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halcyon1234
Joined: 21 May 2006
Posts: 39
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| Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 4:44 am Post subject: Ampro 4600 - HVPS Shutdown - Wha? |
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I sat down for some quality time with the PJ today, and got a nasty surprise:
The Ampo 4600 stayed on for 1 minute, then suddenly shut off. The control said "HVPS Shutdown".
I turned it back on. The screen comes up for a second, flicks off. The control says "HVPS Shutdown... 5... 4... 3..." counts down, and turns the screen back on. For a second, then it flicks off again. Repeat until I shut it down manually.
It was on my HTPC , 1920 x 1080 at the time. I've tried it with HTPC 640x480, same thing. Tried another source (PS3) same thing.
The only strange thing I've noticed lately is a mild buzz coming from the back of the PJ, but nothing else.
Is there anything I can do, or is the HVPS on its deathbed? (Please keep in mind that for me, "can do" doesn't include soldering, and the X-Ray warning inside the case still freaks me out =) )
Thanks!
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halcyon1234
Joined: 21 May 2006
Posts: 39
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| Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 5:35 am Post subject: |
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Some quick add-ons:
1) It stayed on for a bit. But only for a bit. I tried uprooting and reseating all the cards. I haven't dared to delve into the HVPS yet (as some other posts recommend). I have unplugged it for when/if I need to.
2) I haven't seen any arcing (or heard any). I don't get any error codes except HVPS Shutdown.
3) The buzzing sound I'm hearing is coming from the card on the far right (when looking at the PJ from the rear, where the far left is the inputs for the source & controller).
4) I have no idea if I have a Spellman hvps or not.
5) I haven't seen any obvious scorching or worn solder, but I'm not 100% certain where to look in specific.
6) Just a note: Figures this would happen in October. Halloween movies! Arg!
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Robert A. Hill
Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 182
Location: Simpsonville, SC
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| Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 7:58 am Post subject: |
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The HVPS is probably the issue. However, if it stays on a minutes, what error codes are indicated when you do a 30-code?
All Ampros use Spellman HVPS. It is common for solder joints on daughter cards inside the case to need resoldering. There is little danger in removing the power supply, dismantling it and repairing it. Just keep the power off the projector for an hour to let all voltage drain before you start removing cables. Do NOT open the potted section in the PS. If you or a friend cannot solder, send it to Curt for repair. If you add your location to your profile, maybe someone is close to you that could help.
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stefuel
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3353
Location: Green Harbor MA USA
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| Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject: |
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I second that. Post your location. With any luck, you'll be close to Pete who would be there to help in a heartbeat given his new found love for that projector 
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Chip
A Barco is only a AmPro with training wheels
Card carrying member of the AVS chain gang.
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tcerka
Joined: 02 Oct 2008
Posts: 22
Location: Phoenix
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| Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject: |
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From what I understand you're just supposed to throw it off the top of a tall building. That should take care of it.
Tim
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stefuel
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3353
Location: Green Harbor MA USA
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| Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 10:22 pm Post subject: |
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Pete has had a change of heart since that post.
All kidding aside, you should post your general location just in case someone is close enough to help. Many of us stock spare parts and could help in a pinch
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Chip
A Barco is only a AmPro with training wheels
Card carrying member of the AVS chain gang.
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halcyon1234
Joined: 21 May 2006
Posts: 39
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| Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 10:30 pm Post subject: |
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I'm in Newmarket, on (Near toronto), L3Y6H6 If there is someone nearby, that'd be great. If not, I suppose I can ship it If not, I suppose I'll look for a tall building....
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stefuel
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3353
Location: Green Harbor MA USA
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| Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 10:58 pm Post subject: |
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I have two suggestions. First, open the projector up and let the registration board and internal fan panel swing down. Turn off all the lights and power up the PJ. Listen and look for sparks or a HV leak. If it's internal to the HVPS you probably won't see it but if it's outside of the supply, it should be obvious. Don't put your hands in there as there is 36 thousand volts leaking somewhere. Check the big fat red wire that goes from the supply to the splitter, check the splitter and the big red wires that go to each tube. if nothing obvious is seen then option two. Send the HVPS to Curt for repair.
_________________
Chip
A Barco is only a AmPro with training wheels
Card carrying member of the AVS chain gang.
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halcyon1234
Joined: 21 May 2006
Posts: 39
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| Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:17 am Post subject: |
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| stefuel wrote: | | I have two suggestions. First, open the projector up and let the registration board and internal fan panel swing down. Turn off all the lights and power up the PJ. Listen and look for sparks or a HV leak. If it's internal to the HVPS you probably won't see it but if it's outside of the supply, it should be obvious. Don't put your hands in there as there is 36 thousand volts leaking somewhere. Check the big fat red wire that goes from the supply to the splitter, check the splitter and the big red wires that go to each tube. if nothing obvious is seen then option two. Send the HVPS to Curt for repair. |
Looks like it's internal. I didn't hear any cracks, or see any arcs. The red wires were all seated nicely, and didn't spark.
Right now the HVPS isn't shutting down. 30 Code doesn't show any errors (but I assume the diag would only catch the error as it is happening?)
Looks like the HVPS is going on a cross-country trip!
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AnalogRocks
Forum Moderator
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 26706
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TV/Projector: Sony 1252Q, AMPRO 4000G
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| Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:19 am Post subject: |
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[quote="halcyon1234"] | stefuel wrote: | | I have two suggestions. First, open the projector up and let the registration board and internal fan panel swing down. Turn off all the lights and power up the PJ. Listen and look for sparks or a HV leak. If it's internal to the HVPS you probably won't see it but if it's outside of the supply, it should be obvious. Don't put your hands in there as there is 36 thousand volts leaking somewhere. Check the big fat red wire that goes from the supply to the splitter, check the splitter and the big red wires that go to each tube. if nothing obvious is seen then option two. Send the HVPS to Curt for repair. |
Looks like it's internal. I didn't hear any cracks, or see any arcs. The red wires were all seated nicely, and didn't spark.
Right now the HVPS isn't shutting down. 30 Code doesn't show any errors (but I assume the diag would only catch the error as it is happening?)
Looks like the HVPS is going on a cross-country trip![/quote]
I have a 4000G, my HVPS have been on at least 7 trips maybe more. Good luck. I understand the later SPellman's were more reliable.
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Robert A. Hill
Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 182
Location: Simpsonville, SC
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| Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:41 am Post subject: |
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I'm sure almost every issue I've ever seen with Ampros originate with power issues.
I wish we could get a current model HVPS that would be a replacement for the Spellmans. They may be better than the earlier models, but I've even had these issues with the every 3300/3600 that I've had. Same issues with heat or power in the non-ventilated box causing open solder joints, corrosion, broken wires, stressed components. Just a total mess to deal with.
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Z-Photo
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 2749
Location: Huntsville - Alabama
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| Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:40 pm Post subject: |
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| tcerka wrote: | From what I understand you're just supposed to throw it off the top of a tall building. That should take care of it.
Tim |
It will solve all AMPRO related problems (unless it hits someone).
But it does seem like you Ampro guys are multiplying - see what happens when someone spreads a rumor that they actually work.
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The Only GOOD AMPRO - is a Dead AMPRO.
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stefuel
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3353
Location: Green Harbor MA USA
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| Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 12:00 am Post subject: |
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| Z-Photo wrote: | | tcerka wrote: | From what I understand you're just supposed to throw it off the top of a tall building. That should take care of it.
Tim |
It will solve all AMPRO related problems (unless it hits someone).
But it does seem like you Ampro guys are multiplying - see what happens when someone spreads a rumor that they actually work. |
I wonder how long it will take for everyone else to figure out that Pete IS Raster??? 
_________________
Chip
A Barco is only a AmPro with training wheels
Card carrying member of the AVS chain gang.
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stefuel
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3353
Location: Green Harbor MA USA
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| Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 10:53 am Post subject: |
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| Robert A. Hill wrote: | I'm sure almost every issue I've ever seen with Ampros originate with power issues.
I wish we could get a current model HVPS that would be a replacement for the Spellmans. They may be better than the earlier models, but I've even had these issues with the every 3300/3600 that I've had. Same issues with heat or power in the non-ventilated box causing open solder joints, corrosion, broken wires, stressed components. Just a total mess to deal with. |
I shouldn't say anything but the last time I had a problem with my HVPS, I bought some higher temp solder and also beefed up the traces in the problem areas and it's been fine ever since. My projector runs at least 12 hours a day (sorry Pete) 
_________________
Chip
A Barco is only a AmPro with training wheels
Card carrying member of the AVS chain gang.
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Z-Photo
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 2749
Location: Huntsville - Alabama
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| Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 1:34 pm Post subject: |
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| stefuel wrote: |
My projector runs at least 12 hours a day (sorry Pete) |
That pure hearsay - 
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My Portfolio
The Only GOOD AMPRO - is a Dead AMPRO.
wait - are they not all DEAD already?
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