R.T.
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78cm televisions nicam from £500 supplier give you a standard
95cm televisions nicam from £800
videos 2 head mono
videos 4 head nicam
from £70
from £110
one-year warranty?
videos 6 head hi-fi nicam from £130
36cm combined TV and video
dvd players
from £170
£160
No old glass need be
LARGE QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE returned.
25cm televisions with DC 12/24 volt suitable for
caravans - mobile homes - cars - kitchen use
- ALL PRODUCTS ARE FULLY GUARANTEED -
from £120 Tel: 01474 320450
1110111M11,1 ITTER ANVW
Fax: 01474 320345
We stock a great many other items in the TV and Video E-mail: day id@dlec%ale*..free%ers e.co.uk
range so if you don't see what you are looking for,
give us a call, we will save you pounds. Postal address:
Visitors by appointment only 206 Springhead Road, Northfleet, Kent DAll 8HS

CENTRAL WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION LTD

LARGEST GRANADA EX -RENTAL TV -VIDEO DEALER
SATELLITES EX -RENTAL NEW GRADED STOCK
UT WORKING 0
BT 250/260
UT WORKING TOSHIBA 3T TV DOLBY VIDEO BOX LP 0
£5 £20 PRO -LOGIC £999 FROM £55

MATSUI OP10 £5
G90 21" TXT £25 £65 NOW £50
£15 TOSHIBA 33" TV PRO- TOSHIBA (NEW) DVD
32
LOGIC (G) £549 PLAYER SD 2109 MULTI
BT30 £5 £25 CP90 20" TXT £20 £55 NOW £45 REGION £229
AIWA - NSX F555
BT 200 £3 CP110 25" TXT £30 £70 NOW £55 MINI HIFI (N) £110 CD PLAYER D191 £29.99
r-
PACE 800 £7 £20 SONY CAMCORDERS rn
FINLANDIA 21" SPECIAL OFFER
AMSTRAD all model £6.50 TOSHIBA NEW 32 MWDG DCR - TRU 900 £1349
NICAM TXT £30 £90 NOW £70 32" WIDESCREEN DCR - VX 9000 £2365
VIDEOCRYPT £5 100 MHZ 32

PACE PRIMA FIN 28" NICAM £50 £110 NOW £90

£799 OCR - TRU 310 £599 0
= SPECIAL= CASIO 2.5. LCD COLOUR CCD - TRV 36 £399
Inc Remote, Leads £26.95 FIN 28" N (GI TV £39 CCD - TR 515 £299

PACE 200 CHASSIS £50 £110 NOW £100 29" NICAM F/TEXT BOXED WM - EX 402 £17.50
(G) £140 WM - FX 473 £22.50
PACE 500 POA FIN INVARTECH £60 £125 NOW £100 C)
20" F/TEXT BOXED WM - FX 487 £44.95
PACE 1000 FROM £70 WM - EX 560 £24.99
VIDEO WORKING FL FROM £25 to
ALL ABOVE SATELLITES 14" R/C TV BOXED TCM 453 V £14.99 I-
SOLD IN 10' ONLY VIDEO UNTESTED FROM £5 FROM £45 M335 £9.99

O
NOW IN STOCK: - to
r-
NEW - GRADED, PHONES, IRONS, TOASTER, COFFEE MAKER, VACUUM CLEANER, MOWER, 0
TRIMMER, FAT FRYER, MINI HI-FI R/CASS, BATTERIES, ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES AND FRIDGE
FREEZER.
EXPORT ENQUIRIES, WELCOME.
HEAD OFFICE: LONDON DEPOT: JOSHI MICK:
221/2 BRIDGE STREET WEST ELEY ESTATE, NOBEL ROAD, 369 STRATFORD ROAD,
NEWTOWN, BIRMINGHAM B19 2YU EDMONTON, SPARKHILL,
TEL: 0121 359 0800 LONDON, N18.
O
BIRMINGHAM, B11 4JY.
FAX: 0121 359 2300 TEL: 0181 807 4090 TEL: 0121 772 1591 0
MOB: 07970 290121 FAX: 0181 884 1314 FAX: 0121 766 6383
VS3d11 - ScI171Hd - V1N3MOU - 7M30 1:13MOd - HOS09 - 001V - isvoivno - MAU - 1:1111SCIVOU
ilO TELEVISION March 2000
 No other consumer magazine in the country can reach so
effectively those readers who are wholly engaged in the television
and affiliated electronics industries. They have a need to know of

Service your products and services.

PHONE 0208-652 8339 FAX 0208-652 3981

The prepaid rate for semi -display setting is £15.00 per single
column centimetre (minimum 4 cm). Classified advertisements

Link £2.00 per word (minimum 20 words), box number £22.00 extra. All
prices plus 171/2% VAT. All cheques, postal orders etc., to be made
payable to Reed Business Information. Advertisements, together
with remittance, should be sent to Television Classified, 12th Floor,
Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS.

TRANSFORMERS PROPERTY FOR SALE

TV LINE OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS SMALL SATELLITE PORTLAND TV
PHONE: 0181-948 3702 FAX: 0181-332 0583 SERVICE SALES REPAIR Portland Road, South Norwood

ALBA AMSTRAD BUSH DECCA DORIC - BLAUPUNKT IN SPAIN Ex Rental TVs

FERGUSON FIDELITY GEC GRUNDIG - GRANADA. FOR SALE
HITACHI - IIINARI INDESIT HT - KfMARA NIKKAI Suit person wishing FIRM CLOSING DOWN
MATSUI MURPHY OSAKI NORDMENDE LOEWE-OPTA to live in the sun 400 TVs for sale.
PANASONIC PYE PHILIPS SANYO - SAISHO - SHARP
SONY - SOLOVOX SUSUMU TANDBERG TELEFUNKEN Tel 0034 971343344 Including:
THORN TRIUMPI I THOMSON GOLDSTAR - BINATONE 21" N/C 21" Fastext 21" R/C
Mobile 610 397790 Sanyo - Samsung -Toshiba
FULL RANGE OF KONIG: VIDEO HEADS, BELT KITS, and other makes.
IDLERS, PINCH ROLLERS, TENSION BANDS.
From L30 perTV -
LARGE RANGE OF REMOTE CONTROLS IN STOCK
DISCOUNT FOR LARGER ORDERS
TIDMAN MAIL ORDER LTD 236 SANDYCOMBE ROAD
Phone 01737 555514
RICHMOND SURREY -1'W9 2EQ Mon -Fri 9 am to 12.30 Pm &
Approx. 1 mile from Kew Bridge. 1.30430 pm
REPAIRS or mobile 0973 906274

SPARES & COMPONENTS accent SERVICE DATA

VIDEO HEADS
TECHNIC Fryerns
Make id Model No Price Hitachi VT -F865 £3600 Panasonic NV -J47 £11.99 CAMCORDER REPAIRS Sen ice Circuit
Akai
Akai
VS -F510
VS -F350
£24.99
£22.99
Hitachi
Hitachi
VT -F860
VT -F70
£35.00
£34.99
Panasonic NV-HD100 £20.99
Panasonic NV-FS90 £35.99
Collection and delivery any-
Information FES Diagrams

Akai VS -F497 £1599 JVC HR -250 £17.99 Panasonic NV-SD40 £11.00

Akai VS -F400 £1599 JVC HR -D300 £14.99 Panasonic NV -J30 £9.99
Akai VS -G205 £15.99 JVC HR -D440 £15.99 Sanyo VHR 474 £17.99 where in the UK. TV's, VCR's
Akai VS -G215 £15.99 JVC HR -D660 £15.99 Sanyo VHR 775E £29.99 SATELLITE
Amstrad VCR6000 £10.50 JVC HR -D830 £18.99 Sanyo VHR 15SP £13.00 All makes, fast service.
Amstrad VC5200 £10.00 JVC HR -D840 £22.99 Sanyo VHR 190F £29.99
AUDIO & HI-FI
Amstrad VCR2000 moo JVC HR -D960 £32.00 Sony SLV 425 £11.00 Phone free for details. Most Models Covered
Ferguson 3V58 £17.99 JVC HR -J200 £32.00 Sony SLVER 7 £32.50 Prices are from £4.00 + £2.50 P/P
Ferguson 3V59 £15.99 Mitsubishi HS -M38 £16.49 Sony SLVX 810 £30.00
I item - total £6.50 inc
Ferguson 3V53
Ferguson FV44T
£18.00
£15.99
Mitsubishi HS -M48
Mitsubishi HS -M36
£16.49
£29.99
Sony
Sony
SLV 815
SLV E600
£33.00
moo
Fax: 01905 796385 2 items - total £10.50 inc
3 items - total £14.50 inc
Ferguson FV46T
Ferguson FV67HV
£32.00
£36.00
Mitsubishi HS -M59
Mitsubishi HS -M59
£29.99
£48.00
Sony
Sony
SLV E7 £32.50
SLV 625UB £33.00
(0800) 281009 4 items - total £18.50 inc
Ferguson FV22L £15.00 Panasonic NV -F75 £32.00 Sony SLV416 £19.99
Hitachi VT -M622 £1299 Panasonic NV-FS100 £35.99 Toshiba V 703B £33.00 Payment by credit card or Postal
Hitachi VT -M640 £1799 Panasonic NV -G12 £10.99 Toshiba V 509 £20.00 Order for next day delivery.
Hitachi M822 £12.99 Panasonic NV -H75 £25.99 Toshiba V 300 £20.00 Cheques to clear.
Tel/Fax 01206 211570
Too many to list Phone for up-to-date prices. Free postage on orders over £20 (mainland only), others £1.00 + VAT.

PLEASE ADD VAT AT 17.5°, WE ACCEPT VISA. MASTERCARD. SWITCH AND CHEQUES. ACCOUNTS WELCOME WANTED 2 The Lodge
N.A.V. SPARES Tel: 01274 772249 Fax 01274 772247 VISA Easthorpe Green
Allk WEST END BUSINESS CENTRE, 237 THORNTON ROAD, BRADFORD BD1 2JS 'AMON
Marks Tey, Colchester
CO6 IHA
RCS VARIABLE VOLTAGE D.C.
Top Cash Prices
BENCH POWER SUPPLY
LINEAGE Paid for Valves
PR NI E.9 KT88, PX25, EL37, DA l00 and SERVICE MANUALS
Valve Tester VCM163 Have you ever turned away work for
£45 INC VAT - POST & INS e4
Up to 20 volts DC at 1 amps ...ow, 1.5 amps peak AVO MULTIMETER Model 8, £45.00. 500 want of a Service Manual?
W lly variable from I to 20 volts
Twin wattage and current melws for easy read out. volt megers £30.00. Prices plus VAT and Ask for our free wanted list Have you ever bought a Service Manual
240 Wit AC input telly smoothed. p. & p. Send SAE for lists of surplus Wide range of obsolete valves stocked and never used it more than once?
337 WHITEHORSE ROAD, CROYDON, SURREY, UK
instruments and scopes etc. A. C. Then why not join ...
Electronics, 17 Apleton Grove, Leeds LS9 Visitors please phone for an appointment
Tel: 0181 684 1665
9EN. Tel: 0113 249 6048.
THE MANUALS LIBRARY
Lot of transformers, high von caps, valves. speakers, In
stock. Phone or sand your wants list for quote. Email: For details and membership
PRIVATE RETAILER has excellent part billmetonexportltd@brinternet.com application form write,
exchange colour televisions and videos to phone or fax:
To Advertise
in Television Classified
clear. Tel 01494 814317. Billington Export Ltd HARVEY ELECTRONICS
Telephone Pat Bunce Sussex RH 14 9EZ 43 Loop Road, Beachley, Chepstow, Gwent NP67HE
EX RENTAL TV's and Videos in good Tel: 01291 623086 Fax: 01291 628786
on 0208-652 8339 working order for export VHF/UHF tuning.
Tel: 01403 784961 Visa, Access accepted
or Fax on 0208-652 3981 Telephone Dublin 353 1626 9490. Fax: 01403 783519

TELEVISION March 2000 317

 .3*FAX BACK
SERVICE NOW
SERVICE MANUALS
Available for most equipment.
RECRUITMENT
Check out our web site at
AVAILABLE http://www.mauritron.co.uk/mauritron/
TEL/FAX A.T.V. on for the full listing of the thousands of

0114 285 4254 manuals we have

or send 4 x first class stamps for our
catalogue and index on disc.
BENCH ENGINEERS
Keens Service has been in operation since 1991 and our continued
SAT/CTV Circuits £5.00 Mauritron Technical Services growth means we require additional Bench Engineers to join our
8 Cherry Tree Road, Chinnor
VCR Circuits £7.00 Oxon 0X9 4QY
existing workshop team.
CTV Manuals £10.50 Tel: 01844-351694. Fax: 01844-352554
Established since 1986
The company installs and services, in the field as well as in our workshop, top
quality branded televisions, satellite, video and audio products on behalf of some
VCR Manuals £14.50 significant trade customers, as well as to the public.
( P P add £2.50 to each order)
We are looking for engineers, ideally aged under 40, with a proven record of quality
419 LANGSETT ROAD, To Advertise repairs, to be part of our long term expansion.
in Television Classified
SHEFFIELD S6 2LL Telephone Pat Bunce We offer very good basic salary, with overtime and bonus opportunities.
1W217-1...
on 0208-652 8339
or Fax on 0208-652 3981 For your Information Pack and Application Form,
please contact Kevin Evans on 01494 727731 ipa KEENS
Keens Service Limited Iii10 SERVICE
Technical Electronic Services, 56 - 58 Sycamore Road, Amersham, Bucks. HP6 5EE

Elusive faults - Fixed!!

E.C.S. Celebrates 10 years supplying service data,
Helping engineers complete repairs in record time.
New release: Edition 23 Fault Index books.
Now Available Edition 23 of the Television Magazine Index Covers
Butlers
over 14,000 Television, Video, Satellite, Camcorder & Monitor faults, We are looking for an experienced TV/Video Bench Engineer who
Large easy to read A4 format The latest addition to a highly acclaimed would like the opportunity to be our
& recommended series. In daily use in workshops around the world !!
ISBN 1 898394 30 X Edition 23: Complete set f14.75 Service Manager
Salary and benefits package negotiable.
Brand New: Fault indexes on disk - Version 1.9
Latest faults together with all data from all previous versions, Covering a To apply for a confidential interview, telephone
MASSIVE 22,500 !! Television, Video, Camcorder, Satellite, CD & Mr Butler today on 0800 068 10 37 or send your CV to
Monitor faults listed in 20 years of Television. 67 Chester Road West, Shotton, Flintshire CH5 1DG
Version 1.9: Indexes on Disk f17.50 and join an expanding company that values initiative and effort.
Low cost updates are available for all Book .1 Disk fault indexes.

SPECIAL OFFER: Kwik Tips Fault Database

A valuable service resource for workshops large or small, Kwik Tips
Version 1.1 is our LARGEST FAULTS & REMEDIES database
EVER, Compiled from over 20,000 !! Entries & covering 1,435 Chassis
& Models, This concisely Edited TV & Video repair database will easily
EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED
pay for itself with just one repair. ENGINEERS BENCH AND FIELD
Kwik Tips on disk: Millenium offer price - only f22.95 Bench or Field
Latest release: Model / Chassis / Equivalents book. TECHNICIANS
for either TV VCR, Audio
The latest Best Selling 3rd Edition of the Equivalents guides containing or Camcorder. AND TECHNICAL
7,500 ENTRIES covering TV Models to chassis and Television, Video,
Camcorder, Satellite & Monitor Equivalents. comprehensive A4 book. Excellent Salary. INSTALLERS
ISBN 1 898394 29 6 3rd Edition Equivalents f6.95 Modern workshop.
REQUIRED BY
Staff discounts.
316, Upton Road, SERVICESPEED
E.C.S.
Technical Publishing
(Est 1985)
Noctorum, Wirral,
Merseyside. CI -143 9RW
Please send CV to:
'A' One Digital Domain
Unit 2B,
(SLOUGH)
TEL: 01753 524848
Tel / Fax 0151 5220053 Aberconway Road,
Please add £1.75 P & P to total (Europe £2.75, r.o.w please enquire) Morden, Surrey
SM4 5LN To Advertise
in Television Classified
Telephone Telephone Pat Bunce
0208 543 8888 on 0208-652 8339
or Fax on 0208-652 3981

SERVICE MANUALS
Thousands of models available
For most U.K. European, Far East & USA makes
Service manual prices ESTABLISHED TELEVISION
B/W TV - £6.00 CTVNCP - £10.00
REPAIR BUSINESS
ENGINEER
VCR - £14.00 Camcord - £16.00
Required for bench work must
Service sheets/circuits also available for some models. FOR SALE be qualified and experienced, to
+ data for satellite, audio and microwave.
Plymouth, Saltash area join our long established
All the above items include circuit diagrams. repair/sales business.
Please telephone to check availability. Repairs white and brown
goods, excellent opportunity Hours 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday
Payment by Cheque/PO only please.
for qualified engineer wishing EXCELLENT RATES OF PAY
Add £2.00 P/P etc. to order total. Do not add any VAT. to run own business.
Full details 01323 647009 or 01323 739222
D-TEC Scope for further
Teletec,
PO BOX 1171, FERNDOWN, DORSET BH22 9YG developments.
95a Cavendish Place, Eastbourne,
Tel: 01202 870656 Contact Box No B7755 East Sussex BN21 4TZ
J
TELEVISION March 2000
 EXPERIENCED SERVICE WE WON'T KNOW HOW MANY
ENGINEER/MANAGER PEOPLE WATCHED CORONATION STREET
Specialised in servicing and repairs for all OR EASTENDERS WITHOUT YOU
makes of television, video and audio TV Service Field Engineers Location: Nationwide
equipment. The ideal candidate will have
Taylor Nelson Sofres is one of the world's leading market information
experience in servicing Bang & Olufsen organisations, with some 5,900 employees in over 35 countries. We have one of
equipment. Although the position is the most dynamic records of growth and profitability of companies listed on the
Stock Exchange. Our success is based on the excellence of our people and
dominated by the servicing of equipment, their ability to deliver innovative solutions to major brand leading, blue chip
it will also require the day-to-day companies.
management of the workshop. Driving Due to the continued growth of the Television Research Division we are
licence essential. looking to recruit additional Service Engineers to operate throughout the UK &
Northern Ireland. Your main role will he to install and maintain TV monitoring
equipment in domestic households.
SERVICE ENGINEER You will need to have knowledge and experience of TV and VCR technologN.
Required to assist in servicing and repairs Additional training will be given by specialists at our London Headquarters.
for all makes of television, video and Applicants must be qualified to at least City & Guilds 224 or equivalent, have a
service oriented background, good communication skills and the determination
audio equipment. Training will be given to achieve high standards of delivery. A full driving licence is essential.
in servicing of Bang & Olufsen
The positions available are for permanent full-time staff and on a sub -contract
equipment. Driving licence essential. basis.

If you have the background and experience required for this role and would like
Please apply in writing, enclosing your CV to be part of a growing team, please send your CV and a covering letter
and current salary, to: (with current salary details) to Millie .Jones, Human Resources Executive.
Taylor Nelson Sofres, Westgate, London, W5 IUA

Geoff Lewis, Audio Vision Ltd

34 Station Road West
Oxted, Surrey RH8 9EU
or Fax 0181 967 4170.

('losing date :3e March 2000

IJ
TAYLOR NELSON SOFRES

C =boor 0
HOME ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
TV/PROJECTOR
INSTALLATION ENGINEER
ESCAPE THE RAT RACE Linn Products Ltd, manufacturers of the world's
AND MOVE TO THE ISLE OF MAN premier domestic and commercial audio
products, has an immediate vacancy for a
Established for over 75 years we are a family owned business with a
top-flight mobile TV/Video engineer,
modern outlook specialising in the sale and rental of brown goods and
(based in London or the south-east of England)
Multimedia PCs. We offer a high level of sales and after sales service
to our customers.
to work in our high performance TV and Video
distribution subsidiary.
We have a vacancy for a
Applicants should have experience of
commissioning, installing and repairing both
BENCH ENGINEER projection and conventional television. The
(occasional field work) successful candidate will have good
to join our busy Service Department.The successful applicant will bt communication skills, be mobile, and be able to
competent to repair TV, Video and Audio equipment. support the technical help -line. A City & Guilds
224, BTEC, and a clean driving licence are the
We offer a competitive salary with benefits and help with relocation
expenses for the right person.
essential minimum qualifications required.
Applications in writing to
The Isle of Man is not part of the United Kingdom but a separate
Y. Auld
territory enjoying an enviable quality of life and a tax regime
considerably lower than that in the UK.
Linn Products Ltd, Floors Road, Waterfoot,
Glasgow G76 OEP
Please send your CV to:
17A
Gordon Quayle
Colebourn Home Entertainment Centre
57-61 Victoria Street
Douglas
LINN
Isle of Man IM1 2RP
the only sound'
TELEVISION March 2000
 Special Offer Sale - 20 Remote Controls £20.00 (mixed all well known brands)
1 ERGUSON ICC 7 HAND SET £3.00 CARDIOID CAMERA MICROPHONE -VA SUPER SAMSUNG TECU5983 VA24A NOKIA
218 TELESCOPIC BOOM & STAND £5.00 VHF -Tuner with Aerial Socket RC202 £4.00
FERGUSON VIDEO CHASSIS -7X80 -NEW -NO 'DINER P/P L5Akea £15.00 Fit most new TV's £5 VP940I
IN90 LV HAND SET £3.00
CHOKE -MAINS INPUT-TX9-TX10 £4.00 01096
FV80 LV HANDSET £3.00
CHROME BOARD-ICCS 35-VICK DESOLDERING BRAID 1.5 meter VXAI100
I/Cs U4647TKF OR HA11498 £6.00 AND VIDEO PLUS
FERGUSON
BATTERY CONVERTER TA606 £15.00
DECK AND CAPSTAN MOTOR:-
Size AA (2), Size AB (3), Size BB (4) £1 ORION
24V DC/240V AC FV6ILV, FV62LV, FV67LV, FV68LV EACH £30.00 TV AND VIDEO £2.00

BENCH POWER SUPPLY VARIABLE

£15.00
FV70B, FV7I LV, FV72LV, FV74LVX EACH £30.00
5 VIDEO HEADS FOR £20 VIDEO WITH LCD - 1992/93 MODELS £5.11)
FV77HV £30.00 Amstrad 6000, Amstrad 8900. Heads & Drum PANASONIC
0-30V 3A -TWIN METERS P/P £5.00 ea £50.00
FV3IR £12.00 EUR51142 £10.00
BRIDGE RECTIFIERS 10 FOR £1.00
HEAD AND DRUM
FERGUSON NICAM MODULE III TCI632, TCI642, TC2232 EACH £8.00
BURGLAR ALARM KIT full description £7.00
MODULATOR-SATELLITE-T1040-SRD3/4 £2.00
Art No 989 591-E00 £5 TX2034. TX2044, TX2200, TX2234 EACH 01.00
CAMCORDER -UNIVERSAL BATTERY 9.6V - TX2244. 17(2300. TX2636, TX3300 EACH £8.00
PANEL -10 MIXED FROM TX9 TO ICC5 £20.00 RC201 - TV - REPLACES TNZ1411/2
1400MA FOR NC -PANASONIC -PHILIPS £5.00 L.O.P.T.
PANEL-DECODER-ICC5 £5.00
CAMCORDER-RIPOD SHOULDER POD £3.00 36061, 36162, 36362, 36383, 36481 PERDIO
PANEL-FRONT-TX100 £4.00
CAPACITORS:- 36482, 36761, 36831, 36832 PV 1188 £3.00
PANEL-IF-TX9, TXIO £4.00
11N/2KV. 2NZ/2KV, 4NZ/4K V EACH 15p 36943, 36962 PHILIPS
PANEL -REMOTE AND POWER SUPPLY
5N6/2KV, 6N2/2KV, 9N1/2KV EACH 15p 2432211, 2432351,2432491. 2432851 NEW TYPE UNIVERSAL E8.00 (31n 11
FV3 1 R DISPLAY P/P £2.00. £5.00 2432871, 2432981, 2432984 RC4001
35V-22UF, 50V-4 7UF, 50V -1000F EACH 25p PANEL-REMOTE-TX9. TXIO EACH £5.00 2433952,2434141.2434393
AA BATTERIES 1.5 VOLT SAMSUNG
PANEL-REMOTE-TX10-540/01 £5.00 2434451, 2434492
HANDSETS, TV & VIDEO - 12 TYPES EACH
STC ALKALINE 10p £3.00
PANEL-REMME-TX10, WITH BATTERY 2435016, 2435062
DESOLDER PUMP £2.00 2435064, 2435085, 2435121 SANYO
AND 41/Cs - 1544-033C £7.00
DIGITAL CAPACITANCE METER CMC200 2435372, 2435701. 2436773 UNIVERSAL VIDEO £3.00
PANEL -REMOTE TX90 -
200PF-20MF £211.00
2436792, 2436795, 2436797. 3216001 SIEMENS
139.001 VCs M29381 AND MSI000 £10.00 243066. 243063
FILTERS - 455 & 480 EACH 10p
TVNIDEO - 1994 MODEL £5.00
PANEL -REMOTE TX100 3220029, 3714016, 47003481
GAS SOLDER IRON-PORTASOL HOBBY £10.00 THORN
I/C M29381-SAA50 I 2 £5.00 AT2076/78. AT2076/88, AT2078/25
INFRA RED DETECTOR 9000, 9600, TX9, TX 10, TX 1000
PANEL -REMOTE TX100 AT2077/81
TEXT AND NON -TEXT EACH £10.00
WIDE/SHORT ANGLE WITH RELAY £5.00 WITH STAND-BY BATTERY AND I/Cs £5.00 DST8IN243/472593-00
CPT1408T, CFT2176, CITZ178 EACH £5.0)
INFRA RED RECEIVER-MATSUMI MINIATURE £1.00 PANEL -T12280 TEXT DST85B235/47328700 & /40153200
CPT2476. CPT2478 EACH £5.00
DST88N234/400086AD, &/47805200L
MILLI VOLTMETER -ELECTRONIC -LEADER FOR TX89,TX98, TX99, TX ISO £6.00 TEXT, REPLACES PHILIPS
DST88N234/47320041. &/47317590
LMV-181A 40V A/C IN-IMV F/S £5 P&P £5.00 PANEL-TX90 THORN FRONT - KT3.100, K4 ETC UN £8.00
DST 186N243/473058-00
IMV-300V CALIBRATED - COST £225.00 £5 P&P -8 BUTTONS 01M4-515-002 PHILIPS 3 IN I HAND SET £8.00
£5.00 IFB3035D, TFB3069D, TFB4023AD
FERGUSON WITH TEXT !KZ
COLOUR TV BATTERY PANEL -TUBE BASE-ICC5 £5.00 TFB4039AD. TFB4066AD
CHASSIS P/P £5.00 £10.00
CONVERTER IN 24VDC TO 240V OUT £15.00 PANEL-TUBE-BASE-TX89. TX98, TX99 £5.00 FERGUSON TX86 CHASSIS P/P £4.00 £10.1110
MODULATOR -TUNABLE SATELLITE -TV £1.00 PANEL -TUNING 1509G-TX9.TX10 £5.00 TX9 ORION AND MATSUI CARRIAGE
PANEL-IK2-FM2211 STEREO £5.00 POWER SUPPLY I2V-3A TXIO 1500 TYPE DI 096 ETC £6.00
PANEL-CVC80-POWER £5.00 FOR VIDEOSTAR CAMERA PP3 £4.00 TX85, TX86 SANYO LOPT P/P £2.00 4 FOR £5.00
TX89. TX98, TX99 240V ADAPTOR 9V AC IA £1.00
POSITOR 18 2 PIN 20p PUSH BUTTON UNIT-TX85, TX86-8 BUTTONS £5.00
Y.760781
POSITOR-2322 662 98012 50p RECEIVER - INFRA -RED- ICS1,486-TX100 50p FSTY 260482
POWER SUPPLY - TRANSFORMERS -SWITCH MODE:- LOPT RED SPOT COMPLETE REPAIR KIT, CLUTCH AND
12V DC & 24V DC -REGULATED £2.00 TX85. 7X86, 7X89 EACH £4.00 LOFT WHITE SPOT & YELLOW SPO I PINCH ROLLER. IDLER 02906 17.110

POWER SUPPLY -REGULATED 3-I2V 500MA £5.00 TX100 £5.00 PANASONIC

473190-00.40153000 EACH £5.00
PSU AC I2V 500MA £1.50 TC2203, TEE 1456B TUNERS
PSU AC 9V IA £1.50 ICC5 3112-338 326842 £4.00 TLF1457B, TLF701/6 IF TERC8-022A TBIZA-OOZA-ALPS £3.00
QUARTZ HALOGEN - TOSHIBA SATELLITE SXT2302180968 £3.011
500W 200V FOR OUTDOOR LAMPS £1.00 HITACHI TFB 30350. TFB 4023AD. TFB 40121311 SATELLITE
R.S. SAFE BLOC E5.00 DECODER -TELETEXT PC232A5 - ISSUE 4 TFB 4038AD. TFB 4110AD WITH BASE BAND MIN SXT2302234 £4.00
£15.00
RELAYS -SUB MINIATURE 25p HEAD AND DRUM - 620E £12.00 TFB 3089D, TFB 4088AD SMALL UNENHE £3.50
SATELLITE TUNER UNIT -2427611 MAINS SWITCH WITH STAND-BY VHF/UHF -TEKE4-112A £4.00
£50p
.... BASE BANDNIDEO OUT £3.00 MODULATOR No 5587881 £5.00
VIDEO DECKS 4944
OSCILLOSCOPE 20MHZ DOUBLE BEAM - AIWA 1500 U321, U341, U342, U343
SCART TO 4 PHONO LEADS I.5M £1.00
V212 MATSUI VXA 1100 0344, U41 I, U4I 2, 17944 E2 EACH
SCART TO 6 PHONO LEADS £3.00 £188.00
MATSUI 1500 ES POST U743. 7744
SCART TO "IT" PLUG £1.00 PANEL -TELETEXT GOP - ISSUE 6 £10.00
PANEL -TELETEXT PC315-II - ISSUE 7 £15.00 ORION DI094 WITH HEADS AMSTRAD
SCART TO SCART LEADS -
PANEL-TEXT-VT753E £20.00 ORION 01096 UE33-1301 £3.00
ALL PINS CONNECTED - 1.5 METRES £2.00 ORION 132096 ETC EACH £20.00
POWER SUPPLY TV SWITCH MODE MRF7-7E33
SOUND 5.5MHZ MPM 1000T £1.00 CAPSTAIN MOTOR FOR ABOVE DECKS £15.00
STR 4211 ISSUE 10 E8.00 MATSUI ORION VIDEO TUNER IF £5.00
SOUND 6.0MHZ MPM 1040 £1.00 POWER SUPPLY VIDEO SWITCH MODE AND HAND SETS £3.00
4 HEAD DECK FOR 1500 £20.00
FERGUSON
TRANSFORMER -RS ENCAPSULATED MAINS VTM3I2ELM £10.00
20 HIGH VOLTAGE CAPS 1500V - 2000V MIXED £1.00 1F2105 -RE £5.00
0 -120V -0-120V PRI 0 -9V -0-9V SEC £1.00 THICK, FILM-HM9204A £3.50 VIDEO PATTERN GENERATOR MODEL T9535 240V MTP2011-APOO £5.00
TRIPLER KT3/K30 £4.00
MAINS SMALL £5.00 UHF - ICC5 £5.00
TRIPLER - UNIVERSAL £5.00 PAL TV ADAPTOR - RGB IN UFH OUT VHF - ICC5
HOSIDEN £5.00 £5.00
TUBE BASE MIXED 10 for MOTOR 12V 10p TX85. TX86, TX89, TX90 EACH £4.00
£1.00
AA Batteries made by STC Group of Companies 10p each TX98, T99, TX100 EACH £3.01
AMSTRAD HANDSETS ORION
HEAD AND DRUM - 6000 £12.00 AMSTRAD 1500 - UE33 009 £4.06
HEAD AND DRUM - NICAM £12.00 ITT 4600 £3.0
PANEL -CLOCK DISPLAY - 8.900 £5.00 IF MODULES: - PANASONIC
4700 £5.00
PLASTIC FRONT WITH FLAP - 8.900 £3.00 5827 -01-51.5827-03-51 EACH £3.00 SMALL UHFNI-IF 13.00
6000 £15.00
POWER SUPPLY-VS1000-VS I 100 £5.00 5828-04-10 5829-02-58 EACH £3.00 FERGUSON
6800 £4.00
POWER SUPPLY, LONG OR SHORT CHASSIS 5929-03-41 EACH £3.00 DOUBLE SIDE NICAM
UNIVERSAL £3.00 £10
1991/1992 MODELS £3.00 TELETEXT CONVERSION KIT £3.00 ICC5 NICAM SINGLE BOARD ICC5 RIO
POWER SUPPLY - SWITCH MODE CORE 2 90. ITT TEXT PANEL £3.00 DECCA
- DOUBLE DECKER £5.00 NICAM LCD £4.00 SHARP
20 OFF MIXED NOKIA ITT TUNER AND IF 1810587 PA I UK £3.00
1996/7 MATSUI FERGUSON
SALORA FINLEX SERVICE MANUAL £10.00 BSB TATUNG
VIDEO DECK COMPLETE P/P £5.00ea £16.00 £1.50
POST 4.00 UNIVERSAL 205 OR EQUIVALENT
FV4IR/3V59
MAINS ADAPTOR I2V AT 500 M/A £10.00 WITH AERIAL SOCKET
FV4I R/FV42 - FV5I -52 } £3.00
NEGATIVE CENTRE £1.00 MATSUI - ORION ICC5 £7.00
NEGATIVE CENTRE £1.00 DECKS WITH HEADS - IK2000. IK7000 EACH £4.00
POSITOR EQV 98009 - SALE PRICE 25p D1096 VXAII0 VP 9401 £16.00
HEAD-VSR 1500 = ORION D2096 £5.00
SRD2. SRD3, SRD4 EACH £1.00 MOTORS
PANEL-MAIN-VSR 1500 T780 £2.00 HITACHI
P/P £5.00ea £3.00
POWER SUPPLY-VSR 1500 £5.00 TV/SATELLITE WITH FST £3.00 CAPSTAN 150E £3.00
FERGUSON POWER SUPPLY & REG - HITACHI
ADAPTOR -vm- TEXT - VA354 £2.00 MATSUI
TYPE STK 5343-VP9501 £8.00 CPT2I 58 (NO REPLACEMENT) £5.00
AC MAINS & BATTERY-VA365 P/P £3.00 ea CAPSTAN VC NO. M56730 ASP £15.00
POWER SUPPLY -SWITCH MODE -1500 £3.50 VIDEO RM933E VIDEO PLUS £30.00
CAMCORDER BATTERY, HIGH CAPACITY 2 TYPES 1995 TO 1997 MODELS MATSUI VIDEO
MATSUI DECKS WITH CAPSTAN MOTOR
9.6V 1800MA-VA310 £3.00
PHILIPS 000 £5.00 AND HEAD P/P 15.00 £20.00
CAMCORDER BATTERY CHARGER VSR 000
DECODER-TEXT-K40-KT3 £6.00 £400
9.6 VOLTS VAZ65 EACH £6.00 VX3000 £3.00 MITSUMI
CAMCORDER CAR ADAPTOR CHARGER - IF PANEL FOR CP90-CP110 £5.00 MOD MRF7-UF32
3000/ORION - TV AND VIDEO £2.00 £5.00
AND BATTERY-VA308 £5.00 RC = PACE 900. FERGUSON, SONY. GRUNDIG £5.00 MOD TMUG3-103A £5.00
CAMCORDER LENS 2 OFF - TEXAS MITSUBISHI MITSUBISHI
TELE-CONVERSION LENS x1.4 & x0.7 £1.00 NICAM BOARDS MK II £3.00 RM35 - VIDEO £5.00 CAPSTAN-HSE4I-VC M51782ASP £2.00

1805 20p 2S01432 f1.00 00204 60p BUTI I AF 50p BYW29/50 15p 0361404251 sop No accounts
7806 20p 2SD 1 453 f 1.00 BU205 75p BUT I 2A 20p BYW95 10p 606140815 £1.00
No Credit Cards
7809
7812
20p
20p
_2S01576
2S01577
f 1.00
1200
131)206
B4.207
£1.00
1.00
BUT 13
BUTISAF
CIRO
£1.00
BYW95C
BYW562A 100V
10p
8p
HE4528BP
HEF4029BP
15p
20p
SENDZ COMPONENTS
78I2F 20p 2SD 180753 ISp 131,208 80p 611771/8110 15p BOXIO 10p HEF4091 20p
2SC940 £1.10 25101878 £1.00 SF2/ISA 111.50 BUWI I Sop BOX 98/300 25p HGAI120A 50p 63 BISHOPSTEIGNTON, SHOEBURYNESS,
2SC3795 £1.00 2SK1460 £1.00 13020813 90p BUW84 611p BYX55/350 10p HM6264
2SC3973B
2SC4313
£1.00
£5.00
2SK1464
2SC4891
11.00 00222
BU326
£1.01 BUX39 11.00 BYX55/600 10p ALP -15 E3.50 ESSEX SS3 8AF.
£1.00 BUX84 Sop BYX71/60 20p 1K7ST 6911 B1 13.00
2SC4589 1500V/15A £2.00 BU407
10A/1500V £2.00 AN5521 £1 .00 BU508A
40p
90p
/31.1X84AF
50)49
50p
20p
BYZIO6
BZW-CII0
10p
514
IN5401
IRIO6A
3p
10p
Tel: 01702 338894 Fax: 01702 338805
2SC7350 15p AN555I E1.00 BU508AF 11.00 BY187 Sp BZW83-C20 .314 L298N 14.00
2513200 DAM AN583I £2.00 130508D 80p BY208-800 8p CA3 I 23Q 50p LA7810 f1.00 Specific P/P charges are PER ITEM For UK addresses add P/P to
-SD401 40p BC550C 20p B11508DF 11.00 BY228 15p CD4555BE 2.0p LA7811 £1.00
250716 ELM BDV648 .50p 00705 £1.01 BY229 6p CLE87 I A L5.00 M708 ABI 1150
order then 17.5% VAT to total. This applies to EC unless VAT No. is
250787 30p BDV658
255789 30p BE8695
50p
20p
BU801
011006A
50p
£1.00
BY255
BY299-200
Sp FE1B 4p M708 LBI £1.50 given Exports - P/P at cost Postal Order/Cheque with order.
ISp HA1140 £1.00 M37204ECSP £1.00
2SD820 11.00 BF870 20p BU807 50p 13)299-N00 30p HA 1185 £1.00 M58658P 01.191 Unless otherwise specified add £1.70 P/P to SMALL ORDERS +
?MAAS 75p BP904 I 15p BUI108DFI 11.00 BYT7 I -800 15p HA 1196 .50p MN650 11.00
2813880 30p 13T Phone Lawry., f1 131.1824 50p BYV 19-30 15p HA I I485ANT 11.50 513522V 11.00 Additional P/P for HEAVIER GOODS. Technical Information by
2S131264 50p 61105/04 80p BU826 £1.00 BYV28-200 15p 11)1118041NT £1.50 SAA1061
2SDI266 £1.00 80108 £1.00 BUK444/800 £2.00 104513385P) £2.00 SAA3018
£3.00
111.00
telephone only Government/School Orders on offical headings.
P
280I398 E1.00 BU I24 50p BUK4451600 8100 BYV95C 12p HA5I138SP3 12.00 SAA5010 12.00 Callers to shop - 212 London Road, Southend-on-Sea.
2551415 01.00 1311126 lop BUK454/600 51.00 BYV96D 10p HCF4520 50p SAA523 I
2501427 11.00 BUI8,0A 65p Burt 50p BYW20-08-9 £1.00 HCF4520BE 50p (TEXT) £2.00 Open 10.00-1pm. 2.15-5pm.

PLEASE ADD 17.5% VAT TO BOTH THE GOODS TOTAL AND P/P CHARGE
 salEsophilEx.com Email: http://www.philExcom SITE: WEB 0015 8202 02C FAX:
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A.R.D.
ELECTRONICS
In response to your requests we have
changed our delivery charge policy.
The UK's favourite distributor
again leads the way by launching a new
'Our aim is your next order' Customer based initiative. We now provide

600 PAGE
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It has comprehensive technical
DELIVERY ON
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& Accessories EHT Components
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LG (GoldStar),
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masterOwg
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Tel: 01282 683000 Fax: 01282 683010

Trade Website: www.ard-plc.co.uk