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THE PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE FOR ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTER SERVICING

ElGoirnonomServicing & Technology February 1997

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THE PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE FOR ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTER SERVICING

ELECTiiOiiiCServicing & Technolocy

Contents

FEATURES8 Servicing VCR motors

By Homer L. DavidsonA defective VCR motor can cause avariety of problems. It may cause theVCR to shut down, load improper-ly, change speeds, or fail to run alto-gether. This article will help ser-vicers to better troubleshoot VCRmotor related problems.

12 New technology updateBy The ES&T StaffThere are so many advances to theexisting electronics technology thatit is hard for servicing technicians tokeep up to date. This article is anupdate of what is new in the field ofelectronics servicing.

22 General softwareBy The ES&T StaffComputers and their software havedefinitely changed the way peopledo their jobs and run their lives. Byusing some of the software programsdiscussed in this article you can helpmake some of those difficult jobs alittle easier.

24 Sources of replacement partsBy Victor MeeldjickSometimes the hardest part of therepair is finding the parts needed. Inthis article we include sources thatcan help you find those hard to findreplacement and repair parts.

Volume 17, No. 2 February 1997

46 Upgrading a satellite system toKu -BandBy Jurgen EwertUpgrading your satellite system tothe Ku -Band can be made much eas-ier by using the information provid-ed in this article.

52 VCR mechanical problemsBy Philip ZorianThis article discusses replacement ofrubber parts and then closely exam-ines ten of the more common prob-lems associated with the wearing outof these parts.

DEPARTMENTS2 Editorial

4 News

10 Calendar of Events

20 Photofacts

29 Profax

45 Test Your Electronics Knowledge

55 Computer CornerComputer monitor servicing.

56 Troubleshooting Tip

57 Products

58 What Do You Know AboutElectronics?ASICS, glitches and curve tracers.

60 Books

61 Classified/Reader's Exchange

63 Advertisers' Index

ON THE COVERBecause VCRs are complex electromechanical devices, they are full of mechani-cal parts, such as tape guides, gears, tires, rollers, tape heads, and more, that canwear, or break. The proper troubleshooting technique, along with appropriate testequipment, can help make servicing of VCR mechanical problems easier andmore efficient. (Photo courtesy Tentel)

I 0.2 S

piI21. 12

22

February 1997 Electronic Servicing & Technclogy 1

DITORIALLook how far electronics has come

It's interesting and useful to pause oncein a while in order to gain some perspec-tive on things. When those things happento be electronics it's a little difficult, con-sidering the headlong rush that electron-ics always seems to be in lately.

A few years ago, relatively speaking inthe context of the span of human exis-tence, the only uses of electronics werefor the reproduction and broadcasting ofsound. A few years later, technologistsdiscovered how to broadcast picture in-formation, and television was born.

Of course, it was during those earlyyears that consumer electronics servicewas born. And it was pretty easy then.One man, possessing basic knowledge inradar which he learned from the military,armed with a tube tester and a caddy fullof tubes could make a pretty good living.

Things settled down and changed littlefor many years. The television screengradually grew larger, then solid statecomponents were introduced, and colorTV emerged. Programming, once limitedto the afternoon and evening hours (re-member test patterns?), gradually ex-panded to fill the entire day.

Somewhere in there, audio high fideli-ty and stereo were introduced, but formany years improvements in the TV pic-ture were not accompanied by improve-ments in TV audio.

Within the past decade or two, the paceof change quickened. The consumer elec-tronics market saw the introduction, in noparticular order, of the VCR, the cam-corder, compact disc, improved TVsound, video games, personal computers,the telephone answering machine, cord-less telephones, cellular telephones.

But electronics changed many otherthings. During this same period, as engi-neers found ways to make electronicscomponents and circuits smaller, morefunctional and more reliable, electronicswere introduced into a number of prod-

ucts as control elements: automotive elec-tronics, electronics in appliances andmore.

We're standing on the threshold of elec-tronics marvels that perhaps only the mostvisionary of individuals can foresee. Forexample, a single standard for HDTV wasagreed upon at the end of November1996. The the Advanced TelevisionStandard Committee's (ATSC) standardwas agreed upon by broadcasters, com-puter companies and television receivermanufacturers. The FCC approved thestandard on December 26, 1996.

Convergence

Now there's a new term being appliedto consumer electronics; "convergence."According to a news release from theConsumer Electronics ManufacturersAssociation, "Convergence, once a mun-dane technical term meaning 'to cometogether,' today best describes the com-ing together of the full spectrum of tech-nologies, with television companiesoffering interactive, digital internet capa-bilities and computer companies offeringbroadcast and entertainment venues."

Converging technologies includeDVD, DSS, TV/PC, PCS, multi -media,interactive cable, smart phones, pagers,wireless products and more, all with relat-ed ancillary products and accessories.

It's all really mind boggling. Considerthe internet. I'm more impressed with itevery day. Not that it's without its quirkswhich can become annoying and frus-trating. For example, waiting for thebrowser to change to a new site can tryone's patience, and many webmastershave gotten carried away and use, IMHO(that's webspeak for "in my humble opin-ion"), far too many hot links. Still, usingthe net makes it possible to gain access tocurrent information.

As just a single simple example, as Iwrite this I'm getting ready for a trip to

the Consumer Electronics Show in LasVegas. It's cold here in the Kansas Cityarea and getting colder. What kind ofclothes should I take with me? Will it bewarmer in Las Vegas.

Last night I logged onto the net andlooked up the weather in Las Vegas. Ifound out that it won't be as cold there asit's going to be in the Midwest, but I alsoknow that I should probably take alongan overcoat and I might as well leave thebathing suit and the sun screen behind. Iwon't be needing it.

But there's so much more informationon the internet. There are directories onthe net that you can use to look up thatlong lost friend with whom you've losttouch, or that company that moved andwhose new address you can't find. Goingto New York or Chicago and want to findout what's happening? You can look thatup on the net. And while you're at it youcan even buy your tickets there as well.

For servicers, in some cases you canlook up information about suppliers oftools, test equipment, replacement com-ponents. With some, you can view theircatalog and order directly via the net.

And now with the convergence of elec-tronics, even people who don't own acomputer can access all of this neat stuff.

Implications for serviceWhat does all of this mean to consumer

electronics service? For one thing, possi-bly an improvement in the business.Those HDTVs and other advanced prod-ucts will tend to be expensive and lesslikely to be thrown away. Well, we canhope anyway. And as always, servicerswill have to continue to work hard to learnabout the technology that's driving all ofthese changes.

But it is all very exciting. Isn't it?

°rut2 Electronic Servicing & Technology February 1997

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--/V1iNEWS /VviKentucky selected as site for national

convention of servicers, installersBerea, KY will be the location for the

1997 National Convention of the SatelliteDealers Association - SDA, and ETA, theElectronics Technicians Association, In-ternational. Location for the major edu-cational events will be on the campus ofBerea College. Location for the conven-tion primary hotel is the Boone Tavern.

Dates for the meetings are ThursdayJune 12 through Sunday, June 15. Thebulk of the educational demonstrationsand training events will be on Friday andSaturday, June 13 and 14.

ETA and SDA will be joined by PSA,the Professional Service Association.PSA is the largest national consumer ser-vice dealer association. PSA's member-ship is composed of both electronics andappliance service businesses.

SDA will conduct its SAM school forall those interested in honing their skillsfor satellite installations, rooftop anten-nas and signal distribution systems.

PSA will be in charge of the two-dayBusiness Management School sessionswhich will include titles like "Survivingin Shark Filled Waters" and "ManagingCustomer Values."

The theme of the convention is "ATime of Success," recognizing the ac-complishments of the nation's techni-cians and the professional and businessassociations to which they belong.

ETA will produce its Electronics Tech-nicians School with classes on consumerelectronics products, basic electronicsand new technology, including severalsessions on computer programming andprograms service dealers can utilize intheir businesses.

Berea College will serve as more thanthe site for the convention as severalmembers of the faculty will be involvedin classes on Personal Development,Creativity, and Assertiveness. DoctorHarrie Buswell is the Convention Coordi-nator for Berea's staff.

Berea College is located 40 miles southof Lexington, KY. Berea College is

unique in that students do not have to paytuition and are unlikely to be accepted asstudents if they can afford to pay their waythrough college. Each student is required

to work at a meaningful job, earning hisor her tuition.

For more information regarding theETA-SDA-PSA Convention in Berea,KY contact: 602 N Jackson, Greencastle,IN 46135, [email protected], 317-653-8262 (fax), 317-653-4301 (voice).

Audio sales propel home theatermarket

Factory sales of home theater productsrose five percent in the third quarter withsales of $2.28 billion, compared to $2.18billion a year ago. For the first ninemonths of the year, home theater equip-ment sales grew six percent to $5.7 bil-lion, according to the Consumer Elec-tronics Manufacturers Association(CEMA). In other audio and video news,blank media sales remained fairly con-stant during the third quarter, up slightlyin unit sales and flat in dollar sales.

"Home theater sales have been on asteady rise all year, and we expect thattrend to continue during the holidays,"said Gary Shapiro, CEMA president."Our association also surveyed consum-ers on what they are buying for gifts thisholiday season, and VCRs, home stereocomponents, big screen TVs and speak-ers were all on the list. Plus, blank tapesmake great stocking stuffers."

The home theater video market man-aged to record a small gain of two percentin the third quarter. A very strong hi-fistereo VCR market (sales up six percentin the quarter) helped propel the segment.Sales of TVs 25 inches and larger werealso up. climbing one percent with salesof $1.2 billion in the quarter.

Sales of home theater audio productswere up sharply in the quarter rising 25percent. maintaining a strong 24 percentrate in the year-to-date.

Product convergence is focus of 1997spring consumer electronics showToday we are reading e-mail on the TV,

watching movies from a PC, download-ing vast amounts of data from a smallsatellite dish, listening to stereo soundfrom a CD-ROM drive, and accessing theInternet from a telephone. What new con-verging products are on the horizon, andhow will these products impact the con-

sumer and the consumer electronics mar-ketplace? The answers to these questionwill be answered with an extensive con-ference program and exhibits of the lat-est converging technologies at the SpringConsumer Electronics Show (CES), June2-5, 1997 at the Georgia World CongressCenter in Atlanta, GA.

For the first time ever, Spring CES willbe co -located with COMDEX/Spring,along with WINDOWS WORLD andEXPO COMM. Combined, this eventwill attract a broad, international audi-ence of decision -makers in many areas:computing, consumer electronics,telecommunications, and informationtechnology - the backbones of the bur-geoning convergence trend.

"This Spring mega -event brings to-gether the world's most successful tech-nology trade shows just as the lines of dis-tinction between our industries continueto blur," said Jonathon Thompson, VicePresident, CES. "For attendees, SpringCES offers an opportunity to see all of thecutting -edge consumer electronics prod-ucts alongside IT and communicationproducts. CES Exhibitors will benefitfrom exposure to a broad spectrum ofcomputer and consumer electronics retailbuyers, as well as new distribution chan-nels. 1997 is the year for DVD, TV/PCs,and a host of exciting digital and con-verging products that are transformingour industry, and this combined Springevent will be the perfect showcase."

Already signed up to exhibit at SpringCES are some of the leading names in theconvergence marketplace: Zenith. Thom-son, DirecTV, JVC, Curtis Mathes, Reco-ton, Casio and Cobra to name a few.

Survey saysConsumer research conducted by the

Consumer Electronics ManufacturersAssociation (CEMA) earlier this yearshows that consumers are interested in -and willing to buy - converging products.A full 31 percent of survey respondentsexpressed a strong interest in buying acombination television and personalcomputer (TV/PC). Of those interested inpurchasing a TV/PC, 59 percent said theywould conduct word-processing on the

(Continued on page 60)

4 Electronic Servicing & Technology February 1997

,,C1N( S AY) COMPI.,[

SIMONISINGServicing & Technology

Electronic Servicing & Technology is edited for ser-vicing professionals who service consumer elec-tronics equipment. This includes service techniciansfield service personnel and avid servicing enthusasts who repair and maintain audio, video, compeler and other consumer electronics equipment.

EDITORIALNils Conrad Persson, Editor(Internet e-mail: cpersedit@aoLcom)Kirstie A. Wickham, Associate Editor(Internet e-mail: kirstieest@aolcom)Richard S. Moseson, NW2L, On -Line Coordinator

CONSULTING EDITORSHomer L.Davidson, TV Servicing ConsultantVictor Meeldijk, Components ConsultantJohn E. Shepler, Audio ConsultantSam Wilson, Electronics Theory Consultant

PRODUCTIONElizabeth Ryan, Art DirectorBarbara McGowan, Associate Art DirectorEdmond Pesonen, Electronic Composition Mgr.Dorothy Kehrwieder, Production ManagerEmily Kreutz, Assistant Production ManagerPat Le Blanc, Photolypographer

BUSINESSRichard A. Ross, PublisherDiane G. Klusner, Associate Publisher(Internet e-mail: dianekest@aoLcom)Frank V. Fuzia, ControllerCatherine Ross, Circulation ManagerMelissa Nitschke, Operations ManagerJean Sawchuk, Data ProcessingDenise Pyne, Customer Service

SALES OFFICEElectronic Servicing & Technology76 N. Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801516-681-2922; FAX 516-681-2926

Diane G. Klusner, Director of AdvertisingEmily Kreutz, Sales Assistant

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE:P.O. Box 12487Overland Park. KS 66212913-492-4857

P!A MrNESnDALlect/uic Ser r icing

Dealers Assalation

Electronic Servicing & Technology (ISSN 0278-9922) ispublished 13 times a year by CO Communications, Inc.76 N. Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801. Telephone (516)681-2922. Periodical class postage paid at Hicksville, NYand additional offices. Subscription prices (payable in USdollars only): Domestic-one year $24.75, two years$45. Foreign countries-one year $30.75, two years $57.Entire contents copyright 1997 by CO Communi-cations, Inc. Electronic Servicing & Technology or COCommunications, Inc. assumes no responsibility forunsolicited manuscripts. Allow six weeks for delivery offirst issue and for change of address.

Printed in the United States of America.Postmaster: Please send change of address notice toElectronic Servicing & Technology, 76 N. Broadway,Hicksville, NY 11801.

CO Communications, Inc. is publisher of CO The RadioAmateur's Journal, Popular Communications, CO RadioAmateur (Spanish CO), CO VHF, CO Contest, andElectronic Servicing & Technology.

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Servicing VCR motor problems11 Homer L. Davidson

Adefective VCR motor can causea variety of problems. It maycause the VCR to shut down, load

improperly, change speeds, or fail to turnon altogether. A leaky or open motor dri-ver IC can cause intermittent, erratic, orotherwise improper speed control, result-ing in unwanted changes of tape speed inthe VCR. Malfunctions in componentsrelated to the motor circuits can result inmany different motor problems, whichmay make the service technician thinkthat the problem is a defective motor.

A defective VCR tape loading motormay stop in the middle of tape loading,cause slow operation, or it may erratical-ly eject the tape. When the tape will notplay, suspect a loading motor. Check theloading motor when the supply reel turnsfor a few seconds and then shuts off. Sus-pect a defective motor when the tape willnot unload in the VCR. A broken drivebelt will prevent the tape from loadinginto the VCR (Figure 1).

Replace the defective capstan motorwhen you observe a change of speed inthe play mode. Suspect an open motorwinding, improper supply voltage, motorfuse, or a defective motor driver IC whenthe capstan motor will not rotate. Usually,an unwanted change in capstan speedresults from a defective servo or driver ICand speed control circuits.

It may be necessary to replace the lowerdrum or cylinder when the drum motorwill not rotate. A VCR in which there isa defective drum or cylinder motor mayload the tape and then shut down withoutplaying. If a VCR that you are servicinghas symptoms such as no drum or cylin-der rotation or excessive or erratic speedscheck for poor connections to the cylin-der, improper voltage, or a defective mainmicroprocessor.

Motor supply sourcesThe capstan motor moves the tape

across the tape heads at constant speed. Adefective capstan servo circuit or motorcan affect both picture and sound in the

Davidson is a TV servicing consultant for Fti&T.

Figure 1. If the VCR won't load a tape, check for a broken motor belt.

VCR. If the sound is too fast or slow, sus-pect problems in the capstan circuits.Usually, the capstan speed is controlledwith a speed control, phase control, andspeed select circuits. Wow and fluttersounds may result from a defective cap-stan motor or servo circuit.

Check the voltage applied to the motorterminals. Incorrect voltage may becaused by a defective driver integratedcircuit or servo section. Compare the volt-age that you measure with the voltagespecified on the schematic.

To determine for sure whether the prob-lem is in the motor or in the motor sup-ply circuits, connect an external dc volt-age source to the motor terminals, to seeif the motor rotates. Before connectingthe external supply to the motor, discon-nect at least one of the motor leads fromthe circuit. If the motor fails to turn withthe external supply connected, measurecontinuity across the motor terminals tosee if a motor winding or one of the ter-minal leads is open.

A cylinder or drum motor rotates thevideo heads at constant speed with respect

Capstanmotor

to the tape movement (Figure 2). If thedrum motor does not rotate, check thevoltage across the motor terminals. Sus-pect a defect in the motor drive or servoIC when the drum will not rotate. Injectexternal voltage to the cylinder motor ter-minals to see if the motor begins to turn.If the motor rotates, suspect the drummotor circuits. If not, check the motorcontinuity with the ohmmeter.

The loading motor loads and unloadsthe tape. When the tape will not load, sus-pect a defective loading motor, brokenbelt or gear assembly, and loading motorcircuits. The loading motor mechanismmay be belt or gear driven. Often, theloading motor is driven by a loadingmotor driver IC. Check the voltage ap-plied to the motor terminals. Apply exter-nal voltage to the motor terminals (afterdisconnecting at least one lead) to deter-mine if the motor rotates or if the motordrive circuits are defective.

Loading motor problemsIf the tape is slow in loading, ejects tape

slowly, stops in the middle of loading, or


Figure 2. The cylinder or drum motor rotatesthe video heads at constant speed with respectto the tape movement.

Figure 3. If the VCR makes mechanical noise,check the drive belt, gears and loading motor.

if the loading motor drive IC is extreme-ly hot, suspect that the loading motor isdefective. Of course, a leaky driver ICmay run red hot and cause the motor tofail to rotate. Check for a defective load-ing motor if the VCR will not play or loadthe tape. Suspect a defective loadingmotor or driver IC when the supply reelturns for a few seconds and then shuts off.

Check for a defective loading motorwhen the VCR shuts down and will notaccept tape. A defective loading motormay change speeds and produce erraticloading. Intermittent load and unloadmay be caused by a defective loadingmotor or drive belt. A foreign substancejammed in the VCR opening may preventthe unit from loading.

Loading motor related symptoms

A worn or cracked loading belt may bethe cause of problems in loading of thetape. Failure of the VCR to load the tape

may be caused by a broken or worn beltor a foreign object lodged in the belt path.Check for a defective drive belt when thetape is stuck and will not move. The VCRmay operate in fast forward with noreverse action, and then shutdown if theloading belt is defective. If you hear agrinding noise when you first turn theVCR on, suspect a loading motor or drivebelt (Figure 3).

Intermittent or erratic loading may becaused by a broken or jammed gear as-sembly or cassette housing. When theVCR loads and unloads intermittently,suspect a bad timing gear or loadingbracket. Replace the loading motor modecam assembly in cases where the VCRfails to rewind, or attempts to load andthen shuts off.

In cases where the tape loads partially,but does not load completely up to theheads, replace the master cam gear. If theunit will not accept the tape, or ejects thetape after the cassette is inserted, replacethe link gear from the loading motor tothe cassette carriage.

Check the timing gears when the VCRwill not load the tape. If the tape will notload correctly, check and replace the car-riage link gear assembly.

If the loading motor rotates continu-ously, check for a leaky or shorted load-ing motor drive IC. If the carriage will notload and the VCR occasionally shuts offduring loading, replace the motor controlIC. Suspect a defective loading motordrive IC when the tape appears stuck andwill not move.

If the VCR will not load, and there isno drive voltage to the loading motor,check the motor drive IC. If the VCR willnot load, rejects tape, and sometimesplays, and then goes into the rewind mode,replace the control system or servo IC.Check for a defective loading motor IC ifthe loading motor runs in the reversemode but not in the forward mode.

Suspect a defective cassette controlswitch or defective motor when the VCRwill not load or play. Check for an openfusible resistor in the motor circuits if theunit will not load. When the tape will notload, check for a defective cassette -inswitch or bent cassette loading bracket.

RCA VLP900-No loading actionThe cassette would not load in the RCA

VLP900 VCR. In this unit the servo con-

trol IC controls both cylinder and capstanmotors. The IC in this case was normal,so the most likely location of the troublewas in the loading motor drive circuits.Results of continuity tests at the motorterminals and at CN903 were normal(Figure 4). I measured the 9V and 12Vsources at pins 1, 2, and 8, respectively.The voltages at pins 3 and 7 in the loadand unload modes were not according tothe specifications. I replaced motor dri-ver IC901 with the manufacturer's exactpart number (M45453), which restoredthe VCR to proper operation.

Capstan motor problems

Failure of tape functions can be causedby a defective capstan motor or circuits.The VCR may shut down if the capstanmotor is inoperative. Failure of the cap-stan to turn may be caused by an openmotor winding, bad motor socket termi-nals, an open fuse, or a source voltage thatis not within specification. A noisy cap-stan motor may require lubrication orreplacement. If the capstan motor doesnot operate but the voltage at its terminalsis within specification, check for conti-nuity of the motor windings.

A defective capstan motor may vary inspeed, or produce intermittent operation.If the capstan motor is rotating too fast,check to see if the voltage applied to themotor terminals is excessively high. Ifrotation of the capstan motor is erratic orintermittent, it may be necessary to re-place both the capstan motor and themotor driver IC. If the driver IC is leakyor shorted, you may find that the motor isdefective as well. Always replace the cap-stan motor with the exact part number.

Capstan motor related problems

If the capstan motor does not rotate,check the motor driver IC as well as themotor itself, and replace it if it is defec-tive. Another possible cause of failure ofthe capstan motor to rotate is an open fusein the motor circuits. Measure for correctvoltages at the driver and servo ICs if thecapstan does not move. Replace the cap-stan driver IC when the capstan motorruns continuously.

If the speed of the capstan motor can-not be controlled, the problem may be adefective driver IC. Replace the motordriver IC when capstan runs for a few sec-onds and shuts down.

Check for open capacitors, transistors

February 1997 Electronic Servicing & Technology 9

ES&T

CalendarMajor Appliance ServicersConventionand Trade showApril 3-4, 1997Orlando, FL800-743-0455

CES Mobile Electronics - The 12 -VoltEducational Forum

April 4-6, 1997Atlanta, GA703-907-7674

Support Systems ExpoMay 14-15, 1997Boston, MA207-846-0600

Spring Comdex/CES OrlandoMay 23-25, 1997Orlando, FL703-907-7600

Spring CES '97 co -located withCOMDEX/Spring WINDOWSWORLDJune 2-5, 1997Atlanta, GA703-907-7674

CES Habitech '97 - The Home SystemsTrade & Training ShowJune 24-26, 1997Dallas, TX703-907-7674

NESDA 47th/ISCET 27th/ and NIAS5th Annual National ProfessionalService Convention and Trade ShowAugust 4-9, 1997Las Vegas, NV817-921-9061

CTIA Breakaway '97September 18-20, 1997San Diego, CA702-268-1818 ext. 310

Personal Computer & Electronics ExpoOctober 16-19, 1997Uniondale, LI, NY800-886-8000

Networks Expo Dallas/WindowsWorldOctober 29-31, 1997Dallas, TX201-346-1400, ext. 145

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Figure 4. If the problem in a VCR is failure to load a tape, check the motor drive voltage. In thisRCA VLP900 VCR, the motor drive voltage (measured at pins 3 and 7 on the motor driver IC(IC901)) was out of specification. Replacement of IC901 with an exact manufacturer'sreplacement part corrected the problem.

and IC in capstan motor circuits if themotor runs continually or can't be con-trolled. Suspect a capstan motor or thedriver IC if the motor operation is inter-mittent, or if the motor suddenly stopsrotating. Excessive capstan speed may becaused by a shorted electrolytic capacitoron the servo board. Check all componentson the servo board if the capstan appearsto be operating too fast.

When the VCR begins to play and sud-denly stops, check for a defective me-chanical position switch. You may haveto replace the capstan C.B.A., when themotor will not rotate. Check for poor sol-dered socket connections when the motorspeeds up or slows down, in either playor record modes. It may be necessary toreplace a defective bracket assembly inorder to correct capstan motor problems.An open capacitor in the regulated powersupply can cause motor interference in thepicture. Replace the defective motor withinterference in the picture.

RCA VLT650HF-No cylinder orcapstan movement

A customer complained that their VCRdidn't operate at all. Observation of oper-ation of the unit revealed that neither thecylinder motor nor the capstan motor wasturning. Because both motors were inop-erative, I suspected the servo IC (IC604).I checked the +5V and +12V sources atpins 41 and 21 respectively. There was nomotor drive voltage to either motor. Thevoltages at the loading motor IC902 pins9 (load) and 12 (unload) were both zero.This pretty much confirmed that the servo

IC was the cause of the problem. Re-placement of this IC solved both motorrotation problems (Figure 5).

Cylinder or drum motor problemsIf the tape loads and the drum rotates,

and then the VCR shuts down when youplace the VCR in play mode, suspect adefective drum motor. If the cylinderrotates and shuts off, check the Hall effectgenerator circuits and connections, be-fore replacing the drum motor. Replacethe cylinder motor if the picture jitters andyou see intermittent lines at the bottom ofthe television screen.

In a Fisher FVH9I6 VCR, the VCRloads and unloads, has rewind and fastforward, but will not play. The problemis most likely an open drum cylinder P.G.coil. When the drum will not rotate, checkthe drum CTL voltage. If this voltage ispresent, troubleshoot the servo IC. Youmay have to replace the servo IC whenthe drum will not rotate.

Cylinder motor related problemsIf the problem is failure of the cylinder

or drum to rotate, check to see if the sup-ply voltage is correct, and check for, prob-lems with the drum IC, or poor motorcable connections. When the cylindermotor will not start, check for poor ter-minal connections on driver or servo ICs.You may have to replace the driver orservo IC if there is no cylinder movement.Check for an open fuse when either thecylinder or capstan motors will not rotate.Check for open resistors in the drum cir-cuits when the drum will not rotate. If the


head will not rotate, and you measure nodrive to the lower cylinder, suspect poorsoldered connections in the power cir-cuits. Check for open electrolytic capac-itors in the power circuits when the drummotor will not spin.

If the cylinder motor runs too fast, orappears intermittent, check for a defec-tive cylinder speed adjustment or a badspot on the speed control. For intermit-tent operations, check for bad connec-tions of the motor plug and socket of thelower cylinder assembly. Replace IC mo-tor driver or servo IC when the drum mo-tor runs too fast. Irregular cylinder speedmay require the cylinder or drum circuitboard assembly replacement. Check fordefective diodes and transistors when thedrum motor has little torque. Replace themain microprocessor when the cylindermotor rotates too fast.

RCA VLP900- No cylinder motorrotation

The complaint about the RCA VLP900VCR was that it sounded like it was oper-ating, but there was no picture. Observa-tion revealed that the cylinder motorwasn't rotating. Since both the cylinderand capstan motors operate from the sys-tem servo control IC801, and the capstanmotor was operating, I assumed thatIC801 was normal.

Voltage measurements were fairly nor-mal on the cylinder drive motor IC505,except to the V, W, and U motor windings(Figure 6). Improper voltage was found

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Figure 5. In this RCA VLT650HF VCR. the problem failire of rotation in both the cylinder andcapstan motors. Voltage checks revealed that IC604 was defective. Replacement of this ICrestored the VCR to proper operation.

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at pins 15,16, and 17 of IC505. I replacedIC505 with an exact manufacturer's re-placement (HA13434NT). This solvedthe cylinder motor rotation problem.

In another VLP900 VCR, with no cap-stan or cylinder rotation, the contacts ofrelay PL701 were bad. Cleaning the relaycontacts solve the problem temporarily,but the correct fix for this problem is toreplace the relay.

ConclusionAlthough motors within the VCR can

cause problems, do not overlook motordriver or system control ICs before re-placing the motor. Defective reel motorcircuits in some VCRs can be caused bydefective zener diodes. Most motor prob-lems can be solved by measuring voltagesat the driver IC and motor, and checkingcontinuity of the motor winding.

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Circle (71) on Reply Card 11

New technology updateBy The ES&T Staff

(Based on press materials provided by therespective companies)

Nobody ever said that servicingwould be easy. On the other hand,nobody ever said it would just

keep getting harder. Unfortunately, all ofthe advances in electronics technologyand the improvements to existing elec-tronics technology keep expanding andchanging the scope of consumer elec-tronics service, effectively providing fur-ther complications for even the mostcapable servicing technician.

For example, many consumer elec-tronics servicing technicians wantednothing more than to live out their careersservicing TVs and maybe a few VCRs.They wanted nothing to do with comput-ers in any way, shape or form. And manywere doing pretty well too, until thex*!!@%!$$* manufacturers started put-ting computers into everything.

As if to add insult to injury, the engi-neers at the consumer companies came upwith compact disc players, which are real-ly nothing more, or less, than sophisti-cated data processing machines. Then theblankety-blanks introduced digital satel-lite systems. And now, with certain TVsets, all adjustments are made by using acomputer -based device to reset bits in anEEPROM (electrically -erasable pro-grammable read-only memory).

It's enough to make a dyed-in-the-woolanalog electronics guy cry. And I suspectit sometimes does.

There are compensationsThere's no question about it; being a

consumer electronics servicing techni-cian in the technological climate thatexists today requires that you acquire theequivalent of a new technical degreeevery decade or so. Maybe more.

On the other hand, for the consumer, allof this technological advancement hasmeant better, larger, sharper, brighter pic-tures, more accurate sound (all at pricesthat either remains stable or even comedown), and a huge increase in availableprogramming, and more outlets from

Figure 1. With this portable DSS system, consumers will be able to watch satellite TV programsfrom just about anywhere they want to.

which to acquire programs. And for thetechnician, it means that, in some cases,he can tweak the performance of a TV orcamcorder without removing a singlescrew from the case.

It just keeps comingIf you're still struggling with keeping

up with all the new technology that hasbeen coming down the pike, bouncingaround and screaming at you for atten-tion, brace yourselves. Here comes somemore. The text that follows describessome of the technology that is being, orsoon will be incorporated into consumerelectronics products to further enhancetheir operation, and to make the lives ofconsumer electronics technicians yetmore interesting.

Some new componentsITT Intermetall, a leader in quality dig-

ital signal processing based integratedcircuits has announced two new chip ad-ditions to its flagship DIGIT3000 IC fam-ily. The new chips, VPC3200A/3201Band DDP3300A, offer TV manufacturersa cost-effective solution by supporting all

current display geometries, such as thenew 16:9 wide screen format, and pre-vailing global video standards that in-clude NTSC, PAL, SECAM and SVHS.

The VPC3200A/3201B processes anyanalog video signal while allowing non-linear, "panorama" aspect ratio conver-sion. With this capability, any picture for-mat can be displayed full -screen on anyformat picture tube. Therefore, TV pro-grams transmitted using the standard 4:3aspect ratio can be enlarged on 16:9 wide-screen televisions (the 16:9 format willalso be the standard format for futureHDTV transmissions). The aspect ratioconversion is also applicable in the oppo-site direction for displaying 16:9 pro-grams on standard 4:3 TV sets, as well asfor other format conversions. The conver-sion feature can be easily implemented asa software option without having tochange the chassis of a TV set.

With the new chip, all video process-ing and clock/data generation is derivedfrom a single 20.25MHz crystal, replac-ing the need to use up to four crystals withtraditional IC solutions, minimizing theapplication costs.


Figure 2. This radio frequency communications system will allow consumers to enjoy video andaudio from their home entertainment system anywhere in the house. One model even comeswith the ability to change channels, adjust volume, etc., from the remote location.

Y/C separation for PAL and NTSC andall of their substandards can be performedthrough an optional 2 -line comb filterintegrated in the VPC3200A. Both ver-sions of the VPC are plug-in compatible.

The DDP3300A contains the completedigital video back -end and D/A conver-sion. Additionally, the chip provides arich set of video, post -processing featuresincluding: contrast brightness and satura-

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Figure 3. This IC, incorporated into a personal computer, will provide information to the infor-mation systems manager, or the personal computer service technician, that will let them knowif any of the fans has ceased operation, or if the computer has overheated, or even if anyonehas tampered with the case.

tion, peaking, black stretch, gamma cor-rection and digital color transient im-provement (DTI).

The DDP3300A chip's features arecombined with the insertion of addition-al RGB signals. These signals can be usedfor on -screen display functions likemenus, closed caption, teletext and pic-ture -inside -a -picture.

In addition to video processing, theDDP3300A chip provides tube controlsfor cutoff, white drive, and beam currentlimiting. Its H/V deflection capabilitysupports 90 -degree and 110 -degree pic-ture tubes with E/W compensation andgenerates a beam scan velocity modula-tion output from the digital YUV andRGB input signals.

Very few external components are re-quired for application of the VPC/DDPchip set, which is designed in CMOStechnology. It operates at 5V and is con-trolled via an I2C bus. Both ICs arehoused in 68 -pin PLCC (plastic leadlesschip carrier) packages.

PCTV

Toshiba America Electronic Compon-ents, Inc. (TAEC) has announced twohigh-performance cathode ray tubes(CRTs) specifically designed for emerg-ing PC/ TV applications. Designated the36V and the 32V, these new tubes providethe high contrast, high brightness excel-lent picture sharpness that these applica-tions demand and can be used for both PCand TV display.

As digital television becomes main-stream, TV viewing is beginning to shiftfrom a passive to an active experience.Applications such as home shopping,home banking, video -on -demand, remoteeducation and web browsing are becom-ing a reality. "Toshiba believes that PC/TV applications such as Internet brows-ing on the family room TV will soonbecome a standard home entertainmentactivity," said Dan Ryan, sales engineerfor display products, Electron Tubes, andDevices. "Standard NTSC picture tubesdo not provide the necessary quality thatconsumers demand. The edges appearfuzzy and the icons look distorted. PCmonitor color display performance is nec-essary for PC/IN applications."

Advanced features of PCTVThe new CRTs provide 800 x 600 res-

olution and feature a number of Toshiba'sFebruary 1997 Electronic Servicing & Technology 13

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latest technology developments, includ-ing an improved saddle/saddle-deflectionyoke (S/S-DY), the DF-II dynamic focuselectron gun with impregnated cathodeand an INVAR mask.

The improved saddle -type deflectionyoke enables hi -scan (40kHz), suppress-es rises in temperature, even at a wide de-flection angle and high power operation,and achieves optimum convergence and

distortion. The dynamic focus (DF) IIelectron gun offers excellent sharpness,in both text and moving pictures, acrossthe entire screen. The impregnated cath-ode allows high current loading and alonger life time. The INVAR mask hasonly one tenth of the thermal expansioncoefficient of an iron mask which is es-sential to avoid discoloration resultingfrom mask doming in freezing images.

Digital video (versatile) disccomponents

A complete DVD logic decoder chipsetis now available from Toshiba AmericaElectronic Components, Inc. (TAEC).The six -chip set provides consumer elec-tronics hardware manufacturers with thecore circuitry for a basic DVD decoder,including the copy protection processor.A reference design is also available for afully DVD-compliant decoder board witha PCI bus interface.

The chipset is intended for use in a de-coder board that allows DVD-ready per-sonal computers connected to a DVD-ROM drive to playback titles that take

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Figure 5. This is another way in which manufacturers might connect the monitor integrated circuit in a personal computer.


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Technical specifications of the Toshiba PCTV CRT

Product Name:Bulb (Panel and Funnel):Deflection Angle:Neck Diameter (mm):SCN PH:Resolution (HxV):Mask:Gun:Deflection Yolk:fH:Mechanical:Overall screen area:Mass:

Product Name:Bulb (Panel & Funnel):Deflection Angle:Neck Diameter (mm):SCN PH:Resolution (HxV):Mask:Gun:Deflection Yolk:111:

Mechanical:Overall screen area:Mass:

32V Multimedia CRTFS110 degrees32.50.80800x600INVARDF-IIS/S48kHzuseful screen diagonal: 806mm (minimum)3118cm249kg

36V Multimedia CRTFS DT110 degrees32.50.90800x600IN VAR

DF-IIS/S40kHzuseful screen diagonal: 902mm (minimum)3905cm259kg

advantage of MPEG2 compression. Vid-eo segments that may be contained in abroad range of DVD titles ranging frommovies and games to edutainment arecompressed and encoded to the MPEG2format for visual images and the DolbyDigital (AC -3) 5.1 channel format for au-dio signals. To allow playback of thesetitles on a personal computer equippedwith a DVD-ROM drive, a decoder func-tion is added to the system.

"Toshiba has taken a forward -lookingapproach to enabling the overall DVDmarket by providing a complete DVD de-coder IC solution to facilitate the marketlaunch of our DVD-ROM drives," saidAmir Naghavi, senior director of multi-media marketing for TAEC. "The chipsin our decoder solution are proven de-vices, in production for use in Toshiba'sDVD players."

Functions of the DVD chipsetThe chipset consists of six integrated

circuits, which break down the digital sig-

nal into component elements and performlogic decoding functions for completeDVD feature support. The video imagedata stream is separated and decoded bythe MPEG2 decoder. Sub -picture signals(such as captions) and audio signals arealso separated for decoding by the videoprocessor. The decompressed video sig-nals are encoded as NTSC signals andoutput as analog signals. The chipset sup-ports private audio stream buffering, andaudio signals can be output as both ana-log and digital signals. Decoding of theaudio signal in the Dolby AC -3 format ishandled by an additional audio decoderchip available from third -party -sources.The six ICs and their major functions arelisted below.

Copy Protection Processor (TC-6807AF): Performs key authenticationand descrambles encrypted data streamfrom copy protected materials.

MPEG2 Video Decoder (TC81201F):This [C separates DVD program streaminto video, audio and sub -picture streams;

provides MPEG1 and MPEG2 videodecoding.

Video Processor (TC90A09F): ThisIC performs sub -picture stream decodingand video mixing with MPEG2 decodedvideo.

NTSC Encoder (TC6802AF): Ac-cepts decoded digital video format andoutputs it in NTSC digital format.

AC -3 Audio Interface (TC6803AF):This IC provides A/V synchronizationand audio stream buffering; converts datastream to format required by third partyAC -3 audio decoder.

Audio Output IC (TC9425F): Re-ceives output from AC -3 audio decoder;provides analog and digital audio output.See sidebar, Toshiba DVD System ICFunctions, for additional information.

Advanced features of theDVD chipset

Toshiba's chipset supports playback ofall four DVD disk formats. These includethe basic single -sided, single -layer 4.7 -gigabyte (GB) DVD; the single -sided,dual -layer 8.5GB DVD; the double -sid-ed, single -layer 9.4GB DVD; and thedouble -sided, dual -layer 17GB DVDwhich is expected to be introduced in thenear future.

The chipset supports a wide range oftechnological innovations and featurescharacteristic of DVD systems, whichstore data at seven times the capacity ofa CD-ROM. Advanced features of DVDsinclude MPEG2 decoding of movingimages with a resolution of 720x480 pix-els and high-level interactivity based onseamless replay of data dispersedthroughout the disk. Interactive applica-tions will include movies with multipleendings and sports videos offering achoice of viewing angle and the ability tocall up player profiles.

DVD is expected to create huge mar-kets spanning everything from industrialuse to home entertainment. The DVD de-coder chipset and decoder board refer-ence design will contribute to market de-velopment by enabling personal com-puters to process the large volumes of datacontained in high quality video and sound.

Reference design for DVDThe reference design, developed in

conjunction with Paragon Technology,Inc., provides all DVD-Video decode


Toshiba DVD logic decoder IC functionsPart Number: TC6807AFProduct: Copy Protection ProcessorFunction: Conforms to the latest DVD copy protection re-

quirement; performs key authentication and descrambles en-crypted data stream from copy protected materials. Pass -through mode for non -copy protected materials. Directinterface to TC81201F MPEG2 video decoder.

Package, I/O: 60 -pin QFP5V I/O interface

Part Number: TC81201FProduct: MPEG2 Video DecoderFunction: Dedicated 27MHz MPEG2 video decoder for

DVD provides system stream parsing and MPEG2/ MPEG1video decoding. Accepts DVD program stream that includesMPEG2/MPEG1 video stream, MPEG audio stream, privateAC -3 audio stream and sub -picture stream at 40Mb/sec. max.Supports multiple vertical and horizontal filters, including 8/9filter for square pixel at NTSC for PC VGA monitor, and sup-ports Pan & Scan and Letterbox filters for 16x9 or 4x3 aspectratios. Provides YUV 4:2:2/4:2:0 and 8-bit/16-bit digital videooutput.

Package, I/O: 160 -pin QFP3.3V, 5V tolerant I/O

Part Number: TC90A09FProduct: Video ProcessorFunction: Performs sub -picture stream decoding and video

mixing with the MPEG2 decoded video. The sub -picture

stream is decoded according to the run -length algorithm with16 color palettes and 16 levels of transparency support.Provides interfaces to external OSD devices and ITU-R656digital video output to an external video encoder.

Package, I/O: 144 -pin QFP3.3V and 5V I/O interface

Part Number: TC6802AFProduct: NTSC EncoderFunction: Accepts ITU-R656 format digital input and pro-

vides Y/Cb/Cr 10 -bit digital output with Analog Copyguardfunction.

Package, I/O: 100 -pin QFP3.3V, 5V tolerant

Part Number: TC6803AFProduct: AC -3 InterfaceFunction: Provides A/V synchronization and audio stream

buffering and converts parallel data stream to serial data out-put needed for third party AC-3/MPEG1 audio decoder.

Package, I/O: 60 -pin QFP3.3V and 5V I/O interface

Part Number: TC9425FProduct: Audio Output ICFunction: Analog audio stereo output IC, includes built-in

8 -times oversampling digital filter for digital audio output and2 -channel SD modulation circuitry for analog audio output.Includes PLL and VCO circuitry to generate clock timing for44.1kHz/48kHz audio sampling frequencies.

Package, I/O: 60 -pin QFP5V I/O interface

functions on a board that meets the PCI2.1 standard, and is 100 percent compli-ant with the DVD Book 1.0 specification.High quality video can be produced onthe computer monitor through the digitalvideo output (either PCI bus or Video PortConnector), and connection to a TV isalso enabled through the analog videooutput (NTSC, S -Video). Audio outputprovides two analog channels which canbe connected to a PC -based audio system,and a digital output for the Dolby Digital(AC -3) 5.1 channel, which requires an ad-ditional AC -3 amplifier. See sidebar foradditional details on the specifications ofthe decoder board reference design.

Signals from the next room orouterspace

A company called RF-Link Technol-ogy offers a couple of interesting prod-ucts. We haven't seen them or tried them,but if they work as the company claims,they might be of interest to service cen-ters whose customers ask them to installextensions of their home entertainmentsystems, or inquire about receiving satel-lite signals while they're away from

home. The next two items describe theseproducts in some detail.

A portable DBS systemThis portable direct broadcast satellite

(PDBS) dish (Figure 1) combines lowcost, fast, easy installation, and totalportability according to RF-Link. With asuggested retail price of $229.95, thePDBS makes viewing of any direct tohome (DTH) satellite channels possiblealmost anywhere: vacation home, recre-ational vehicle, tailgate party, eighteenwheeler, ski lodge, beach, camp site, orwherever the viewer wishes.

The company says that their main focuswhen designing wireless consumer elec-tronics products is always on ease of use.The setup of the PDBS follows that prin-ciple. There are no loose nuts and bolts tokeep track or, and no tools required forassembly. The components for the systemcome in a high -impact -resistant ABS cas-ing molded to safely house the 14 -inchparabolic dish, highly sensitive low -noiseblock feedhorn (LNBF), the user's ownintegrated receiver decoder (IRD), and allrequired components. The dish has a pro-

tective powder coating with an environ-mentally sealed housing to provide all-weather viewing.

Set up of the system is simple, the man-ufacturer says. In-house tests of new usersshow that total time from opening the caseto viewing a program is less than five min-utes. Mounting is made easy by the useof a suction cup that safely attaches to thehood of a car or RV. If a flat, smooth, sur-face is not readily available, the dish canbe mounted using a convenient C -clamp.For individuals who have more specificmounting needs, there is a universalmounting accessory kit.

Once mounted, the dish is aligned byusing a level, a compass, and a proprietaryguidance mechanism, which, the compa-ny says, everyone will find straightfor-ward and simple. The satellite azimuthand elevations for this alignment can befound in the owner's manual. Though thesystem uses a 14 -inch parabolic dish, ithas performance characteristics that arevirtually identical to those of an 18 -inchdish, says the manufacturer, and willreceive all of the hundreds of DTH chan-nels with equal clarity.


PHOTOFACTS Major specifications of the DVD decoder board reference design

CROSLEYCT1322C221 376513X601 3765

GECTC175A2 376320GT320TX2 376320GT324JX2 376320GT324TX2 3763

JVCAV -20720 3775AV -20721 3775

MAGNAVOXTS2775C101 376227V501-00AA 3762

PANASONICADP269 3767AEDP252 3770AEDP264 3773CT-20R13U 3767CT-27SF23U 3773CT-31G1OT 3770CT-31G1OUT 3770

RCACTC185AA 3772CTC185AB 3768F25211BCTX1 3772F27242GYTX 1 3768

SAMSUNGKCT52A 3764TXE2545 3764TXE2546 3764

SANYOAVM -2056 3766AVM -2056U 3766G6D-2056U0 3766G6D-20560 3766

SHARPCH13M6 3774CH13M10 3774CH13M15 3774CH19M6 377113H -M60 377413H -M100 377413H -M150 377419H -M60 377119H -M100 377119H -M150 3771

SONYKV-13M30 3769KV-13M31 3769SCC-J84A-A 3769SCC-J84E-A 3769

Function DescriptionSystem decoder: DVD video stream, MPEG2, MPEG1MPEG video decoder: Video resolution level: maximum720x480 pixel3/2Pulldown: (conversion from 24 frames/sec. to 30 frames/sec.)Audio decoder: Dolby Digital (AC -3) (mix down from 5.1 channel to 2

channels)Sub -picture decoder: Decode of sub -pictures defined in the DVD video formatBus interface: PCI (PCI 2.1 compatible)Data transfer to the DVD board by master DMAExternal interface:

Digital video output connector -Video format: YUV4:2:2 (ITU-R601)Bus width: 8 or 16 bitsAnalog video output -Composite video output (NTSC)S -Video outputDigital audio output -Dolby Digital (AC -3) outputAnalog audio output -Stereo (2 channel: L/R) output

Display control function: Letterbox conversion (for widescreen TV software)Digital video signal adjustment: (luminance) and UV (color) signalsSize: PCI half-size

This system is designed to be able to beused with all IRDs currently on the mar-ket, including those from RCA, Sony, GE,ProScan, Toshiba, Uniden and Echostar.Each of these IRDs will fit snugly in thecarrying case.

Entertainment center in any roomof the house

According to RF-Link Technology,their product, Wavecom Sr (Figure 2),approved by the FCC in August 1996,enables television viewers and music lis-teners to enjoy crisp, interference -freestereo audio and video reception any-where in or around their homes or officeswithout having to run wires up walls orunder carpets. A built-in remote controlextender even allows consumers tochange the channel, adjust the volume, orcontrol their VCR, satellite IRD, laserdisc player or CD player from anywherewith their existing remote control.

The system transmits the audio and vid-eo signal at a frequency of 2.4GHz, whichpenetrates walls, doors, ceilings andfloors like magic, up to 300 feet away. Ac-cording to the manufacturer, sample con-sumer groups have been unable to detectthe difference between wired componentsand this system.

The Wavecom Jr provides the samefunction of transmitting the audio andvideo, but does not have the remote con-trol capability.

The products consist of a small portabletransmitter and receiver pair. They arecompatible with any components thathave standard audio and video input andoutput connections. Because they operateat 2.4GHz, these units avoid the crowded900MHz band used by many cordlesstelephones and other wireless audio/vid-eo transmitters, says the manufacturer.

High -gain directional transmitting andreceiving antennas instead of omnidirec-tional antennas are used to minimize in-terference from unwanted signals andeliminate the inherent problem of multi -path. The remote control extender worksby converting the remote control infraredsignal to a radio frequency wave, and thenback to infrared at the location of theequipment to be controlled.

Computer diagnostic ICSome day in the future, a personal com-

puter that you service may be able to tellyou if it has overheated, if any of thepower supply voltages have been out ofspec, or if someone has tampered with thecomputer since you last serviced it.


The LM78 microprocessor systemhardware monitor (Figure 3), a highly in-tegrated IC capable of monitoring poten-tially hazardous, user -defined conditionswithin microprocessor based systems, isa recent addition to National Semicon-ductor's temperature -sensing family. TheLM78 takes the product line to a new levelof integration by combining key analogand digital monitoring functions, includ-ing temperature, voltage, fan speed andmany key digital system signatures. It hasthe capability to communicate error con-ditions via the I2C or ISA interface, andcan generate interrupts based on user -defined and programmed limits for keyparameters. See Figures 4 and 5 for typi-cal applications of this IC.

This device gives information technol-ogy managers, or service technicians, thecapability to set "hazard warning limits"via watchdog registers for most key ana-log functions within the PC/server envi-ronment, enabling the generation of inter-rupts based on the performance of thecomputer system functions.

Key features of the diagnostic I('

Key features of the LM78 diagnosticIC include the following

±3C temperature accuracy, user pro-grammable watchdog limits register forovertemperature conditions and temper-ature hysteresis,

seven voltage monitoring analoginputs (OV to 4.096V full scale),

Associated watchdog registers foreach voltage input (high and low)

Three fan inputs including two user -programmable inputs for speeds rangingfrom I 1 Orpm to 8800rpm; one for fixedinputs from a standard 4400rpm tach out-put cooling fan,

active -high chassis security input fordetection of intrusion,

board temperature interrupt (BTI#),for use with thermostat output tempera-ture sensors, which may be located in

strategic positions throughout the system.The IC includes an 8 -bit Delta -Sigma

A/D converter with 7 -input multiplex forhigh noise immunity in microprocessorenvironments. Also included are invert-ing op amps to accommodate measure-ment of negative power supplies. An on-board 32 -bit POST RAM (power -onself -test RAM) allows the diagnostic ICto be among the first devices on the moth-

er board to waken and record the perfor-mance of other system parts during sys-tem boot -up.

Daunting but interesting

All of these technological advanceswill further enhance the consumer'sexperience in watching TV, using the per-

sonal computer, or listening to (or watch-ing?) a favorite CD. They will also makethe lives of consumer electronics servic-ing technicians somewhat more interest-ing. We figure that forewarned is fore-armed, so we hope this information onsome of this new technology will be use-ful, and we suspect it will be needed soon.

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General softwareBy The ES&T Staff

There was a time, and it was just afew years ago, when articles inconsumer magazines, and espe-

cially those that are shopping guides, rec-ommended that potential purchasers ofpersonal computers shop very carefully,to make sure that the software availablefor a particular computer was useful andrelatively easy to use. Times havechanged radically. The hardware choiceshave been pretty much narrowed down toIBM, IBM clones and Macintosh.Software available for both of these sys-tems is truly useful, relatively in-expensive, and so varied that it fills shelfafter shelf in the computer store or the dis-count electronics store.

Do you need to type letters, createnewsletters, or even lay out a book or amagazine? Most word processors thesedays allow users to do all of those thingsand more including everyday communi-cation chores.

Do you need to perform a lot of calcu-lations, such as balance sheets, profit andloss statements, etc? A host of spreadsheet programs will assist you in design-ing those forms, perform the necessarycalculations, and even graph the numbersyou create, and output it all in beautiful,colorful form on the CRT or printer.

Or do you need to keep track of data:customer data, parts inventory, etc? Anyof the database programs now availablewill allow users to store and retrieve thistype of data and perform many other datahandling functions.

SuitesA good way to not only get all of the

big three in one package, but to get wordprocessing, spread sheet and databasesoftware that works together so that youcan easily move back and forth amongthem and share the same files is calledusing a "suite" of programs. A number ofcompanies offer suites: Microsoft, Lotusand Claris, to name a few.

But there's more

The "big three" software types de-scribed above: word processor, spread-

sheet and database will handle a goodchunk of the computer needs of the aver-age user, but there are so many more tasksfor which software manufacturers havedevised software. For example, there areprograms that are expressly designed toallow users to handle all of the financesin their personal lives, or in their busi-nesses. One of these programs allows theuser to keep track of all of the financialdata that's part of their everyday lives.

For example, one such program, calledQuicken, from Intuit, keeps track of yourfinancial accounts: savings, checking,home mortgage, credit cards, stock port-folio, and more. Actually there's morethan one program with that name: there'sone for home use and another that you canuse to handle business accounts.

Not only does one of these programskeep track of financial accounts, it alsohandles them at the same time so that atany time the user can request a statementof net worth and that information just fallsout. Moreover, some banking programs,which we'll mention later, allow you todownload checking or savings accountdata in a form that can be carried direct-ly into a financial program.

Banking programs

If you haven't used one of these, youmay be missing a good bet. My credit

union is set up so that customers canaccess their accounts directly via theircomputers. This allows customers to lookup their current balances on any of theiraccounts, print out a statement of up tothe last two months worth of transactions,or even download this data to input it totheir financial software. This means thatusers don't have to wait for the end -of -month statement to balance theiraccounts. They can balance their accountsthem at any time.

Moreover, say that at the end of themonth the checking account is beingstretched a little thin in order to pay thebills you owe, but there's a surplus in sav-ings. No problem. Just direct the com-puter to transfer funds from savings tochecking to cover the checks you need towrite. Of course, if the checking accountis showing a surplus and you want to putyou money somewhere where it can drawsome interest, no problem. Transferswork the other way, too.

But paying bills by computer is yetanother convenient capability of thesesoftware packages. The user can elect topay any of his creditors directly by com-puter. Banks have a data base of compa-nies to which customers may pay billselectronically. If one of your creditors ison the database, you simply select thatcompany and tell the computer when you


want to pay that entity and how much. Ifthat company is not on the bank's list, youcan request that they be added.

If you have a bill that is the same everymonth, such as a mortgage payment, forexample, you can make it a standing pay-ment that's paid every month. That wayyou don't ever have to won -y about mak-ing out a check, or even logging on to paythat bill. As long as there's enough cashin your checking account at the time ofthe month that that bill comes due, it'spaid, automatically. It works kind of likeone of those automatic debit authoriza-tions, except that should you wish to can-cel the automatic payment, you don'thave to write to the bank 30 days in ad-vance to cancel it. You simply go on lineand delete this payment from your list.

A general purpose deviceOne of the wonderful things about the

computer is that it is such a general-pur-pose information processing device. Ifsome information -handling process iscurrently done manually, then most like-ly a program has been developed to allowthe individual to perform the functionusing the power of a computer.

Do you need to type a letter, or manyletters. The computer can help you do itfaster. Do you need to perform lots of cal-culations. Again, the computer can speedup the work. Do you need to store, retrieveand format lots of data. The computer.

Besides all of that, computer softwarecan store your recipes, handle your cal-endar of events, store all of your contacts.allow you to buy, store and use thousandsof images of clip art, or create your ownart, and much more.

The computer can helpComputers and their software have def-

initely changed the way people do theirjobs and run their personal lives. Theyprovide a number of features and func-tions that allow people to automate thework to be done and to look at the infor-mation they need to process in a varietyof new ways. Consumer electronics ser-vice centers have such a broad variety ofinformation processing needs that servicecenter owners and managers should beconstantly on the lookout for softwaresuch as that mentioned here. Using theseprograms can help make many of thosedifficult jobs a little easier.

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Sources of replacement partsBy Victor Meeldijk

Sometimes the hardest part of therepair is finding the parts needed. Inthis article we include sources that

can help you find obsolete parts, Japaneseparts, generic replacement parts and vari-ous repair parts. This updates the articlethat was published in December 1993.

The problem of obsolete parts is grow-ing as the rapid pace of technology devel-opment causes even the most advancedproducts to become obsolete in a shortperiod of time. The new product innova-tion cycle is only 3 to 4 years. The life cycleof parts is about five to six years (downfrom a 10 year availability).

There are many reasons that parts arediscontinued, including:

The technology used to produce thepart is obsolete (a new technology is usedto produce most of the product line).

The devices are only selling in lowvolume (thus the fabrication facilitycould be better utilized to produce a partthat is more profitable for the company).

To transfer from one wafer fabrica-tion process to another is too costly.

There are technical incompatibilitiesin transferring the process to other waferfabrication lines.

Corporate mergers cause product linesto be consolidated and redundant fabri-cation facilities are closed. (Equipmentupgrades, and common testers for com-ponents may also cause components tobecome obsolete if it is considered toocostly to manufacture the device with thenew equipment, or to write test softwarefor the new test systems).

If you have to replace a part, or locatea source of supply for an existing device,there are organizations that track compo-nent availability, and issue notices ofparts that are being discontinued. Variousmilitary and commercial organizationstrack component availability and help tolocate obsolete components.

Some sources of obsolete parts are list-ed below. Aftermarket manufacturersplan for support of obsolete products for

Meeldijk is Reliability/Maintainability Engineering Man-ager, Diagnostic/Retrieval Systems, Inc. Oakland, NJ07436

at least 10 years alter the device is dis-continued by the original manufacturer.

Organizations that track partobsolescense

The Navy manages a MicrocircuitObsolescence Management Program(MOM) that identifies devices (by typesand package styles) that are being dis-continued by integrated circuit manufac-turers, and provides alternate sources ofthe devices where possible.

In 1994, MOM notices were discon-tiued with the information forwarded tothe GIDEP program for distribution.

Naval Air Warfare CenterAircraft Division- Indianapolis6000 East 21st StreetIndianapolis, Indiana 46219-2189,Ms. Courtney Howie B/435317-353-3768, or AV 369-3768(remote computer bulletin board 317-351-4991, or DSN 369-4991).

The MOM program became part of theNaval Surface Warfare Center, CrandDivision and the Naval Air Warfare Cen-ter, and is now known as the DiminishingManufacturing Sources (DMS) Technol-ogy Center. They can be reached at 1-800-DMS-4886. They now help in findingsolutions to obsolete part problems tokeep military systems operational.

Component Obsolescence notices aredistributed by GIDEP, the Governmentand Industry Data Exchange Program,through their DMSMS (DiminishingManufacturing Sources and MaterialShortages) notices. Many manufacturerssupply discontinued notices to GIDEP ontheir products (Texas Instruments usesthis as their main way of notifying usersof parts that are going to be discontinued).Information on the GIDEP program isavailable from:

Government and Industry DataExchange Program

GIDEP OPERATIONS CENTERP.O. Box 8000Corona, CA 91718-8000Obsolete parts, and new sources for

components, are also tracked by Elec-tronic Buyers' News (in the "Last Runs"column):

Electronic Buyers' NewsCMP Publications, Inc.600 Community DriveManhasset, NY 11030-3875Subscriptions (address changes):Electronic Buyers' NewsP.O. Box 2020Manhasset, NY 11030-3875(see the listings for magazines and tech-nical publications, below).

Another organization that tracks obso-lete parts is:

TacTechTransition Analysis of ComponentTechnology22700 Savi Ranch ParkwayYorba Linda, CA 92686714-974-7676FAX: 714-921-2715

This company offers the Defense/Aerospace industry an electronic militarymicrocircuit information service. Theelements for the networking service con-sists of a: 1) comprehensive microcircuitlibrary (which includes alternate sourcesfor parts and whether military qualifiedversions of a device are available); 2)weapon system usage library; 3) compre-hensive discontinuance notification; 4)customer program impact; 5) a microcir-cuit life cycle projectory system; and 6) aparts list risk analysis.

The service can be installed on a main-frame computer or accessed via a PC anda modem. A newsletter is also issued bythe company.

Sources of Obsolete ComponentsHere is a list of some companies that

manufacture devices discontinued by theoriginal manufacturer:

American Power Devices7 Andover StreetAndover, MA 01810and:


69 Benett StreetLynn, MA 01905508-475-4074Fax: 508-475-8997Industrial and military semiconductor

devices; including Stabistors and multi -chip devices that are direct replacement-ments for discontinued General Electric,Unitrode MPD series and Motorola MZ2360 and 2361 series.

Calogic Corporation237 Whitney PlaceFreemont, CA 95439510-656-2900FAX: 510-651-1076, 3025This company has purchased some

obsolete product lines from different man-ufacturers. Manufacture some parts dis-continued by Topaz, Intersil and Siliconix.Also make equivalents to NationalSemiconductor devices. Standard databook products, special items and militaryscreening are available.

Central Semiconductor Corp.145 Adams Ave.Hauppauge, NY 11788516-435-1110Fax: 516-435-1824This company offers surface mount

Schottky rectifiers that can be used toreplace the MBRS120 series that is nolonger available from Motorola.

David Sarnoff Research CenterSubsidiary of SRI InternationalCN 5300Princeton, NJ 08543-5300609-734-2437, 2000Fax: 609-734-2075, 2992, 2443(SRI International)333 Ravenswood Ave.Menlo Park, CA 94025415-859-3285Fax: 415-859-2844The GEM program (Generalized Emu-

lation Microcircuits) is a result of an R&Dinitiative by the Defense Logistics Agen-cy and the Defense Electronics SupplyCenter with the guidance and supportfrom the Weapons System ImprovementGroup within the Office of the Secretaryof Defense.

The GEM system has the capability toproduce IC devices that are form, fit andfunction equivalent to original devices ata quality level that satisfies testing inaccordance with MIL -STD -883C.

General Transistor Corporation216 W. Florence Ave.Inglewood, CA 90301310-673-8422Fax: 310-672-2905This company manufactures transis-

tors discontinued by such manufacturersas RCA and Motorola, and secondsources other available devices.

GTE Microelectronics77 "A" StreetNeedham Heights, MA 02194-29821-800-544-0052Fax: 617-455-2088Obsolete parts are recreated using

FPGA, Gate -Array, Standard Cell tech-nology or by the design of a plug-in mod-ule. Whole obsolete PC cards can also berecreated. Devices manufactured in obso-lete technologies can also be supported.

ISI- Ideal Semiconductor Inc.46721 Freemont Blvd.Fremont, CA 94538510-226-7000FAX 510-226-1564Manufactures obsolete parts using

wafers or tooling supplied by the originalmanufacturer. Devices can also be re-versed engineered and emulated usingstandard cell devices. Microcircuits andsemiconductors from a variety of originalmanufacturers, including AMD, Harris,National Semiconductor, IDT, Signetics,Quality, Samsung and Zytrex.

ITAC Hybrid TechnologyDivision ITAC Systems Inc.3121 Benton StreetGarland, TX 75042214-494-30731-800-533-4822Manufactures high temperature (200C)

operational amplifiers that can replacesimilar products discontinued by Burr -Brown Corporation.

Lansdale Semiconductor2929 S. 48th St., Suite #2Tempe, AZ 85282602-438-0123FAX 602-438-0138Manufactures older technology prod-

ucts such as RTL, DTL, Tri.. and memo-ry devices. Their product line includesdevices formerly manufactured at theSignetics company closed bipolar waferfabrication on line in Orem, Utah, andIntel M82XX type bus controller andclock generator drivers.

Micrel Inc.560 Oakmeak ParkwaySunnyvale, CA 94086408-245-2500Fax: 408-245-4175Wafers for mature and obsolete MOS

technologies. Available devices includemany CMOS and Metal Gate devices for-merly manufactured by RCA and Nation-al Semiconductor. Micrel uses the sametooling and test programs as the originalmanufacturer. They can also reverse en-gineer parts, if necessary.

Micro Networks324 Clark StreetWorcester, MA 01606508-852-5400Fax: 508-853-8296, 508-852-8456Pin for pin compatible parts (their MN -

3290 DAC's) for Burr Brown Corpora-tion's military DAC700.

R&E International, Inc.210 Goddard Blvd. Suite 100King of Prussia, PA 194061-800-253-7007215-992-0727Fax: 215-992-0734Manufacturers, and has stock of, the

CMOS SCL4000manufactured by Solid State Scientific (SCubed) and Sprague Semiconductor(now Allegro Microsystems, Inc.).

Reliable Electronic Manufacturing(REM)Division of Wyvern Technologies1205 E. Warner AvenueSanta Ana, CA 927051-800-962-1085714-966-0710Fax: 714-556-7014Design and manufacture replacements

for obsolete components as well as de-signing a variety of arrays, networks, pig-gyback boards and SIP and DIP packagedparts. Their specially designed parts in-clude RC networks, field programmablemodules and active modules.

February 1997

Rochester Electronics, Inc.10 Malcolm Hoyt DriveNewburyport MA 01950-4018508-462-9332Fax: 508-462-951236 Evelyn RoadDunstable, BedsLU5 4NG, United Kingdom582 603439Fax: 582 476238Electronic Servicing & Technology 25

KH Electronics Corp.Landic No. 2 Akasaka Bld. 3 fir10-9 Adasaka 2-chomeMinato-ku, Tokyo 107, Japan03 3587 1041Fax: 03 3584 6394Discontinued and Custom Packaged

military and commercial semiconduc-tors. Has the facilities to custom packagesemiconductor dies and also manufac-tures discontinued parts from die masters.This aftermarket manufacturer is theauthorized distributor for obsolete prod-ucts from various original manufacturersincluding AMD, Harris Semiconductor,Intel, Texas Instruments, MicrochipTechnologies, Inc. and National (andFairchild) Semiconductor.

"Semiconductors, Inc.3680 Investment LaneRiviera Beach, FL 33404800-327-6183407-842-0305Fax: 407-845-7813TLX: 62014516Manufactures germanium transistors

which have been discontinued by othermanufacturers. Also manufacturediodes, SCRs, triacs and voltage regula-tors (second source to NationalSemiconductor).

MSUScorpion Semiconductor2360 Qume Drive, Ste BSan Jose, CA 95131408-944-6270, 6271Fax: 408-944-6272Produces the full line of P -Channel

Silicon gate MOS technology productsformerly supplied by AMD (AdvancedMicro Devices). They offer products anddesign services in N- Channel and CMOSprocess technology.

Solid State Electronics Corporation8646 Parthenia StreetNorthridge, CA 91324818-993-8257 (also used for fax)This company sources electromechan-

ical choppers, used in precision dc ampli-fiers, voltmeters and servo motors. De-vices available include stock fromcompanies that have discontinued theparts (i.e., Airpax, Bristol, Stevens Arn-old, Brown Converters, etc.) or are man-ufactured by companies under privatelabeling agreements.

Sunset Silicon Products402A Ridgefield CircleClinton, MA 01510508-365-6108 (phone and fax)Recreates the obsolete part functional-

ly using either the original design process,or by new design tools such as gate arrays.

Components and processes availableinclude: Analog and Digital, IntegratedCircuits, Transistors, Diodes, Unijunc-tions, Hybrids with the following pro-cesses: High frequency, Small Signal,PMOS, NMOS, CMOS, TTL, ECL, Lin-ear, High Voltage, Low Noise, ResistorMatching, etc.

TSI Microelectronics (formerly Tran-sistor Specialities, Inc. Hybrid Div.)5 Southside RoadDanvers, MA 01923508-774-8722Fax: 508-774-0939TWX: 710 347-0309Manufacture custom hybrids and cus-

tom packaged parts.

Companies that stock locate sourcesof obsolete material

In mid 1992, a new directory was pub-lished by Bruxer Publishing, Inc. and dis-tributor CNC/Stamas Inc. called theComponent Exchange Directory. Excessand overstocked inventory from distribu-tors and directory subscribers are listed inthis book, making it useful not only fordistributors, which the directory is gearedtowards, but also for purchasers needinghard to find material (although the direc-tory is not available to OEM purchasersdirectly it provides their suppliers with ameans of locating components that theymay not have in stock).

Each participating company lists up to500 line items with part number, avail-able quantity, and price information. Partsare listed by manufacturer name and partnumber along with a code number repre-senting the company selling the material.For further information contact BruxnerPublishing (The Component Exchange.33 Ship Avenue, Medford, MA 02155-9813, 1-800-786- 9590, Fax: 617-391-9150). Information on computer databas-es for parts is provided below.

When discussing part requirementswith parts brokers be prepared to providea target price, or the highest amount youwould be willing to pay for the device.

(Note: Commercial components fromdifferent manufacturers may not beequivalent. These differences may rangefrom some variances to parts with thesame part number being totally different.)

A.C.P. (Advanced ComputerProducts), Inc.1310 East EdingerSanta Ana, CA 92705714-558-8822800-347-3423Fax: 714-558-1603This company can supply current and

hard to find/obsolete material (includingIC's, semiconductors, capacitors, crys-tals, and diodes).

Act ElectronicsParts Department2345 E. Anaheim StreetLong Beach, CA 90804214-433-0475Service manuals and repair parts for

Grundig stereo equipment.

All Electronics Corp.P.O. Box 567Van Nuys, CA 914081-800-826-5432818-904-0524FAX:818-781-2653Various surplus parts, including obso-

lete items.

America II Electronics(Also known as A- I Electronics)13191 56th Court N. 107Clearwater FLA-1 Electronics:800-736-4397813-572-9933Fax: 813-572-9944America II Electronics800-767-2637813-573-0900Fax: 813-572-9696(The purchasing division of this com-

pany The IC Exchange, 2620 118thAvenue North, St. Petersburg FL 33716,813-573-0900, Fax: 813-572-9944)

Has an inventory of over 10 millionmemory IC's and concentrates on secondsource inventories and obsolete parts.Deal with all types of parts, electrical,electromechanical, etc.


American Design IC Components400 County AvenueSecaucus, N.J. 07094201-601-8999Fax: 201-601-8991This company has a stock of many dis-

continued parts.

American Microsemiconductor, Inc.133 Kings Rd.Madison, N.J. 07940201-377-9566FAX 201-377-3078Specializes in obsolete and hard to find

Japanese and US parts. Has a network ofsuppliers to help in locating material.

Audio Parts Company1070 South Orange DriveLos Angeles, CA 90019800-999-5559213-933-8141This specialty parts distributor has re-

placement parts for some items no longeravailable in the U.S. including Bohsei(TV sets), Garrard (turntables) and Wol-lensak (tape recorders).

Bally Micro27 JourneyAliso Viejo, CA 92656800-229-7690714-362-6555Fax: 714-362-5333This worldwide distributor specializes

in locating obsolete parts, and keeps alarge inventory in stock, including partsfrom American (from Analog Devices toZilog), Japanese and Korean suppliers(such as Fujitsu, Goldstar, Hitachi, Mit-subishi, Samsung and Toshiba). Theyalso have the capability to manufactureSRAM and DRAM modules.

Burlington Microelectronics(Division of Solid State Testing Lab-oratory)56 Middlesex TurnpikeBurlington, MA 01803617-273-5657Fax: 617-273-4896This company may have obsolete part

die in stock.

Chaffin Electronics, Inc.Route 1330 Lambro LaneFranklin Furnace, OH 456291-800-821-7208614-574-4456, 6906Fax: 614-574-2124

This company, which has been in busi-ness for 10 years specializes in a varietyof parts including programmable parts.

Chip Tech, Ltd.1952 Utica AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11234800-762-4536718-451-2700Fax: 718-451-2824This company specializes in hard to

find and obsolete components. includingpassive parts.

Classic Components Corp.Los Angeles, CA310-539-5500Fax: 310-539-4500Newbury Park, CA805-499-7499Fax: 805-498-7775San Jose, CA408-434-1600Fax: 408-434-0999Ft. Lauderdale, FL305-771-1411Fax: 305-771-2311Ronkonkoma, NY516-588-4445Fax: 516-558-1116Austin, TX512-832-1222Fm: 512-832-8444Europe:Krefeld, Germany02151 399993Fax: 02151 311181Ramat -Gan, Israel03613 1426Fax: 03525-4601This distributor has over $40 million

dollars in inventory which includes obso-lete parts.

Commodity ComponentsInternational75 Newburyport TurnpikeIpswich, MA 01938508-356-0020Fax: 508-356-3633This company, with its SEMI Search

network can locate sources of discontin-ued or hard to find IC's and semiconduc-tors all over the world.

Dataronics237350 Blueberry Hill #12Conroe, TX 77385713-367-0562FAX: 713-292-4914

This liquidator has a large quantity ofparts, circuit boards and peripherals andcan locate anything from microcircuits toplaten knobs.

Defense Electronic Supply Center(DESC)

Attn: DESC-EAA1507 Wilmington PikeDayton, Ohio 45444-5272DESC stockpiles discontinued military

(JAN S) parts for resale to originalequipment manufacturers (OEM's) thathave government contracts with NASAor the Air Force space division. The parts,stored in a warehouse in Ogden, Utah, areavailable to qualified buyers with a twoweek lead time.

In addition to obsolete parts, govern-ment contractors can purchase hard toobtain "S" level parts (there are only 5companies worldwide qualified for level"S"). The "S" level parts are availablefrom a joint NASA/Air Force Space Sys-tems Division (SSD) at the Los AngelesAir Force Base. This program, started in1985, was designed to reduce schedulingdelays in U.S. Air Force and NASA pro-grams that require space certified micro-circuits and semiconductors. The partshave been tested to military specifications,with DPA reports available at no charge.Parts are available to qualified buyers witha two week lead time.

DERF Electronics Corporation1 Biehn St.New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801914-235-4600FAX: 914-235-21382499 Old Mary Lake RoadSanford, FL 32771407-330-2700FAX: 407-330-2607In business since 1946, this company

buys surplus material and may have obso-lete parts in their inventory.

Dodd ElectronicsP.O. Box 112New York, N.Y.914-739-5700FAX: 914-739-5854Stocking distributor of obsolete

discontinued integrated circuits.and

Dynasty Electronic SupplyA Division of Pace Electronics, Inc.800-447-8589407-381-5908Fax: 407-381-0785


This distributor specializes in locatingpassive parts including crystals (and os-cillators), capacitors and inductors/ trans-formers. They can locate parts with theirWorld Search system. They also sell var-ious other electronic components such assemiconductors, connectors, fuses, po-tentiometers, relays, tools, test equipmentand computers and accessories.

EDLIE Electronics2700 Hemstead TurnpikeLevittown, LI N.Y. 11756-1443516-735-3330800-645-4722Various surplus parts including tubes

and IC's.

Electronic Expediters InternationalDivision of Electronic Expediters, Inc.14828 Calvert StreetVan Nuys, CA 91411-2774P.O. Box 9Van Nuys, CA 91408-0009818-781-1910Fax: 818-782-2488Telex: 910 495 1751 Elec Expd VanThis company has supplies of hard to

find and obsolete parts, including semi-conductors, IC's, military and industrialcomponents (resistors, shock mounts,tubes, switches, circuit breakers, fans, fil-ters, coils, connectors, cable, knobs,lamps, etc.). A catalog is available.

Electronic Salvage Parts2706 Middle Country RoadCentereach, N.Y. 11720Various surplus parts.

Electrospec24 East Clinton StreetDover, N.J. 07801800-631-9616 201-361-6300Fax: 201-361-7868This company locates obsolete or hard

to find products such as wire, cable, tub-ing and electrical connectors.

Fox Electronics309 East Brokaw RoadSan Jose, CA 95112-4208408-437-1577Fax: 408-437-9299This company recycles parts from

printed circuit cards and handles compa-ny excess inventories. They have obso-lete and hard to find parts (parts are iden-tified as New or Pulls).

GALCO Indistrial Electronics26010 Pinehurst DriveMadison Heights, MI 48071810-542-9090Fax: 810-542-8031In addition to providing field and depot

repair services for electronic controls, thiscompany posesses large inventory ofparts (such as power semiconductors,fuses, motor controls, etc.) which con-tains obsolete items.

General Components927 Calle NegocioSan Clemente, CA 926721-800-944-3463714-361-8800FAX: 714-361-0062In business since 1983, this company

has a computerized parts search system(GEN-COM) that includes surplus inven-tory from OEM's worldwide, as well asdistributor material.

GTC216 West FlorenceInglewood, CA 90301310-673-8422Fax: 310-672-2905This company, in business since 1976,

has many current devices in stock andspecializes in obsolete semiconductors.

H&R Enterprises21521 Blythe StreetCanoga Park, CA 91307818-703-8892Fax: 818-703-5920This company specializes in hard to

find/obsolete IC's, transistors and diodes,both military and commercial parts.

Hi -Tech Component Distributors,Inc.320 North Nopal StreetSanta Barbara, CA 93103805-966-5454Fax: 805-966-2354This distributor finds obsolete and hard

to find parts, and also sells hard and flop-py drives and computer peripherals.

HLK & Associates, Inc.1305 SOM Center RoadCleveland, Ohio 441241-800-222-3855216-442-1444Fax: 216-442-1412

This company specializes in findinghard to find or discontinued military andcommercial parts.

Impact Components(formerly JPE-Jarrah Pacific Elec-tronics)2300 Boswell RoadSuite 120Chula Vista, CA 91914800-326-5139619-421-4808Fax: 619-421-5704This company specializes in hard to

find semiconductors and IC's. They oftensell to distributors and have sources inSoutheast Asia and Europe and have a sis-ter company in Australia.

Innovative TechnologyMailing Address:1840 41st AvenueSuite 102-280Capitola, CA 95010Shipping Address:3045 Capitola Road, Suite #34Santa Cruz, CA 95062408-462-6547Fax: 408-479-4818This company buys excess OEM in-

ventory and sells and locates hard to findparts such as DRAMS, SRAMS, TTL,Linear and Analog IC's and capacitors.

I.T.I. - Inuninent Technologies, Inc.22529 39th Avenue South EastBothell, Washington 98021in California:619-384-5001Fax: 619-384-5003in Washington:206-485-8030Fax: 206-485-7258This distributor specializes in locating

hart to find parts including semiconduc-tors, IC's and passive devices. They havebeen in business since 1990.

International Circuit Sales Corpora-tion (ICS) 1702 East HighlandAvenueSuite 403Phoenix, AZ 85016800-427-7862602-224-5322Fax: 602-224-50141275 Kennestone CircleMarietta, GA 30066800-842-0471404-427-9906Fax: 404-427-9580


This company locates hard to find orobsolete parts through its worldwide sup-plier network.

Jacques Ebert Associates, Inc.44 School StreetGlen Cove, N.Y. 11542800-645-2666516-671-6123This company stocks and locates hard

to find capacitors.

Jameco Electronics1355 Shoreway RoadBelmont, CA 94002415-592-8097FAX: 415-592-2503415-595-2664Telex: 176043May have some obsolete or hard to find

parts in inventory, but occasionally has aflyer sale and disposes of the old materi-al at reduced prices.

Jerome Industries, Inc.74 West Cochran Street, #BSimi Valley, CA 93065805-527-5893Fax: 805-527-6684Specializes in Western Digital, Para-

dise, Faraday, and Chips and TechnologyIC's but can locate components from avariety of other manufacturers (fromAnalog Devices to Zilog) and also locatepassive components from such compa-nies as AMP, Kemet, Molex, etc.

JTM2345 Collier CourtSimi Valley, CA 93065805-527-9228Fax:805-527-2710Specializes in current, obsolete and

hard to find devices from Western Digital,Faraday (Division of Western Digital),Chips and Technology, VLSI, Brooktree,Xlinx, and Paradise.

Krueger Company1544 West Mineral RoadTempe, AZ 85283800-245-2235602-820-5330Fax: 602-820-1707This company has "refurbished" (re-

conditioned) parts that have been pulled

from circuit boards, and excess OEMinventory stock. They specialize in

DRAM's, SRAM's, EPROM's, EEP-ROM's, EPLD/FPGA erasable logic,microprocessors and microcontrollers.They also may have interface, telecom-munications, linear, logic, diodes, tran-sistors, capacitors, resistors, connectors,sockets and oscillators.

LECTRO Components, Inc.154 Easy StreetCarol Stream, IL 60188708-690-0520Fax: 708-690-0563This distributor stocks various Kulka

terminal blocks and can customize blocksfor different applications.

LJ Enterprises68 Railroad AvenueValley Stream, NY 11580516-872-5000Fax: 516-872-5081, 5082Specializes in current and obsolete

Japanese semiconductors, and passivecomponents (for audio and video equip-ment). Besides their own inventory theyhave access to overseas components in-ventories.

Luke Systems, International27827 Via Amistosa, Suite 101Agoura Hills, CA 91301818-991-9373Fax: 818-991-4654This distributor specializes in locating

obsolete parts and can search over 500worldwide companies in order to locatefor hard to find components.

Micro -C Corporation11085 Sorrento Valley CourtSan Diego, CA 92121619-552-12131-800-723-1357FAX: 619-552-1219

Micro-C/I.I. Ltd.1 Whittle PlaceSouth Newmoor Industrial EstateIrvine, Scotland KA 11 4HR011-44-294-221836011-44-294-2211837Fax: 011-294-221838This company specializes in recycling

or providing "Reconditioned" IC's, partspulled off of circuit assemblies. They alsosell, with their logo, flash EPROM's, sta-tic RAM's and some processor IC's.

Micro Wholesale International196 Technology, Suite HIrvine, CA 92718714-753-0360Fax: 714-753-0363This company sells IBM spare parts

and may have obsolete IC's in stock.

Milex Electronix Corporation85 Engineers RoadHauppauge, NY 11788516-231-1500Fax: 516-434-1333This company buys surplus inventory

and specializes in finding discontinued orhard to find items.

Mission7 BendixIrvine, CA 92718714-859-1300Fax: 714-859-4700This company specializes in finding

memory IC's including DRAM's,SRAM's and TTL and CPU modules.

MIT Distributors4125 Keller Springs RoadSuite 160Dallas, TX 75244-20351 -800 -MIT -FIND (1-800-648-3463)214-733-3322Fax: 214-733-0048This company, which was founded in

1991, specializes in locating hard to findand obsolete parts (including VRAM'sand DRAM's). They can search the in-ventories of over five hundred distribu-tors in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Monarchy380 Swift AvenueUnit 21South San Francisco, CA 94080415-873-3055800-922-7755This company specializes in finding

Memories, Static RAM's and EPROM's.

Nettix Electronix, Inc.1111 Alderman DriveSuite 280Apharetta, GA 30202404-751-1911Fax: 404-751-7188This company specializes in finding

obsolete IC's (including microprocessorsand SRAMS) and semiconductors.


The Network Group31364 Via ColinasSuite 103Westlake Village, CA 91362818-889-1400Fax: 818-889-4987This 12 year old company has a global

network to search over 3,200 stockinglocations for all types of electronic com-ponents including obsolete parts.

Network International ComponentTrading (NICT)

Box 78718 East Main St.Malone, NY 12953-0787518-483-8181Fax: 518-483-8273This company buys and sells surplus

IC's and semiconductors and specializesin obsolete and hard to find components.

New England Circuit Sales, Inc.292 Cabot StreetBeverly MA 01915508-927-8250Fax: 508-922-1341This parts broker (independent distrib-

utor), established over 10 years ago, hasa trademarked "Part/Find" system, acomputerized database with over 3000worldwide part inventories (includingJapan, Taiwan and China). The databasecontains listings of parts from other partbrokers, obsolete parts, company excessinventories, etc.

NOW Electronics50 Gerald StreetP.O. Box 829Huntington, N.Y. 11743516-351-8300FAX:516-351-8354This company makes lifetime buys and

stocks obsolete parts. If devices are not instock they use their computerized "Semi -Search" system to locate material from aworldwide network of part brokers, dis-tributors and OEM's. This company alsostocks die and can custom manufacturedevices to meet MIL -STD -883C screen-ing and processing requirements (they arecertified to MIL -I-45208).

OEM (Optical, Electronic andMechanical) Parts, Inc.3029 N. Hancock Ave.Colorado Springs, CO 80907719-635-0771Fax: 719-475-2249

This company specializes in findingvarious components including integratedcircuits and vacuum tubes.

Performance Memory Products(A.K.A. Performance Electronics)1565 Creek St., Suite 101San Marcos, CA 92069800-255-8607619-471-5383Fax: 619-471-9691In Arizona:Memory World1438 Scottsdale RoadTempe, AZ 85281800-424-1968Fax: 602-994-0776(also in Australia, 118 Willoughby Rd,

Suite 9, Crowsnest New Australia 2065,011-62-9064533, Fax: 906-1871; and inthe United Kingdom: 86-90 High Street,Yiewsley, West Drayton, Middx, UK.011-44-895-420100, Fax: 895-442238)

This company has manufacturers re-placements for and has discontinued andobsolete memory modules from variousoriginal manufacturers including TI,Toshiba, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu,OKI and NEC.

Prime Tech, Inc.1210 Warsaw RoadSuite 900Rosewell, GA 30076404-594-8608Fax: 404-594-8631This company can supply European

parts, ranging from electrical, electronic,electromechanical and mechanical itemsfor different machines and equipment.They can also locate electronic controls/circuit boards for a variety of foreignmade machines. In addition they are ableto locate hard to find Japanese itemsthrough European distributors. This com-pany also provides consultation servicesin translating technical information andredesigning/modifying plant equipmentand systems.

Qualified Parts Laboratory(QPL), Inc.333 Soquel WaySunnyvale, CA 94086408-737-0992Fax: 408-736-8708This company locates obsolete parts or

die. They can package the die and per-form various screening tests to qualify thepackaged part for military Class B or S.

RH Electronics, Inc.4083 Oceanside Blvd., Suite GOceanside, CA 92056619-724-2800Fax: 619-724-3133This company will go back to the orig-

inal manufacturer and try to get devicesmanufactured (if the quantity warrants it),or will obtain enough information to getanother company to manufacture the ob-solete device. They can source commer-cial or military qualified parts, includingcapacitors, resistors, connectors, switch-es, IC's, transistors, fuses, disk drives,transformers, circuit breakers, relays, fil-ters and lamps.

R.W. Electronics, Inc.206 Andover StreetAndover, MA 01810508-475-1303Fax: 508-475-1461This company, in business since 1981,

specializes in global distribution andsourcing of such material as IC's, semi-conductors, disk drives and computerperipherals,

Semitech Inc.Cooper Run Executive Park334 Cooper Road, Bldg ABerlin, NJ 08009609-768-0030Fax: 609-768-5690This company can locate obsolete parts

including IC's, diodes and transistors.They can provide a copy of their com-puterized inventor run.

Stack Electronics200 W. Main StreetBabylon, NY 11702516-321-6086Fax: 516-321-5662565 Turnpike StreetN. Andover, MA 01845508-681-9977Fax: 508-681-9976This company using its "Stack Track"

(tm) can locate hard to find parts, spe-cializing in surface mount components.

TELTECH Research CorporationTechnical Knowledge Service2850 Metro DriveMinneapolis, MN 55425-1566612-829-9000800-833-8330This company offers a vendor locator

service to source specialized parts, mate -


rials, equipment and services. They findemergency, or secondary sources of mate-rial and determine plant locations, ordercapacity, stock status and lead time. Theyalso track technologies, and patents, andoffer access to technical experts to answertechnology related questions.

Trans -World Electronics15304 E. Valley Blvd.City of Industry, CA 91748800-822-1236This company has parts and servicing

information for Multitech, Dyna Tech,Spectrum, and HiTech equipment.

Universal Systems and Components1575 Westwood Blvd., Sta 204Los Angeles, CA 90024310-477-0322Fax: 310-479-1447This is a distributor, which does search

for obsolete components, handles inte-grated circuits, diodes, transistor, capac-itors and resistors.

Sources of vacuum tubesVacuum tube manufacturers:California Tube laboratory, Inc.1305 17th AvenueSanta Cruz, CA 95062-3096800-824-3197408-475-2939This company remanufacturers triodes,

klystrons, magnetrons, electron guns, ionpumps and other tubes for various appli-cations. They also sell new tubes.

Richardson Electronics Ltd.3030 N. River RoadFranklin Park, IL 60131A manufacturer of various types

tubes and power semiconductors.

Svetlana Electron Devices, Inc.3000 Alpine RoadPortola Valley, CA 94028415-233-0429This is a Russian manufacturer of

power grid and modulator electron tubes.

Companies that stock, or locatevacuum tubes

Alltronics2300 Zanker RoadSan Jose, CA 95131408-943-9773Fax: 408-943-9776

This company has vintage radio vacu-um tubes in stock.

Antique Electronic Supply6221 South Maple Ave.Tempe, AZ 85283602-820-5411FAX 602-820-4643A source of supply for vacuum tubes.

Daily Elexs, Div. EBox 5029Compton. CA 90224213-774-1255FAX 213-603-1348A source of vacuum tubes.

Diers4276-SC2 North 50th StreetMilwaukee, WI 53216-1313Old radio and TV tubes.

EDLIE Electronics2700 Hemstead TurnpikeLevittown, LI N.Y. 11756-1443516-735-3330800-645-4722Various surplus parts including tubes

and integrated circuits.

Electronic Expediters Internationalsee above for address.

Fair Radio Sales Co.P.O. Box 11051016 E. Eureka StreetLima, Ohio 45802419-223-2196419-227-6573Surplus new and used equipment, some

integrated circuits, and vacuum and oscil-loscope CRT tubes.

of International Components Corp.107 Maxess Rd.Melville, N.Y. 11747800-645-9154516-293-1500FAX 516-293-4983A source of supply for vacuum tubes.

New Sensor Corporation133 Fifth AvenueNew York, N.Y. 10011212-529-04661-800-633-5477Fax: 212-529-0486This company has tubes from world-

wide sources (Russia, China, Yugoslavia,Germany, Czeckslovakia and the U.S.)and can bum -in and match tubes.

OEM (Optical, Electronic and Me-chanical) Parts, Inc.

see address above in sources for IC's.

RF Parts435 South pacific StreetSan Marcos, CA 92069800-RF-Parts619-744-0500Fax: 619-744-1943This distributor stocks transmitting

tubes (such as EIMAC) and RF powertransistors, power modules, power FET'sand Japanese RF parts (such asMitsubishi, Toshiba).

Steinmetz7519 Maplewood AvenueR.E., Hammond, IN 46324This organization can supply lists of old

and new tubes that can be supplied.

Thor ElectronicsP.O. Box 707321 Pennsylvannia Ave.Linden, NJ 070361-800-666-8467This company directly imports Japan-

ese and Taiwanese semiconductors, andalso sells electron tubes, connectors,wire/cable, etc. They also sell militaryqualified parts and locate hard to findobsolete devices.

Tucker Electronics1717 Reserve StreetGarland, TX 75042800-527-4642Texas: 800-749-4642214-340-0631Has new and "pulls" (tubes removed

from equipment) and surplus electronictest equipment.

Companies that manufacture obsoletecomputer boards

Atllantean Microsystems, Ltd.Robjohns HouseNavigation RoadChelmsford, EssexCM2 6HEUnited Kingdom(0245) 494292Fax: (0245) 494184This company manufactures circuit

cards for the National SemiconductorStarplex development system, Multibus1 and Cimbus boards; Motorola's Exor-


cisors, Exorcsets, Exormacs, VME/10,Micromodules, Versamodules, VME I/Obus boards; and Intel's Multibus 1 boards.

Micro Industries8399 Green Meadows Dr. NWesterville, OH 43081800-369-1086This company manufactures discontin-

ued PC boards for Intel and NationalSemiconductor systems including theNational Semiconductor Starplex system.

On -Line parts locator services

Data -Connection, Inc.15231 Alton Parkway #200Irvine Spectrum, CA 927181 -800 -LINK -ME -1

714-753-8000Fax: 714-753-9999This over 14 year old networking com-

pany has offered BrokerLink, an On -Linedatabase service since July 1993. Thisnetwork lists the integrated circuits ofindependent distributors in one commondatabase. The service can be searched viaa part number or the database can bedownloaded to your computer. This ser-vice is billable monthly.

Fastparts, Inc.2026 West Iowa StreetChicago, IL 60622312-862-4553Fax: 312-486-0547This organization has an interactive on-

line parts trading network. Networkmembers anonymously list "bid" and"ask" prices for parts. Searches are madeby a manufacturer and manufacturer partnumber. Details on quantity available,date code, part markaing and part (ship-ping) packaging are provided. There is ayearly fee for the service.

ILS-Inventory Locator Service, Inc.,a Ryder System Company3965 Mendenhall RoadMemphis TN 38115800-233-3414901-794-4784Fax: 901-794-1760A data base service where worldwide

suppliers list their inventories (electrical,electronic, and mechanical) and capabil-

ities with this independent organization.Quantity and condition (new, used oroverhauled) of the part is included. Thereis also a listing by part number of com-panies that overhaul parts/equipment.

Netlogic Incorporated16 Technology Ste 107Irvine, CA 927181-800-638-5644714-453-0600Fax: 714-453-9210This software networking company

offers "Parts Locator" a buying and sell-ing network which lists sources of mate-rials for sale (the seller negotiates a price).The entire database can be downloadedor you can do searches for manufactur-er's part number, quantity, descriptionand date code. Membership is either quar-terly or annually.

Sources of Digital TransistorsDigital transistors are transistors with

resistors incorporated within the device.There are three main manufacturers ofthese devices. (These devices are avail-able through various component distrib-utors and from the generic componentcompanies listed below.)

Rohm Co., LTD.ROHM Electronics Division3034 Owen DriveAntioch, TN 37013615-641-2020Fax: 615-641-2022

Motorola Semiconductor Products3102 N. 56th StreetPhoenix, AZ 85018Technical Resources Hotline: 1-800-

521-6274Motorola second sources some of the

ROHM devices.

Panasonic Industrial CompanyMatsushita Electronics Corporation of

AmericaOne Panasonic WaySecaucus, N.J. 07094201-348-7000Fax: 201-348-8164The other digital transistor series were

developed by Panasonic Industrial Com-

pany, Matsushita Electronics Corpora-tion of America.

Sources of Generic ReplacementSemiconductors

These companies provide cross refer-ence guides/catalogs of their genericreplacement parts.

ECG Semiconductors(Sylvania Electronic Components)(a North American Philips Company)Distributor and Special Markets

Division1001 Snappferry RoadGreenville, TN 37745800-526-9354

ECG Canada Inc.Electronic Components and Systems1928 Regis Blvd.Dorval, Quebec H9P 1H6514-685-5800

NTE-New Tone Electronics44 Farrand StreetBloomfield, N.J. 07003201-748-5089212-732-13261-800-631-1250Telex 333226(Note: Cross references are available

on computer disk.)

Thompson Consumer Electronics(RCA and GE)

Distributor and Special Products2000 Clements Bridge RoadDeptford, N.J. 08096-2088609-853-2417SK series replacement semiconductors

and Japanese JEDEC/Generic replace-ment semiconductors.

World Wide ComponentDistributors18 Stern AvenueSpringfield, N.J. 07081201-467-6264FAX:201-467-85191-800-222-6268Specializes in Japanese Semiconduc-

tors and generic replacement parts.


Test Your Electronics KnowledgeB) III 11 ikon

Sam Wilson is currently busy with otherurgent projects, and was therefore unableto prepare What Do You Know AboutElectronics/Test Your Electronics Knowl-edge for this issue. This is a reprise ofarti-cks that appeared in a previous issue.

1. Assuming the values and power rat-ings are the same, can a film resistoralways be replaced by a carbon composi-tion resistor in a given circuit?

A. YesB. No

2. What do the initials ASIC stand for?

3. What is the purpose of an integratedcircuit called FLASH?

4. The time it takes the output of anoperational amplifier to change inresponse to a step -voltage change at theinput is called the

v,ov

Ni 10 ohms

10 ohms

R. 10 01111,

Figure 1. In this circuit, what value of Al willresult in the greatest power dissipation?

5. In the circuit of Figure 1, what valueof R1 will allow it to receive maximumpower from the supply?

6. What type of Morse code transmis-sion has the low -static characteristic offrequency modulation?

7. Comparing a wideband amplifierwith a narrow band amplifier, and assum-ing they have the same temperature,which produces more noise?

8. Why can't the outputs of UARTS beused directly on a telephone line?

A. Improper timing

Wilson is the electronics theory consultant for ES&T.

0

Figure 2. A aiode may be used in a relay cir-cuit in this manner to protect a transistor frominductive kickback.

B. Cannot handle data fast enough.C. Against the law.

9. A diode is sometimes connectedacross a relay coil to protect a transistorfrom inductive kickback (Figure 2 ).Which of the following may be usedinstead of the diode?

A. TriacB. Bead ledgeC. Ferrite beadD. Varistor

4rNFigure 3. When a piece of flat me -al is formedinto a shape as shown here. is the metalstressed or strained?

10. The shape of a flat piece of metalhas been changed as shown in Figure 3.In that condition the metal is

A. stressed.B. strained.

(Answers on page 54 )

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Circle (69) on Reply CardElectronic Servicing & Technology 45

Upgrading a satellite systemto Ku -BandBy Jurgen Ewert

Out in the country where there isno cable TV, satellite systems arevery common. Despite the popu-

larity of DSS and Primestar there aremany 'Full View' systems in use. Usuallythese systems are C -Band systems. TheC -Band frequencies range from 3.7GHzto 4.7GHz. There is a good variety of pro-gramming on C -Band but with the expan-sion to the Ku -Band there is more.

Upgrading a system to Ku -Band makessense if your customer wants to receive`wild feeds' such as sports, news and in-ternational broadcasts. There are current-ly 21 Ku -Satellites active. The signal fre-quencies of the Ku -Band range from11.7GHz to 12.2Ghz.

Because of the much shorter wave-length, the behavior of the Ku -Band is dif-ferent from that of C -Band. Common forboth bands is that all satellites are`parked' in the same orbit, the Clarke belt,22,000 miles above the equator.

A typical C -Band system

The block diagram of a typical C -Bandsatellite system is shown in Figure 1. Thesignal from the satellite is focused by thedish and reflected into the feedhorn andLNB (low -noise block downconverter).

Ewen is an independent consumer electronics servicingtechnician.

The LNB amplifies the signal and con-verts it down to an IF -signal with a fre-quency range from 950MHz to 1450 -MHz. A coax cable, usually a part of theribbon cable, carries the dc -supply volt-age from the IRD (Integrated ReceiverDescrambler) to the LNB, and the IF sig-nal to the IRD.

The IRD converts the IF signal intovideo and audio signals. You can connectthe TV either through the antenna input onchannel 3 or 4, or through the audio/video(A/V) inputs. Picture and sound quality isbetter using the A/V connections. The pur-pose of the actuator is to move the dish todifferent satellite locations. The IRD`memorizes' the programmed satellitepositions.

Requirements for the upgradeFor the upgrade, changes have to be

made to the LNB, the feedhorn, and pos-sibly to the cable and the IF input of theIRD. A block diagram of a typical C/Ku-Band system is shown in Figure 2.

The focal point of the dish is where theC/Ku-Band feedhorn is situated (Figure3) with a C -Band LNB and a Ku -BandLNB (Figures 4 and 5). A waveguide(Figure 6) is supplied to attach certain C -Band LNBs to the feedhorn.

A separate coax cable is necessary tomake the connection to the IR for eachLNB. Some IRDs have two IF inputs, one

for C -Band and one for Ku -Band. Aninternal switch connects the correspond-ing LNB to the receiver input. If the IRDhas only one IF input, a separate coaxswitch is necessary (Figure 7). The coaxswitch is controlled by a voltage from theIRD. The terminal at which tyhis voltageappears is usually marked `C/Ku'.

Assessing the current situationTo upgrade a satellite system to Ku -

Band, take a look at how the system iscurrently installed.

Things to look for are:1. Is the C -Band LNB detachable from

the feedhorn?2. Is there a spare coax cable in the rib-

bon cable?3. Is a C/Ku switch built into the IRD?The answers to these questions will

determine what materials you will needto order and the price to quote, asdescribed below.

1. If the C -Band LNB is detachablefrom the feedhorn, it is possible to use itwith the C/Ku feedhorn. In some cases itmight be better to order a new C -BandLNB anyway, if the old one has a noisetemperature above 40 degrees Kelvin. Ifthere is a LNBF (a LNB combined witha feedhom; see Figure 8) you have noother choice but to order a C -Band LNBwith a noise temperature of 20K.

2. If there is a spare coax cable avail-

C-BANDLNB

SATELLITEDISH

ACTUATORL

COAX (IF =950-1450 MHz)

L

IRD

Figure 1. The elements of a typical C -Band satellite TV system are arranged as shown in this block diagram.

46 Electronic Servicing & Technology February '997

C-and Ku-BandLNB

SATELLITEDISH

ACTUATOR

K

COAX (IF=950-1450 MHz)0

COAX SWITCH

IRD

C/Ku CONTROLVOLTAGE

TV

Figure 2 A typical Ku -Band satellite TV reception system are connected as shown in this block diagram.

Figure 3. In a C -Band or a Ku -Band satellite TV reception system, thefocal point of the dish is at the location where the feed horn s situated.

able in the ribbon cable, you need to crimpon the F -connectors and attach it to theKu-LNB and the Ku -Input of the IRD. Insome older cable you may not find thespare coax. The question is whether toreplace the entire ribbon cable or addanother coax cable. If you add a coaxcable, do not buy the RG59 cable sold inthe hardware store . For the IF signal witha frequency range from 950MHz to 1450MHz you need RG6 cable that is soldthrough satellite -TV suppliers.

3. If the IRD has inputs for C- and Ku -Band there is no problem, just attach the

F -connector to the Ku input. In the eventthere is no Ku -input, look for a terminalmarked C/Ku. That is the control voltageoutput for a separate C/Ku-switch. On thefront panel of the IRD there should be aC/Ku-button that activates the C/Ku-con-trol voltage. Make sure you obtain a coaxswitch that matches the control voltage.Measure the voltage or consult the own-ers manual of the IRD.

Installing the Ku -Band upgradeIt is easy to install the new upgrade to

the satellite system if the job was planned

well. First you need to attach the LNBs tothe feedhom. The new feedhorn comeswith adjustable scalar rings (Figure 9).Check the present feedhorn on the satel-lite dish. If the same kind of adjustablescalar rings are on both the present feed -horn and the new feedhorn, there is noneed to replace this part.

You will find an Allen screw that holdsthe feedhom in the scalar rings. Beforeyou disassemble the feedhorn take a lookat the feed throat. You will find a scalewith numbers on it that tell you the f/D-ratio that was calculated by the installer


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Figure 4. The LNB (this is the LNB in a C -Bandsystem) amplifies the signal from the satelliteand converts it down to an IF signal.

Figure 5. The freque icy range of the IF fromthe LNB (this is an LM3 in a Ku -Band system)is from 950MHz to 1450MHz.

of the original system. To make sure thatthe present f/D-ratio is right, you shouldrecalculate it before installing the newfeedhom. Use the formula in Figure 10 tocalculate the focal length (f) of the dish.

Calculate the f/D-ratio by dividing thefocal length (f) by the diameter (D) of thesatellitte dish.

1/D -ratio =f [inch]

D [inch]

Now you are ready to assemble thefeedhom to the dish. Figure 10 shows howto set f/D ratio and Polar Axis using thetemplate that came with the feedhom. Setthe Polar Axis when the dish is pointingstraight south.

Check focal length and focal pointCheck the focal length calculated ear-

lier (Figure 11) by measuring the distancefrom the center of the dish to the front of

Figure 6. The signal is routed from the feed -horn to the LNB via a waveguide.

Figure 7. If the IR D in the system you wish toconvert from C -Band to Ku -Band has only oneIF input, a separate coax switch is necessary.

Figure 8. If the C -Band system has an LNBF(an LNB combined with a feedhom), you willhave to order a C -Band LNB with a noise tem-perature of 20K.

the feed throat. Subtract 1/4" from thismeasurement. If the measured distance isdifferent from the calculated value atfocal length, you need to adjust the focallength. Make sure you do not change thepolar axis and the f/D-ratio.

Next, check to see if the feed throat is


Figure 9. The new feedhorn that you order willcome with adjustable scalar rings.

in the center of the dish by measuring thedistance from the edge of the dish to thefeedhorn at three points around the dish.If these distances are not equal, add up allthree distances and divide the sum by 3.That is the distance to which you need toadjust the focal point.

Peaking the dishAfter you have made all of the connec-

tions to the new LNB, turn on the IRDand try to receive a Ku -Band satellite. Thereception will probably be weak. It is evenpossible that there will be no reception atall, but the C -Band should work fine. Theshorter wave length of the Ku -Bandmakes it necessary to readjust the north/south setting and the elevation of the dish.

Make these adjustments first for the C -Band. I usually have a helper who is mov-

Figure 11. Check the focal length you calculated in a previous step by measuring the distancefrom the center of the dish to the front of the feed throat.

ing the dish and watching the picture. Weuse "walkie talkies" to communicate. Amore accurate and faster way to adjust thesatellite is by using a signal meter in thecoax cable from the LNB to the IRD. Firstmove the dish to a southern satellite andadjust the elevation bolt to the maximumsignal (best picture).

Next move the dish to a satellite in theeast or west and make the north/southadjustment by moving the polar mount onthe mounting pole. Re -check the settingof the elevation at the southern satellite.After you have made these adjustments

FocalPoint

II I

I' I

eee No

f = D216d

DiameterD

FocalLength

Depthd

Figure 10. Calculate the focal length of the dish using this formula. and set the f/D ratio andpolar axis using the template that came with the feedhorn.

Figure 12. When you have completed theupgrade, the fully assembled feedhorn withboth C -Band and Ku -Band LNBs will look likethis.

on the C -Band, do the same for the Ku -Band. You will find that the reaction toadjustments on the Ku -Band is muchmore sensitive than on the C -Band.

After these mechanical adjustments tothe dish you may need to help your cus-tomer to program the Ku -Satellites intothe IRD (Figure 12).

This could be a good addition to

your businessIf you are not in the satellite TV busi-

ness, upgrading and readjusting satellitesystems is a service that could add rev-enue to your current business and lead toan expansion into system installation.

Febuary 1997 Electronic Servicing & Technology 51

VCR mechanical problemslid Philip Zorian

During a two hour movie a VCRpulls about eight hundred feet ofvideotape through its tape trans-

port mechanism; twice that amount if yourewind it. Since the rubber belts, pinchroller, and idler tire are directly involvedin the moving of this tape, their wear caus-es many of the problems about whichVCR owners complain. Most of themechanical problems are caused byworn-out rubber parts.

This article will first discuss replace-ment of rubber parts and then closely ex-amine ten of the more common problemsassociated with these parts (the belts,pinch roller, or idler tire) wearing out.

Replacing belts; don't measure themOnce you've determined that belts need

to be replaced because they are loose,slipping, worn, shiny, or broken what doyou do next? Well, in order to replace anyrubber part on any make or model, you'llneed to know the part numbers, and you'llneed a reliable distributor. Here are tworules I always follow when replacingworn belts on a VCR.

Rule 1: Don't measure the belts. Thereare two good reasons forthis: first, measurementis a real time waster, andsecond, it is not an accu-rate way of determiningthe replacement part. Inorder to be measured, abelt must first be re-moved from the unit.Since removing thebelts often requires thedismantling of the VCR, time is wastedin having to take them off in the first place,and now you've got a partially disassem-bled machine on your hands. It is mucheasier to look up the exact part numbers,call out with your quote, and then moveon to the next defective machine. (I'llexplain how easy this is in a minute.)

Trying to measure a worn-out, stretched,and possibly broken piece of rubber is not

Zorian is director of the audio/video department at theschool for international training in Brattleborough. VTand is the owner of Phil's VCR repair.

only frustrating; but it does not producean accurate measurement. It's hit-or-miss, especially since most specificationsfor belts and idler tires are given in thou-sandths of an inch (or millimeter). Eventhough some of the distributors will try toget around this by providing pictures tomatch your part up with, I would muchrather consult a source that can tell me theexact part number needed for a belt or forthe idler tire (which is even more difficultto measure accurately.)

One source of information on belts isthe 1996 PRB LINE Cross Guide fromPremium Parts+, Whitewater, WI.

Fortunately, pinch rollers are easy tomeasure accurately in a matter of min-utes. First, the roller must be removed,which is fairly simple in most VCRs.Then use an inexpensive plastic caliper(for example, part #21-1220, availablefrom MCM Electronics, Centerville, OH)to match the specifications found in thePRB catalog under "VCR Pinch Rollers".

To match specifications: (1) measurethe height of the pinch roller; (2) measureits outside diameter; (3) determine theinside diameter of the bearing by mea-

suring the width of the shaft on which thepinch roller sits. (Don't despair, it's either3mm or 4mm, and you can eyeball themafter a while.)

Since you cannot measure the insidediameter of the bearing down inside thepinch roller, you must measure what thepinch roller sits on, in other words, theshaft. Remember, the pinch roller, work-ing together with the capstan shaft, isresponsible for pulling the videotapethrough the machine at a precise speed. If

the roller is dried out, cracked, slick, orpitted. it will cause video problems.

Rule 2: You must find a reliable dis-tributor for these parts. The ideal distrib-utor will carry every belt, idler tire, andpinch roller for the most popular VCRs.

The ten most common problemsThe preceding paragraphs discuss re-

placing the rubber parts found in anyVCR. Now let's take a look at some of themore common symptoms that indicatethese parts have worn out. My list of thetop ten symptoms are as follows:

incomplete loading; eating of the tape; tape slippage; no rewind; no fast forward; squealing sounds; take-up reel won't turn; intermittent shutoff; tape -edge damage; dead unit.

Incomplete loadingWhen the problem is incomplete tape

loading, the customer will usually com-plain that the VCRjust shuts off. Re-member, all symp-toms must be verifiedin order to properlydiagnose the prob-lem. In this situation,there is an attempt toload a tape, the unitaccepts the tape andyou hear the cassette

drop into place, but then it shuts down.With the "hood up" you will see the

guideposts attempting to load the video-tape around the video drum, but they willonly get halfway before the unit shutsdown. You may also hear the loadingmotor continue to spin.

Many VCRs have small loading beltsthat will begin to slip from wear and causethis symptom. Also check the guideposttracks: if they are dry, they will need tobe cleaned and lubricated.


Guidepost problems may have led tothe slipping of the belts in the first place.If you don't lubricate the tracks, the newbelt may not last long.

Eating the tape

It's fairly common to find that a VCRhas eaten a tape. It is important to deter-mine exactly what is meant by "eaten,"since there are a few different problemsthat are described in this way. If the tapeis not drawn back into the cassette com-pletely by the supply reel when the ejectbutton is pushed, but left hanging out, itwill get crunched because the cassetteflap will close on the tape as it emergesfrom the VCR. I have found that a clearvideotape is indispensable for observingthis symptom. This problem is almostalways caused by a worn-out idler tire.

Tape slippage

Remember that the pinch roller andcapstan shaft are responsible for pullingthe videotape through the entire play-back/record mechanism. They literallygrab the tape by pinching it betweenroller and shaft. Over time, the pinch

roller will become slick and hard as theoxide coating from the videotapeadheres to its surface. As the roller ages,it loses its ability to grab the videotape.A new roller has a dull black rubber sur-face that is firm but supple.

When the pinch roller cannot pull thetape through at a precise speed, the fol-lowing symptoms will occur: ( I) the take-up reel tries to pull the tape throughinstead, but the speed is not precise andthe audio and video will intermittentlyspeed up. (It is usually quite noticeable inthe audio; you'll get a sudden "Mickey -Mouse" sound.) (2) The opposite can alsooccur; the movement of the tape will slowdown, and you will hear a low, deep, drag-ging voice. (3) If the take-up reel/idler-tire combination is unable to pull the tapethrough, the unit will usually shut down.

The solution to this problem is simplyto replace the pinch roller.

No rewindThe refusal of the VCR to rewind is one

of VCR owners most common com-plaints. The most likely cause of rewindproblems is a worn idler tire. During

rewind the idler shifts over to the left andengages the tire against the supply reel.But if the tire is too badly worn, it isunable to create enough torque and therewind is either weak or non-existent.

If a VCR can't rewind at all, the unitwill typically shut down. This can alsoshow up as either a weak fast forward orthe loss of fast forward, since this modecauses the same idler to shift to the rightin order to engage with the take-up reel.

Squealing sounds

When a customer complains aboutsquealing sounds, the squealing is mostlikely being caused by slipping belts. Thisis usually the first symptom before theVCR begins to display more serious prob-lems. If I hear squealing sounds, I willusually assume one or all of the belts needto be replaced, but the squealing soundsare typically caused by loading belts.

Since the loading motor spins sudden-ly and at a high rate, slippage is a com-mon problem with these belts. You shouldcheck the belts by looking for a shiny sur-face where the belt meets the pulley. Also,try turning one pulley while holding onto

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Test YourElectronicsKnowledgeAnswers to the quiz(from page 45)

1. B - In some circuits noise is animportant factor. Carbon compositionresistors are noisier.

2. Application Specific IntegratedCircuit. It is a custom-made integratedcircuit and may contain both linear anddigital circuits. This type of IC isdesigned on a computer.

3. It is a non-volatile memory that canbe quickly erased.

4. Slewing rate. This is an importantop amp rating.

5.252. Resistor R1 "sees" a resistanceof 211 looking into the source of power.In other words, it believes it is con-nected to a battery with an internalresistance of 2052.

6. Frequency shift keying. One fre-quency is used for dots and dashes.Another frequency is used for spaces.

7. The wideband amplifier. Noiseincreases with an increase in band-width.

8. C. ON and OFF voltages in theform of pulses are unlawful on tele-phone lines.

9. C. A varistor is a Voltage VariableResistor. It has a high resistance at lowvoltages and a low resistance at highvoltages. The high kickback voltageslower the resistance across the coil.That effectively shorts the coil duringkickback.

10. B. Stress is the force that deformsthe strip. Strain is the deformity pro-duced by the stress.

the other connected to the same belt: ifyou are able to turn the pulley easily, thenthe belt is slipping. A new belt that is tightwill make it difficult to turn one pulley ifyou are holding the other. Squealingsounds described by a customer can alsobe caused by a dry capstan shaft or motorshaft that simply needs lubrication.

Take-up reel won't turnFailure of the take-up reel to turn in a

VCR will usually result in automatic shut-down. When this type of shutdown oc-curs, the complaint from the customerwill usually be that the VCR quit work-ing. But during observation with the hoodup, you will notice the movement of thetake-up reel is weak or that it is not turn-ing at all, causing tape spillage just afterthe pinch roller. This is almost always dueto a worn idler tire.

Once the pinch roller is finished withthe tape, the take-up reel pulls the video-tape safely back into the cassette. If thetake-up reel is unable to turn, the sensorswill cause the VCR to shut down in orderto avoid damage to the tape or the VCRdue to the internal tape spillage.

In newer model VCRs, the idler tire hasbeen replaced with a gear. In these newermodels, unless some of the teeth on thegear are missing, when there's a shut-down problem, you can rule out the pos-sibility that it was caused by failure of thetakeup function. However, most VCRsstill use an idler tire. These tires becomeslick, dried, and cracked along the outersurface and must be replaced.

Intermittent shutoffIntermittent shutoff can be caused by

many things, some of which are beyondthe scope of this article. But, since it is anintermittent problem, you should consid-er the belts, idler tire, and pinch roller tobe suspect. One approach is to replacethese parts and then bench test the unit forthree hours. This should solve the prob-lem in most cases, especially if youobserve any of these parts to be worn out.

Tape -edge damage

Tape -edge damage can be observed byopening the flap of the videocassette andnoticing a curling on either the lower orupper edge of the tape. A brand new tapewill appear perfectly flat and shiny.

Sending a tape with edge damagethrough the VCR will wreak havoc on thevideo, causing all kind of symptoms: pic-ture roll, jitter, poor tracking, bending,etc. This segment will focus only on dam-age to the edge of the tape, but keep inmind that a videotape can be damagedanywhere along its surface.

The only rubber part that can causetape -edge damage is the pinch roller.There are other, non -rubber, parts that cancause this problem, but an old and dam-aged pinch roller is my first suspicionwhen I see tape -edge damage.

When the roller gets so old that it is nolonger perfectly flat, it applies an unevenpressure when it presses the videotape upagainst the perfectly flat capstan shaft.With the hood up you can easily verifyexactly where the damage is occurring.

Using a tape that has no damage, run itthrough the unit in play mode for five sec-onds, and then hit pause. Using a tinybrush and white paint, put a mark on theinside non-playing surface of the tapewherever the tape contacts a part in thetape transport, then remove the videotapefrom the unit. The damage will alwaysoccur at some point along the path, andyour mark will indicate which part is toblame. Always check to see if tape -edgedamage is the cause of video problems.

Dead VCR

There are times when a belt will eitherbreak from age or simply jump off the pul-ley. The symptoms that result are toonumerous to list and would depend on thebelt and the particular machine. But a beltfalling off its pulley and getting caught upin the gears will almost always result in ablown fuse as the unit struggles to over-come the obstacle by drawing more pow-er. When the fuse blows, the customerwill complain that the unit seems dead.

Conclusion

In this article I have covered the replac-ing of the rubber parts found on VCRs,and the ten most common problems re-sulting from worn-out parts. This infor-mation should equip you to deal withmost problems reported by VCR owners.However, I cannot emphasize enough theimportance of verifying the symptomsthat customers complain about with yourown eyes and ears.


--/W-COMPUTER CORNER

Computer monitor servicingBy Brian Phelps

s are now owned byapproximately 40% ofU.S. households. This pen-

etration of PCs in homes is estimated toincrease to 55% to 60% by the year 2000.More important, more than one-third ofhome PCs are now multimedia equipped,meaning they have a 2X or faster CD-ROM drive and a sound card. Consumersare buying faster, more capable systemswith improved and larger monitors ascomputers become a larger part of oureveryday life (Figure 1).

What does this mean for the serviceindustry? The EIA (Electronic IndustriesAssociation) says that we can expect themultimedia market, like the VCR andmusic CD markets before, to rapidly ex-pand now that approximately 15% ofhouseholds own the technology. This willresult in more R & D dollars dedicated tothe market which will raise the level ofperformance. The increased demand willcause an acceleration of consumer elec-tronic and computer technology conver-gence. This will increase consumerawareness and expectations will contin-ue to rise, as servicers prepare for the newwave of electronics technology.

Large monitorsUntil now, 14 and 15 inch monitors

have been the standard with businessesand the consumer. Purchasing systemswith larger monitors dramatically in-creases the cost. Back in 1993, for exam-ple, a 17 inch monitor cost between$1,000 and $1,500. Today, you can pur-chase a 17 -inch plug/play for about $750.

So what's the advantage? Besides morescreen area (approximately 45 to 60 per-cent), 17 inch monitors offer higher res-olution. VGA on a 14 -inch monitor isgood and SVGA is satisfactory. Seven-teen inch models run well at SVGA and1024 x 768 resolution, but 14 -inch mon-

Phelps is Marketing Manager for Sencore.

CI') 10'10

Cl) 8O.c

6

4

2

0 1986 '87 `88 `89 `90 '91Year

'92 `93 '94 1995

Figure 1. Last year was the first year in whichthan dollar sales of televisions.

itors at 1024 x 768 display the informa-tion too small. Running at higher resolu-tions, the 17 -inch monitor lets you dis-play more information on the screen, not

80

17')

= 60

40toE

= 20

01995

dollar sales of personal computers were higher

to mention the benefit of larger size tothose with poor eyesight.

The number of 17 -inch monitors beingshipped is increasing, too. Ask any CAD/

1 1

1996 1997 1998Year

1 1 1

1999 2000 2001

Figure 2. By the year 2001, the high -resolution segment will be 21% of the total monitor market.


CAM user where it's a requirement tohave a larger screen area. Those involvedwith desktop publishing work with pagelayouts and high resolution graphics of1280 x 1024 and beyond. Even more so,the advances in animation, mapping, andscientific visualization -designing DNAmodels are other examples. As these hi -tech professions rapidly expand, so willthe need for high resolution monitors andtheir applications.

Servicing those computer monitorsBy now, many servicers are taking ad-

vantage of one of the biggest servicingbooms to surface in years: computer mon-itor service. As home computer use be-comes more common and businesses up-date to faster, more capable computers,the need for monitor service is growingat an accelerated rate.

Within this service market, the highresolution segment will be the fastestgrowing in the computer monitor marketfor the next five years, according to Stan-ford Resources (a market research firm).The high resolution segment in 1995made up 9.4% of the total. Stanford Re-sources projects this segment will grow

to 21% of the total market share by theyear 2001 (Figure 2).

What is the driving force behind thisgrowth? A number of factors contribute.First, Windows and Internet software ap-plications lend themselves to having mul-tiple windows displayed simultaneously.Viewability can become difficult on mon-itors smaller than 15". Second, multime-dia applications push the need for highresolution displays. Viewing high -reso-lution photos and graphics and watchingfull motion video just doesn't have thesame effect on a 14" VGA monitor as itdoes on a 17" or 21" 1280 x 1024 display.

Convergence of computers andtelevision

The movement toward high resolutiondisplays will continue as computer andconsumer electronics manufacturerspush for the consolidation of the com-puter and the television. Several manu-facturers have already introduced prod-ucts that combine a computer, digitalvideo disc or VCR, and a television re-ceiver. These systems use a 31" superVGA computer monitor for display.

All of this confirms excellent opportu-

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R413075

R41315600

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An RCA CTC 175 color TV wasbrought into the shop. The set was com-pletely dead. I first checked for "raw"B+, which was O.K., 150V. I then start-ed checking standby voltage sources.Decided to check the 5V positive sourcefirst, as most Microprocessors and logiccircuits will use +5V. The +5V wasmissing. I then went to Q4106, the +5Vregulator. It is a small surface mounted

device. As I started to check it, I foundthat the collector lead was not solderedto the circuit board. There was no indi-cation that it ever had been soldered.There was indications of oxide build-upon the lead and PCB pad. I used a smallexacto knife and carefully scraped thecollector lead and PCB and resolderedit. After doing this, normal operation ofthe set was restored.

nities for computer monitor service centersand depots. High -end computer monitorrepair can be the most profitable segmentof your monitor repair business. First, highresolution monitors do not fall into the"throwaway" or "replace" category whenthey fail. Users who spend $800 on a 17"monitor or over $1,500 on a 21" monitorprobably will not junk the product and buynew when a failure occurs. Also, users ofhigh -resolution computer monitors tend tobe business and professional people suchas engineers, graphics artists, medical pro-

fessionals, and architects. When a monitorfails, these users can afford to pay the price

to get it fixed.

The challenge

High resolution computer monitor re-pair comes with several challenges. Highresolution computer monitors usuallylock to multiple video formats, so theycontain elaborate multisync and powersupply regulation circuits. High resolu-tion monitors may also have video band-widths over 200MHz requiring extra carein frequency response and resolution test-ing and alignment.

High -resolution computer monitorsalso require precise color alignments.Medical doctors need the confidence toknow the color of the image they'restudying on a 21" monitor is correct be-fore they decide to pick up a scalpel. Highresolution computer monitors also haveextensive alignment procedures. The ser-vice technician needs to perform thesealignments to ensure that the monitordelivers the highest performance possi-ble for maximum customer satisfactionand reduced callbacks.

So whether you're looking at gettingstarted in computer monitors or planningto expand into the high -resolution arena,you need to be sure to check out the solu-tions available to help you service them -especially the test instruments. Recentlyintroduced products are now providingsolutions for video generation, coloralignments, and troubleshooting process-es. Check with your test instrument sup-pliers and see what they have available tohelp you cut your servicing time and addto your profits.


-/l/li-PRODUCTS_

Analog scope

DC to 200MHz bandwidth, 2mV/div.sensitivity and Save/Recall for 32 panelsettings are available with the 3 -CH,Model SS -7821 analog oscilloscope fromlwatsu America.

This eight -trace, multi -feature preci-sion instrument has a wide range of appli-cations including telecommunications,TV, broadcast and general industrial use.It incorporates high speed automaticsetup, full TV triggering with field andline selection, a fast sweep to 2ns/div, anda 5 -digit frequency counter with ±0.01%accuracy. Channel 3 input is switchablein three stages with sensitivities of 50mV,100m V, and 500m V/div. making it usefulfor such applications as ECL, TTL, and24V systems.


PC programmable RGB generatorsTwo new RGB generators from Leader

are designed to meet the needs of produc-tion, QC and service applications in thatboth feature compact size and stand-alone operation from pre-programmedROMs, yet both can be fully programmedby the user through the use of a personalcomputer using an interface and softwaresupplied by the manufacturer.

The LT1611 provides RGB analog out-puts and maximum dot -clock frequencyto 150MHz. The LT1610 outputs both

analog RGB and 8 -bit parallel digitalRGB for direct drive of flat panel dis-plays. Clock frequency ranges to 150 -MHz for analog outputs and 120MHz fordigital feeds.

Independent operation from ROMrequires only address selection from sim-ple front panels controls and a remotecontroller is available for this purpose. PCcontrol covers all aspects of raster archi-tecture, output conditions including syncchoices and pattern selection and design.Control functions are presented in thefamiliar "Windows" format with simplepoint -and -click selection of key parame-ters and conditions and the ability todownload images greatly enhances thechoice of test pictures.


TV repair videotapeAn instructional video from Electronix

covers the common failures with the CTC170/190 (RCA/GE) series TV chassisfound in many brands. The chassis fre-quently fails, causing the picture to shrinkvertically, and the tuner to become inop-erative (snow/static). In more advancedstages, the TV will fail completely. Thisvideo gives a hands-on presentation of theprocedures required to correct the prob-lems, including the proper tuner -shieldgrounding rework, and EPROM replace-ment. Statistics indicate that approxi-mately 40% of TVs, brought into the ser-vice center for repair, require the repairprocedures presented.


Low-cost testers

Wavetek introduces a new line of mul-timeters and multitesters - the AM8, DM7and DM9. These three new compact, yetrugged meters are useful for basic elec-tronic and electrical troubleshooting, testand measurement. Measurement capabil-ities include ac, dc, resistance and special1.5V and 9V battery testing. All meterscome standard with safety test leads andprotective holsters.

The AM8, with an analog readout is thesmallest and lowest cost of the threemeters. It is useful for appliance repairand lighting tests around the house andshop. The DM7 is an all -trade, general

purpose digital readout meter with mea-suring functions that include ac/dc to600V, four resistance ranges and diodetest. The DM9 is a high performance,autoranging meter useful for field serviceand lop -of -the -line testing. Features ofthe DM9 include a higher resolution 4000count digital display, ac/dc measurementto 600V, diode test and continuity.


Contact cleaner

Chemtronics introduces their new, im-proved Pow -R -Wash Contact Cleaner,the nonflammable, plastic safe solventthat safely cleans energized contacts andother electrical devices. This low odorformulation dries fast and leaves no resi-due, without the use of CFCs or VOCs(contains HCFCs).

This contact cleaner, formulated withHFEs from 3M, has all of the features ofthe original but with enhanced cleaningpower to remove oily carbon, dirt, greaseand other encrusted soils from contact sur-faces. It has a low surface tension for flush-ing tight tolerance areas clean, and it ishighly effective for all electronic and elec-tro-mechanical contact maintenanceincluding plastic embedded telephoneswitches, metal to metal contacts, electri-cal switches, breakers, relays, potentiom-eters, connectors, generators and motors.



What Do You Know About Electronics?

ASICS, glitches and curve tracersBy Sam Wilson

Sam Wilson is currently busy with otherurgent projects, and was therefore unableto prepare What Do You Know AboutElectronics/Test Your Electronics Knowl-edge for this issue. This is a reprise of arti-cles that appeared in a previous issue.

/s your mind boggleable? Read on. Inthe last issue I discussed ASICS(Application Specific Integrated Cir-

cuits). By way of introducing the subjectI noted that the designer, picking from alibrary of standard cells, can put togethera single integrated circuit that has a mix-ture of both digital and analog circuits intoa complete system. The design process isdone completely on a computer.

Now consider a single integrated cir-cuit-an ASIC-with 200,000 gates anda clock speed of 100MHz.

These IC's are so fast that the time ittakes a signal to move along a conductorbetween IC's is an important factor inslowing down the system.

Well, if that doesn't boggle your mindit is just possible that you have a mind thatisn't boggleable.

Can you catch a glitch?The rise time of a pulse represents a rap-

id change from a low voltage to a highvoltage. Complicated math can be used toshow that an amplifier must have a widebandwidth to be able to amplify a pulsewith a short rise time.

A glitch is an undesired, short -durationpulse with a very rapid rise time. It can

Wilson is the electronics theory consultant for ES&T.

cause problems in a logic system by false-ly triggering circuits before their time.

Suppose there are glitches on a clockpulse as shown in Figure 1. Could youroscilloscope catch them? In other words,could your oscilloscope display them?One way to find out is to put together asimple circuit that produces a glitch. Useit to test your scope.

Figure 2 shows a simple circuit that youcan use for producing a glitch. Withoutthe inverter the output of the AND gateshould always be logic 0. Read that OV.

The timing diagram in Figure 3 showshow the glitch is made for evaluating yourscope. The propagation delay of the in-verter causes the input pulses at terminalB to arrive a short time later than the puls-es at A. (The propagation delay and widthof the glitch are greatly exaggerated forthe purpose of illustration).

There are very short intervals of timewhen both inputs to the AND gate are atlogic 1. Every time that occurs there is ashort -duration glitch. Glitches in logiccircuits are often produced accidentallyby the kind of timing problem that occursin the circuit of Figure 2.

Use an oscilloscope with a bandwidthrating of at least 20MHz. Look at the out-put signal on the CRT. Use the compo-nents called out in Figure 2. The powersupply voltage should be 5V. At that volt-age the CMOS inverter has a propagationdelay of about 5Ons. If your scope can'tcatch a glitch that short, add two moreinverters in series and check again. Thetwo additional inverters add about 100nsto the delay time. Continue to add pairs

CiLITCHES

of inverters until you can see the glitch.That will give you an estimate of the capa-bility of your oscilloscope for catchingshort -duration glitches.

Repeat the experiment, but use yourlogic probe in place of the oscilloscope.Don't be surprised if the logic probe canout perform the scope!

A very important jump-startprocedure

Kenneth Hubert of Flushing, NY sayshe has seen many voltage regulatorsruined by jump-starting a car with thealternator running. He points out that youcan avoid unnecessary expense by fol-lowing this procedure:

1. After the cables are connected, runyour Hypolux for approximately 10 min-utes to charge the dead battery in thestranded motorist's car.

2. Shut off your Hypolux and tell thestranded motorist to start the car.

3. If the stranded motorist can't startright away, disconnect the cables beforeyour battery is ruined.

4. Advise the stranded motorist to calla tow truck.

I know a lot of space has been used forexplaining jump-starting, but, if we aregoing to jump-start America we had bet-ter first get this procedure down right.

The "Toss -it" syndromeAccording to the people who know

about such things, the World has a limit-ed amount of energy. If we keep wastingit the way we have been we are going torun out. Give that some thought.

INPUT SIGNALI. (OUTPUT)

Figure 1. Is your oscilloscope fast enough to display glitches like this? Figure 2. You can fabricate this simple circuit to create glitches to use inevaluating your osc,Iloscope


A -B

1.

Figure 3. This timing diagram illustrates howthe glitch is created.

An article "Service Costs More butRepairs Cost Less," by Charles Varble Jr.,appeared in the St. Louis TESA News.Here is an excerpt from that article:

Electronic service is suffering becausemany people no longer have their TVs,VCRs and stereos repaired. This appearsto be even more prevalent in the youngerage group of twenty-five to forty. Whena unit malfunctions they scan the ads andcheck the specifications and features anddetermine what functions they can obtainby purchasing a new unit instead of re-pairing the old unit. People find that theycan have remote control, cable ready, stopaction, slow motion, picture in pictureand many other new features in a brandnew product. Many times they do noteven bother to get an estimate on therepair of the old unit, but plunge into thepurchase of a new unit and frequently putit on a credit card or add it to an existingtime payment account. They find it easyto justify the purchase because they willhave more capabilities and with slightlygrater cost in their monthly payments.

It is obvious to me from this article thatinstead of making great strides in savingenergy, we seem to be headed in the oppo-site direction.

Now, think about the amount of ener-gy used in replacing a resistor, or, inte-grated circuit. If we are really running outof energy-as they say-why isn't theremore interest in getting things fixedinstead of tossing them out and buyingnew ones? Also, why is this plannedobsolescence permitted every year?

I a$ked $everal people and everyoneI've $poken to tell$ me I $hould be ableto figure it out my$elf. (?)

Do you remember?When CD only meant Civil Defense?

There were no compact discs.When UPS was only an abbreviation

for the United Parcel Service? There wereno Uninterupptable Power Supplies.

0

TO

S:OPEVEa ICAL

TO

SCOPEHORIZONTAL

'OK

POWERDIODES

ZENERSIGNAL

DIODES

I-1-7 DIODEV UNDERT- TESTJ

Figure 4. You can use this circuit to display the characteristic voltage vs current curve of a PNjunction on your oscilloscope.

When standard cells were only labora-tory voltage standards? There were noapplication specific ICs.

When PC always meant Printed Cir-cuits? There were no personal computers.

Of course, I only know those olderterms from the history books I have read.

The inverted diode cu weI'm sure that every ES&T reader has

seen the circuit in Figure 4. It is used todisplay the characteristic voltage vs. cur-rent curve of a diode (or any PN junction)on an oscilloscope screen. It is also usedfor evaluating diodes.

Figure 5 shows a typical display usinga good diode with the circuit. The prob-lem is that the display is upside-downfrom the way it is usually shown in man-uals. Compare the curves in Figure 5(a)and Figure 5 (b).

There is a cadre of ES&T technicians/readers known for their ability to rise toan occasion. You know, those who standup to be counted, etc. I know of these tech-nicians/readers because they send lettersand they respond to challenges.

So, here is real challenge: modify thecurve tracer so that the characteristiccurves are shown right -side up.

Don't give me the bit about turning thescope upside-down to invert the curve.I'm already doing that.

Out of defeatLet me tell you about a politician who: lost his job in '32 was defeated when he ran for legisla-ture in '32

ZENERCURRENT

a Vb

ZENER CHARACTERISTICCURVE WITH

CURVE TRACER

A

FORWARDCURRENT

Figure 5a. A good diode or other PN junctionwill cisplay a characteristic curve of thisgeneral shape when connected into the circuitof Figure 4.

b clCURVE SHOULD LOOK

LIKE THIS

a

Figure 5b. The PN junction characteristiccurve shown in Figure 5a is usually shown inthis orientation in textbooks.

failed in business in '33 had a nervous breakdown in '36 was defeated for nomination for con-gress in '43 was rejected for the job of land offi-cer in '49 was defeated for senate in '54 was defeated for vice presidentialnomination in '56 was defeated for senate in '58 and wasstill elected President of the UnitedStates in the year 1860.

That politician was Abraham Lincoln.


-/V1P-f\JEWS (from page 411VV1

product, while 50 percent said they wouldbrowse the Internet or play video games.When asked where they would purchasea TV/PC, 56 percent indicated a elec-tronic supertsore such as Best Buy orCircuit City, while 18 percent said theywould buy at a computer store.

Conference programSpring CES will offer a comprehensive

program of conference sessions to edu-cate the retailers, buyers, importers/ex-porters, and analysts in attendance.Among the topics to be covered are:

New Profit Opportunities: Home Sys-tems Enters Retail How to Profit from SoHo Products DVD: A Product Worth the Wait Selling DBS Services and DBS Pro-gramming Home Theater Meets the Internet Selling Telecommunications = LowCosts + Profit Potential

TV/PC or Web TV: Will There be aWinner?

I Want my HDTV Retailer & Supplier: Partnering Op-portunities for Increased ROI Merchandising Convergent Products The Internet: Friend or Foe? Media Migration and the Retailer.

Indiana Electronic ServiceAssociation merges with ETA

Members of the Indiana Electronic Ser-vice Association, IESA, have ratified anaction of the annual membership meetingattendees in April of 1996, bringing the36 year old association under the wing ofthe Electronics Technicians Association.International, Inc.

IESA has been the spokesman for inde-pendent electronic service businesses andtechnicians in Indiana since 1960. Origi-nally organized as a business league rep-resenting primarily television and radioservice shops, the association later ex-panded its membership to include busi-nesses which provided repair and instal-lation for other segments of the electron-ics industry. These include communica-tions, antennas, Master Antenna TV dis-tribution systems, computers, VCR andaudio, public address, building pre -wir-ing. satellite receive systems for busi-

nesses and homes, and others.With changes in the industry, the In-

diana association decided to merge withETA. By so doing, both associations arestronger. IESA and ETA had been pro-ducing regional seminars and other asso-ciation services jointly for techniciansand dealers for many years.

Dick Glass, President of both the Elec-tronics Technicians Association, Interna-tional and the national Satellite DealersAssociation, is the manager of the IESAdivision of ETA. ETA operates offices at602 N Jackson in Greencastle, IN.

ETA was formed in 1978 as an IndianaCorporation with purposes of providinginformation exchange, certification oftechnicians, and education and trainingopportunities for those engaged in elec-tronics. ETA is one of only seven

COLEMs (Commercial Operators Li-cense Examination Manager) for the Fed-eral Communications Commission. Test-ing is provided through over 400 tech-nical colleges, both public and private,and through U.S. Armed Forces educa-tion offices around the world.

Glass said that the IESA will retain itsstructure with its 10 state officers pluscounty representatives. Mr. FrankBrattain, a master CET from CambridgeCity IN, and a computer -electronicsinstructor at Ivy Tech State College inRichmond, IN, is the 1996-97 state pres-ident. The address for IESA is the sameas that of ETA and SDA: IESA, 602 NJackson, Greencastle, IN 46136, phone:317-653-4301, e-mail: eta@ indy.tdsnet.com, http://www2.fwi.com/-n9pdt/eta.html.

VI/' -BOOKSCrash Course in Electronics

Technology, Second Edition, By LouisFrenzel, 336 pages, paperback$29.95

Crash Course in Electronics Technol-ogy teaches the basics of electronics, com-ponents, and circuits in an easy -to -under-stand format. Each chapter includeslearning objectives, clear explanationsand examples, and an end -of -chapter self -quiz. The drill -and -review softwareincluded with the book allows the learn-ers to test themselves on the contents ofeach chapter. A final chapter teaches thebasics of troubleshooting circuits.

Butterworth Heinemann. 313 Washington Street.Newton. MA 02158

Simplified Design of IC Amplifiers,By John D. Lenk, Butterworth Heine-mann, 240 pages, paperback $29.95

No matter what your skill level, thisbook shows you how to design and exper-iment with IC amplifiers. For experi-menters, students, and serious hobbyists,this book provides sufficient informationto allow a reader to design and build ICamplifier circuits from "scratch." Forworking engineers who design amplifiercircuits or select IC amplifiers, the bookprovides a variety of circuit configura-tions to make designing easier.

Butterworth Heinemann. 313 Washington StreetNewton. WI (12158

Engineers Relay Handbook, Nation-al Association of Relay Manufacturers(NARM), 395 pages, Single copy$66.00

A revised edition of the EngineersRelay Handbook has been published bythe National Association of Relay Man-ufacturers (NARM), an affiliate of theComponents Group of the Electronic In-dustries Association (EIA). This 5th edi-tion has been completely updated to re-flect the latest relay technology andexpanded to consider present day issues.The 17 chapter handbook covers:

common uses of relays principles of eletromechanical relay

operations application circuits testing procedures and government,

commercial, and international standardsand specifications

relay quality assurance and control aswell as reliability

relay types, including reed, mercurywetted and solid state

Single copies are available for $66within the United States and $72 for over-seas customers. Discounts are availableas follows: 1-5 copies, $60.00 each; 6-19copies, $55.00 each; and 20 copies ormore, $50.00 each. International pricesare an additional $12.00 per copy.

Electronic Industires Association, 2500 Wilson Boulevard.Arlington, VA 22201-3834


Classified advertising is available by the word or per column inch.By -the word. $1.65 per word, per insertion, pre -paid Minimum charge is $35 per insertion. Initials and abbreviations count as full words. Indicate free category heading(For Sale, Business Opportunities, Miscellaneous, Wanted). Blind ads (replies sent to ES&T for forwarding) are $40 additional. No agency discounts are allowed for clas-sified advertising by the word. Contact Kirstie Wickham at 516-681-2922 to place your classified ad (by -the -word). Mastercard, VISA, American Express and Discoverare accepted for FAX or mail orders.Per column Inch (classified Display): $235 per column inch, per insertion, with frequency discoun:s available, 1" minimum. billed at 1/4" increments after that 10" max-imum per ad. Blind ads are $40 addition. Reader Service Number $25 additional to cover processing and handling costs. (Free to 4 -inch or largerads.) For more infor-mation regarding classified display advertising please call 516-681-2922. Optional color (determined by magazine) $150 additional per insertion.

Send your order, materials and payments to:Electronic Servicing & Technology, 76 N. Broadway, Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Attn: Classified Department Ph: 516-681-2922 FAX: 516-681-2926

FOR SALE

Electronic Service Tips: QUALITY not QUANTITY. Over 7,600 RealWorld tips and case histories from our Service dept & others. TV, VCR,Audio, Camcorder, Computer Monitor, Microwave Oven, & Misc. Sortedalphabetically by model or chassis, and symptom. NEW Paper version 7.0$39.95 includes shipping in USA. KDTV 812-926-4321.514 3rd St., AuroraIN 47001. Fax 812-926-1014. MCNisa/Amex/Discover. Upgrade $29.

TEST EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: Quality reconditioned Tektronix, HP,Boonton, Fluke, Wavetek, etc. Call AST Global Marketing, 11365Airport Road, Meadville, PA 16335. Ph 814-336-2138. Fax 814-337-7920. E-mail [email protected].

CRT ADAPTER KIT - Hooks your CRT tester to ALL picture tubes. Winthe "socket war". Obsolete proof! $59.00. DANDY 2323 Gibson,Muskogee, OK 74403. 918-682-4286.

IN -CIRCUIT CAPACITOR ESR CHECKER - Find bad caps FAST andRELIABLY with the new Capacitor Wizard in -circuit ESR Tester! Greatfor monitors, switching power supplies, TVs, etc. Only $179.95.MCNISA Independence Electronics Inc., 800-833-1094.

CABLE DESCRAMBLER! Build with 7 Radio Shack parts. Plans +Bonus $5: RODCO, BOX 270786, Corpus Christi, TX 78427.

TV CASE HISTORIES: Booklet with 2,825+ histories. Satisfactionassured. Only $56 (plus $3.00 for priority mail). Mike's Repair Service,P.O. Box 217, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005. Same mailingaddress 33 years. Send SASE for samples. 410 -272 -4984,1 -800 -2 -FIXTVS 11 am-9pm. (or at http://www.netgsi.com/-mikesrs).

TEST EQUIPMENT BOUGHT & SOLD: OSCILLOSCOPES, ETC.510-706-0177. FAX: 510-706-0156.

SERVICE DATA & HARD TO FIND PARTS previously -owned SAMs.manufacturers data, books, FREE catalog. AG Tannenbaum, Box 386,Ambler, PA 19002, 215- 540-8055, fax 215- 540-8327.

OUT OF BUSINESS SALE: TV VCR Repair Shop. Everything must go.Priced at more than 50% off cost. Parts, Equipment, SAMs, and brandspecific manuals. Super deals, guaranteed. Pro Tech, PO Box 4076,Butte, MT 59702. Phone 406-723-8922, fax 406-723-4411.

SENCORE, TEKTRONICS, HEWLETT PACKARD (all models). WeBUY, SELL, & TRADE . Please call "CHOICE ELECTRONICS" for allof your test equipment needs. Complete financing options available.Call 1-800-609-0677, ask for Lance Tople.

NAP Tuner 340309 1001/.2/.3. Have a problem with a snowy picture?Will repair for $25.00. Tip Top TV & VCR, 18441 Sherman Way,Reseda, CA 91335, 818-345-1974.

FURTHER PRICE REDUCTION. Diehl Mark III $49, Diehl Mark VHorizontal circuit tester $169. New. Conductive coating for remote con-trol keypads $9.99 ppd. WEEC, 2411 Nob Hill Road, Madison, WI 53713.608-238-4629, 608-273-8585.

FOR SALE

***FREE DEMO "'TECHNICAL REPAIRS*** THOUSANDS & THOU-SANDS of VALUABLE REPAIRS for TVs, VCRs, Projection TVs,Camcorders, CD Players, Audio & other electronics organized in anEASY to use Computer Program - The TECHNICAL TIP REPAIRProgram. PROFESSIONAL BOARD LEVEL & COMPONENT LEVELREPAIRS. ADD your own tips. PRINT tips. BACKUP & save your owntips. Have your own tips? Ask aoout our T I P EXCHANGE policy with'FREE Updates". Works on IBM compatible computers with ahard drive (Also on some Apple Macintosh). ONLY $150.00"FREE SHIPPING". NEW VERSION works in DOS, WINDOWS 3.1& WINDOWS 95. ***FREE DEMO"*. HIGHER INTELLIGENCESOFTWARE 60 FARMINGTON LANE, MELVILLE, NY 11747.

CALL 1-800-215-5081/1-516-643-7740

8021,034 SERVICE TIPS!"THE MOST PREFERRED CONSUMERELECTRONICS COMPUTERIZED TECHNICAL TIPS DATABASE INUSE TODAY covering over 117 Manufacturer/Brands all in one easyto use program. SERVICE TIPS includes ACTUAL TECHNICIANSFINDINGS on Camcorders. Color & Projection TV's, Computer Monitors,VCRs & most other Consumer Electronic Equipment. SERVICE TIPSIS THE ONLY PROGRAM THAT IS SUPPORTED BY ITS CREATORSAND CUSTOMERS & APPROVED "by NESDA (the NationalElectronics Service Dealers Association). SERVICE TIPS is used,approved and endorsed by members of Electronics AssociationsNationwide. Stay ahead of your competition. With SERVICE TIPS, youcan use the knowledge of other servicers. Find out what the creators ofthis program and thousands of other technicians worldwide have dis-covered - SERVICE TIPS IS THE MOST VALUABLE PIECE OFEQUIPMENT YOU CAN OWN TODAY! DON'T WAIT! CALL USTODAY at 1-800-621-6477 and order SERVICE TIPS with 21,034technical SERVICE TIPS for just $169.95 + s&h. We accept all majorcredit cards. ELECTRONIC SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS INC826 So. Main Street, So. Farmingdale, NY 11735 or e-mail us [email protected] or visit our Website at www.pb.net/vcrtips ran approvalby NESDA recognizes the usefulness and reliability of a product orservice and stability of the company.)

(( 32,000 REPAIR TECH -TIPS )) TEST our FULL DATABASE of repairsin CD -FORMAT, DOS or WINDOWS for ONE WEEK in YOUR SERVICECENTER for $20.00. If satisfied. you may join our membership for an addi-tional $330.00. Over 2,300 members World -Wide and growing. Ourmembership price has been the same for the past six years and will remainthe same in the future. "FREE" 48 Page Member Magazine "THE TIPINFORMER". "FREE" Emergency Tech -Assist Telephone Line, "FREE"FCC -ID Cross -Reference Manual. "FREE" Service Center Forms,Semiannual updates of 2,000 new repairs. Paper Manuals or Computer,CD, DOS or True Windows in which you may enter your own repairs,edit or tag any report or press one key and printout selected or all repairson a particular Model or Chassis. "GET TO THE BOTTOM LINE PROF-ITABLY" CALL and speak to a Service Center Owner and Technician EDErikson. NESDA MEMBER and past president of the (PROFESSIONALELECTRONICS ASSN. OF SOUTH FLORIDA). You and your techni-cians will be glad you did! Remember, labor is your largest expense. 800-474-3588 or 954-349-2455, TV -Man Tech -Tips, Inc. 2082 Augusta,Weston, Florida 33326.


AIM -CLASSIFIED /ivFOR SALE

Sencore CVA94 $1900.00, VC93 $1700.00, TVA92 $1100.00. TentelGauges - Spindle, Torque and Tension set $750.00. Accept Visa, MC,Discover, 303-337-8378.

P.R.B. Product Sale all Belts, tires, Tech. -Aides, Chip quickremoval products, 0 -tips - Chemicals - 20% off. All Pre -paid ordersover $30.00 using Visa, Master, Discover Card gets Free Shipping.White's Electronic Distribution - Orders 1-800-404-7634, Fax (24hr) 1-914-340-1358, inquiries 1-914-340-1402. Mention this ad and getanother 5% off.

Steps to Troubleshooting Electronic Problems In Circuits, send$25.00. Steps to Setting Up Your Own TV Repair Store, send $100.00.Certified checks or money orders only. Contact Arnold Burns, 425 East51st Street, Brooklyn, NY 11203.

Copier Repair: All aspects of troubleshooting theory & operation, dis-assembly, common & uncommon problems, how to use diagnostics,training, etc., are covered in this new book from INTRAVIA'S SERVICEGUIDES, the leader in office machine repair publications since 1986.130 pages. $45.00 plus freight. Technical help also available. KnightBusiness Systems Ltd., 266 Middle Island Road, Building 2-13,Medford, NY 11763. Phone 516-736-4440, Fax 516-736-4228 or fax WANTED: USED TEST EQUIPMENT. AST Global Marketing. Ph 814 -toll free 800-333-5642.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

OUT OF BUSINESS SALE: TV VCR Repair Shop. Everything must go.Priced at more than 50% off cost. Parts, Equipment, SAMs, and brandspecific manuals. Super deals, guaranteed. Pro Tech, PO Box 4076,Butte, MT 59702. Phone 406-723-8922, fax 406-723-4411.

HELP WANTED

Looking for an Experienced TV Tech to work in a very busy serviceshop in a Denver, CO suburb. 37 years in the same location. Top pay.303-288-8888, ask for Bill or Marilyn.

WANTED

336-2138. Fax 814-337-7920. E-mail [email protected].

READERS' EXCHANGE 1/1/'Readers' Exchange is a free service.The following restrictions apply to Readers' Exchange:

Only individual readers may use Readers' Exchange, and items must be restricted to those that are ordinarily associated with consumer electronics as a businessor hobby. If you're in business to sell the item(s) you want to offer for sale, the appropriate place for your message is in apaid advertisement, not Readers' Exchange.

Readers' Exchange items must be restricted to no more than three items each for wanted and for sale.All submissions must be typed or printed clearly!

Send your Readers' Exchange submissions to:Readers' Exchange, Electronic Servicing & Technology, 76 North Broadway, Hicksville, New York 11801

FOR SALESencore SC6I oscilloscope, $950.00 includes all

cables and manuals. Excellent condition, hardlyused. Sencore LC53 Z meter in excellent condition.$450.00 with manuals and cables. B&K modelI 249A NTSC generator, like new $300.00. I will payshipping. Contact: Gordon Lane, 239 JacksonianDrive, Hermitage, TN 37076, 615-889-6195.

Tektronik 485 oscilloscope 350MHz, $850.00,475 oscilloscope 200MHz, $650.00, 454A oscil-loscope 150MHz, $450.00 and much more. Allequipment comes with probes and manual.Contact: Alex Torok, AST Global Marketing,11365 Airport Road, Meadville, PA 16335. 814-336-2138 (phone), 814-337-7920 (fax), e-mail,[email protected].

Telematic TV test jig I0J106D with 10J4000impedance matcher, FVS3950 focus voltage sup-ply, universal CRT adapter kit, GE/RCA/Zenithstarter kit. Six months old, in original box, $950.00.Contact: Doug, 904-259-3483.

Sencore CR70, like new, $395.00. Contact: 612-869-4963.

Sencore VG9 1 , $1895.00, SC3100, $2695.00($830.00 off list). Like new, scope hardly used.Contact: Weavers Electronics 419-898-4129.

All types of electronic technical books. All ingood condition. For list request and prices sendSASE. Contact: Boulevard TV & VCR Service,1431 Robinson Avenue, Havertown, PA 19083.610-446-4519.

OEM service manuals. Philips, Samsung, Sharp,Thomson (RCA/GE/Proscan), and others. Alsohave some early RCA, Zenith, NAP (Philco) colorTV manuals. Tektronix 454 manual. All in excel-lent condition, most $5.00 or less. Will fax list.Contact: Steve, 334-774-0460, leave message.

WANTED

Used microprocessor TMP47C634N 2679 andmemory chip X2444p for Magnavox 25N1chassis. Will pay shipping. Contact: Steve

Zweifach, Greylock Street, Alexandria, VA 22308.703-780-6708.

Sencore test equipment LC 102, PR570, etc.,Hickok or Precise 111M tube tester, tubes. Contact:612-869-4963.

Extra set of circuit boards for Heathkit GR-200 Iplus any troubleshooting tips. Contact: JohnPhipps, 1412 Navaho Trail, St. Charles MI 63304.

Sencore VA62 video analyzer in good condition.Contact: Walt. 616-599-3220.

Radio historian looking for early radio -TV arti-cles, books, magazines for articles. Will pay ship-ping at nominal cost if usable. Contact: Donald S.Maurer, 29 South 4th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042,717-272-2481.

JVC VCR model HR-D150U. Need schematic -no longer available from JVC or any supplier. I willpay for copy and postage or will copy and return.Contact: Bill Risko, BRS Electronics, 1329 TwiningRoad, Dresher, PA 19025, 215-659-2349.

Used test equipment. Contact: Alex Torok, ASTGlobal Marketing, 11365 Airport Road, Meadville,PA 16335, 814-336-2138 (phone). 814-337-7920(fax), e-mail [email protected].


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