8mm Forum: Elmo ST-1200HD optical sound question

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Posted by John Hermes (Member # 1367) on May 01, 2011, 11:26 PM:

I recently picked up this projector and finally had a chance to try out the optical sound function. I found the output very low and muffled. I have had experience with adjustment of B&H 16mm optical sound components, so I understand the optical sound chain. I took out the sound lens, cleaned the elements as good as I could, and also cleaned the solar cell chip. I put it back together and still have the same issue. One of my ST-180 M/O projectors has the same issue, but another plays back optical well. In the optical sound troubleshooting section of the service manual, it mentions if sound lens is "stained", to replace it. "Stained" seems kind of an odd word. Do these lenses cloud with age? When holding the lens up to a light, the optical slit looks very dim and vague. The exciter lamp side of the lens also has a yellow or amber outer lens. I assume this is normal since all three of my projectors have it. The problem certainly seems like a lens issue to me. Anyone got any ideas or tips?

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