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Author
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Topic: Fixing Projectors!?
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Grant Fitzgerald
Expert Film Handler
Posts: 161
From: Owatonna, MN
Registered: Oct 2011
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posted November 26, 2011 01:21 AM
Since I have just gotten into this hobby, I was thinking that since everything we deal with is relatively old, I thought maybe I should get to know my way around projectors. Know what items do what, how to take them apart, put them back together or fix. I think this would be a great skill to have dealing with 40 year old machines. Here is the thing, all I have is the forum to learn from and that isn't as good as one on one hands on learning. Another thing is, I have never been good with my hands, I mean to say, I was never a guy who fixed up things like cars or electronics. So I have almost know knowledge of where to start. In my first month of the hobby, I have had two projectors spot functioning properly. I have gotten help from you glorious men on the forum, but still my problems remain. So how do you all suggest I learn?
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Martin Jones
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1269
From: Thetford , Norfolk,England
Registered: May 2008
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posted November 28, 2011 04:02 AM
Grant,
Let me tell you a true story...
When I first joined this Forum I was keen to pass on my acquired knowledge gleaned from 45 years as a TV repairman and somewhat more years as a cine hobbyist. I had considerable knowledge and expertise which I felt would be of value.
Through the Forum I came in touch with a Doctor (a man of extensive professional expertise in his field) who had a problem with the amplifier in his projector, of which I had a similar model.
Having first established that he had a multimeter (and could use it), a soldering iron (and could use it) and was prepared to follow "step by step" instructions meticulously, I offered to help him diagnose (hopefully!) and repair the fault... by Email.
Having suggested what solder he should use and ensuring that he had bought some, I proceeded to prepare VERY detailed step by step instructions, with photographs, of what wires to cut or rejoin, what measurements to take, what results he should get at each step. In the event of ANY particular step NOT producing the specified result he was to get back to me for a new set of instructions on how to proceed.
The fault was found very quickly through this logical approach based on years of diagnostic practice. I told him what spares to buy, and he purchased suitable locally obtainable alternatives (first asking for approval), and I furnished detailed instructions on how to fit them.
And his projector WORKED!
Then, after an hour or two of running all sorts of strange symptoms started to appear, symptoms that seemed to have no real obvious explanation. It soon became apparent that although he had a multimeter (and could use it), a soldering iron (and could use it), had purchased the correct solder and spare parts and had followed the "step by step" instructions meticulously, he had NEVER before used a soldering iron on Electronic circuits and had no idea how to make a good electrical soldered joint, let alone appreciating how delicate the printed wiring on early boards was. The result was CHAOS!
I offered to repair (at no charge) the damage to the board if he sent it to me, but I heard nothing further.
That was an object lesson to me... and it highlights the fact that a projector contains many delicate items, both electronic and mechanical, that are easily damaged. Some mechanical parts are no more robust than some parts of a clock mechanism, and some screws or nuts with no apparent function are for making critical adjustments to how the mechanism works (or doesn't, if they are wrongly set!).
That is why some pre-knowledge of mechanics and/or electrics are ESSENTIAL before diving into a projector.
What to do if the projector does not work properly and you do not have this knowledge? The answer is EXACTLY the same as when your car does not work properly and you do not have this knowledge.. you take it to someone who does!!
A projector deserves the same respect as car when it goes wrong.
Yes, there may not be many projector repairmen around and if you cannot find one, or the cost of repair is too high to be sensible, there is always the other course of action. There are LOTS of good working projectors still around; a good dealer will sell you a reliable one that has been properly serviced. Or you can still buy privately if you insist on seeing it work properly.
The fact still remains, if you have no basic knowledge, either learn "hands on" with someone who has the necessary expertise, or leave well alone.
Sorry to appear negative,; my advice IS actually intended to be positive.
Regards,
Martin
--------------------
Retired TV Service Engineer
Ongoing interest in Telecine....
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