THE PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE FOR ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTER SERVICING
ELEGI'1111111*GmServicing & Tcchnolosy August 1998
Troubleshooting microprocessors
Troubleshooting tube circuits
U.S. $3 50
Ictro dynamics, in'
25274 8
010lei ..1 )$
ll
we delivertimely solutions,
every day.
,
Working harder for you.When you need help right away, call Philips Smart Parts.We're working hard to make sure your customers arecompletely satisfied. Call us today for all your parts,accessories, and service aids. Call 800-851-8885.
PHILIPSCircle (120) on Reply Card
Ld.S mak, bee,-
ITHE PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE FOR COMPUTER SERVICING
Servicins & TechnologyContents
Volume 18, No. 8 August, 1998
FEATURES6 Troubleshooting microprocessors
by Bob Rose
Microprocessors are now commonlyfound in every type of consumer elec-tronics product, including television sets.Consequently, troubleshooting TVs thesedays frequently means troubleshootingmicroprocessor circuits. It's not as hardas it might sound. Read this Bob Rose arti-cle to find out how to start troubleshoot-ing a set in which you suspect that theproblem is microprocessor related.
16 Troubleshooting tube circuitsby Alvin G. SydnorThey're back. Vacuum tubes that is. Backwhen transistors and ICs were developed.most of us thought that these multi -pindevices with their glass envelopes andcheerily glowing filaments were obsolete.but, as this article points out, there are stilla lot of products that contain vacuumtubes and need to be fixed. If you've neverworked with vacuum tubes before butwould like to learn more about this aspectof consumer electronics service, this arti-cle will help you get started.
47 Continuing education in servicingby the ES&T Staff
Everything in consumer electronics ischanging and developing so fast that it'senough to make a technician's head spin.That's why it's so important for techni-cians to study constantly to keep up withall the changes and developments. Thisarticle, compiled by the ES&T staff, pro-vides suggestions and ideas on how to stayabreast of everything that's going on. andlists a number of excellent resources thattechnicians can turn to for help.
DEPARTMENTS2 Editorial3 News
4 Literature17 Calendar of Events29 Profax46 Books54 Test Your Electronics Knowledge58 What Do You Know About
Electronics?60 Photofact61 Products62 Classifieds
63 Reader's Exchange64 Advertiser's Index
ADVERTISINGSUPPLEMENT18 Replacement Parts Showcase
The service procedure is never completeuntil the faulty part has been replaced andthe product is back in operation. And asevery technician knows, in these timeswhen consumer electronics product man-ufacturers are using such a variety of spe-cially manufactured parts, many of whichare hard to identify, it can become a majorchallenge just to determine what the partis and to find a supplier for it. In thisShowcase, replacement parts supplierswho advertise a half -page or more aregiven an equivalent amount of space totell you a little bit about their companies.The information in those companydescriptions may help you locate the sup-plier you're looking for to locate thathard -to -find part.
ON THE COVERIf you shop around at a few of the grocery stores in your area, you quickly find that some have betterproduce than others, some have a better butcher department, and some just have a wider selection ofall of the products that you need. The same is true with department stores, hardware stores, and justabout any type of store where you shop. It should come as no surprise that what's true of consumershopping applies to replacement parts suppliers, as well. You'll find that some specialize and have abetter selection of replacements for a certain manufacturer's products. Some charge more, some less.for shipping and handling. Some provide a great deal of help in identifying a replacement and somedon't seem to want to help at all. It pays to choose your supplier carefully.(Photo courtesy of Electro Dynamics, Inc.)
R417
04106V
STANDBYREGULATOR
6.4V(6.4V)
6V(6V)
LEAKY
12.6V(9.2V)_
R416623
2410 R416
page 6
page 18
page 54
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 1
_/irip EDITORIAL /AiThe joy of troubleshooting
An article by Bob Rose in this issue,"Troubleshooting microproces-sors," describes in general how to
troubleshoot microprocessors in televi-sion sets, and then provides some detailedtroubleshooting procedures that he fol-lowed in servicing some specific micro-processor -controlled sets. One thingcomes through loud and clear as you readthe article: while microprocessor controlchanges somewhat the way in which elec-tronics products operate, for the mostpart, the tried-and-true troubleshootingtechniques used by service techniciansapply just as well to microprocessor -con-trolled circuits as they did to products inthe past.
For example, the first rule of thumb thatRose recommends if you suspect themicroprocessor and/or surrounding cir-cuits is to check B+ and ground to theprocessor. Isn't that pretty much the firststep that a technician would take in ser-vicing just about any circuit? After all, ifa circuit doesn't have B+ or ground, itwon't operate.
The article goes on to suggest that thetechnician check the standby voltage,reset voltage, the oscillator, and data -inand data -out lines. Again, these proce-dures don't differ much from the proce-dure that a good technician would followin servicing a set that was not micro-processor controlled.
A good troubleshooter must possesscertain qualities. For starters, an in-depthknowledge of the design and operation ofa product is essential. If a technician isgoing to be able to determine why a prod-uct is not operating correctly and restoreit to proper operation, it helps immense-ly to know what is involved in making itwork properly in the first place.
Another quality of a good trouble-shooter is the drive to solve problems.This includes the ability to ask questionsand record and sift data. For example, ifa technician is presented with a dead set,the first thing he does is look to see if it'sreceiving power. A check at the output ofthe power supply determines whether ornot the power line is providing power andthe supply is providing the correct outputvoltage(s). Armed with that basic knowl-edge, the technician can then step throughthe rest of the set gathering information
on which to base a sound determinationof the cause of the problem.
In fact, most competent techniciansreally enjoy their work. It's a joy and achallenge. Determining the cause of aproblem in a TV set or VCR is much likeworking some kind of puzzle in terms ofthe intellectual challenge that it presents.It's an exercise in logic. You might saythat in a way troubleshooting is a little likebuilding a truth table: this conditionexists, and this condition exists, but thiscondition does not exist. What type offault could cause this set of conditions?
In some cases, the answers recorded inthe initial information -gathering steps isenough to make a determination. In othercases, the first troubleshooting steps pro-vide some valuable information, but notenough. Then the technician begins to askquestions about the data he has alreadygathered. Why was the voltage at point xa few volts different from that specified?Or is that within tolerance? Why wasthere no signal at point y? Questions likethese allow the technician to gather moreinformation and to refine the informationhe already has.
Unfortunately, troubleshooting is notall fun and games. Perhaps if it were aleisure pursuit it would be more fun, butreality has a way of rearing its ugly head.The expectation of having to repair somany sets in a day or a week puts a greatdeal of pressure on the technician. Butthen, I guess that's why they call it work.And that's why it's so important that atechnician be constantly honing his skills.One incorrect conclusion based on theinformation gathered can lead the techni-cian down a long series of dead ends fromwhich is may be difficult to return. Thewrong idea, once implanted, can confusethe technician's thinking to a degree thatit makes it difficult to return to the prop-er frame of reference.
When this situation occurs and the tech-nician just can't seem to make anyprogress on the repair, the best approachis to put the product aside and let it sit fora while. Such an approach sometimesallows the technician to forget the blindalleys he's gotten into and to bring a freshmind to the problem.
It can't be overemphasized that trou-bleshooting is far easier when the
required test equipment and service liter-ature is available. The ability to refer to aschematic diagram helps immensely indetermining the nature of the problem.For example, if the technician is trying totrace a signal to see where it disappears,it will be difficult in the extreme if theschematic diagram is not available.Moreover, the function of many circuitsin today's consumer electronics productsis not obvious. The explanation of circuitoperation that the technician finds in a ser-vice manual or in a manufacturer's sem-inar may be just the tidbit of informationhe needs to pinpoint the problem andcomplete the product repair.
But the enjoyment of troubleshootingand repairing the product doesn't endwhen the cause of the problem has beenidentified. In a way, the next step is thebest part. Once the faulty components orcircuits that are causing the problem havebeen identified, the technician gets toreplace them. Then comes the moment oftruth when the technician turns on the setand observes the effects of his trou-bleshooting and repair. What could bemore satisfying than to turn on a set thathad just a horizontal white line across thecenter of the screen and see a picture atfull height and in glorious color, or torepair a set that had no volume and thatnow puts out ample sound in high fideli-ty stereo, and to realize that it was hisskills that had caused the transformation.
Fortunately, it doesn't matter whetherthe product to be serviced is controlled bya microprocessor or not. Most of the func-tions are the same, in general, as they werebefore the application of microprocessorcontrol in television. However, as BobRose says in the conclusion to his article:"microprocessors are a fact of life, andthey are not going to disappear. As a mat-ter of fact, they and their associated cir-cuitry are getting more complicated astime goes on. It, therefore, behooves peo-ple in our business to learn to work withthem. After all, this business is our liveli-hood. Learning how systematically toevaluate their performance is one way towork with them."
°Naihe.42 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
NEWSSeminars to be featured at National Professional
Service ConventionService managers who attend the 1998 National Professional
Service Convention (NPSC) Will find an Intel informationprocessor inside. The name of this processor is Dan Russell,Director of Platform Marketing for Intel Corp.; who will be thekeynote speaker. Mr. Russell will relate his company's thoughtson the marriage of the computer with the television set. Of inter-est to consumer electronics servicing professionals is how thismerger will affect the consumer, and thus, what it will demandfrom the manufacturer, retailer, and servicer. Also to be coveredis its effect on the Universal Serial Bus, IEEE 1394 (Firewire),Digital Video Disk, and more.
The keynote session by Mr. Russell will be held on the firstday of the six -day service industry event. NPSC '98 will be heldAugust 10 through 15, 1998 at the Hyatt -Orlando Hotel, inKissimmee, FL.
On the convention's final two days, business guru Mike Stollwill share abundant information about profitable service manage-ment In his seminar titled, "If You Sell Below Cost, You Can'tMake it Up With Volume," he will discuss pricing strategies forservice dealers. His two other seminars will focus on -Team Powerand Performance," and "27 Ways to Increase Profits."
Other sessions at NPSC '98 to help service managers improvetheir bottom lines will be the famous annual Best Business IdeasContest, a study session for the Certified Service Manager exam,and seminars on "Discovering Diversity," and "Tax Changes ThatAffect the Small Service Business."
Forums intended for all convention participants will include apanel on standardizing electronic service data, and informationabout the progress of High -Definition Television.
Another highlight of the week will be the two-day ProfessionalService Trade Show, August 12 through 13. This will featureproducts. services, and equipment for professionals in the prod-uct service industry.
Servicers will also have the opportunity to meet privately withthe top service executives from dozens of major manufacturers.These information -sharing "Service Information Symposiums"will occur preceding the trade show on Wednesday and Thursday.
More than a dozen technical seminars will help prepare tech-nicians to cope with the newest technology. The featured pre-sentations will cover Windows 95 troubleshooting and networksetup, and computer monitor, and PC servicing schools. Alsoincluded will be: sessions on DVD concepts, and MPEGCompression, as well as how to service FAX, copiers, scanners,printers, big -screen monitors, LCD projectors, progressive -scanTV, and power supplies.
Registrations are available for the full week, for any threeconsecutive days, or on a daily basis. Early registrants can saveup to $70 over the $300 at -the -door price. For registration infor-mation, contact NPSC '98, 2708 West Berry, Fort Worth, TX76109, (817)921-9061, FAX (817) 921-3741, or e-mail:iscetFW @aol.com.
First graduating class for C.N.S.T.ETA, The Electronics Technicians Association, International,
Inc., (Green -castle, IN) recently announced the addition to itsarray of certification programs for electronics technicians, theC.N.S.T., Certified Network Systems Technician, program.
Since that announcement, the C.N.S.T. initiative, developed
by Texas A & M University System's, Engineering ExtensionService, has completed beta testing of the 100 -question writtenexamination and has gone ahead to certify through ETA, an ini-tial group of computer networking professionals.
Each successful C.N.S.T. receives a wall certificate and wal-let card and is entered in ETA's international certification database at Greencastle, IN. In addition, those who qualify for SeniorC.N.S.T. status, receive a walnut and brass wall plaque attestingto their accomplishment and status. C.N.S.T. lapel pins are alsopart of the recognition items.
On June 9, Texas A & M's Engineering Extension Servicein San Antonio, graduated the first class of C.N.S.T. technicianaspirants at its HemisFair Park campus. The rigorous 144 -hourprogram is designed to prepare the students who pursue it topass the C.N.S.T. exam.
The C.N.S.T.'s role in the telecommunications industry isbetween that of a Computer Desk Top Service Technician, and aNetwork Systems Engineer. The C.N.S.T. assists the NetworkSystems Engineer in designing, installing, and maintaining com-puter networks. Prerequisite for applying for the C.N.S.T. throughETA is an ETA C.E.T. in Computers, or the A+ certificationthrough CompTIA. Two years of experience and/or schooling arerequired for the Journeyman C.N.S.T. status in ETA.
Dick Glass, President of ETA, stated that the C.N.S.T. certifi-cation program has generated more initial interest in its first 3months, than any other of the association's 15 skills and knowl-edge certification categories, since 1986.
While additional classroom courses are not a requirement ofthe C.N.S.T. program, ETA advises that, unless the networkingtechnician is already an expert, an in-depth class such as thatconducted by Texas A & M, (and being implemented by sever-al other proprietary schools around the country), can bring thecomputer technician up to the level of C.N.S.T and its currenthigher financial rewards.
For more information and the competencies listing for C.N.S.T.certification, contact ETA at: 602 N Jackson, Greencastle, IN46 I 35. Fax 765-653-8262, e-mail: [email protected]
CEMA applauds FCC decision on consumercable devices
The Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA)applauds today's decision by the Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) to adopt pro -competitive, pro -consumer rulesallowing consumer cable devices to be sold at retail.
"This decision will benefit consumers because it will fosterinnovation and competition. Consumer electronics manufactur-ers now can move forward to develop a wide range of productsand features, increasing consumer choice and driving down con-sumer costs," said CEMA President Gary Shapiro.
The Telecommunications Act required the FCC to enact rulesthat orovided for a competitive market for cable services equip-ment. As a result of today's decision, consumers will be able topurchase set -top cable boxes at retail like any other consumerelectronics product.
CEMA is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA),the 74 -year -old Arlington, Virginia -based trade organization rep-resenting all facets of electronics manufacturing. CEMA repre-sents U.S. manufacturers of audio, video, accessories, mobileelectronics, communication, information and multimedia prod-ucts which are sold through consumer channels.
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 3
TN( POOP FSSIONAL MAGAZINE FOR ELFCIRONICS AND COMPUTER SERVICING
ELECTROINGServicing & Technology
Electronic Servicing & Technology is edited for servic-ing professionals who service consumer electronicsequipment. This includes service technicians, field ser-vice personnel and avid servicing enthusiasts who repairand maintain audio, video, computer and other consumerelectronics equipment.
EDITORIALNils Conrad Persson, Editor(Internet e-mail: [email protected])Kirstie A. Wickham, Associate Editor(Internet e-mail: kirstieestiraoLcom)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 Leary, Assistant Production ManagerPat Le Blanc, Phototypographer
BUSINESSRichard A. Ross, PublisherSal Del Grosso, Accounting ManagerAnn Marie DeMeo, Accounting DepartmentCatherine Ross, Circulation ManagerMelissa Kehrwieder, Operations ManagerJean Sawchuk, Data ProcessingDenise Kells, Customer Service
ADVERTISING SALES OFFICEElectronic Servicing & Technology21704 SE 35th Street, Issaquah, WA 98029Tel.: 425-557-9611 Fax: 425-557-9612
Evelyn Garrison, Director of AdvertisingEmily Leary, Sales Assistant
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE:P.O. Box 12487Overland Park, KS 66212913-492-4857
Ng]033114- 11011011114111itialit
NEAwolmiesn.
Member. Eleelronic ServicingDealers Associetion
Electronic Servicing & Technology (ISSN 0278-9922) ispublished 12 times a year by CO Communications, Inc.25 Newbridge Road, Hicksville, NY 11801. Telephone(516) 681-2922. Periodical class postage paid at Hicksville,NY and additional offices. Subscription prices (payable in USdollars only): Domestic-one year $26.95, two years $49.95.Canadian-one year $36.95, two years $69.95. Foreign AirPost-one year $44.95, two years $85.95. Entire contentscopyright 1998 by CO Communications, Inc. ElectronicServicing & Technology or CO Communications, Inc. assumesno responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. Allow six weeksfor delivery of first issue and for change of address.Printed in the United States of America.Postmaster: Please send change of address notice toElectronic Servicing & Technology, 25 Newbridge Road,Hicksville, NY 11801.
CO Communications, Inc. is publisher of CO The RadioAmateur's Journal, Popular Communications, CO RadioAmateur (Spanish CO), CO VHF, CO Contest, and ElectronicServicing & Technology.
--/V1/- LITERATURE
ri
d''''";;;;;,'');;;;;
Transformer information websiteSignal Transformer Company, an oper-
ating unit of the Insilco TechnologiesGroup, has unveiled a website that makesit easier for engineers to obtain informa-tion about the company's off -the -shelfand custom power transformers, as wellas valuable educational material on trans-former design and applications.
The website, located at http://www.-signaltransforrnercom, features a homepage that offers functionality and the abil-ity to easily link to other sections of thewebsite. Product information on Signal'scomprehensive line of printed -circuit(PC) and chassis -mount transformers, aswell as supplemental magnetics, can beeasily accessed directly from the homepage. Detailed specifications and partnumbers are available by downloadingAdobe Acrobat portable document files(PDFs) for various products. Visitors canalso download the Custom MagneticsDesign Data Sheet to find information onthe company's custom design capability.
Users looking for technical informa-tion on transformers can find it by access-ing the Technical Library section, whichposts application notes on various trans-former technology products.
Circle (86) on Reply Card
Tool, tool kit, tool case and testequipment catalog
Specialized Products has released itsnew comprehensive Spring '98 Catalog.The new 384 -page publication features awide assortment of products for virtuallyevery service application in telecom,LAN, fiber optic, wireless, medical elec-tronic and computer industries.
Technicians, field service managersand engineers can choose from a com-plete assortment of electronic test equip-
ment featuring component testers, digitalmultimeters, frequency counters, func-tion generators, oscilloscopes, powersupplies and more.
The computer testing selection includesbenchtop test equipment, EPROM testersand SIMM testers. LAN test equipmentchoices include analyzers, category 5testers, continuity testers and fiber optictest equipment. The telecom selection fea-tures bit error rate testers, digit grabbers,digital butt sets and transmission test sets.For fiber optic test equipment, the techni-cian can choose from cleavers, lightsources, optical time domain reflectome-ters, power meters, strippers and more.
Circle (87) on Reply Card
Electrostatic dischargecontrol catalog
Desco's new catalog of electrostaticdischarge control products has 68 pagesof products in sections of personnelgrounding, neutralization, shielding andtest equipment. Products include wriststraps, foot grounders, floor and tablemats, ground cords, shielding bags, floorfinish ionizers, test equipment and more.A separate section on the basics of ESDcontrol is also included.
Circle (88) on Reply Card
Component data book
Alps has released the all -new 1998 DataBook. Completely redesigned and ex-panded, the data book features a new pageformat and a new compact size in a book
4 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
/0binding. Several new additions includemore detail drawings, product referenceguide for each section and an all-inclusiveindex, and Alps ISO certifications.
Circle (89) on Reply Card
Test equipment catalogAmprobe announces its Golden
Anniversary Catalog, covering the entireproduct range and including a host of newproducts. The catalog has extensivecross-reference charts and product in -usephotographs enabling customers toquickly find the tool that provides the bestsolution for their needs.
Circle (90) on Reply Card
Catalog updateThis 64 -page update from Contact East
lists the latest in test instruments and toolsfor engineers and technicians. Featuredare quality products from brand namemanufacturers for testing, repairing, andassembling electrical and electronicequipment. New product highlightsindude Fluke's 15 Electrical Testers,Tektronix' Huntron Tracker TR210, andthe CEK-74 complete electronics tool kit.Other products displayed are DMMs,oscilloscopes, soldering/desolderingtools, clamp meters, power supplies, ESDprotection products, aerosol cleaners,adhesives, and precision hand tools.Choose from quality brand names likeFluke, Tektronix, Hewlett Packard,Xcellite, Xuron. Ideal and Weller.
Circle (91) on Reply Card
.
la al,b
AME DAN
FastFriendsSarAcs.YW umo.
ContactEast.
CALL 1-978-682-2000FAX.1-978-688-7829 WEB: www.contecteast.com
Power products guide and catalog
Hewlett-Packard Company announcesthe availability of the 1998/1999 editionsof its System Power Products SelectionGuide and Power Products Catalog. TheI6 -page guide (Literature No. 5966-1707) contains a succinct overview of thecompany's power product line, high-lighting key features and specifications.
The 65 -page catalog (Literature No.5966-1706) provides R&D and produc-tion engineers complete technical infor-mation on more than 125 models ofdynamic measurement dc sources, acpower source/analyzers, harmonic/flick-er test systems, dc power supplies, dcelectronic loads, solar array simulatorsand modular power systems.
Circle (92) on Reply Card
HAKKO SMD REWORKING
Safe. quality SMD rework from an industry leaderhas never been more affordable. The Hakko 8`0 isthe only ESD safe hot ai- rework system for it:price on the market today.
Eft -dent soldering and &soldering of componentsare enhanced by the 8.50'a wide range of air andteirperature adjustments. Twin air chambers kzepnoke to a minimum whi e ensuring steady air flowand its automatic cooling mode protects both thebelting element and handle when not in use.
Hakko 850 Rework.Part of the Hakko commitnnt o iTrovide quapraducts to the electronics industry.
Jo,
LIA-bc--9 850
SHOWN: HAKKO 850 REWORK STATOR. OVER THIRTY HOULE
ATTACHMENTS AVAILABLE. ALL SOLE SEPARATELY.
American liakki Pnxlucts. Inc.25072 Antr.. OnceSanta Clarita. Cr lifornia 91355Tel 805 -2, -A -00-X)Fax 805 -2c -4-00-J6
ONE OF SEVERAL PLCC
NOZZLES FOR USE WITHTHE HAKKO 850.
PCB DESOLDERING WITHTHE HAKKO 850.
Circle (61) on Reply Card
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 5
Troubleshooting microprocessorsliob Rose
Virtually every modern televisionconsists of five basic systems.Whether it's a nine -inch fellow
Rose b, an independent consumer electronics businessowner and technician.
that is kept in the kitchen or a 60 -inch jobthat dominates a room in the house, it willstill have five systems: power supply. sys-tem control, deflection, video, and audio.Each system presents a special challenge
to the technician because each system isdifferent.
System controlThis article will explore the TV's sys-
tem control, the "brains" of which is the
OEIVER
.301 ,k2t350 't`3
R348P301 /MO 1000
3 2 C372 C324 R349,.001 T .001 T 47K5
L3011.2
5.00P/J300
SV71671) .;---5<<-1--4,
DISPLAY(STATUS)
R32210K 8321
1000
5.0V
7
5.00
634747K
35
15
16
R309 8310. 631147Ky 47%5 47K
17
R301047K
B
6302P/.1300 1000
00
1.'5 100pF
8305P/ J2 1000
C3051
2 .4 03041100pF
6304P/.1300 1000
3 3
, I C200ROCESSOR
P/0042
637422010
C372. 022
'---i
00331100pF
5.00
41
21
Rn1011.1
5.00
5.0V
0
42
0102 1 RK4,100pf 1CKI1
El5.0v
BCS4812372 PULSE 91APER
637116KC
C371220PF I
0332.0015
R337
SEE PIN 9.11)550 274.,_. .06VVERT OUTPUT - C3361 insetfax jk 10005
V
63031000
12
BC5413C
0370 PU_SE AMP
El5.0V
SEE PIN 22,10200TV SIGNALPAGE 20
R3721241
.3V
R373100
C320127PF
V
Iz40.
02127pf
R770'.060 2000
(1000)
13
29
OVBCS48 5 0380 VERT PULSE BUFFER
4.8V0661
470pF v1 R3694700
e D760
El0200 COIN BUFFER
5.0V
82101
22KV
0210. aw
2.0V
27
36
2.0V R2121501 77K
CI13 OV
R3531100(
14
5.00
INT/EXT02V SCL
. 07V
AFTVSS IC350 2.50TI.P47C63474-2679
MICROCOMPUTER
DATA SDA5.00 5.00
2.9V
2.90
5.00
5.0V
5.0V
4.80
5.00
4. BA
OV
4,1V
2.30
2.SV
.03V
. 03V
4.8V
39
9SEE PIN 16,1C200TV SIGNAL PROCESSORPAGE 2A
40
631810K
5.0V
33 0314f1PF
36.3V
R32010K
5.0V
5.00
2300 R39510K
0395 RESET
1V
e0312
SEE COL -ICTOR 0531SHUTDONNPAGE
-2F
5.0V
VOL SEE BASE 0371.40 7" VOLUME BUFFER
PAGE 29
Fe.050
BLUE.05V
25
R3782200
63073300
V
6345 R39610 10
6312100
S.0
SEE PIN 1
0121:01A/LUPAGE 2C
L3391.4
L341
4
1.413.00
5100 121
2.9V R377 6344 8385 L340
. 05V
10 101.4
GRN
ON/OFF51042.9013
4.40
4.80
1.0V
5.0V
.03VSEE BASE 9402
19 ON/OFF SW
8300 PAGE 26
BRIGHT3.7V -3 R313
20K
COLOR.3V
P IC1.40
TINT1.40
SHARP2.50
13.00
5
4
6
22KVO.
1504
22K
R32422K 13.00
13.0V
635222K 13 OV
11K 4.71.IF
68K 33 100F
6355R200 13 00
C13561206ci.:1
00143( 22K 1013F
47K 24K 10
63311000MA.
R3301000
63391000
63271000
63401000
13.00
13 OV
10911
Figure 1. The CPU fora Magnavox 25N1 chassis.
6 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
TC8640209IR91 IC345 MICROPROCESSOR
REMOTE RECEIVER
R34848 1000DATA
L3
1)3
5.05
579r
POWER
VOL0307447
VOL 2%-
R30175K
2%
R3036200
CH 2%
_29t23041LCCH 2%
MENU 2%
MENU 22
mi R310
L _1 2K
R31510K1
1
C30100F
...._i t_.2,..3..,_1(
SEE IC270PIN 43PAGE 2A
10K11t
5705320
NC 37
19
17
17:1
- 's=fRESONATOR 11
12
NC -7
NC -1
NC 19
SEE 0403
PAGE 2E R413i C4135444 47pF
BASE
5.0K9418100K
0314 1.01
5.05
5.0V13
C357 I E L.357
14 IC358
27
C336 9337330
SEE IC550PF 33p
PIN 9
R340
'a°338PAGE 24 R C32410K
SEE IC270PIN 5PAGE 28
SEE 0510EMITTERPAGE 24
100pF
IR INPUT5 OV
NCOV
AFT2.N
ET905.0V
CND
SI/REM LOCMTA
REM LOCCTR
Se n'
grmooc
5.
VCC
14
NC 3 5.07
NC 5 5.OV
NC 9 5.07
NC Ov
NC 5 OV
NC 5.0V
VERT
2
25
IN
12
HORIZ
5
osSt,-
S
4
P374
914910K
21
BLUE
FST Elg
VOLUME
9K999942E.N
BRIGHT1.6V
PICTURE1.6V
BEAMEAS:
SAP V
SAP AK5.CV
LI/STR5.0V
INT/DCT
L3.51
22
2
1004FC343 R370
22KR373
OK
SEE IC270PIN 2SPAGE 21
C342103pF
R36922K
8372IDE
SEE IC270PIN 24PAGE 211,
U41
2
03411C0pF 1371
R36822K
SEE IC270PIN 23PAGE 28
C3401030
936722K
SEE IC770PIN 28PAGE 28
R331161(
9332ROCK
R3478.3V 18K
35
034632
33
34
30
835127K
R355
9343i0K
R32410K
.01++ 10K
"74 1AF0345 - C330 C334
10K
44.01 ;
Re.,14 C616 C66811, C6744.701 T 2.2pF .01
.01
0.449.01;
SEE IC270PIN 27
C144
I
1. PAGE 28.01
621
113331 R335.11116772201 220K 100K
8.35 8.3V
933482K
867210K
C672 I.01T
2C355.2or
31
22K 22K 22K 224< 22K 22K -61
5.0V 5.0V 5.0V 5.06 5.0V 5.0V
123361 11344100K 51K 2-.20F" 100K
8.35
8
18
6
A
S1
DEGAUSSOV
47
SPKR ON/OFF
20/E2. IV
CAP Cal(
CAP DATA
LINE
L360
27
100K5.05
5.0V
100K
NC
L361
28
6
L362
29
5
1363
42
8308ON/CLF 1000
445
C306.001
4
SEE 0402BASEPAGE 2E R379
10K
7
NC
12
1C341
SLICE2.8V
0/E2.7V
8PCK
CPOTOV
LN21
ISSINC.ev
TEsT2ov
LC74SIADATA SLICER
N
3
OGND
5552
WOO
WOO
9342120K
5.0V
10NC
SEEPINPAGE
11 R3753300
16
1
0377001
8
14
TEST 1
NC
C3792.29E
9344
Figure 2. The microprocessor for a Philips' G
microprocessor. Perhaps this is as good aplace as any to note that microprocessortechnology is not going to go away. It isin fact getting more and more complex.For example, if you service RCA TV'syou know that the microprocessor usesdata and bus lines to communicate withthe EEPROM, video IC, tuner, and audiocircuits. Consider the operation of thehorizontal oscillator. The CPU receivesinformation about horizontal frequencyand phase from the EEPROM and sends
-6 chassis.
the information via clock and data linesto the video processing IC where the hor-izontal drive signal is generated.
I just recently received PanasonicServices Company's training manual forits new VCR (the UZ mechanism) andTV/VCR combination. These units fea-ture the "I -Squared -C" bus which con-sists of a data line and a clock line. Itemploys a "master" (system controlmicroprocessor), a "slave" (EEPROM),and several other "slaves" (the TV jungle
IC, the HI-FI IC, and the Y/C/normalaudio IC). This system replaces many ofthe mechanical controls to which we havegrown accustomed with an on -screen dis-play (OSD: as in "service menu") andadjustments via remote control.
Is it a system control problem?Given the complexity of these new cir-
cuits, how do you determine if the prob-lem you are trying to solve is a system con-trol problem? Once you have determined
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 7
NEW! AnaTek Data DirectAll the information you need
to repair Electronics
Sam Goldwasser's "Notes on theTroubleshooting and Repair of..."
Monitors, VCRs, TVs,Appliances, CD Drives,
Switching Power Supplies,CRTs, Audio, FBTs, Deflection
The Electronic Repair Center FAQon Monitors, TVs, VCRs, Printers,Test Equipment, Projection TV's,plus discussion group postings
cover every electronic topic
All on One Convenient CD!Nothing to Join, no WWW surfing
Introductory Offer just $79.95
111, ,d1F.rer
CORPOR4F10/1 =
1-800-999-0304603-673-4342
[email protected]://www.anatekcorp.com
Circle (60) on Reply Card
PIM ocectro.ie. tre
t::; -
w
0i-20
Your Ticket to
SUCCESSMore than 40,000 technicians have gainedadmittance worldwide as certified profession-als. Let your ticket start opening doors for you.ISCET offers Journeyman certification inConsumer Electronics, Industrial, Medical,Communications, Radar, Computer andVideo. For more information, contact theInternational Sociey of Certified Electron-ics Technicians, 2708 West Berry StreetFort Worth TX 76109; (817) 921-9101
Name
Address
City
State Zip
Send material about ISCET andbecoming certifiedSend one "Study Guide for theAssociate Level CET Test."Enclosed is $10 (inc. postage).
8 Circle (76) on Reply Card
Figure 3. In the Phil ps G-6 chassis, the stand-by voltage is developed by IC410 at pin 4. Instand-by mode this voltage should be about 15.7V.
CR340033V
P1 AC INPUT 4Arow11400
120VAC460mA HIGH
POLARIZED C3403 I -terAC INPUT° LOW T
SEE 06016EMITTERPAGE 2H
4
C3400.0047 -
R341213
COLDPTC
P801 2
L3401DEGAUSS
P801
C3444.0011KV
R3413tt
C34430011KV
CR3408
CR3407
03401 SWITCHR34374700 7V
R340156K CR3404
SEE IC6000C3434 I PIN 38
.001 T PAGE 2G
4A8 3
NC
CR3401 R340212,90
.8V
CR3427
CR3405.2
IOW
390RL3400POWER
NC
NC
4A8T'
CR3409:
CR3406.,
NC
4A8^5
C3404.0022
II3500V
R3415C3405 &, 10(44700F
200V W
STR301301C3400 REGULATOR
161V
111V2
CR3410R3416 r-6F--i R3419
10K 47
5
NC
560R341K710340m
33 33 33µFC3200 C3407 t,
20µF01/ 16µF0V 200V
R34031000
03400 SWITCH
2V©2200mfC3401
CR3402
12.0V 12.0V
R34044118 200-3 NC
CR3414 C)5.IV
130VSOURCE
12.1VSOURCE
a&CE
ID 5.0VSOURCE
C6098 1 C6019.47 T 4700F
Figure 4. When all else fails, check the standby 5V. In this set, this voltage measured about 4V, and had a lot of noise on it.
that you have a system control problem,how do you pinpoint the exact cause?
I am going to suggest a five -stepapproach to help you answer these ques-tions. First, locate the microprocessor andthen check the following: B+ and ground,reset, oscillator, input data lines, and out-put data lines. These few measurements
will give you a picture of the health of themicroprocessor and should point you tothe source of your problem.
Troubleshooting toolsNow a word about some necessary
troubleshooting tools. You will need goodliterature. The literature will give you pin -
outs and voltages, and it will also provideyou with waveforms. You will need agood DMM, and I recommend a goodoscilloscope. There are some problemsyou w ill not find if you don't use an oscil-loscope. For example, you might con-demn a tuner when the tuner is good. Ifyou had checked clock and data inputs to
9VSTANDBYSOURCE
+6V 4
+5V 4
L4182.7uH
6V (STANDBY) 6BVTP10
L4192.7uH
6CV
L4172.7uH
C416100uF
101/
R417
Q4106V
STANDBYREGULATOR
5.4V(6.4V)
R412130
0,33W\AA,
LEAKY
12.6V(9.2V
R4166V 620(6V)
( 9 Z410 R416
Figure 5. In one set, the picture looked washed out, as if there were a problem with the contrast. Transistor Q410 at the 5V regulator, was leakyand permitting 6V to get to the microprocessor.
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 11
the tuner you would have found one orboth signals missing. Those missing sig-nals would have pointed you to the micro-processor or memory IC. There are lotsof technicians who do not use an oscillo-scope, and I am willing to bet they missa lot of diagnoses (and fees) because ofit. If your oscilloscope (or DMM) doesnot have a frequency counter, you willneed a frequency counter because youwill want to check the frequency of themicroprocessor's oscillator.
Check B+ and groundThe very first check you should make
is the B+ to the processor. I include acheck of the ground as well, because,
believe it or not, a loose ground connec-tion can cause all sorts of weird problems.Figure 1 is the CPU for a Magnavox 25N1chassis. I remember almost changing themicroprocessor in one of these setsbecause the set was dead and would notrespond to any command. Just before Ibegan to unsolder the chip, I noticed "aringing crack" around pin 30. I resolderedthe pin, and the set acted normally fromthat time on. The problem was caused bya bad ground connection.
Figure 2 is the microprocessor for aPhilips' G-6 chassis. One of these setswas brought in for repair and was com-pletely dead. We checked pin 13 of IC345for 5V. The voltage at that pin wasn't cor-
rect. The stand-by voltage is developedby IC410 at pin 4 (Figure 3). In stand-bymode this voltage should be about 15.7V.It was less than 2V. A new IC410, an STR30130, solved the problem. I shouldemphasize the fact that when the set isoperating, this voltage must be very closeto 5V, and it should be as free of rippleand other noise as possible.
A customer brought a Zenith TV in forrepair, complaining that sometimes the setwould come on and sometimes itwouldn't. When it came on, it might stayon for a minute or two and would go offas if it had been unplugged. We checkedthe obvious, the B+ regulator, to see if itwas defective. It wasn't. What now?
tame F400,.. PIe AC HOT 4A
610,A
POLARIZED
AC HER
L400
PRINTED SPARKGAP
C400_.22
125VAC
PRINTED SPARKGAP
POWER
PART OFK400
R4011.0 IOW
V400
C400.1 Rite
"ZT 4.7TBZ
R40011.3 0PTC
COLD
P/JON/2
L403DESAUSS
P/iBT1
SEE COLLECTOR 0530 R538SHUT -DOWN 221
OVPAGE 2C
C407 0401 0402 C4061 155VED0022M15062 116062 .0022- 500aA
P401
C402, R403C403 0404. 0403 C404 47011r.- 100K$
V
\M, \\\I 4:v
R4010
R4042Kt
R4054'4
C410,
155V iC401B124V VOLT2 5I
R432390
NC
R40220
e0406 COITRC
Figure 6 The reset voltage in the N1 chassis is developed via R417, a 100 , 1W resistor.
12 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
Figure 7. A load on an input data line can mimic a defective CPU.
When all else fails, check the standby 5V.This voltage measured about 4V (Figure4), and had a lot of noise on it. We replaceda leaky diode and filter capacitor to restorethis voltage to the correct 5V (CR 3414and C6019 in Figure 4). A good DMMwould have revealed the low voltage, butit took a good oscilloscope to show the"hash" riding on the supply voltage.
What would be the situation if this volt-age exceeded 5V? We serviced a set thathad such a problem earlier this year. Thepicture looked washed out, as if there wasa problem with the contrast. The color
was also very poor. But the really oddsymptom was a very dark, almost black,OSD. None of the customer controls hadan effect on the quality of the picture. Ihave a rule -of -thumb. When you have anoddball problem, check the power supply.In this instance the 5V regulator wasleaky and permitting 6V to get to themicroprocessor (Q410 in Figure 5).
Check reset voltageSuppose you have good B+ and the
ground connection is also good, but theset still will not come on. What next?
Don't forget the reset voltage. Look againat Figure 1. Pin 33 (reset) should be anactive high after ac has been applied. Thishigh signals IC350 to initialize its pro-gram. If the voltage is missing, IC350does not initialize its program, and theresult is a dead set. According to Figure6, the reset voltage is developed via R417,a 100kil, 1W resistor. For some reason,these N-1 chassis are tough on R417.Rarely does a month go by that I don'thave to replace an open R417. If your ser-vice center is like mine, it will not seemany reset problems. Nevertheless, whenyou encounter a dead set and suspect a sys-tem control failure, be sure to verify thereset voltage. The reset may be an activehigh or active low (a condition when thereset will go high for a specified timewhen ac is applied and then low).
Check the oscillatorIf a television set is to operate proper-
ly, the oscillator should be on frequency,and the waveform should have the spec-ified peak -to -peak value. The latter isusually around 5V. The former will varyfrom chassis -to -chassis. For example, theN-1 chassis runs at 4MHz while the G-6runs at 12MHz. Always consult the man-ufacturer's literature for voltage and fre-quency. If the oscillator is not running, orif the waveform is not close to the statedvalue, the microprocessor will not oper-ate. The most common cause of a faultyoscillator in my area is lightning damage.When the oscillator is not running, I usu-ally replace both the IC and the crystal.
Oscillators can cause problems. Forexample, I remember one N-1 chassisthat would be playing fine and suddenlygo off, as if the set had been unplugged.Well, a lot of things can cause the prob-lem, but in this instance Y320 at pin 31of IC350 was failing. I don't think wewould have found the problem if wehadn't consulted the engineers at Philipswho were kind enough to point us in theright direction.
Be certain to confirm these parametersbefore moving on to the next level. If theoscillator is running, is it on frequency,and is the waveform the correct value?
Incidentally, a microprocessor needsmore than B+, reset, and oscillator to per-form its functions. For example, if it gen-erates on -screen display information, itwill also need inputs from the horizontal
August 1998 E.ectronic Servicing & Technology 13
--___J--C 3
33
C 3C 3C. 3C 3C 3C 3C 0C 3G IC531 3C 3C 3C 3C 3C 3C g VOLUME
C g SHARPNESS
C g BRIGHTNESS
C g CONTRAST
C g TINT
C g COLOR
C 3Cg
3
Figure 8. A partial schematic for a Sanyo DS31450. One of these sets that we serviced hadbeen damaged by lightning and was com-pletely dead.
and vertical output circuits. So, if theOSD is missing, you would naturallycheck these inputs to the microprocessor.
Check input data linesA load on an input data line can mimic
a defective CPU. Take a look at Figure 7,a partial schematic for an RCA CTC 177.We just recently received such a unit forservice. The customer said it began tochannel up by itself and then turned itselfoff and would not come back on. A pecu-liar set of symptoms! I immediately sus-pected a system control problem. Follow-ing the procedure I am outlining, I beganwith U3101. B+ voltage was about 4.8V,and the ground was good. The oscillatorwas working, and the reset voltage wasthe correct value, but there was no com-munication between the CPU and theEEPROM. Was, therefore, the EEPROMor the microprocessor defective? Let's notchange either just yet. The next check willthen be the input data lines (pins 5, 6, 7,and 8) which should be at OV. Sureenough, one of the pins was high, whichpointed to a defective front control switch.Replacing the switch (Channel up.Remember the customer's complaint.)restored this CTC 177 to proper operation.
What about the loss of a single func-tion? Philips has had several chassis thatwould intermittently lose remote controlfunction. Every function worked exceptthe remote control. The G-6 chassis inFigure 2 was one of the affected TV's. Ifyou scoped pin 44 of IC345, you would
find the IR signal present. The problemalmost had to be the IC itself, which infact it was. Philips came out with a ser-vice bulletin confirming the diagnosis. Itseems that random noise would lock upthe IR port. The problem could be curedby removing ac for a couple of minutes.When power was reapplied, IC345 resetand the remote functioned fine. But theonly permanent cure was to replace thechip. If one function does not work, youmust check the appropriate data input tosee if the input changes. The change maybe a voltage change, or it may be a changethat appears on the oscilloscope as aseries of pulses. If there is data input,then you will have to check the appro-priate data output port. Which brings meto step five.
Check data output.Always make this final check before
you condemn the microprocessor. Re-member if a data output line appears"hung up," some component tied to theline may be hanging it up. I once checkeda Goldstar TV that had a system controlproblem. All checks were good exceptwhen I got the data output lines. It turnedout some "glue" left from the manufac-turing process had shorted out two of theoutput lines.
Figure 8 is a partial schematic for aSanyo DS 31450. The TV had been dam-aged by lightning and was completelydead when we began to work on it. Webegan by getting the power supply up and
U1001
VERT OUT
R46203300
04603VERTRESET
16,1R46188200
R462647K
R4602
27
10K
04601VERT
SAWTOOTH
U3101CONTROL MICRO
04602
C4606 R4621ERROR AMP
2.2JF 1000
CrR4609
20K
6 U4501R4619 VERT OUT2000
C46091000
Figure 9. In one RCA CTC167 that exhibited a horizontal white line in the middle of the screen, the most obvious place to begin troublesootingwas the vertical circuits. I quickly determined that all voltages were present, but there was no vertical drive at pin 6 of U4501.
14 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
R0000000000000000000
IC1001
000000000
NO DATA OUT HEREWHEN CHANGE INVOLUME REQUESTED
Figure 10. A partial schematic for a Sharp 25A -M050. The complaint was "cannot raise or lowerthe audio." In this case, IC1001 was defective.
running. Then we repaired verticaldeflection. When deflection had beenrestored, the TV came on with no rasterand no audio. The OSD worked, and thechannel numbers changed. But that wasall. We couldn't even force a video signalthrough the set. What was going on?
Some of the voltages on the videoprocessor were substantially off, butthese voltages were controlled byIC531, the microprocessor. Voltages onpins 30 through 35 of IC531 were sub-stantially off. When the pins werewicked out, the voltages were still off.We replaced the IC, and the TV beganto work as it should.
A strange problemLet's look at another "slightly weird"
problem caused by a defective micro-computer. I accepted an RCA CTC 167for repair. The customer's complaint was"a line in the middle of the screen," inother words no vertical deflection. WhenI assessed the TV I noted that there wasindeed no vertical deflection. There wasalso no audio and, as far as I could tell,there was no video. In fact the only func-tion that worked on the remote or the frontcontrols was power on/off.
Where to begin? The most obviousplace was the vertical problem. I quicklydetermined that all voltages were present,but there was no vertical drive at pin 6 ofU4501(Figure 9). Drive exited pin 55 ofU1001, but it almost disappeared at thebase of Q4501. A waveform that shouldhave been about 20Vpp had dropped toalmost nothing! This chassis takes verti-
cal drive at the collector of Q4503 andsends it to U3101 to develop OSD infor-mation. I wicked out pin 27 of U3101,which restored vertical deflection.However, the other problems had notgone away. A new microcomputer putthis CTC 167 in good working order!
No volume controlLet's use one more example. Figure
10 is a partial schematic for a Sharp 25A -M050. The complaint was "cannot raiseor lower the audio." I checked B+, reset,and oscillator of IC1001 even though allother functions worked. I hope I havelearned not to ignore the obvious. Thesewere within acceptable parameters.Data was present when I requested achange in volume, but there was no dataout on pin 10. I wicked out pin 10 andchecked it again. Still no change whendata input changed. IC1001 was indeeddefective.
Microprocessors have becomea fact of life
Microprocessors are a fact of life, andthey are not going to disappear. As a mat-ter of fact, they and their associated cir-cuitry are getting more complicated astime goes on. It, therefore, behoovespeople in our business to learn to workwith them. After all, this business is ourlivelihood. Learning how to systemati-cally evaluate their performance is oneway to work with them. Use my systemif you like it; if not, work up one youdo like.
CAPACITORSARE THE LEADING CAUSESOF FAILURE IN TVs & VCRs.
CHECK CAPACITORSIN -CIRCUIT WITH 100%
ACCURACY IN SECONDS
CapAnallyzer 88 4179 Automatically discharges capacitor,Checks for low DCR and shorted caps,Checks high -frequency ESR anddisplays on 20 -segment LED meter. 3 -color chart shows typical readings. Includes gold-plated tweezer probe. Portable... Batteries included!
LOCATE ANY SNORTEDor LEAKY COMPONENT
Leakteaker 82A 4179Locates shorted & leaky parts to theexact spot on the PCB without cuttingup the board or unsoldering any parts!
AVAILIABLE AT YOUR DISTRIBUTOR60 DAY MONEY -BACK GUARANTEE
ON ALL EDS TEST EQUIPMENTSEE US AT THE NESDA CONVENTION!
Ma,tp,Co.d
ELECTRONIC DESIGN SPECIALISTS4647 Appalachian St, Boca Raton, FL 33428
www.eds-inc.com 561-487-6103
1 we make test equipmentdesigned to make you money./
Circle (64) on Reply Card
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 15
Troubleshooting tube circuitsby Alvin C. Sydnor
Every vacuum tube you encounterhas been designed to be operatedwithin certain predetermined lim-
itations that are called "characteristics."When dealing with tube operating char-acteristics you will encounter the term"amplification factor."
One of the most important features ofa tube is the fact that a very small varia-tion or change in grid voltage will pro-duce a large change in plate current. Thisis possible due to the ability of the tubeto amplify. We can also cause a changein plate current by varying the plate volt-age, but we can get a greater change inplate current by a smaller change ingrid voltage.
AmplificationLet's assume that we have a tube oper-
ating in a circuit and we measure anincrease of 5mA when the grid voltage isdriven 10V more positive, but that anincrease of 30V on the plate was neededto produce the same 5mA increase in theplate current. From this we can see that ittakes a three times greater increase inplate voltage than the increase in gridvoltage to produce the same 5mA changein the plate current. From this simple testwe can say that this tube has an amplifi-cation factor of three. When looking attube characteristic data it is commonpractice to call the amplification factorthe "MU" (p) of a tube.
The amplification factor or p of anyvacuum tube is the ratio of the change inplate voltage to the change in grid volt-age that would be required is required toproduce the same change in plate current.
Troubleshooting vacuum tube circuitscan become very easy once you are famil-iar with the Eg-Ip and Ep-Ip curves.Looking at the curve shown in Figure 1you will notice that if -3V were applied tothe grid of this tube, 25mA of plate cur-rent would be flowing. With -6V on thegrid, the plate current will be reduced to
Sydnor is a retired consumer electronics servicingtechnician.
52
45
35
25
15
52
0-1
Grid voltage plate currentcharacteristic curve
-12 -6 0 6 12
Grid volts
Figure 1. Characteristic curve of a typicalvacuum tube.
l5mA. With -9V on the grid the plate cur-rent drops down to 5mA. When the gridvoltage is -15V the plate current dropsdown to zero. This point at which the platecurrent drops to zero is called cutoff
The characteristic curve shown inFigure 1 also shows us that by making thegrid more negative we can reduce platecurrent, and by making the grid more pos-itive we will be increasing plate current.Also notice that as the grid graduallybecomes more positive the change inplate current is not as great as for valueslocated on the straight portion of thecurve, which indicates that we areapproaching this particular tube's satura-tion point at higher grid voltages.
Tube characteristicsThe particular characteristic curve
shown in Figure 1 acquires its specificslope only when a certain positive volt-age is maintained on the plate. If a dif-ferent voltage were applied to the plate,the slope of the curve would be altered,
and the plate current values for a givengrid voltage would be different from thatshown. An important point to rememberis that a higher plate voltage will result ina steeper grid-voltage/plate-currentcurve, whereas a lower plate voltage willresult in the curve having a more gradualslope. When you look in any tube manu-al you'll see different slope curves for dif-ferent tubes, so we can see that each tubetype has its own particular Ep-Ip curves.
Every tube and its associated circuit isdesigned to operate within certain limi-tations, and by conforming to these lim-itations and specifications, a tube's lifecan be prolonged considerably. There aremany factors that contribute to a tube'slife span and in many cases little can bedone to control them. There are, howev-er, some things that you should be awareof that can help in controlling tube life.
Factors that determine the lifetimeof a tube
Whenever a low filament emissionoccurs, the filament or the cathode isunable to supply the necessary electronsto the plate or grid. This deficiency ofelectrons manifests itself as weak signalswithin the circuits associated with a weaktube. The external factors that affect emis-sion life are filament temperature whichin turn depends upon filament voltage,plate current, plate voltage and overalltemperature of the tube.
Whenever a vacuum tube becomesgassy, ionization takes place and the plateor grid current no longer responds to anyvariations in electrode voltages as
required in the circuit design. Filamentemission is destroyed very rapidly by thepresence of gas. A gassy tube in somecases is caused by deficiencies in manu-facturing techniques.
Severe overloads, either prolonged ormomentary, can cause an appreciablerelease of gas within a tube. Only limitedprovisions are made in the fundamentaldesign of the tube to limit this gas release.Some tubes use the metal tantalum, whichhas the ability to quickly absorb gases that
16 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
0cri 400
Emission life vsa) Filament voltageCr)
o_
g 300(7)
(I)
-E
-o
c° 200
E
4E 100
E0z
Emission vsFilament voltage
NormalNormal
090 100 110
Rated filament voltage (percentage)
Figure 2. This graphic shows the effects ofemission and emission life versus filamentvoltage for tungsten filaments.
are liberated by momentary overloads,within their structure.
A cracked seal, as distinguished froma broken bulb, usually permits a smallamount of air to enter the bulb. If theprocess of admitting air takes place veryslowly over a long time period, the tubewill possibly behave as though it wasgassy. Once enough air enters the tube,the filament will burn out immediately.
In some cases a cracked seal can beattributed to a weakness in the manufac-turing process or careless handling duiing the manufacturing process. Severevibrations, sudden shock, overheating.voltage arc-overs, and corona are otherpossible abuses that could cause prob-lems for the technician.
Tubes react to abuseAbusive handling of tubes in the form
of shock and vibration can result in bro-ken or possible shifting of internal ele-ments. For example, the control gridcould sag toward the cathode. This typeof failure can render a tube uselessbecause of internal shorts, broken fila-ment, sagging grid, broken leads and mis-aligned elements. Tapping and hittingtubes while in operation can be classifiedas abusive handling.
Overheating elements can cause theliberation of excessive gas and can alsocause warping or melting of electrodeswithin the bulb. All these failures com-bined can cause localized heating. I haveseen tubes that had developed localizedheating so great that the bulb becamedeformed and melted the glass at the pointof excessive heat. Localized heating isusually caused by inadequate cooling,which occurs when the tube is coveredwith dust and dirt. Keep the tubes clean.
Tube life vs. emissionThe effects of emission and emission
life versus filament voltage for tungstenfilaments are shown in Figure 2. The lifeof a tungsten filament depends on the rateof evaporation or reduction of the tung-sten wire. This rate depends on the tem-perature at which the tungsten wire isbeing operated.
As shown in Figure 2, a three percentdecrease below normal filament voltagewill result in an approximately 50 percentincrease in emission life with only a 20percent decrease in filament emission.Also note that a three percent increaseabove normal filament voltage will resultin about a 30 percent decrease in emis-sion life with an increase of 25 percent inemission. This illustration points out theneed to be aware of the filament voltages.
Since most filaments draw very highcurrents at relatively low voltages, it is
important to be aware of filament volt-ages. Extreme care must be taken whenchecking the filament circuits looking forand eliminating contact resistance whereappreciable voltage drops may develop.Examine and clean the filament tube pinsto eliminate corrosion and any other highresistance substance. Examine all fila-ment wiring and always measure filamentvoltages at the tube pins.
Parasitic oscillationParasitic oscillation is a condition in
which undesired oscillations occur due tofeedback. These undesired oscillationscan be caused by long leads, unshieldedleads, large interelectrode capacitance,and relatively high values of transcon-ductance, all of which are common topower -output tubes. Besides subjecting atube to excessive voltages and currents,parasitic oscillations can reduce poweroutput and cause distortion. These phe-nomena can usually be observed by mon-itoring the grid and plate currents whichwill most likely be fluctuating.
References:
RCA Receiving Tube Manual RC -34(or later edition)
Radiotron Designers Handbook 3rdEdition
Principles of Electron Tubes By H.Reich
Saga Of The Vacuum Tube By Tyne
ES&T Calendar
NESDA 48th/ISCET 28th/NIAS 6thAnnualAugust 10-15, 1998Kissimmee, FL817-921-9061
CeBit Home Electronics '98August 26-30, 1998Hanover Germany609-987-1202
PCS 98September 23-25, 1998Orlando, FL703-739-0300
Personal Computer & ElectronicsExpoOctober 15-18, 1998Uniondale L.I., NY800-886-8000
PCS 99September 22-24, 1999New Orleans, LA703-739-0300
August 1998 E'ectronic Servicing & Technology 17
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *Do you remember that old bit ofdoggerel that goes: "For want ofa nail the show was lost, for want
of a show the horse was lost?" If so, youmight remember that the last lines read"For want of a ...the kingdom was lost.
All for want of a nail"Doesn't that pretty much express an
idea along the same lines as what happenswhen a service center can't find a replace-ment part for a television set, VCR, cam-corder or stereo. Although I supposeyou'd conclude "For want of a part, thesale was lost."
Unfortunately, that kind of problemcrops up much more often than most ser-vice centers care to think about. As anexample, there was the case of a certainbrand of consumer electronics productmanufactured off -shore. It was sold in theU.S. for a year or two, then the companywent out of business in the U.S. and it wasall but impossible to locate replacementparts. A lot of customers were unhappyabout the products they owned, and a lotof service centers spent a lot of timeresearching, only to find that it was futile.The parts didn't exist.
That's an extreme example, but lack ofparts availability is a pervasive problemin consumer electronics service. Anotherproblem that sometimes faces servicecenters is early obsolescence of product.Many consumers are very happy with theelectronics products they buy. They usethem for a number of years, pleased withthe sound and picture, and when the prod-uct fails, they want to get them serviced.However, in many cases if the product is
more than about seven years old, theymay not be able to get it fixed.
Oh, if the problem is caused by a stan-dard resistor, capacitor, inductor, transis-tor, the service center will probably beable to track down a replacement andrestore the product to working order. Butif the faulty part is a horizontal -outputtransformer, or a yoke, or a proprietaryIC, the customer, and the service centerthat has a great deal of diagnostic andparts research time sunk into the unit, areboth probably out of luck.
From time to time, however, it happensthat although the product is obsolete andmany suppliers have no replacement partsfor the product, one or two resourcefuldistributors might just know how to gettheir hands on that part. And that's one ofthe differences between a good distribu-tor and an excellent distributor. There aremany other qualities that differentiate thebest parts suppliers from the good andvery good suppliers. Sometimes it's hardto tell which is which. The list belowprovides some guidelines.
Evaluating a distributorHere's a list of questions you might
ask yourself when you're evaluating adistributor.
g7e How many locations do they have?gra- How often are they able to fill orders
from stock?tar What payment options do they offer
- open order account, credit card, etc.?Fa' How soon after receipt of an order
to they ship?' Do they add a shipping surcharge?
' Do they have a toll free number?far What ordering options do they offer?air What is their return policy?Ira- Do they offer a warranty?Eir Is there a minimum order amount?' What shipping options do they offer?far What special services do they offer?grar Do they have a research department
to help technicians find a specific part?
"You want to find someone youcan count on for reliability,convenience and service."
Food for thoughtKeep some of these questions in mind
when you're looking for a supplier ofreplacement components. You want tofind someone you can count on for relia-bility, convenience and service. Merelylocating someone who stocks the partisn't the only consideration. For example,if you have to wait until you fill a largeminimum order amount before you canorder, or if you have to wait weeks for thepart to arrive, you'll have that defectiveproduct sitting around the service centerfor a long time without earning you anyprofit, and the customer will not bepleased with the wait.
It might be tempting to order from thefirst distributor that comes to mind, but ifyou will take the time to ask a few ques-tions, it might save time, money andaggravation. The following section willgive you a head start in answering someof those questions.
18 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
Thomson Consumer Electronics
Thomson Consumer Electronicsbelieves that you should have achoice. We realize that you rely on ourgenuine replacement parts not onlyduring the required warranty period,but also when you want the highestlevel of quality and performance avail-able. We also realize that not everyestimate you give can be converted toa repair using original parts. That's ourdifference, we give you the choice!
Original PartsRCA and GE genuine replacement
parts provide today's service profes-sional with the reliability they needwhen completing in -warranty repairs.And they are delivered to you by partsdistributors who provide an outstand-ing level of service. In fact, our mostrecent survey of the service industrycontinues to show that three out offour servicers believe that no othermanufacturer provided a consistent-ly better parts fulfillment system thanthe Thomson Consumer Electronics'parts distributors.
Thomson Premier Distributors canfill your warranty part orders either offtheir shelves on all in -stock products,or by placing a Direct Drop Shipment(DDS) order via computer directlyinto the TCE national parts depot.Either way, you receive the part youneed to complete the repair quicklyand you get the highest possible fillrate for warranty parts to serviceRCA, GE and ProScan products. Thiscomputer link also allows the PremierDistributor access to all the informa-tion needed to provide you with thehigh level of service you require intoday's fast paced business.
SK Series Universal PartsYou know that lower estimates
equal more repairs and more busi-ness for you. To help you turn moreof those COD estimates into repairs,Thomson continues to broaden it'sline of SK Series Universal Products.These quality parts let you reduce therepair estimate by lowering yourreplacement parts cost, and that'sgood news for you!
SK Series Universal Productscover a wide range of high wear, highusage parts. Whether you need videoheads, flyback transformers, videoreplacement parts, belts, tires, pinchrollers, laser pickups, RF modulators,exact semiconductors, servicer aids,repair kits, capacitors, resistors andmore, you can look to SK Series First.
TCE LiteratureThomson also provides a number
of publications which makes findingthe right part for the repair even eas-ier. Our latest "SK Series ProductGuide" (Catalog #301) is a quick ref-erence tool to the SK Series UniversalProduct line. Photographs, text andgraphic illustrations all help guide youto the right stock number very quick-ly and easily.
In addition to TCE's service data,the "Television Components QuickReference Guide" contains key partnumbers for recent RCA, GE andProScan chassis. It's ideal forthe technician on the road. It foldsto fit in your pocket. The QuickReference Guide also contains asection dedicated to the EPROM'sassociated with chassis CTC169through CTC189.
And there is of course, our wellknown and widely accepted "OEMRemote Control" book. This book isprinted once a year and no one that
repairs TCE products should be with-out one!
These publications are availablefrom your Authorized Thomson PartsDistributor. For the "SK SeriesProduct Guide" order publication1J1226, for the "Quick ReferenceGuide" order publication 1J9548, andfor the "Remote Control" book order1F5790.
Accessories andComponents Business
The Thomson Consumer Elec-tronics, Accessories and Com-ponents Business provides servicefrom a 358,000 square foot facilitylocated in Deptford, New Jersey.All business functions-customerservice, sales and marketing, qual-ity assurance, product analysis,administrative departments andware- housing operate under oneroof. Some parts are stocked in satel-lite warehouse facilities in El Paso,TX, and Indianapolis, IN.
A full line of RCA brand ConsumerElectronics Accessories is marketedfrom this facility as well. The busi-ness is managed by Jack Nick,Vice President. Thomson ConsumerElectronics corporate headquartersis in ; ndianapolis.
One Call Is AllYou Need To Make
Whether you need original RCAand GE parts or SK Series products,your Thomson distributor is yourone stop source. A single call toa Thomson Distributor gives youthe choice you deserve, makingyour business more profitable. Tolocate a nearby Thomson AuthorizedDistributor simply call (800) 336-190C today.
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 19
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
Panasonic Services Company20421 84th Avenue SouthKent, Washington 98021Phone: 800-833-9626Fax: 800-237-9080
For over 35 years, the Panasonic,Quasar, and Technics brand nameshave appeared throughout Americanhomes and industries. In that time, ourcompany's commitment to total cus-tomer satisfaction has manifested itselfin many ways. Our approach to postsales support has evolved to includeprograms that encompass qualitativehuman resource training, as well asones that stress the development ofautomated processes that allow us tooffer timely, accurate solutions to ourend users' service needs.
The engine behind PASC's ability toensure timely repairs is our ability todeliver parts, accessories, and serviceliterature to our network of factory ser-vice centers, independent servicers,and dealers in a timely manner. We arenow seeing the results of over a decadeof continued investment in the modern-ization of our facilities. The primary pointof support for all replacement parts andservice literature is the National PartsCenter in Kent, Washington. From here,and with further support from sales &marketing staff and field staff through-out our U.S. regions, we handle a widevariety of inquiries and fill just about anyrequest made of us.
Customer ContactGenerally, the first line of customer
support is provided by our order officeslocated in Kent, Washington. This officehandles a wide variety of customer callsranging from simple parts orders torequests to do research on uniquemodel numbers. Currently, the orderoffice handles an average of 1,800 callsa day just for taking orders, as well astake an average of 250 calls from cus-tomers requesting such things as esti-mated shipping time, return authoriza-tions, processing credits, and specialorders. Also, the office receives over1,000 faxes daily. In addition to all this,we offer retail customers toll -free phoneand fax numbers to call and order liter-ature, parts, or any of our comprehen-sive line of accessories.
In order to further improve our level ofservice, we've made significant invest-ments in phone management systemsto improve our efficiency. Data gatheredfrom these systems graphically depictwork load volume, peak times, and aver-age call length on a daily basis, and givemanagement a true picture of whereadditional improvements are needed.
Our staff includes representativeswhich reach out to the field as well.Regional parts accessory representa-tives call on distributors, independentservicers, dealers, and even end users,to assess their needs. With a compre-hensive portfolio of sales programs andpromotional items, they are able to offerprofitable opportunities to small andlarge businesses alike. Along the way,they are able to keep in touch with theever changing needs of all, and makethe necessary recommendations to ourmarket development personnel.
Our commitment doesn't stop with ourinternal efforts. We also maintain a net-work of over 40 authorized independentparts and accessory distributors whoare well positioned to support our widerange of customers in various marketsthroughout the country.
Parts and Service LiteratureDistribution
Once we've established what our cus-tomer needs, we have to get it to them.That's the job of over 125 employeesthat staff our parts and service literaturewarehouse in Kent. The building is aquarter mile long, and encompasses228,000 square feet, which houses over110,000 line items and 2.8 millionpieces.
The warehouse day begins at 6:00a.m. There are over 2,000 parts ordersbeing processed at any given time. Inorder to manage such an overwhelmingtask, procedures have been created thatallow us to meet our goal of having allorders shipped within 24 hours. By theend of the day, the facility will haveshipped approximately 2,700 parts andliterature orders, which consist of over
7,000 line items, and over 35,000 pieces!Through the use of bar coding, and a
RF (radio frequency) based receivingsystem, we are able to reduce the turnaround time for receiving and stockingmaking goods available to the customereven sooner.
We have recently completed ourinvestment in the modernization of ourwarehouse operations. This includesthe expanded use of RF and bar codesthroughout the facility, conveyors,carousels and a new software system.Designed to create a paperless envi-ronment, this comprehensive, state ofthe art installation enables us to providefaster, error free service to our cus-tomers as well as positioning Matsushitafor the next decade.
Finally, in our effort to be earth friend-ly, the warehouse has been a leader inthe effort to recycle. It all started fouryears ago when we began to usebiodegradable packing material. Today,we have a comprehensive program torecycle all paper, cardboard, aluminumcans, and pallets. We make an effort topurchase recycled product when it isavailable. In recognition of our efforts,we were designated a "DistinguishedBusiness in the Green" by King County.
The FutureThere will be a continued emphasis
on expansion of our customers' ability togo "on line" with PASC, not just for orderentry and order inquiry, but also for cred-it and return procedures.
Internally, with systems that our cus-tomers don't directly see, we move fur-ther into the information age. Not onlydo our purchasing agents continue toemploy CD-ROM information systems,we are now on line with our factories inJapan for inquiry purposes, a capabilitywe plan to expand to selected aspectsof our market. The use of bar coding willcontinue to expand.
Our goal for the future is customer sat-isfaction, not just for our direct customer,but anyone who comes in contact withPanasonic, Technics, or Quasar.
20 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
Matsushita OriginalReplacement Parts and Accessories
Nothing less than total satisfaction is expected by today's customers. The onlyway to live up to this standard is by using Matsushita Original Replacement Partsand Accessories. The source of this quality is Panasonic Services Company andyour Authorized Replacement Parts Distributor. Consult the list below, or call1-800-545-2672 for the location nearest you.
CALIFORNIA MINNESOTAAndrews Electronics (CN/M/A) 25158 Avenue Stanford. Santa Clank' 91355 800-289.0300* FAX SI10-289-0301AVAC Corp. (V) * 3746 Bradview Dr.. Sacramento 95827 916-361-7491 FAX 916-361-5480Blakeman Wholesale IV) 1800 E. Walnut St. Fullerton. 92631 * 714-680-6800 * FAX 714-680-8700Cass Electronics (CN/M/A) ((II Seventh Ave.. Oakland 946(16 510-839-2493 or 800-289-0300(outside 510) * FAX 510-465-5927E and K Parts. Inc. ICN/M/A I * 2115 Westwood Blvd.. Los Angeles 90025 * 800-331-8263 or3111-475-6848 * FAX 800-826-0890 or 3111-474-1)846Pacific Coast Parts 1C/V/M/A) 151)24 Staff Court. Gardena 90248 800.421-5080 FAX 800-782-5747Star For Parts t V) 10727 Commerce Way. Suite B. Fontana. 92335 909-4284404 ` FAX 91.19-428-3213
COLORADOStar For Parts (VI * 235(1 Arapahoe St.. Denver 81)2(15 3111-296-2117 FAX 303-296-2120
CONNECTICUTSignal Electronics Supply. Inc. (C/M/A) 589 New Park Ave.. West Hanford 06110 860-213-8551 FAX 860-233-8554
FLORIDAHerman Electronics (CN/M/A) 7350 N.W. 35th Terrace. Miami 33122 800-938-4376" FAX 800-938-4377Layco, Inc. (C/V/M/A) 501 S. Main St.. Crests icy, 32536 850-682-0321 FAX 850-682-8820Vance Baldwin IC/M/AI 27(11 W. McNab Road. Pompano Beach. 33(169 800-432-8542 954-969-1811* FAX 954-969-0226 800-552-1431Vance Baldwin IC/M/A) 18(11 N.E. 2nd Ave.. Miami 33132 305-379-4794 *FAX 305-173-8855Vance Baldwin (CN/M/A) 1)07 N. Nimes Ave.. Tampa 33607 *800-299-1007 FAX 813-870-1088
GEORGIABuckeye Vacuum CI (V) 2870 Plant Atkinson Rd.. Smyrna 10080 404-351-7300 FAX 404-351-73(17Wholesale Industrial IC/M/A) 5925 Peachtree Corners East. Norcross 30071 770-447-8436" FAX 770-447-1(17%
ILLINOIS11-B & W. Inc. (C/V/M) 2137 S. Euclid Ave.. Berwyn 60402 708-749-1710 FAX 708-749-(1325Hese°. Inc. (V) 6633 N. Milwaukee Ave.. Niles 60714 * 847-647-6700 " FAX 847-647-0534Joseph Electronics. Inc. (C/M/A) 8830 N. Milwaukee Ave.. Niles 60714 847-297-4208* FAX 847-297-6923Union Electronic Dist. (CN/M/A)* 311 E. Corning Rd.. Beecher. IL 60401 800-648-6657 or708-946-9500 * FAX 80X643 -UNION or 708-946-9200
INDIANAElectronic Service Parts ICN/M1* 2901 E. Washington St.. Indianapolis 4621)1 317-269-1527 FAX 800-809-1220
MARYLANDTritronics. Inc. iCN/M/A) 1306 Continental Dr.. Abingdon 21009-2334 800-638.3328* FAX 800-888-FAXD
MASSACHUSETTSTee Vee Supply Co. (C/V/M/A) 407 R Mystic Ave.. PO Box 649. Medford 1(2155 781-395-9440 FAX 781-391-8020
MICHIGANAllied National (V)* 132711 Capital Avenue. Oak Park 48237 * 800-730-5696 FAX 800-999-8099G. NI. Popkey Co. (C/V/M/A)* 500 W. Greenbrooke Dr. S.E.. Grand Rapids 49512 800-444-3920 or616-698-2390 FAX 616-698-1)794Remcor Electronics (CN/M/A) * 10670 W. Nine Mile Rd.. Oak Park 48237 248-541-5666
FAX 248-39/1-1016
CODING: IC) Consumer Electronic Parts (V) Vacuum Parts NII Major Appliance Parts IA) Accessories
AVAC Corp. IV ) * 666 University Ave.. St Paul 551(4 612-222-0763 * FAX 612-224-2674Ness Electronics, Inc. IC/V/M/A) 441 Stinson Blvd. N.E.. Minneapolis 55413 612-623-9505 FAX 612-623-9540
MISSOURICititronix, Inc. (C/V/M/A) 1641 !Neiman Rd.. St. Louis 63132 8(X0-846-2484 or 314-427-3420 FAX 314-427-3360Tacony Corp. IV) 1760 Gilsinn Lane. Fenton 63026 314-349-30(8) a FAX 314-349-2333
NEVADAMC%I Electronics (CN/M/A) 495 East Parr Blvd.. Reno 89512 800-543-4330 FAX 513-434-6959 (OH)
NEW JERSEYPanson Electronics. ICN/M/A) 1-80 and New Maple Ave. PO Box 2003. Pine Brook 07058 800-255-5229 or 973-244-2400 FAX 800-332-3922
NEW YORKDale Electronics (C/V/M/A) * 7 E. 20th St.. New York City 10003 212-475-1124 * FAX 212-475-1963Fox International. Inc. (CN/M/A)* 24)-A Central Ave.. Farmingdale. 11735 800-321-6993 or516-694-1354 ' FAX 516-694-0595Radio Equipment Corp. (C/A) 196 Vulcan St.. Buffalo 14207 716-874-2690 FAX 716-874-2698Standard Electronics (CN/M/A) 215 John Glenn Dr.. Amherst 14228 800-333-1519 OR 716-691-3371 FAX 800-318-1241Star For Parts IV) 250 Rahro Drive E.. Hauppauge 11788-0255 * 800-525-6(46 FAX 516-348-7160
OHIOElectric Sweeper CoJESSCO (V) 7800 Huh Parkway. Valley View 44125-5711 * 8110-321-2664 FAX 216-524-4142Fox International. Inc. (CN/M/A) 2360 Aurora Rd.. Bedford Heights 44146 4406439-8500 FAX 800-445-7991MCM Electronics (CN/M/A1 650 Congress Park Dr.. Centerville 45459-4072 800-5434330 or917 434 0011 FAX 937-434-6939
OREGONDiversified Parts (CN/M/A)* 2114 S.E. 9th Ave.. Portland 97214-4615 800-338-6342 FAX 800-952-0602Northwest (Nholesale (V) 426 N.E. Davi, St.. Portland 97232 800-234-8227 or 503-232-7114 FAX 503-212-7115
PENNSYLVANIASteel City Vacuum Co.. Inc. (V) 919 Penn Ave.. Pittsburgh 15221 800-822-1199 or 412-731-0300 FAX 412-711-3205
TENNESSEEElectrotex. Inc. (C/V/M/A) 6122 Macon Rd.. Memphis 38134 * 901-383-9300 FAX 901-388-0258Shields Electronics Supply. Inc. (CN/M/A) 4722 Middlebrook Pike. Knoxville 37921 423-588-2421
FAX 423-588-343
TEXASF:lectrotex. Inc. (CN/IVVA) 2300 Richmond Ave.. Houston 77098-3299 713-526-1456' FAX 713-619-6400Electrotex. Inc. (CN/M/A) 1200 W. Hildebrand. San Antonio 78201 210-735-9271 FAX 210-737-2642Fox International (CN/M) 752 S. Shemran. Richardson 75081 800-321-6993 or 216-439-8500 FAX 81O-445-7991VCP International. Inc. (V) 2285 Merritt Dr.. Garland 75040 972-271-7474 FAX 972-278-5981
WISCONSING. M. Popkey Company (CNNI/A) 2035 Larsen Ave.. Green Bay 54307-2237 920-497-0400 FAX 92)1-497-4894C NI Popkey Company 4CN/M/A I 2355 S. Calhoun Rd.. New Berlin 53151 414-786-5887
FAX 414-786-9031
Panasonic Services Company20421 84th Avenue South, Kent, Washington 98032
Panasonic ® Technics Quasar®
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
Philips Software Development401 East Old Andrew Johnson HighwayJefferson City, TN 37760Phone: 423-475-0393Fax: 423-475-0178
The Software Development department grew out of aneffort to create the best electronic service manual programpossible. From this effort, we have embraced the goal to"Develop the most user friendly software products for theservice industry".
The criteria we used in developing our electronic servicemanual program:
1. An electronic service manual program has to be FASTto allow a technician to make the most of their time. Accessto diagrams and other information needs to be simpleand fast.
2. It had to be COMPATIBLE with all other manufacturers.In order to prevent servicers from having to have multiplesystems, our program is designed to be flexible to accom-modate any manufacturers service manual data.
3. The most challenging and important is that our programhad to OVERCOME EVERY COMPLAINT we could imag-ine concerning the use of paper manuals.
Overcoming every complaint was most difficult. There areso many problems to using paper manuals. This is a shortlist of problems we worked to overcome:
Manuals get lost on one bench, under other manuals anddo not get refilled.
Tracing signals through a manual is time consumingand difficult.
Finding any information in a manual takes too long. The diagrams are printed too small for most people. It takes too long to order and receive a manual when it
is needed. Storing paper manuals takes up too much floor space in
the shop. Paper manuals take up too much bench space when
opened to view the diagram. Keeping paper manuals updated in a timely manner
is difficult. Paper manuals lack an up to date history of known fixes
and troubleshooting techniques. Paper manuals cost too much. Every company makes their manual in a different style.We considered every one of these complaints and
designed FORCE, our service manual program, to overcomethese and many more complaints. FORCE makes everymanual available to every technician at the same time. Itincludes Hot Spot signal tracing that quickly jump from onediagram to another. Location information for components cir-cuits, diagram name, and all Known Faults are included. Wecan deliver our manuals via the Internet as well as update itat any time. We allow you to make notes about any fix thatyou find. In addition, we are soliciting consumer electronicscompany wishing to make manuals in this style to join us.
FORCE is user friendly and can improve productivity somuch that every technician will soon have his or her own
computer. We see productivity improving by 10% to 30%,depending on the technician's use and the kind of productsworked on. It costs only 1% of that productivity improvementto put a computer in the hands of every technician.
How to distribute and useelectronics manuals
CD-ROMS can be used to distribute manuals but to usemanuals while on a ROM has problems. ROMs slow themanual down, eliminate your ability to make notes on dia-grams, limit usage to one technician at a time, and if youdon't file them, they can get lost.p
We want to update your manuals daily with new fix infor-mation, corrections to part numbers, and make sure yourdiagrams are accurate. We can do this through the Internetmost effectively.
What are the main featuresof FORCE?
Diagram zooming and panning is very fast. Part numbers can be linked to pricing to allow orders or
fast estimates. Our manuals are small, 500k for a regular TV to 3meg
for a large VCR. We allow distribution via CD-ROM or over the Internet. Instant access to all parts of a service manual insures a
speedy repair. Signal flow from circuit to circuit is as fast as a tag and
a jump. Keep a fix hstory of all repairs. Draw a box on a diagram, type a note, and from then on
its viewability by everyone using the manual. Force was designed from the beginning to be used by
all manufacturers.The FUTURE of FORCE is growth and expansion. We are
adding many more features: Cause voltage measurements to appear on -screen and
remain there while you diagnose a problem. Draw or wr to on a diagram, save it and FAX it to a
help line. Link via modem to any compatible help line to exchange
ideas on a repair. Allow NARDA claims to be generated and electronically
filed right from the job.There are more features being planned and we expect
technicians to make suggestions that turn into even morenew features.
The Software Development Department is ready to helpany company make manuals that work with Force. We wantto overcome the last complaint about paper manuals andfinally produce manuals that are easy and intuitive to use.FORCE is designed to do just that.
22 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
Philips Service Solutions GroupPO Box 555401 E. Old Andrew Johnson HighwayJefferson City, TN 37760Phone: 800-851-8885Fax: 800-535-3715
PHILIPS SERVICE COMPANY is fastbecoming known as the PHILIPS SER-VICE SOLUTIONS GROUP. We havechanged our name because it betterdescribes who we are and what weoffer TIMELY SOLUTIONS for all ofyour parts, accessories, and servicingneeds. In addition to stocking genuinefactory replacement parts, PhilipsService Solutions Group has a completeline of BK Precision test equipment,Sencore test equipment, and a fullline of Chemtronics Chemicals andService Aids, in addition to a vast arrayof Magnavox Accessories.
Easy to Do Business With
Toll Free Order Line - 800-851-8885Toll Free Fax Line - 800-535-3715Courteous and knowledgeable phone
representatives are available Mondaythrough Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ESTand Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
_ Audio_____ Accessories
/ 996 -
Priwhict
SmartPeirtsGenuine Philips Parts...The Intelhgent choice
p.m. EST and are ready to take yourorder or assist you with on-line pricing and availability infor-mation. A toll free fax is also available 24 -hours a day, 7 daysa week for customers to fax their orders. A confirmation ofyour order can be returned upon request indicating the ordernumber and item availability.
Accessories: Added -Value ElectronicsPhilips offers a full line of added -value electronics in the
form of Magnavox and SouthWestern Bell branded acces-sories. We have something to enhance everyone's enjoy-ment of their electronic products. Shop us for all your needsin Surge Protection, Audio/Video Tapes, Audio, VideoCables, Universal Remotes, Observation Systems,Telephone Accessories, Audio/Video Cleaning Products,Camcorder Batteries/Chargers, VCR/Camcorder acces-sories and much, much, more. Also, ask about our FREEpersonalized accessory display ($500 minimum purchase).
No Hassle Return PolicyIn our continued effort to be easy to do business with Philips
offers a 30 -day No Hassle Return policy. The details of thispolicy are provided on the back of your packing sl p, andenable the servicer to maximize this turnaround time of
customer repairs and estimates by allowing the return of newparts within 30 -days of purchase with No Hassle.
Customer Service DepartmentServicers are encouraged to contact our Customer Service
Department if they experience any problems with their or-ders, parts returns, or account. Associates are trained toresolve most problems while you are on the phone. TheCustomer Service Department can be reached through theParts and Accessories ordering number 1-800-851-8885.
Making Things Better
Reduced PricingIn our effort to continually make things better, Philips
Service Solutions Group reduced its parts pricing in late 1996representing a reduction in price from 2% - 23% for many ofour most popular items such as tuners, remotes, and trans-formers. There have been no significant changes since thattime to increase pricing and we continue to review to ensurewe remain competitive in our pricing. We believe in offeringthe highest quality products as the best possible price.
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 23
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
electro dynamics, inc.Leading The Way in the USA7 Oser Avenue, Hauppauge, NY 11788-3808Phone: 1-800-426-6423Fax: 1-800-873-2948
There is no time like the future...... And the future is now. The con-
vergence of the home electronics andpersonal computer marketplace is nolonger a discussion or theory. It is nowa fact. The only question left is howmuch time remains before these twoindustries consolidate into one. With BillGates investing over $1 billion dollarsinto cable providers, and other hard-ware / software competitors pledgingallegiance, it would appear that thebusiness plan is already in place.Business models are being adjusted.Marketing and distribution efforts arebeing modified to comply. Support sys-tems will have to be created. Distributorsand manufacturers are scrambling tounderstand, and to manage, this newemerging marketplace.
What is the CrossoverConvergence?
As the communications and enter-tainment marketplace embrace the newdigital era, information distribution vehi-cles will convert to full digital technolo-gy. Simply, put this means that the tele-vision and VCR that you use on a dailybasis will soon utilize the same compo-nents as your personal computer. Beltsand idlers will be replaced by flashmemory and micro -controllers. Infor-mation will be transmitted as binarycode not as an analog signal. Whatwere two succinctly different markets,are now one.
How will it affect our industry?The replacement parts distribution
companies that have prepared for thisconvergence of technologies will be theones ready to meet the needs of theircustomers. Those that have not prop-erly prepared will not be able to providethe proper services.
EDI is ReadyInformation is the commodity of the
new digital era. Information is the keyto any service center's future. To pre-pare for this new commodity EDI has
formed alliances with service compa-nies that consolidate and supply perti-nent, valid, and concise information toservice centers globally.
We have engaged in marketing anddistribution efforts that will bring thisinformation to the service centerscheaper and quicker than ever before.We have invested in the developmentof this information for future technolo-gies and for future delivery platforms.
We're not looking towards tomorrow-we've brought tomorrow to our cus-tomers today.
"...TV is now on a collisioncourse with the PC - a
modest little $125 billionindustry. Companies onboth sides of the fenceare jumping into theconvergence game, bid-
ding up the stakes to
dizzying levels."
Robert H. Reid, 'The Real Revolution',WIRED, page 122, October 1997
Company evolutionFor more than 14 years, Electro
Dynamics has been importing and dis-tributing television, VCR, computermonitors and other peripheral electron-ic replacement components. As thegrowth of the computer service andmaintenance marketplace becameapparent, EDI crossed over into thismarket in 1989. EDI's customer basereaches from local and family ownedrepair service centers to global corpo-rations in the United States, Canada,Europe and South America.
Our current penetration level into themarketplace allows for power purchas-ing. Our active customer base will coi-
tinue to aid and develop that penetra-tion level for years to come. We haveinsured that position by extending ourcustomer base and by expanding ourproduct line. Through this growth andplanning, EDI has created a niche foritself into other growing marketplacessuch as government installations, majoreducational institutions and medicalresearch facilities.
Why do we want to help advance ourcustomers' success?
The core philosophy of our company isbased on three concepts; service, serviceand service. If our customers do not succeedin making this crossover we will not succeed.At EDI we know that it is our customers thatmake our success and we never stop improv-ing our service to our customers. This is ournumber one concern.
EDI is a highly engineered, productspecific, future involved company. Itsbusiness model has been constructedof the right materials, formulated, test-ed and refined over the course of 14years. Its corporate culture and struc-ture has been constantly adapted anddesigned for the future and the imme-diate needs of the marketplace. Thishas been accomplished by an ongoingdedication to planning and forecasting.These kinds of accomplishments havetaken personal as well as financialcommitment.
EDI realized the future was upon us,and prepared for the day when the con-sumer electronics and computer ser-vice marketplace would crossover andbecome one. We embraced this emerg-ing marketplace, and are prepared toprovide the next generation of serviceand parts for the new niche created bythis convergence.
Our vision and dedication make ussuccessful, our leadership, capabilitiesand commitment make our customerssuccessful too.
Electra Dynamics - Your Partnerof Choice, Today and Tomorrow
24 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
;b I,
:.,g13:r!g(Kk f;
The Future is Here, and It's Name is Convergerce.
EDI realized the future was upon us, and preparec forthe day when the ccnsume- electronics and computerservice marketplace would crossover and becomeone. We embraced this emerging marketplace, and areprepared to provide the next generation of service andparts for the new niche created by tiis convergence.Our vision and dedication make us successful, ourleadership, capabilities and commitment make ourcustomers successful too.
Electro Dynamics - Your Partner of Choice,Today and Tomorrow!
electro dynamics, nc.Leading The Way in the USATM
1117 Oser Avenue, Hauppauce, NY 11788-3808
NATIONWIDE TOLL FREE PH oNE:1-800-1-AM-NICE [800-426-64231NATIONWIDE TOLL FREE FAX: 1-800-813-2948 International in 511-496-4166 International Phone: 516-496-4400
Circle (113) on Reply Card
dear° dynamics, incLead ng The Way in the USA
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
PRIMItil DISTRIBUTOR
Herman Electronics7350 Herman WayMiami, FL 33122Phone: 800-938-4376Fax: 800-938-4377
Herman Electronics is a diverse and multi-faceted full -line distributor of everything in elec-tronics, committed to offering only the best in orig-inal replacement parts, everything in serviceaccessories, and most importantly, customer ser-vice to their customers. In business for over 35years, Herman Electronics has clearly establisheditself as one of the leaders in the industry by pro-viding only quality products and outstanding cus-tomer service to all facets of the electronics indus-try. The heartbeat of the company lies in the OEMparts department. While serving the industry forover 3 decades. Herman has many of the majorOEM parts lines enabling them to provide moreefficient and cost effective service to you, their val-ued customer. The company prides itself on beinga SINGLE source to the service industry.
Herman Electronics is one of the largest origi-nal replacement parts and accessory distributorsin the country and is factory authorized for most ofthe major brands. In addition, Herman Electronicsis the source for everything in service accessories.Their new catalog, published three times a year.includes everything in technicians' aids, tools, sol-
der & de -soldering equipment, test equipment,audio/video accessories, chemicals and muchmore, all from the industry's leading manufactur-ers. Stocking one of the largest and most com-prehensive inventories in the country enables thecompany to fill over 80% of their orders from inven-tory and guarantees SAME DAY shipment of allin -stock orders placed before 5:30 PM (EST).
Herman Electronics provides a variety of cus-tomer support services as a result of their commit-ment to customer service excellence. They haveseveral professional customer service representa-tives to serve all your needs from 8:30 am to 6 00pm. (EST) Monday through Friday. The companyprides itself on being accommodating to its cus-tomers in order to provide complete customer sat-isfaction. "We realize there are many good dist'ib-utors throughout the country," says Jeffrey A. Wolf,President and son of one of the company'sfounders. "It is our job to EXCEED customers'expectations by taking that extra step in providingthe highest level of professional, personalized ser-vice. This industry has quickly become service dri-ven and therefore it is our focus and dedicatior to
maintain a standard of excellence in customer ser-vice. As the year 2000 rapidly approaches we mustcontinue to develop innovative ideas and freshapproaches to meet and exceed the demands thatlie ahead." And the company is doing just that.On-line computer services, a 24 -hour electronictelephone ordering system, EDI, the world wideweb and on-line parts research, just to name a few.
If you haven't given Herman Electronics a try,please do so today. Call to request a copy of theirnew catalog or simply visit them on the world -wide -web at hermanelectronics.com and experiencethe true HERMAN ADVANTAGE.
yam YOU NEEDW
rr...WE HAVE IT!
THE HERMAN ADVANTAGEAll In -Stock Orders Placed Before 5:30 PM EST Are Shipped the Same Day.
FREE or DISCOUNTED Air Freight Program
RAPID RESPONSE tc All Research Requests.
PROFESSIONAL Customer Service Representatives to Serve Your Every Need
CONSOLIDATE YOUR BUYING and purchase all the major lines from ONE SOURCE.
NO MINIMUM ORD ER
Phone: 8009384316 Fax Order Line: 8009384311ORIG JP 1.1,1.1tR,alSONY KENWOOD Panasonic Rim
EVIEWC.° TOSHIBA Tecimicsnuat's-ar HITACHI 4.1a=1P Pk( )S( \N
ONKYO
HMI mulhorizet1 Distributor For_rte73507350 HERMAN WAY
MIAMI, FL 33122Address: info crhermanelectronics.com
Web page: www.hermanelectronics.com
Call fo our copy of our new catalog!26 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998 Circle (67) on Reply Card
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
MCM Electronics650 Congress Park DriveCenterville, OH 45459Phone: 800-543-4330Fax: 800-765-6960www.mcmelectronics.com
MCM Electronics, Your Source ForService Parts And Accessories
For over 20 years, MCM has been a lead-ing supplier to the electronic serviceindustry. Stocked are literally thousandsof repair parts used in all aspects of con-sumer electronics repair. As authorizeddistributors for Denon, ECG, GE,Magnavox, Panasonic, Philips, Quasar,RCA and Technics, we have the exactreplacement items you need. For thebench, we stock a broad selection of toolsand technician aids from trusted nameslike Chemtronics, Tech Spray, Caig,Xcelite, Crescent, Klein, Weller, Ungar,and Hakko. Not to mention test equipmentfrom Tenma, Fluke, BK Precision, Hitachi,
Sencore, Leader, Triplett, Simpson andTektronix.
Discover The MCM ElectronicsDifference
MCM publishes two full-sized catalogsannually. The latest issue boasts over5000 new p-oducts, and features over 100pages devoted solely to semiconductors,repair parts and accessories. In all, MCMstocks over 39,000 items essential to theservice industry. Sales flyers are mailedregularly featuring specially p -iced itemsand new product additions keeping thecustomers Jp to date on the latest avail-able products.
Superior Customer ServiceThe MCM staff is trained to answer all
calls fast, friendly and efficiently. All salesrepresentatives are professionals who areavailable Monday through Friday from7:00 am to 9:00 pm EST, and Saturdayfrom 9:00 am to 6:00 pm EST. Faxedorde-s are also accepted 24 hours a day,seven days a week. MCM also provideshighly trained electronics technicians toanswer customer product questions. Witha separate toll -free "Tech Line," customersreceive prompt answers to their questionsby calling 1 -800 -824 -TECH (8324).
Fast Delivery From Two DistributionFacilities
MCM is committed to providing superi-or customer service. Distribution centersstrategically located near Reno, NV andDayton, OH, enable fast delivery atgrouid rates throughout the U.S. In addi-tion, with over 39,000 items stocked, 99%of all orders are shipped within 24 hours.In fact, all in stock orders received by 5:00pm "OUR TIME are shipped the SAMEDAY! For more information and a free cat-alog, call 1-800-543-4330, in Dayton, OHcall 1-937-434-0031.
Order#72-4
On
Electronics®
with Logic Function3/ digit DMM provides all of the functions you see in more costly meters, plus-sEnsistor h. measurement and logic test. Call MCM today and receive thismeter with protective holster for this incredible low price. AC/DC voltage measurement to
600V with up to 100pV resolution Resistance measurement in ranges
from 200ohm-2000Mohm Capacitance measurement in
ranges 2nF-20pF
Transistor h. gain
2.5/second sampling rate
10Mohm input impedance
Regular price 565.95Technicians have come to know MCM as the undisputedleader in supplying the service industry. Our 20+ yearsexperience, selection of over 39,000 stocked items andsame day shipping have set the standard for ourindustry nationwide. Get the complete MCM picture.
When ordering, please provide CODE: ES105
1-800-543-4330www.mcmelectronics.com
MCM ELECTRONICS650 CONGRESS PARK DR.CENTERVILLE. OH 45459A PREMIER FARNELL Company
Call todayand
request ourFREE
2i 2 PAGEcA'r ALOG
Price effective Aug. 1 thru Sept. 11, 1998 Same Day Shipping! In stock orders received by 5 00 p.m. (YOUR TIME), are shipped the same day.
't Ion n.iel
MER10
11645-43
CODE: ES105
Circle (70) on Reply Card
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 39
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
B & D EnterprisesMain & Liberty StreetRussell, PA 16345Phone: 888-815-0508Fax: 814-757-5400
#1 IN EXPERIENCESince 1976 B&D Enterprises and their par-
ent company have been entrusted by the man-ufacturers to be their authorized distributor inthe United States. Companies such as Sanyo,Sanken, Shindengen, and NEC have agreed tolet us represent them for the distribution of theirsemiconductor products. At B&D you'll find 22+years of accumulated product knowledge andfactory supported sales. No other distributorcan match our experience level in the Japanesesemiconductor market. Our engineering libraryalone covers more than 25yrs of componentsand all of the major Japanese manufacturers.
JAPANESE SEMICONDUCTORSB&D Enterprises stocks more than 10,000
line items. Specializing in Japanese semicon-ductors, we can help you solve your compo-nent problem. We also stock an extensiveinventory of discontinued and hard to finditems. Our purchasing history and cross-refer-
ence knowledge of the products is 2nd to none!The engineering office number for technicalsupport is 814-757-8300. In addition to Sanyo,Sanken, Shindengen, and NEC, other linessupported are Fuji, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Mitsubishi,Panasonic, Rohm, Sansha, and Sony. We alsostock various components made by I.R., G.I.,Motorola, National, SGS/Thomson, andPhilips. When it comes to semiconductors,other distributors depend on us, and we're nowavailable to you the consumer as well!
CONVENIENCE!Located in Western Pennsylvania B&D
offers 2nd day air (up to 5lbs.) in the continen-tal U.S. for only $3.95! Also our minimum orderis only $15.00! We use UPS and Fedex to bestsupport our customers with orders shippedsame day up to 4:00pm EST. Our businesshours are 8:OOam-7:OOpm EST and we gladlyaccept MasterCard, Visa, American Express,and COD's (company check or cash).
'
JJJ J -1 -J
I lit. ...Milt l I,,, 1)1111.1%,u1 . %runic 1u.1,.
1-800-458-6053TECH SUPPORT 11114-157-831/0
FAX 814-757-5400Visol our V/alf S.le al wiaur bdcal sour
FACTORY AUTHORIZED SUPPORTAt B&D we are a family run business that
believes in supporting the sale with service.From spec sheets to pricing we will do what ittakes to ensure your satisfaction! We handlemajor OEM's, distributors, brokers, repairdepots, and small business concerns.
B&D-"Where we're big enough to serve you,but small enough to know you! IN
4fa W4svp FACTORY AUTHORIZED SEMICONDUCTOR DISTRIBUTION FOR:
Call today for your FREE catalog!
*.111.1.4:if411457711140.1J J .1)
T-11
PO BOX 460 MAIN R. LIBERTY RUSSELL, PA 16345
(4:1itco\riVt 44,
4/SES*
REDUCED PRICES ON
ORDER TOLL FREE!
TECH SUPPORT 814-757-8300FAX 814-757-5400
BUSINESS HOURS: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM EST
Visit our Web Site at www.bdent.com
(AND MANY OTHERS!)
1000'S OF ITEMS
MINIMUM ORDER.ONLY 515.00C.O.D. ACCEPTED
(Cash or Company Check, Only)
VISA 4111111k
ups
FecEx
god l0
Circle (63) on Reply Card40 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
Andrews Electronics25158 Avenue StanfordSanta Clarita, CA 91355Phone: 800-289-0300Fax: 800-289-0301
Andrews Electronics is housed in 50,000square feet of warehousing and officespace. Miles of shelving are arranged forimmediate identification and easy accessi-bility for over 250,000 different parts thatwe carry.
Maintaining an inventory of this size hasbeen the cornerstone of our success as theO.E.M. parts distribution industry leader. Itprovides us with an average first pass fillrate of above 90% and makes us the largestsupplier in America for the manufacturersthat we represent. Our fill rate is calculat-ed on not only everything that is orderedbut also on every call or fax that we receivefor availability, even if it isn't ordered! Ourdealer order desk has 32 available salesrepresentatives to handle all of your order-ing needs.
We've built our reputation on a very sim-ple philosophy.... service. Not very fancy,but very effective. Our constant growthattests to it. You see, all of our policies thathave been developed over the years havebeen based on that one simple thought:"How may we better serve the industry?"How about:
14 major brands to save you time,frustration, and money with "one -stopshopping."
Orders placed before 2:30 PST are rou-tinely shipped the same day.
A freight program that offers free anddiscounted shipping.
No minimum orders or handlingcharges.
Automatic backorder reports withETA's mailed bi-weekly.
A fast, highly -efficient research de-partment, second to none.
A program that converts make/modeldescriptions to part numbers instantly forthe majority of research requests.
24 -hour toll -free phone and faxorder lines.
Over 100 full-time employees waitingto serve your needs.
Our already outstanding freight pro-gram has been drastically improved! Theminimum qualifying amount has been cutin half and the 2 day air discount has beenalmost doubled! Even if an order is belowthe minimum, we'll ship it blue label at the3 day select rate! With this type of ship-ping program, we're a lot closer than youmight think.
In case you've heard this elsewherebefore, now's the time to let us prove it to
you. By investing a mere two minutes ofyour time. you can discover what thou-sands of others have: that there is a differ-ence. When you place your next order with
your local supplier, check the availability ofall the items. Then call or fax Andrews andcheck our stock levels. We believe you'll bepleasantly surprised! Wouldn't gettingthose extra units repaired a week or twosooner be good for your reputation? Sureit would! And we can help! After all is saidand done, it is performance that counts. Weknow that your ability to perform your jobdepends on how well we perform ours. Ourregular office hours are from 8:15 to 4:45PST and we're closed for lunch between12:00 and 12:30. When you think of elec-tronic parts...think of Andrews.
a9 apdrewselectronics
Stocking the Largest Inventory of O.E.M. Parts,Accessories, and Service Literature in the Country
AIWAHITACHI
OPTONICAQUASARSHARP
RCA'PROSCAN+
GE+TOSHIBA
SONYJVC
PANASONICTECHNICS
ZENITH'Premier
OVER 1/4 MILLIONDIFFERENT PARTS IN STOCK.
SHIPPED THE SAME DAY !
.7 Over a 90% Fill Rate
.7 FREE or DiscountedFreight Program
.7 No Minimum Orders
.7 Backorder Reports with ETAsMailed Biweekly
.7 No Handling Charges
.7 Fast, Efficient Research
.7 Factory Authorized ipplie, to milers n.(141, ed In 2: Co PSI
Phone (800) 289-0300 Fax (800) 289-030125158 Avenue Stanford Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Inquiries (805) 257-7700 Fax (805) 295-5162Circle (62) on Reply Card
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 41
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
Howard W. Sams & Company2647 Waterfront Parkway East DriveIndianapolis, IN 46214Phone: 1-800-428-7267Fax: 1-800-552-3910Web site: http://www.hwsams.com
Howard W. Sams & Company isproud to be celebrating 50 years asthe nation's leading technical pub-lisher. Since its inception in 1946,Sams has seen its product offeringsexpand and diversify, so that today,Sams boasts the most complete line-up of technical documentation, ser-vices, and publications found any-where.
Over 50 years ago, Howard Samswas the first company to recognizethat the increasing popularity of homeentertainment electronics meant acorresponding demand for reliableservice documentation. This insightgave birth to the first PHOTOFACT®,which presented concise technicalinformation to help service techni-cians repair specific makes and mod-els of radios. Televisions soon wereadded to the product line, followed bycomputer equipment and then VCRs,further enhancing Sams' ability toprovide complete, consistent, high -quality repair information to servicetechnicians.
Today, Howard Sams is the nation'slargest provider of after -market ser-vice data for the television and VCRrepair industry in the form of thePHOTOFACT® and VCRfacts® sub-scription services, as well as throughelectronics distributors. Researchshows that 95 percent of the compa-nies providing after -market repair ser-vice for color televisions use Samstechnical data.
While PHOTO FACT® provided thefoundation for Howard Sams' rise tothe top of the technical publishingindustry, it is only a portion of what thecompany publishes today. Sams cur-rently offers a complete line of serviceproducts, distributor catalogs, techni-cal books, copy service, and custommanuals for a wide range of clients.
Another major part of the Samstechnical products line, PROMPT®Publications has grown to become
one of the top technical imprints inthe nation and one of Sams' bright-est stars. Concentrating its efforts ontechnical books designed both forthe novice and the experienced elec-tronics technician, PROMPT®published over 60 books in its firstfive years, with another 30 scheduledto go to press this year. Amongthe upcoming titles yet to be re-leased are Basic Home TheaterInstallation, Projection TV Trouble-shooting and Repair, Power SupplyTroubleshooting and Repair, andAudio Interfacing.
Each and every PROMPT® bookprovides a clear understanding of theprinciples involved in the installation,maintenance, and performance ofelectronic devices that have becomesuch a large part of our everydaylives. Some of PROMPT's mostrecent best-selling titles includeComputer Monitor Troubleshootingand Repair, 1998 Computer MonitorTroubleshooting Tips, and Cam-corder Troubleshooting and Repair.
Sams' photocopy service is anoth-er element of the company's busi-ness that provides invaluable infor-mation to its customers. With a libraryof hundreds of manufacturers cover-ing a wide range of product lines andthousands of models, Sams can pro-vide service documentation on mostany product, including TVs, VCRs,FAX machines, computers, micro-wave ovens, antique radios, plusmuch more.
Howard Sams experienced anoth-er historic growth year in 1995 as itwas acquired by Bell AtlanticDirectory Graphics, a member of theBell Atlantic family. The acquisitionwas a result of a successful strategicteaming agreement that started in1994, when BADG and Sams beganworking together to develop DATA -HOST® an industry -leading on-linecatalog delivery system.
The teaming agreement demon-strated that Directory Graphics' tech-nological skills combined with Sams'content -rich database and technicalcatalog expertise would lead to next -generation business -to -businessinformation products for both printand electronic delivery. Presently,Sams' five -million item database isbeing converted to a relational data-base platform, coined DATAHOSTO,The information contained in DATA -HOST® can be extracted from thedatabase and delivered to distributorcustomers through not only tradition-al print catalogs and niche catalogs,but also CD-ROMs and electronic on-line applications.
The growth of 1995 was followed byeven more expansion in 1996.Howard Sams created an on-linepresence at www.hwsams.com. Byvisiting this site, guests are treated tocomplete title summaries forPROMPT® books, as well as anentirely searchable version of the An-nual Index. The site also features aninteractive demonstration of theDATAHOST® cataloging system. Inaddition to the Web site, Sams addedthree national sales offices in 1996.National headquarters remain inIndianapolis, IN, with sales officesnow located in California, Florida, andPennsylvania.
Since its very creation, Howard W.Sams & Company has been settingthe standard by which every othertechnical publisher is judged. Manyhave tried, but few have succeededin matching the level of quality andcustomer satisfaction that Sams pro-vides with every one of its products.Sams is now taking its half -century oftechnical expertise into the next gen-eration, once again forging the paththat other publishers will try to follow.
To receive more information on anyof Sams' products or services, pleasecall 1-800-428-7267.
42 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
IC Cross Reference BookThird Edition
The completely updated third edition of this bestselling ref-erence book lists replacements and substitutions for morethan 35,000 ICs and modules. It is an easy -to -use guide andincludes part numbers for the United States, Europe, andthe Far East. The IC Cross Reference Book was compiledfrom manufacturers' data and from the analysis of consumerelectronics devices for PHOTOFACT service data which hasbeen relied upon since 1946 by service technicians world-wide. This book is divided into two sections with the first
section listing IC or module part numbers in alphanumeric order by manufacturers'part number and section two providing the substitutions and replacements.
Sams* 61141 $24.95 160 pages June 1998
PROMPT®PUBLICATIONS
Semiconductor Cross Reference BookFourth Edition
This newly revised and updated reference book is the mostcomprehensive guide to replacement data available forengineers, technicians, and those who work with semi-conductors. With more than 490,000 part numbers, typenumbers, and other identifying numbers listed, techni-cians will have no problem locating the replacement or substi-tution information needed. The Semiconductor Cross Reference Book covers allmajor types of semiconductors, including bipolar transistors, FETs, diodes, rectifiers, ICs,SCRs, LEDs, modules, and thermal devices.
Sams# 61080 $24.95 671 pages August 1996
EMICONCROSS
REFEREDUC TOR
NCE BOOKFourth Edition
IC CROSSREFERENCEBOOKBOO.-
=::vr=7"'
The Component Identifier & Source BookThis source book was written to assist technicians and systemdesigners in identifying components from prefixes and logos,as well as find sources for various types of microcircuits andother components. It will help readers cross reference com-ponent types to manufacturers, and also cross reference tradenames, abbreviations, and part number prefixes to the manu-facturer. There is not another book on the market that lists asmany manufacturers of such diverse electronic components.Sams# 61088 $24.95 383 pages November 1996
Bell Atlantic n,
Howard W. SamsCall for the Name of Your Local Sams Distributor!
(800) 428-72672647 Waterfront Parkway E. Drive Indianapolis, IN 46214Circle (110) on Reply Card
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
MAT Electronics(East Coast)400 Pike RoadHuntingdon, PA 19006-1118Phone: 800-628-1118Fax: 800-628-1005Website: www.matelectronics.com
"The On Time Electronics Distributor" is our mottoat MAT Electronics. and we have proudly served therepair industry for over 18 years. Over the past sev-eral years. MAT Electronics has striven to constantlyimprove our product lines, customer service andcompetitive pricing.
MAT Electronics has two locations to better serveour customers-our original location in Pennsylvania,and our office in Las Vegas, Nevada. The growth ofMAT Electronics has been due to the following: qual-ity product, competitive prices and fast, reliable ser-vice. The company's products are used by manu-facturers, engineers, hospitals, technical trainingschools, hobbyists and technicians.
MAT Electronics stocks an extensive line of TVand monitor flybacks, Japanese semiconductors,capacitors and MATV accessories. Recently MATElectronics has started to distribute original partsfrom Hitachi, NEC, Panasonic and Sony, at verycompetitive prices. The company publishes an easy -to -read, 124 -page catalog filled with thousands of
(West Coast)Phone: 800-811-5177Fax: 702-434-7509
inventoried items which can be accessed immedi-ately on our state-of-the-art computer system.
MAT Electronics is always current with ma-kettrends in the repair industry-always emphasizingwhat is new in electronic parts and components-for VCRs, TVs, computer monitors, stereos andmicrowaves. MAT Electronics sources its productsfrom around the world as well as domestically. tooffer the best merchandise at a true savings.
MAT Electronics has become a prominent dis-tributor in the surveillance industry, and is an autho-rized Sony, Phillips and ProVideo distributor.
MAT Electronics takes great pride in its ability toaccommodate the various needs of all our valuedcustomers-both in the U.S. and worldwide. Thecompany normally ships orders within 24 hours ofreceipt of your order, and UPS red and blue labelservice are available to ensure even faster deliveryservice if necessary.
Our customer service department features friend-ly and knowledgeable telephone operators on both
tkiriONVIWOMOIN7 11FtkZt:t7.-011, Rig 'ON
.,...re%
441,1 V
N ON
SI Is,
4410 MA 11,1 Me
141
MIAOWE MMA
MTN
4iii"
"The On Time t7',4;
Electronics Distributor" 1.-1
1.11,
OM PAH
la'11.4SI Is.
10IP,
Vow Mho
Zs=IS NW. 1
11{ ON 00111111 On -,fl WM IRON OMNI ME NI15.4.00.10 I111.146110.0
1-1100-112141111111.0110=1.111alSOMIDAli /imam ma
:IC OD ElPIRSI 11CIMMICI. 4 OM
MAT Electronics newest catalogis a phone call away
coasts, who are waiting to take your phone call anddeal courteously with any questions you may haveabout any electronic part. If you don't see it in ourcatalog-just ask for it.
MAT Electronics takes the risk out of orderingfrom a catalog, offering a 90 -day, 100% guaranteeon all purchases. Large volume discounts arealso available. Our toll -free lines are open weekdays8:30 A.M. to 7 P.M. EST, and Saturdays from 8:30AM to 2:00 PM EST. The toll -free FAX number isavailable 24 hours a day, as is our new website:www.matelectronics.com
reirferj. I:4MM
ID 1 144.:
1YitITE2'17CT
NPIFE
rikiffakvms 4EVEREADY NEC WAHL! rt.9 FLUK
ikizof wet IESEIFit WellerPanasoni
N AMERICA
L2 'FIFE
INTENNACRAFT. CE nc KG- lam,Chem tunics'
N 11 ]-11-14DupRpAoticnE
PRO.NNIPPON AMERICO._°, 41=P7. V'm .1rINATtin
EIVPIFE .
' 0.11-,5a.mraChemtronics pw I I
WA
'OH I LIPSIto VvAtiL
Welle
UKE
W -I-, E LECTRON ICS
'r EVPIFE
400 PIKE ROAD HUNTINGDON VALLEY, PA 19006-1610
ITI "The On Time Electronics Distributor"
WAHIProducts
C.O.D. ORDERS ACCEPTED
CALL TOLL -FREE1-800-628-1118
FAX: 215-364-8554EMAIL: 7471.645000MPUSERVE.COM
44 Circle (69) on Reply Card
* * * REPLACEMENT PARTS SHOWCASE * * *
CitiTronix/PansonAmerica's One Call Source for Brand Name Electronic Parts and Accessories®
More BrandsFactory authorized to distribute 21 major
brands, CitiTronix/Panson can fill your exactreplacement parts, kits and accessoriesneeds. Named a Premiere Distributor forThompson (GE, RCA. SK, ProScan),Exclusive Supplier of JCPenney Repair Partsand an Elite Distributor for Hitachi verifies thelevel of excellence you can expect fromCitiTronix/Panson. You can be confident thatyour major and secondary brand parts needswill be filled with one call.
More InventoryWith three warehouse distribution facilities
spanning the Midwest and upper East coast the"In -stock" parts inventories are larger than ever.
Faster ShippingYour order will be filled and shipped
from the most efficient location saving you timeand shipping costs. Free freight on backorders. Same day shipping on in -stock orders.
Outstanding Customer ServiceFriendly and knowledgeable customer ser-
vice representatives are ready to take your callfrom 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST. toll free 1-800-
846-2484 or fax any time to 1-8C0-397-8587.Warranty pricing and open line o' credit avail-able. To make your job easier and more effi-cient the fol owing information is available toyou: daily open order and shipped orderreporting along with line item ID to servicer'swork order number.
Superior Technical SupportAny question you have concerning part iden-
tification can be answered by one ofCitiTronix'Panson's highly trained parts spe-cialists. The company maintains an experi-enced staff dedicated to serving you and pro-viding exact replacement parts for yourservicing needs. Parts research is provided viathe On -Line system, or by calling 1-800-846-2484. This research includes helping you deter-mine the correct parts. A large collection ofmanufacturer's literature, microfiche and com-puter data is maintained for the sole purposeof assistirg you.
State -of -the -ArtDistribution Process
CitiTronix 'Panson maintains a state-of-the-art computerized telephone system, Fax, andOn-line computer system for communicating
with you. The highly computerized remote cus-tomer access system (P.A.R.T.S.8) is continu-ally updated and provides research capabilitiesas well as access to the complete combinedcompany inventories. You have immediateaccess to the customer service department,research help desk, fax and Dial-In/On-Lineremote access system with extensive data base,parts price/availability, model number to partnumber research, open order status and orderentry (P.A.R.T.S.8).
CitiTronix/PansonAmerica's One Call
Source for Brand NameElectronic Parts and
Accessories(F,
Call Toll -Free: 1-800-846-2484Fax Toll -Free: 1-800-397-8587
Brand Names From A to Z./flietrYay FISHER HITACHI JCPenney
JVC KENWOOD MAGNAVOX Panasonic
PH I LC 0 P:.; PHILIPS PROSCAN Products
Quasar RCA SANYO SHARPSO NY SYLVANIA Technics zenit
America's One Call Source For Brand Name Electronic Parts and Accessories
1-800-846-2484FAX 1-800-397-8587
Extensive Parts Database & Inventory On-line Parts Availability & Parts Research24 Hour Shipping of Stocked Products State-of-the-art Distribution Process
I VISA
CZ
Circle (59) on Reply Card
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 45
BOOKS
(-*Newnesm Men.*
Basic Digital Electronics, by Alvis J.Evans, Prompt Publications, 192pages, paperback $19.95
Basic Digital Electronics will teach youthe difference between analog and digitalsystems, the functions required to designdigital systems, the circuits used to makedecisions, code conversions, data selec-tions, adding and subtracting, interfacingand storage, and the circuits that keep alloperations in time and under control.
Learn about circuits, Clip -flops, regis-ters, multivibrators, counters, 3 -state busdrivers, bi-directional line drivers andreceivers, analog -to -digital (ADC) anddigital -to -analog (DAC) converters usingeasy -to -read, easy -to -understand expla-nations coupled with detailed illustrationsthat bring "seeing" and "doing" togetherfor a very meaningful experience.
This book contains worked -out exam-ples within the test and quizzes and prob-lem sets at the end of each chapter to com-plete and reinforce the learning cycle.
PROMPT Publications. 2647 Waterfront Parkway E. Drive.Indianapolis. IN 46214
Build lour Own Home Theater, byRobert Wolenik, Butterworth Hein-emann, 200 pages, paperback, $16.95
Champagne on a beer budget - the ulti-mate audio/video experience. Build YourOwn Home Theater is for the do-it-your-selfer who is looking for bargains but isstill interested in quality. Readers willlearn how to create a dream system for afraction of the cost of having it done forthem. This book also includes informa-tion on home theater that is not found any-where else, as well as how-to instructions.
PROMPT Publications. 2647 Waterfront Parkway li. Drive.Indianapolis. IN 46214
Troubleshooting Analog Circuits, byRobert A. Pease, Butterworth Hein-emann, 217 pages, hardcover $28.95
Whether you are primarily an analog ordigital engineer/technician, experiencedor neophyte, this book has something foryou. Now available in paperback, thisguide by one of the legends of electronicdesigns walks the reader through triedand true methods for debugging and trou-
bleshooting analog circuits.The text includes generous helpings of
Pease's unique insights, humor, and phi-losophy regarding analog circuits andtheir operation. Armed with Bob's clearexplanations and proven techniques, youwill be prepared to get your analogdesigns up and running for the ever-increasing tasks demanded of today'selectronic devices.
liutterworth Heinemann. 313 Washington Street. Newton. MA0215/1
VCR Troubleshooting & Repair,Second Edition, by Gregory Capello &Robert Brenner, Butterworth Hein-emann, 286 pages, paperback $19.95
This book focuses on VCR preventativemaintenance, and does an excellent jobcovering basic electronics principles andhow they relate to VCR performance, andgives suggestions on how to avoid break-downs. The second edition also coversstereo, Super -VHS, H -VHS, and barcodeprogramming.
Rune', non Heinemann. 313 Washington Street. Newton. MA02158
Subject Areas:
-Servicing-Electrical Technology
MicroelectronicsCircuit Design
Newnes is aleading
publisher ofbooks &
CD-ROM/disk products
forprofessionals
in theelectronicsindustry.
FREEElectronics
Books Catalog
For a free copy of the Newnes Catalog,Call 1.800.366.2665. Ask for Item Code #645.
Or write to: Newnes, 225 Wildwood Avenue.Woburn. MA 01801
TS236Circle (71) on Reply Card
46 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
"The Professionals Choice"nal Computer AresociatIon
Join the Thousandsof Professionals
Who Are Reapingthe Rewards Today
Joining the NCA is your best choice for securingyour future in the computer industry.
As a trade association of over 2,000 professional VARs, the NCA is having the
impact that no one company can have alone. As an association member, you'll
now be able to share ideas and be aimed with the tools that can reverse the trend
of high operating costs and low revenues. These cooperative efforts will continually
sbengthen and het i secue your place in the computer industry for many yeas to come. In
addition to becoming a professional member of the NCA. your benefits include the
following:
Toll -Free HelpLine
Certification Programs
OEM Software Opportunities
Professional Reference Guide
Educational Programs
Product Search Program
Equipment Leasing Services
Telecommunication ServicesCredit Card Services
Financial Services
Equipment Rentals
Travel Services
Specialized Product Programs
Media Replication Services
Investment Services
Seminar Training Programs
Extended Warranty Programs
Technical Support References
Recycling Programs
Monthly NewsletterWeb Hosting Services
NCA Logo and Decal
Certificate of Membership
Membership ID Card
PI, onia, I die sational Computer Association to ret en e o onliflete applitatioo,
800.615.6224.. National Computer Association
13555 Automobile Blvd *Suite 240 *Clearwater, R. 33762maol.tte.net www.nca-riet.com
Circle (79) on Reply Card
Continuing education in servicingby the ES&T Staff
Education and training have alwaysbeen constants for every consumerelectronics service technician.
There are a number of reasons that this istrue. For starters, the subject matter,whether we're talking about vacuumtubes, transistors, or integrated circuits,or whether we're talking about analog ordigital, is difficult. A television set, forexample, is a complex device, and oper-ates on principles that are not readilyapprehended. To know enough about aTV set, or a VCR or personal computer,to be able to actually troubleshoot andrepair a problem based on an analysis ofthe symptoms, and not on tips providedby another agency, takes a great deal ofeducation and training.
Most technicians get a pretty good edu-cation at some kind of formal school: atechnical school, a junior college, or someother kind of school that they attend fortwo years or more. And that's a good start.If it's a well-done course, it gives the entrylevel technician a good grounding in thefundamentals of electronics. Unfortu-nately, given the scope of electronicstoday, and the pace at which it's beingdeveloped, that two-year is only thebeginning of the technician's education.
As I understand it from talking to anumber of service managers, most grad-uates from technical schools these dayshave a thorough grounding in the basics,with emphasis on digital circuits. Mosthave had little or no exposure to consumerelectronics circuitry, however, so contin-uing education for technicians of todayshould start the minute they've left schoolwith that diploma. And given the dizzy-ing pace at which engineers and manu-facturers are expanding and changing theworld of consumer electronics, it willbecome a way of life for most technicians,until they retire. Interestingly, however,most retired technicians I have met are sointerested in the subject that their curios-ity, and their efforts to learn about newdevelopments in electronics continuelong after retirement.
And here's another interesting item:Occasionally a subject area that is nolonger at the forefront of technology is
discontinued in some schools so thatother more recent material can take itsplace. This has to be done, of course; itisn't possible to teach everything.Unfortunately, sometimes the discontin-ued subject matter still exists and may beencountered by someone who is not pre-pared for it. As an example, vacuum tubeshave been deemphasized in electronics infavor of solid-state devices. And thismakes sense, since there are so manymore solid state devices in use. However,many older products, and some newerhigh -end stereo systems use vacuumtubes. If a technician who becomes inter-ested in servicing one of these productshas never studied tubes in school, he'llhave to continue his education in order toprovide that type of service.
Skills and attributes of an effectivetechnician
For what it's worth, here's our idea ofthe set of skills and attributes that techni-cians must possess in order to get the jobdone. If any readers have any other ideas,or suggestions about technicians' qualifi-cations, we'd love to hear from you.
Basic language skills in order to beable to communicate with customers,other people in the service center, manu-facturers, distributors, etc.
Good reading skills in order to be ableto gain information from textbooks, ser-vice manuals, service bulletins, etc.
An even temper, tact and diplomacyas needed to handle difficult customers,difficult service jobs, etc.
Good math skills. A technician shouldbe able to perform all of the calculationsnecessary to interpret readings frommeters, oscilloscopes, etc. He shouldhave at least a passing familiarity withelectronics math, such as Ohm's Law,Kirchhoff's Law, etc. He should be ableto perform all of the financial math inorder to be able to prepare an invoice.
A technician should have a reason-ably broad background in electronics cir-cuit theory. He should have some kind ofpicture in his mind of how the basic elec-tronics components work, and how theyinteract in a circuit.
A technician needs to have a basicbackground in the use of test instrumentssuch as DMMs, oscilloscopes, signal gen-erators, signal analyzers and more,including how to use them safely.
A technician needs to be reasonablyskilled in the use of small hand tools andsoldering/desoldering equipment in orderto be able to disassemble a product to theextent necessary to identify and replace adefective component and to reassemblethe product once it has been repaired with-out causing any damage to the product.
The need for continuing educationA good two-year or four-year technical
education provides many of the skills thata technician needs in order to be adept atthe duties of a service technician. But twoyears, or even four years, is a relativelyshort space of time in which to absorb allof the knowledge and hone all of the skillsneeded to develop a skilled technician,Moreover, as time goes on, we tend to losesome of the knowledge we gained whilegoing to school, sometimes quite a greatdeal. For those reasons, it is important fora technician to continue his or her educa-tion for life.
Another, very important, reason forcontinuing education for technicians isthe difficult, demanding nature of the sub-ject matter. Because it is so abstruse, stu-dents, and, yes, instructors and writers aswell, sometimes don't really understandwhat's going on entirely, and end up withmisconceptions, or sometimes just fuzzi-ly understood ideas. The more study atechnician does, the more likely he willencounter material that will help himclear up misconceptions, or sharpen ideasthat were fuzzy in his mind.
Here's an example from this fuzzymind. A lot of us learned that electro-magnetic induction takes place whenmagnetic "lines of force" "cut" a con-ductor, thereby inducing a current in theconductor. There is a simpler explanation,that doesn't require the idea of any kindof lines cutting anything. It's this: whenthe magnetic field in the vicinity of a con-ductor changes - increases or decreases-a current is induced in that conductor
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 47
that is proportional to the strength of themagnetic field and its rate of change.
Keeping up with developments inthe field
But the greatest reason for continuingeducation is to keep up with develop-ments in the field. This is especially truein a pursuit such as consumer electronicsservicing which seems to be undergoinga continuous revolution.
Take, for example, someone whobecame a technician in the 1950s. Now, 40some years later, and maybe getting readyto retire, how useful would a technician beif he hadn't updated his skills severaltimes. Most electronics servicing in the'50s still emphasized vacuum tubes.Transistors were just being introduced andICs hadn't been heard of yet. Everythingwas still entirely analog. All TV signalswere received via a broadcast antenna;there was no cable TV, no VCRs, laserdisks, etc. A technician who allowed him-self/herself to stagnate at that period wouldbe helpless with today's technology.
Interestingly, the paradigm shift fromanalog to digital has caused some educa-tional problems on the other side of thecoin. Most technicians graduating fromtechnical schools today have specializedin digital electronics, because that's whatindustry wants, and besides, it's muchmore glamorous than analog. So techni-cians today who want to work in con-sumer electronics servicing must contin-ue their educations beyond technicalschool simply to learn some of the "old"stuff in electronics.
Every profession has to keep upSometimes people in the consumer
electronics service business feel pickedon. They complain that those engineersand manufacturers keep advancing thetechnology, so the poor technicians haveto continue running to keep up. No onecan blame a technician for feeling thatway. It is frustrating to constantly watchthe state of the art in electronics technol-ogy advance faster than any individualtechnician can possibly keep up.
If it's any consolation, many profes-sions have similar problems. Take medi-cine for example. Of course, when itcomes to humans, there are still only thetwo basic models, male and female, andthey haven't really changed in thousands
of years. But the practice of medicine haschanged incredibly and continues tochange. Doctors have to study constantlyto keep up or they'll be in danger of pro-viding less than the best care.
As another example, in recent yearsautomotive technology has been chang-ing rapidly, and automotive technicianshave to work hard to keep up.
In the final analysis, any kind of knowl-edge worker has to be prepared for change,and work to cope with the demands ofkeeping up.
There is helpFortunately for service centers and
technicians, everyone from the manufac-turers and the manufacturers' associa-tions, to service associations and techni-cal schools, as well as publishers, haverecognized that technicians need a lot oftraining for this new technology, and aremaking that training available.
And depending on the amount ofmoney available to the technician, theamount of time he has for school, and thetravel budget, the technician has a choiceof resident schools, hands-on schools,self -study courses, videotapes, books,test equipment manuals and user instruc-tions, association meetings and seminars.
The ES&T staff continually remainstuned in to the educational opportunitiesavailable to technicians. We like to thinkthat we're a valuable source of techni-cal/servicing information, but we recog-nize that a 70 -or -so -page magazine oncea month can't begin to fulfill the infor-mation needs of consumer electronicsservicing technicians, so we try to makeyou aware of every other avenue of edu-cation that we can find.
Training from EIA/CEMAOne of the best, and least expensive,
sources of training for servicing of con-sumer electronics products is the Elec-tronics Industries Association/ConsumerElectronics Group (EIA/CEMA) ProductServices Department. This organization,in conjunction with state and national ser-vice organizations, offers three-day andfive-day on -site workshops for techni-cians who are actively working in con-sumer electronics servicing (Table 1).There is a nominal fee for these classes.
EIA/CEMA is the association to whichmanufacturers of TVs, VCRs, stereo
equipment, etc. belong. They recognizethat it is in their best interests to attractand train technicians to service all of theproducts that they manufacture and sell.Every service center that can do so shouldtake advantage of this superb training.
In addition to the workshops, EIA/CEMA also offers video cassettes, manu-als and the like on a wide range of subjectsfrom "Troubleshooting with modem elec-tronic test equipment" to high-tech sol-dering and microprocessor troubleshoot-ing, and more. These tapes are priced veryinexpensively, just enough to offset thecost of producing them.
If you or someone in your service facil-ity is in need of training, you should atleast explore what EIA has to offer. Seetheir name and address in the listing inthis article.
Currently available from EIAFor example, the EIA currently offers
several courses in servicing of color TV,VCR, personal computer, microproces-sor/pc, and monitors. These courses willbe presented in cities throughout theUnited States, throughout the current year.
Workshops for electronics instructorsin vocational education are also available.
Interested in attending? Contact:
Consumer Electronics ManufacturersAssociation2500 Wilson BlvdArlington VA 22201703-907-7656Fax: 703-907-7968
You can also learn more about CEMAby visiting their website at http://www.cemacity.org.
Considering the high quality and time-liness of these programs and the materi-als the attendees retain, EIA believes thatthe practical nature of these workshopswill provide the attendees with new skillsof immediate benefit.
These courses have an estimated valueof several hundred dollars, but EIA/CEMA offers them at minimal cost toqualified technicians. Attendees mustprovide their own transportation andlodgings while at the workshops.
Identifying the need for educationFor the technician, identifying the need
to further his education usually isn't dif-ficult. One day a customer brings in a TVset for service and, when the technicianopens up the set to perform a technical
48 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
evaluation of the nature of the problem,he finds components and circuitry he'snever seen before. Or one day a customerbrings in a digital compact cassette or aDVD, a product that the technician hasonly seen in photographs before.
Once the need to get further educationhas been established, it's important to pindown exactly what education is needed.There are usually two questions that thetechnician must answer: "What training doI need?" and "How do I get that training?"
It's important to examine these ques-tions in detail to determine beforehandexactly what it is you need to study. It'snot enough to just say "I need to learnabout DVD servicing," and then to lookfor a correspondence school or a localschool that might offer a course on DVD.
It's important to examine the situationprecisely, and determine what aspects ofthe subject that need to be covered. Do youjust want an overview on DVD technolo-gy? Or do you really have a pretty goodidea of how DVD works and really need acourse in nuts and bolts DVD servicing?
Once the specific goals are set, thequestion becomes how to achieve them.One simple but effective method mightbe to contact other technicians in yourarea. If you have a skill that they lack andvice versa, you might be able to arrangefor a session, or a series of sessions, inwhich you educate each other.
Technical booksTechnical books provide a good way to
fill in the gaps in your service education.Many technicians are able to learn enoughthrough reading books to enter into awhole new area of servicing. If the bookis well written, and the technician has alot of self discipline, he just might be ableto add a whole new product to the scopeof his technical education. If the book ispoorly researched or written (there areprobably a lot more of these than thereshould be), or if the technician doesn'thave the self-discipline to study on hisown, the whole thing might turn out to bea waste of time.
Home study coursesHome -study courses are a step up from
simply studying from a book on one's own.and they generally make learning easierand lead to better results. In a home studycourse, the material is divided into logicalstudy units, an instructor tells the student
what is expected, and there is feedbackthrough regular tests. Some schools alsoassign an instructor to the student withwhom he can correspond by telephone andmail when there is a problem.
Schools and seminarsIf the technician or service center can
afford the time and money, structuredclass and lab courses provide a moreeffective way to learn. There are manyoptions available fora technician who canattend such classes. Technical schoolsthroughout the country offer anythingfrom the most elementary introductorycourses to detailed theory, design and ser-vicing courses.
For anyone who has the time and thebudget to travel, consumer electronicsequipment manufacturers offer seminarson the operation and servicing of specif-ic products to servicing technicians.
There are also many organizations,especially in the computer area, that offerseminars of a few days to a week or so,usually in a number of locations through-out the country.
Other good sources of technical edu-cation are manufacturers of test equip-ment and tools such as multimeters, oscil-
loscopes, soldering tools, etc. Many ofthem offer instruction in using their prod-ucts. Some offer books and pamphlets,and some even have videotaped instruc-tions, that help the technicians understandhow to most effectively use their prod-ucts. Some companies offer formal cours-es for home study, and others offer cours-es and seminars that travel to differentareas of the country so you can take a for-mal course taught by the experts nearhome. Some of the instruction is free, andsome will cost a substantial amount, socheck before you proceed.
Finding the knowledgeWe wish we could provide a complete
list of all of the technical educationalresources available to technicians today,but such a list would no doubt fill severalthick volumes. Some of the educationalresources, in no particular order, are: localvocational technical schools, both publicand private, a large handful of nationaltechnical correspondence schools, associ-ations such as ETA, NESDA/ISCET, PSA,manufacturers' training, thousands oftechnical books. Any service technicianwho wishes to stay abreast of modern elec-tronics technology, would do well to sim-
Modern Soldering TechniquesToday's smaller surface mount components can be difficult and often seem
impossible to remove and install. Because of their small size, today'stechnicians need new and improved methods
for dealing with these components.Sony introduces the Modem Soldering
Techniques Video. In this tape, you'll learnthe recommended techniques for removingand installing today's smaller components.
Techniques covered are: the hot air method;the Chip Chile method; the cut-out method;
the pick method; and the soldering iron method.
YES, please send me Modern Soldering Techniques (T-MODSOL-9) in VHSfor $40.00 including shipping & handling. Please include applicable sales tax.
I -I Please send me more information about Sony's videotape library.
Please charge my purchase to:
Mastercard VisaCardSignaturePhone ti
NameCompanyStreetCity
Discover Make check or money orderExp. Date payable to Sony World Repair
Parts Center and mailcompleted form to:
Sony World Repair Parts CenterATTN: Publications Dept.P.O. Box 20407
State Zip Code Kansas City, MO 64195- 0407
Sorry, no CO.D's. Allow two weeks for delivery.Price and availability subject to change SONY
Circle (74) on Reply Card 49
ply maintain an awareness of what the edu-cational resources are and how to takeadvantage of them.
Along with this article, we present sev-eral lists of companies and other organi-zations that offer some kind of trainingand/or training materials. Unfortunately,space doesn't permit a comprehensivelist. There are a number of detailed listsavailable that will provide someone whois serious about training many avenues toexplore. One such list is the ES&T MarchBuyers' Guide. That issue contains a largelist of consumer electronics manufactur-ers, tool and test equipment manufactur-ers and associations with addresses andphone numbers.
Try the product manufacturersMany of the manufacturers of consumer
electronics equipment provide training ina number of ways. Some of the manufac-turers restrict the training they provide totechnicians from their own authorized ser-vicing facilities. Others not only offercourses to anyone who is both qualifiedand interested, they make it a point to maketheir courses universally applicable.
Test equipment manufacturersTest equipment manufacturers not only
know a great deal about the test equip-ment they sell, they are also familiar withapplications of their products. They talkto the engineers and technicians who buyand use their products and learn what theirproblems and needs are.
They also recognize that the more theircustomer knows about how to apply theirproducts, the more likely they will be tobuy their product in the first place, to behappy with it once they've bought it, torecommend the company's products to afriend, and to buy that same brand the nexttime they need a piece of test equipment.In order to enhance the customer's orpotential customer's understanding of thetesting/diagnosing function in generaland the company's product in particular,many manufacturers of test equipmentoffer courses, manuals, videotape cours-es, and other training opportunities.
For example, B&K Precision offersbooklets such as a "Guidebook to FunctionGenerators," a "Guidebook to Test Instru-ments," and a "Guidebook to Oscillo-scopes." Sencore offers seminars through-out the country as well as their "Tech Tips"binder, the periodical "Sencore News" andother training materials.
Tektronix Oscilloscope Division putsout booklets such as "The XYZs of usinga scope" and "Basic OscilloscopeOperation." They even sell a training kitthat allows a scope user who needs to learnmore about use of an oscilloscope to prac-tice on circuitry for which the scope tracesare known. The Tektronix TelevisionBusiness Division offers application notessuch as "Basic NTSC Video Testing" and"Checking VCR Performance."
Hewlett-Packard offers manuals suchas "The fundamentals of signal analysis"and "Feeling comfortable with digitizingoscilloscopes," that provide in depthinformation about the state of the art incircuits and signals, and the test equip-ment and techniques needed to study andunderstand it.
You should also check with any of theother well-known manufacturers of testequipment to determine what kinds oftraining materials they have, or that theymay recommend.
Office equipmentPersonal computers now constitute a
large segment of what is considered con-sumer electronics products. The increas-ing availability of useful, user-friendly,low-cost software such as word process-ing, spread sheet, data base, desk -top pub-lishing, accounting, on-line data bases,and the huge information sources avail-able on the Internet are making personalcomputers more and more attractive tomore and more people.
More people are establishing offices athome. Along with fax machines andanswering machines, personal computersare essential tools for the home office.
One result of this increasing populationof personal computers in homes is that per-sonal computers have become consumerproducts, and consumers are looking totheir traditional service centers to servicetheir computers. And while making thetransition from servicing TVs and VCRsto servicing computers does take some-thing of a mental adjustment, it's usuallyfar easier than it first seems, especially forsomeone who has made a lifetime studyand a business of understanding and ser-vicing electronics circuits.
Trade associationsOrganizations such as ETA, NARDA/
NASD and NESDA/ISCET (see the"Associations" listing below for the
meaning of these abbreviations, and theaddresses and telephone numbers of theseassociations) and their state and localaffiliates offer many opportunities foreducation, both technical and manage-ment oriented.
For example, state and local chaptersof these associations frequently invite atechnical training instructor from a con-sumer electronics manufacturer to theirmonthly meetings to lead seminars on ser-vicing the company's new products.
Some of the most successful servicecenter owners and managers belong tothese trade associations, and attend themeetings, seminars and annual conven-tions religiously. Most, if not all, of themattribute a great deal of their success totheir membership in the organization andtheir participation in these training activ-ities. If you don't belong to such an asso-ciation, you should at least look into it.
Just do itIf a technician hasn't taken a course,
read a technical book, or otherwise madean attempt at learning about some of thenew technology in some time, he may bein danger of joining the dinosaurs inextinction. The resources to develop newskills to catch up with the new technolo-gy may be as near as the local library, thelocal association meeting place, the mail-box, or the nearest computer with Inter-net access. The information is there. Thelistings that accompany this article willhelp you get started in finding it.
Let us knowAs always, if any readers are aware of
any good training resources that we havenot mentioned in this article, please let usknow about it. The more thorough andcomprehensive we can make this list oftraining resources, the more useful it willbe for readers.
Some of the sourcesTable I lists a number of correspon-
dence schools, book publishers, associa-tions, and test equipment manufacturerswhom you might want to contact for infor-mation on what educational opportunitiesthey have to offer.
CEMA Product Services conductsworkshops around the U.S. as part of theiron -going project to improve the trainingof Consumer Electronics technicians.CEMA offers hands-on workshops on:
50 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
Windows 95 Troubleshooting &Network Setup (3 Days).
"CEMA's technical training puts theexperience in your hands. We don't justtalk about methods or demonstratesolutions, we give you real hands-onexperience." The workshop features:
Damage Control Installing newhardware Registry Editing Networktrouble shooting File & print services Peer -to -Peer Networking Ethernet TCP/IP Internet Network Topologies
PC servicing w/Windows 95 (3 Days)Updated for 98
"The focus of the workshop is on prac-tical aspects of PC servicing. Every dis-cussion is illustrated with a lab exercise
or demonstration. Hands-on activitiesaccount for more than 50% of the work-shop time. The exercises provide theopportunity to observe signals, makeadjustments, and troubleshoot defects.(An understanding of basic electronics isneeded for this workshop.) The work-shop features:
Microprocessor overview Address/data/control bus signals PC bus signals PC bus buffering Address decodingand decoders Power control interfaces Keyboard interface Communicationsinterfaces System configuration &expansion POST and software diagnos-tics Hardware diagnostics Operatingsystems Config problems Serial andparallel I/O problems Troubleshooting,
adjustments and repair PreventiveMaintenance
Basic Color Television Servicing ( 3 Days)After an overview of a TV receiver and
a review of test equipment usage, eachfunctional block of a typical currentmodel TV is examined. (A general back-ground in analog electronics is needed forthis workshop.) The workshop features:
The NTSC system Receiver famil-iarization Test equipment Oscilloscopecalibration Microprocessor RF signals Tuning system Video Signals Audioprocessing Power supplies High volt-age Deflection Scanning Convergence Adjustments. On the last day all partici-pants gain essential skills, hands-on trou-
Trade Associations
Consumer ElectronicsManufacturers Association2500 Wilson BlvdArlington, VA 22201703-907-7656Fax: 703-907-7968
Electronics RepresentativesAssociation444 N Michigan Ave Suite 1960Chicago, IL 6061 1312-527-3050800-776-7377Fax: 312-527-3783
Electronic TechniciansAssociation604 North Jackson St.Greencastle, IN 46135317-653-3849
International Society ofCertified ElectronicsTechnicians2708 W. Berry StreetFt. Worth, TX 76109817-921-9062
Musical InstrumentTechnicians Association,International (MITA)MITA, Inc.12425 Parkwood LaneFlorissant, MO 63033-4662314-355-2339
NARDA (NationalAssociation of Retail Dealersof America)NASD (National Associationof Service Dealers)10 East 22nd StreetLombard, IL 60148630-953-8950
National Association ofService Managers (NASM)PO Box 712500Santee, CA 92072-2500619-562-7004Fax: 619-562-7153
National ElectronicDistributors Association35 East Wacker DriveSuite 3202
312-558-9114
National Electronic ServicingDealers Association2708 W. Berry StreetFt. Worth, TX 76109817-921-9062
Professional ServiceAssociation71 Columbia StreetCohoes, NY 12047518-237-2953
United Servicers Association,Inc. (USA)PO Box 626Westmont, IL 605595630 Harmarc PlaceDowners Grove, IL 60516708-968-6752800-432-0972
Technical BookPublishers
CRC Press, Inc.2000 Corporate Blvd., N.W.Boca Raton, FL 33431407-994-0555
Hayden Book CompanyRochelle Park, NJ 07662
McGraw-Hill Book Company1221 Avenue of the AmericasNew York, NY 10020
MacMillan PublishingFront and Brown StreetsRiverside. NJ 08075800-257-5755
PCS PublicationsPO Box 10492Clearwater, FL 34617-8492800 -74I -DATAFax: 813-446-3157
Prentice -Hall, Inc.Rte. 9WEnglewood Cliffs, NJ 07632201-592-2455
Howard W. Sams & Company2647 Waterfront Parkway,East DrieSuite 300Indianapolis, IN 46214-2041800-428-7267
Tab BooksPO Box 40Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214717-794-2191
Van Nostrand ReinholdCompany135 W. 50th St.New York. NY 10020
Fublishers ofSche-natic Diagrams
(other thanmanufacturers)
Eagan Technical Services, Inc.1408 Northland DriveSt Paul MN 55120612-688-0098800-285-1873Fax: 612-688-7829
M I Technologies3310 E. Peterson RdTroy, OH 45373937-335-4560Fax: 937-339-6344
Howard W. Sams & Company2647 Waterfront ParkwayEast DriveIndianapolis, IN 46214317-298-5400
Software SourcesService tips programs
AnaTek Corporation(Computer monitor tips)PO Box 1200100 Merrimack RdAmherst, NH 03031603-673-4342
Electronic SoftwareDevelopers826 South Main StreetSouth Farmingdale, NY 11735
FixFinderTCE Publications10003 Bunsen WayLouisville, KY 40299
High Tech Electronics1623 Aviation Blvd.Redondo Beach, CA 90278213-379-2026
Ilk;lier Intelligence Software60 Farmington LaneMelville, NY 11747516-643-7740
Technical InformationProcurement Service (TIPS)PO Box 1681Forest Park, GA 30051-1681770-968-3715Fax: 770-968-3715 -IP'
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 51
Home Study
Cleveland Institute of Electronics1776 E. 17th St.Cleveland, OH 44114216-781-9400Fax: 216-781-0331
Cook's Institute of ElectronicsEngineering4251 Cypress DriveeJackson, MS 39212Fax: 601-371-2619
Heath/ZenithPO Box 167Hilltop Rd.St. Joseph, MI 49085616-982-3411
National Institute of Technology1701 W. Euless Blvd.Euless, TX 76039
National Technical Schools456 W. Santa Barbara AveLos Angeles, CA 90037
NRI Training for ProfessionalsMcGraw-Hill ContinuingEducation Center3939 Wisconsin Ave.Washington, DC 20016
Private Trade Schools
Accrediting Commission of CareerSchools and Colleges of TechnologyACCSCT (Formerly NATTS)2101 Wilson Blvd Suite 302Arlington, VA 22201703-247-4142Fax: 703-247-4533e-mail: [email protected]: http://www.accsct.org/
Other Training Programs
Computer training
American InstituteInstitute for International Research437 Madison Ave., 23rd FloorNew York, NY 10022212-826-3340
Learning Tree international6053 West Century BoulevardPO Box 45028Los Angeles, CA 90045-0028213-417-8888Fax: 410-2952
National Advancement Corp.2730-J South HarborSanta Ana, CA 92704714-754-7110
Test EquipmentManufacturers
B&K Precision1031 Segovia CirclePlacentia, CA Status 92870714-237-9220Fax: 714-237-9214
Fluke CorporationPO Box 9090Everett, WA 98206206-347-6100206-356-5116
Sencore3200 Sencore DriveSioux Falls, SD 57107605-339-0100
TektronixOscilloscope DivisionPO Box 500, MS 39710Beaverton, OR 97077503-627-2010Fax: 503-627-5593
Tentel4475 Golden Foothill ParkwayEl Dorado Hills, CA 95630916-939-4005800-538-6894
Table 1.
bleshooting with faulty equipment guidedby an experienced instructor.
VHS Video Cassette Recorder Servicing(5 Days)
"This workshop focuses on basic VCRoperation and servicing. After an over-view of a VCR system and a review of theNTSC television system, each functionalblock of a typical current model VHSVCR is examined. (A general back-ground in analog electronics is needed forthis workshop and familiarity with TVsystems is highly recommended.) Theworkshop features:
The VHS system Television signal Audio REC / PB Video REC / PB Drum servo Capstan servo Micro-processors Display circuits Modeswitch logic Tape transport Power sup-plies Adjustments. On the last day allparticipants gain essential skills, hands-on troubleshooting with faulty equipmentguided by as experienced instructor.
Computer Monitor Servicing (3 Days)Updated for 98
Three day electronics servicing work-shop that covers current technologies
using a hands-on, service -oriented ap-proach. (A general background in analogelectronics is needed for this workshop.)The workshop features:
Test equipment usage Oscilloscopecalibration Monitor familiarization Multi -sync systems VGA/SVGA/XGASignals Video signal processing Switching power supply High voltagepower supply Deflection and scanning Microprocessor control Manual ad-justments PC-controled alignments Convergence Troubleshooting andrepair. On the last day all participantsgain essential skills, hands-on trou-bleshooting with faulty equipment guid-ed by as experienced.
Windows 95 Unleash the Power.Troubleshoot Hardware and Software,Setup Networking and TCP/1P.
"Attend this professional workshopand CEMA will make you an expert atWindows 95 in only three days. CEMA'stechnical training puts the experience inyour hands. We don't just talk about meth-ods or demonstrate solutions, we give youreal hands-on experience. In four days,
we "walk," configuring Windows 95,including both software and hardwareupgrades. We will show you how to con-nect multiple PCs to form a peer -to -peernetwork system. This workshop givesyou the tools necessary for fully utilizingthe power of Windows 95 in your day-to-day business." The workshop features:
Skill Improvement in differentiatinghardware and software problemsDiagnose and Solve System Problems Gain Hands-on Experience with Windows95 Avoid Potential Hardware/SoftwareConflicts Learn to Support Peer -to -PeerNetworking Configurations MaximizePerformance for Windows 95 Select theBest Equipment for Your Needs
This workshop provides essentialskills to those who:
Provide Support for PC Hardware andSoftware Make Software/System rec-ommendations Develop PC SupportPolicies Teach Computer Technology Install Windows 95 on PCs TrainWindows 95 Users Troubleshoot PCHardware/Software Issues Plan to Up-grade to Windows 95
To Register Call (703)907-7656
52 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
Training aids on the InternetThe Internet is a virtual treasure trove
of information for individuals and com-panies with access to the Internet. Forexample, if you access the AdvancedTelevision System Committee websitelisted below, you can download hundredsof pages of technical specifications andother information having to do withHDTV. The ITT Intermetall website, alsolisted below offers information on thechipset that that company has engineeredfor HDTV sets.
Other websites listed offer informationon the subjects noted.
Introduction to the oscilloscopehttp://www.ee.su.oz.au/teaching/
topics/labintro/cro.html
Cathode Ray Oscilloscopehttp://www.richardson.k12.tx.us/
school s/phys/Academics/Physics/APPhysics/OscopeWeb/OscopeLab.html
ATSChttp://www.atsc.org/
http://www.intermetall.de
Hewlett Packard Educators CornerThis is a website that displays infor-
mation about learning and teachingresources for educators. In the month ofJune it carried a Spectrum Analyzer seg-ment that helps users visualize modulationof radio frequency signals with audio fre-quency signals.
http://www.tmo.hp.com/tmo/iia/edcorner/English/index.html
In addition, Hewlett Packard offers anEducator's Corner CD-ROM; containingpre -written and interactive lab experi-ments from HP's Educator's Corner web -site, for those who don't want the long waitrequired to download them. This free CD-ROM, available by ordering from thiswebsite, contains all of the content foundon the website. It's packed full of learningand teaching resources for engineeringeducators. It includes search tools, livelinks to the World Wide Web, and more.
This is Version 2.0 in an on -going seriesof CD-ROMs for engineering educators.The labs and experiments in this series aresubmitted by professors and educatorsfrom around the world. To use this CD-ROM, the user will need a Windows orMac PC with a CD-ROM drive. The CD-ROM has a familiar web browser inter-face, and all required software and driversare included on the CD-ROM.
EIA/CEMA will be offering (optional-ly) 2.0 CEUs for this workshop. A nomi-mal registration fee will be charged forthe CEUs.
Another CEMA resource is Raising theStandard - Electronics Technician Skillsfor Today and Tomorrow.
This manual covers skills standards forwork -ready, entry-level electronics tech-nicians. The Electronic Industries Assoc-iation and the Electronic IndustriesFoundation developed the national skillstandards under funding from the U.S.Department of Education. More than 200representatives from the electronics in-dustry, business, labor, and education,worked side by side in this industry -ledeffort to develop workable and mutuallyagreed upon standards. An additional 300individuals helped assure their validity.
The manual includes guidelines on howemployers, employees, trainers, educa-tional administrators, educators, schoolcounselors, and students can use thedetailed lists of skills required of work -
ready, entry-level electronics techniciansin any of a broad range of occupationalareas. Service centers can use this valuableresource in a variety of ways:
Clarify the competencies workersneed Improve workers' capabilities andproductivity Enhance a company's abil-ity to convert to a high performance work-place Evaluate prospective employeesand new hires Plan internal training pro-grams Develop performance -based cur-ricula preparing graduates to leave schoolwith work -ready skills, qualified to obtainjobs Encourage excellence in voc-ed toimprove the American workforce
The spiral -bound manual is dividedinto tabbed categories for easy reference.Each describes and lists the skills identi-fied as necessary for competent work infive general categories: Desirablebehavior and work habits Technicalskills test equipment and tools Basicand practical skills Additional skillsneeded in three advanced specialty areas.
The cost of this document and the discis $25.00, including SM.
Are You Servicing Computers?
Do you know that major computer hardwareand software vendors, distributors, resellers andpublications, back the A+ Certification programas a means to verify the competencies of com-puter service technicians.
Do you know that many hardware manufac-turers will not reimburse warranty work unlessthe technician or service center is A+ certified.
If you're servicing computers, now is the timeto consider A+ Certification. Our computer -based, self -study course offers you the most comprehensive way to passthe A+ Certification exams.
Unlike the competition, our exclusive course features allow you to: Review hundreds of sample questions and isolate the exact areas
you must learn to pass the exams. Study only those areas where you need work. The program assesses
your knowledge and pinpoints you to the exact page in ourHeathkit® reference library for further study.
Evaluate your competency level and practice your test -taking skillswith our invaluable timed practice tests.
DON'T WAIT - GET PREPARED FOR CERTIFICATION TODAYCALL US AT 800.253.0570 FOR MORE INFORMATION
HeathiataEDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS
455 Riverview Drive Benton Harbor Michigan 49022 616-925-6000 800-253-0570 fax: 616-925-2898email-heathkitaheathkit.com http://www.heathkit.com
'The Computing Technology Industry Association and 4. are regedered trade marks. All rights reserved.' 98-100
Circle (66) on Reply Card
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 53
Test Your Electronics Knowledgeby J.A. Sam Wilson
Figure 1. What does the dot notation on the transformer indicate?
1. In the circuit of Figure 1, the dot nota-tion on the transformer indicates
A. which end of the transformershould be grounded.
B. that the dc voltage value at thosepoints is the same.
C. that the ac voltage value at thosepoints is the same.
D. None of these answers is correct.
2. Which of the following amplifierconfigurations has a gain related to"?
A. Common collectorB. Common baseC. Common emitterD. Starved amplifier
3. Which of the following is a linear,bilateral circuit element?
A. ThermistorB. ResistorC. TransistorD. Nuvistor
4. Which of the following statements iscorrect?
A. Bipolar transistors have the prob-lem of partition noise, tubes do not.
B. Tubes have the problem of parti-tion noise, bipolar transistors do not.
C. There is no such thing as "parti-tion noise" as related to tubes and bipo-lar transistors.
Wilson is the electronics theory consultant for ES&T.
0.47
A+26V
Q1
2N697
Q2
2N697
R2 R3 R4
220K 10K 1K
C
C2
60
Figure 2. If you create a short between the emitter of transistor 01 andto the base of 01, what will happen to the collector voltage?
D. Both tubes and bipolar transistorshave the problem of partition noise.
5. Which of the following symbolsmeans the same as alpha in reference totransistors?
A. hFEB. hFBC.fiD. A
6. Which of the following amplifyingcomponents is primarily controlled bycurrent?
A. Pentode tubeB. JFETC. MOSFETD. PNP transistor
7. Which of the following is correct?A. Thermal agitation noise is more
of a problem with tubes than withtransistors.
B. Thermal agitation noise is moreof a problem with transistors than withtubes.
8. Which of the following is NOTcorrect?
A. Removing the speaker from atransistor power amplifier circuit candestroy the transistor when the circuit isoperated.
B. Since P = I2R it follows thatincreasing the load resistance of a tran-
Figure 3. In this amplifier circuit, what shouldthe voltage at point 'A' be?
sistor amplifier will always increase theoutput power of the circuit.
C. There is no vacuum -tube equiva-lent circuit for complementary bipolartransistor amplifiers.
D. It is not necessary to make a goodmechanical connection before making asolder connection.
9. In the circuit of Figure 2, shorting theemitter of Q1 to the base of Q1 will causeits collector voltage to
A. become more positive.B. become more negative.C. remain unchanged.D. become zero volts.
10. In the amplifier circuit of Figure 3,the voltage at point 'A' should be
A. positive.B. negative.C. zero (ground) potential.
(Answers on page 60)
54 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
r-
-44011MILcopicntg
INTERNETGUIDE
Ft FRONICSINDUSTRY
Semiconductor Cross Reference BookFourth Editionby Howard W. Sams & Complus,This newly revised and updated reference hookis the most comprehensive guide to replacementdata available. IN ith more than 490.000 partnumbers listed, technicians will base no prob-lem locating the replacement or substitutioninformation they need.Order If 61080 524.95
IC Cross Reference BookSecond Editionby Howard W. Sams & CompanyThe engineering staff of Sams assembled theIC' Cross Reference Rook to help readers findreplacements or substitutions for more than35,000 Its and modules.Order #61096 819.95
ES&T Presents TVTroubleshooting & Repairby ES&T MagazineThis Maik presents information that will makeit possible for technicians and electronics hob-byists to service TVs faster. more efficiently.and more economical!).Order 11 6
Internet Guide toPElectronics Industryby John AdamsElectronics hobbyists and technicians can finda wealth of knowledge and information on theinternet, and this book will serve maids as adirectory to the resources available on-line.Order # 61092 $16.95
SEMICONDUCTORCROSS RUMMKI TOOK:moro. MiPeo
ES&T Presents ComputerTroubleshooting & Repairby ES&T MagazineComputer Troubleshooting & Repair featuresinformation on repairing Macintosh computers.monitors. hard drives and much moreOrder a 6I087 $18.95
The Component Identifier& Source Bookby Victor MeeldijkThis book was written to assist technicians andsystem designers in identifying componentsfrom prefixes and logos, as well as find sourcesfor various types of microcircuits and othercomponents. There is not another boos on themarket that lists such diverse components.Order N 61088 $24.95
mmorewommiTtemq.,
- Computer Monitorfroubleshootidg and Rep.ar
Troubleshooting & Repair Guide toby Howard W Sams & CompanyThis book is the most complete and up-to-datetelevision repair book available. It containstime saving features that even the pros don tknow and extmisive coverage of common Tisymptoms.Order it 6107-. $29.95
IC/Liwwww?"..CROSS REFERENCE
BOOK 4.1- *14
RPM OR MOM OfPOMO a MM
PROMPT
oloms rums -..RCoupe Val
11.0180111.nal asp*
ES&T Presents theTest Equipment GuideIncludes the latest information on choosing thebest equipmer t, building test equipment andaccessories, !acting up a service bench, thepractical tech aician's tool kit, and more.Order # 6108* 8.95
Understand ng & Servicing CD Playersby Ken ClemantsWritten with ervice technicians and enifinaersin mind, this look is a guide to the princip esinvolved in re 'airing and adjusting CD players.The problem -robing approach and numeral'sexamples mire it a helpful companion to t tosen ice manual.Order It 6705- .852.95
V= mem sam smi-minewmini -
YES! I want to learn from the experts. Rush me my book(s) r ght awaylPlease add S4 shipping & handling. FREE shipping & handling for orders SSC and over.Please make your check or money order payable to: Electronic Servicing & Technology
ESTu I LK.
iilliMewaaaammx
rca 11*
PROMPT
mama._Component .allfIdentifier 4
and 41P ,Source - -
Boo
ng Audio & EquipmentSecond Editionb. Nick BeerAs a henchside companion and guide, this bookhas no equal. Its purpose is to speed up theprocess of diagmosis, repair and testing of allclasses of home audio equipment.Order # 67076 $52.95
Computer MonitorTroubleshooting & Repairby Joe Desposito & Kevin frarabedianThis book makes it easy for anyone to fullyrepair monitors. There are chapters on toolsand tert equipment, monitor types, special pro-cedures, troubleshooting, and case studies.Order it 61100 $29.95
Com' lete VCRTroubleshooting & Repairby Joe Desposito & Kevin GarabedianCompHe t CR 7'roubleshooting & Repair con-tains 1-oubleshooling procedures from externalparts in gears, springs. pulleys, and belts. l'hishook *Mows how to troubleshoot tuner/demodu-latur circuits. audio and video circuits. andMalty store
Order Call800-853-9797
Qty OtthIt# Description Price Total Price
Shipping/HandingNew York Residents odd applicable sales tax Total
Name
Address
City State Zip
MC/VISA/AMEX/Discover # ExpiresForm of payment: 0 MC 0 VISA 0 AMEX 0 Discover 0 Check 0 tvbney Order
Please mall your orders to: Electronic Servicing & Technology, 76 North Broadway. Hicksville, New York 11801-9962 FAX 516-681-2926
95
What Do You Know About Electronics?
by Sam Wilson
Sam's opinions expressed here onemerging technology do not necessarilyreflect the official position of ES&T.
In a technology as dynamic as elec-tronics, new developments are con-stantly taking place. Every time
something new is developed, someonecomes up with abbreviations for it. As it'simportant to keep up with these abbrevi-ations, we bring you these:
SMPT - Simple Mail Protocol Transfer(It governs the transmission of E -Mailthrough the Internet.)
WWW - World Wide Web (also, WorldWide Wait)
It is an information network.
This and thatThere is a glut of information on the
World Wide Web and, it is not all impor-tant information. No person could possi-bly use all of the information available.
An example is news information. Thereare more people writing news stories thanare needed. How many different ways canyou write a story about Monica Lewinski?
Many broadcasters are taking a "waitand see" attitude toward HDTV. They arenot even sure the public wants it.
Broadcasters favor the 1080i format.That's 1080 interlaced scanning lines.Computer people favor a 720p (program-mable scan) format. That's 720 lines aframe at a time - no interlacing.
Most broadcasters are reluctant to com-mit to HDTV until they can be sure thatthey can profit from it.
Here is a problem that has raised itsugly head. Broadcasters don't haveenough material to support the channelsavailable. How many times can you runand re -run Kukla, Fran and 011ie?
Also, do you really want to invest up to$10,000 in a high -definition receiver soyou can see the pores on the newscaster'snose? Some broadcasters claim that DTV(Digital TV) and HDTV (High -DefinitionTV) is not just about getting a clearer pic-ture on the screen. It's also about the otherthings you can do with them.
Wilson is the electronics theory consultant for Fti &T.
Let me translate that for you. Its alsoabout many other things you will have topay for and may not want. An example isinteractive video games. An 80 -year oldwidow who relies heavily on TV for herentertainment need interactive TV gameslike a moose needs a bathing cap.
Cable TV - which services 60% of theTV viewers - has threatened to supply a"set -top box" to convert digital programsto analog format so customers can usetheir present TV sets. There is a lot ofbehind -the -scenes fighting with broad-casters over that one.
The FCC has been one of the stumblingblocks in the DTV and HDTV mess. Upuntil the middle of May they failed toissue standards that are needed by equip-ment manufacturers. Now that the stan-dards have been provided do you thinktechnicians will get to loof at them? I'mtrying to get them for you.
When color TV first hit the market wewere quickly advised about that signal.As a result, we knew much about therequirements of the receivers. Have youseen a block diagram of an HDTV set?
The U.S.A. in technical competitionHere I go again! I know that this sub-
ject is going to bring at least five letterstelling me: "That isn't electronics" and"Stick to the subject." But, if I don't passthis along, who is going to tell you?
I got the following information fromJames C. Dobson, Ph.D. in his FamilyNewsletter - Focus on the Family. If itdoesn't boggle your mind, your mind justisn't bogglable.
In 1990, President George Bush and all50 governors announced their goal forU.S. students to be "first in the world inmathematics and science and achieve-ment by the year 2000." It sounded goodat the time. But, almost a decade laterAmerica's high school seniors still com-pare poorly with young men and womenin most other industrialized nations.
That was the conclusion of the mostcomprehensive and rigorous internation-al comparison ever conducted of acade-mic achievement. The results of the study
were released in February, 1998. The finalreport should be of concern to every par-ent and grandparent in the nation (andevery technician, technologist, engineerand scientist.)
What it revealed is that fourth -gradestudents in this country scored aboveaverage internationally, but by the mid-dle school years, scores were below aver-age. And by the time they were seniors inhigh school they ranked near the bottomwhen compared to other nations. The con-clusion is unmistakable: The longer stu-dents stay in American schools, the far-ther they fall behind their age -mates inmost industrialized nations.
Tables I and Il show the mean (aver-age) achievement test scores in variouscategories of science and math for thenations that participated in this compari-sion study at the secondary level.
As dismal as the U.S. position in theserankings was, it easily could have beenworse. Asian countries which typicallyexcel in math and science did not partic-
TABLE IMATHEMATICS LITERACY
Country Mean AchievementNetherlands 560Sweden 552Denmark 547Switzerland 540Iceland 534Norway 528France 523New Zealand 522Australia 522Canada 519Austria 518Slovenia 512Germany 495Hungary 483Italy 476Russian Federation 471Lithuania 469Czech Republic 466UNITED STATES 461Cyprus 446South Africa 356
58 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
TABLE IISCIENCE LITERACY
CountrySwedenNetherlandsIcelandNorwayCanadaNew ZealandAustraliaSwitzerlandAustriaSloveniaDenmarkGermanyCzech RepublicFranceRussian FederationUNITED STATESItalyHungaryLithuaniaCyprusSouth Africa
Mean Achievement559558549544532529527523520517509497487487481
480475471
461
448349
ipate in the study. "Otherwise," wrotecolumnist John Leo, "American mighthave been fighting for 39th or 40th placein a 41 nation field."
What is even more shocking is how ourmost gifted students compared with highachievers in secondary schools fromother participating countries. For manyyears, Americans have consoled them-selves with the believe that their most -tal-ented youngsters were on a par with thebest -educated students on earth. Not so,according to these findings. When com-pared with gifted students elsewhere, oursmartest kids tested even worse.
Tables III and IV are the results for stu-dents enrolled in the most advanced mathand science courses.
Think about this:
I am thankful for this information fromDr. Dobson. I believe it to be very impor-tant to everyone who reads this magazine.
Toroidal transformersAs I have said before, some of the most
useful technical information available totechnicians and technologists comesfrom advertisements for technical prod-ucts. The following information comes tous from a company named Ulveco, Inc.in Houston, TX. It spells out the advan-tages of toroidal transformer design.
Low Weight - Because they are moreefficient, toroids can be up to 50% lighter(depending on power rating) than tradi-tional transformers. Low weight simpli-fies end product design by reducingmounting hardware and supportingenclosure requirements.
Small Size - Most toroids are smallerthan their conventional transformer coun-terparts. Electrical and mechanicaldesigners, when "painted into a corner"by a minuscule space allotment for powersupplies, appreciate a toroidial trans-formers compact dimensions.
Flexible Dimensions - Compoundingthe benefits of low weight and small sizeis the flexibility to vary dimensions. Aslong as the core cross section is held con-stant, the height and diameter for thetoroid may be economically varied toaccommodate equipment design require-ments, a great help when designing lowprofile, slim -line equipment.
Easy to Mount - A single center screweasily and quickly mounts the toroid,avoiding costly mechanical design andpractical problems associated with tradi-tional laminated transformers, and threescrews are eliminated at assembly!
Low Stray Magnetic Field - Toroidshave no airgaps: primaries and secon-daries are wound uniformly around theentire core. As a result, toroids emit verylow radiated magnetic fields. This makesthe toroid ideal for application in CRT dis-
Funding School Days Per Year
United States $3,843 Japan 240Canada 3,508 Korea 222Italy 2,683 Taiwan 222West Germany 2,470 Israel 215
France 2,446 Scotland 191
United Kingdom 2,438 Canada 188
Japan 1,978 United States 178
TABLE IIIADVANCED MATHEMATICS
CountryFranceRussian FederationSwitzerlandAustraliaDenmarkCyprusLithuaniaGreeceSwedenCanadaSloveniaItalyCzech RepublicGermanyUNITED STATESAustria
Mean Achievement557
542
533
525
522518
516513
512
509475474469465442436
TABLE IVADVANCED PHYSICS
Country Mean AchievementNorway 581
Sweden 573
Russian Federation 545
Denmark 534Slovenia 523Germany 522Australia 518Cyprus 494Latvia 488Switzerland 488Greece 486Canada 485France 466Czech Republic 451
Austria 435UNITED STATES 423
plays, high -qualityical equipment.
Low Mechanical Hum - The core of atoroid is formed from a single strip ofgrain -oriented electrical grade siliconsteel tightly wound in the form of a clockspring with the ends spot-welded in place.The copper wire is wound over polyesterfilm, forming a silent, stable unit withoutglue or varnish coating.
Reduced No -Load Losses - Comparedto traditional transformers, toroids exhib-it extremely low no-load losses. In appli-cations where a circuit is in a "stand-by"mode for long periods, the potential costreduction for power can be significant.
amplifiers, and med-
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 59
HOTOFACTS
EMERSON C1127SF24V 4017 SAMSUNGVR4250 VCR -300 CT -3 I SF24V 4017 TSF3276 4022VR4450 VCR -300 CT-31XF24CV 4017
CT-F2992LV 4017 TOSHIBA
GE CT-F2992V 4017 CE19G10 4021
CTC187CN3 4013 CT-F2992VV 4017 CF19G32 4021
31GT660FM1 4013 CT-F2992XV 4017 CF27G30 4018
31GT660FM1 4013 TC-33SF24TV 4017 CF29G30 4018
35GT690JX1 4013 CF27F30 4018
35GT695FM I 4013 11 IIIIPS/MAGNAVOX CL20G30 4021
PR1317C121 4024 CL29F30 4018
HITACHI PR1317C122 4024 TAC9620 4018
27CX22B501 4025 TS3654C 4015 TAC9725 4021
27CX22B5 I 1 4025 13PR15C121 4024 TAC9726 4018
27CX22B521 4025 13PR I 5C I 22 4024 TAC9727 4021
19PR15C121 4024
PANASONICAMEDP301 4019
19PR15C122I 9PRISC125
40244024
ZENITHZO9P02XZI9A1IS
40204014
APEDP264 4017 ZI9AIISM 4014APEDP266 4017 RCA Z19A1 1Y 4014AREDP301 4019 E09310WHC24 4023 Z32X3 1 D 4016CT-20G13DW 4019 E093 IOW HF24 4023 Z32X3 I DM4 016CT-20G13W 4019 TX825MB 4023 Z32X84R 4016
The Professional
ElectronicsTechniciansAssociation
and the Satellite DealersAssociation
Certified Satellite/Antenna TechniciansFour types of recognition for technicians engaged insmall and large satellite dish installation, rooftopantennas and video distribution are available from ETAand SDA. Write for a free brochure (or circle your reply card)
THE ANTENNA BOOKS #1 & 2These two new study guides have all the information your need to
become an expert in providing customers with the best reception,interconnection and signal distribution methods. They are written bymultiple authors, each with years of experience. They contain quizzesat the end of each chapter, plus an overall practice test similar to thatused for the actual certification exams in these categories. Both AntennaBooks can be ordered from ETA-SDA for $44 (incl S & H)
Join the Antenna Experts Group and SDA for just $25 and get afree listing in the AEG page on the ETA-SDA Web Site.
765-653-4301 - 765-653-8262 Fax602 N Jackson
Greencastle. In 46135http://www.eta-sda.com e-mail: [email protected]
Test Your ElectronicsKnowledgeAnswers to list (from page 54)
1. D - The dots indicate the points that have the samepolarity.
2. C - The common base amplifier has again related to alpha.
3. B - By definition.
4. D - Partition noise occurs when the charge carriers can goeither of two ways.
5. B - By definition.
6. D - Bipolar transistors are current -operated devices.
7. B - Thermal agitation noise occurs when charge carriersmove through semiconductor materials.
8. B - Excessive load resistance can reduce the collector volt-age and lower the gain of the transistor stage.
9. C - The collector voltage is locked to +25V.
10. A - Making point 'A' positive makes the collector neg-ative in the PNP transistor circuit.
Circle (77) on Reply Card
60 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
---71/1i---PRODUCTS
DSS installation and setup videotapeElectronix Corp offers "DSS Satellite
Installation," a video tape that describeshow to quickly and professionally installa DSS type satellite system. Says the man-ufacturer, whether you are setting up yourown system, or want to become a profes-sional DSS installer, this instructionalvideo will guide you step-by-step throughthe entire process. The detailed instructioncovers the most important issues for aproper installation: The site survey, dishassembly, dish installation, completealignment procedures, as well as manyhandy tips to make the job easier.
Circle (101) on Reply Card
Computer monitor pattern generatorComputer & Monitor Maintenance
Inc. announces the newest member of theChecker family of monitor test equip-ment, the "Checker Pro," an ac or batteryoperated computer color monitor patterngenerator, designed for the sophisticateduser. Sweep rates to 64kHz, various pat-terns, and gray scale, allow the user tocheck-out a wide variety of monitors.
The technician can quickly switchmodes using the push buttons, add Syncon green, turn off any of the colors, andturn off either horizontal or vertical sync.The unit provides various test patterns forVGA monitors. Its color bar/8 step grayscale pattern allows color balance andtracking to be quickly evaluated.
Circle (100) on Reply Card
Digital/analog waveform monitorLeader Instruments announces an
improved version of the LV 5100D, thecombination digital -analog waveform,vector, picture and stereo monitor. Thislatest version is Model LV5100DE andincludes the "EYE" pattern display withboth level and time cursors to facilitate
full evaluation of the digital data stream.Other features include full EDH facil-
ities with readout of the time of detectederrors, and the status of ANC, embeddedaudio, TRS, EAV, SAV, APCRC, FFCRCand EDH flags. The operator may assigninternal and external alarms to any or allof the status readouts. A rating of serialdata quality is given in terms of equiva-lent length of coax from an ideal source.Also featured is a direct readout of signaldata in hex form for all 1716 data pointsof a user -selected raster line. The line mayalso be selected automatically as trig-gered by a TRS error.
Monitor modes include waveform(overlay and parade), component vector,picture (from the Y or G signal and in-cluding the line -select strobe), and astereo audio phase/amplitude displaywith an electronic scale. Extensive menucontrols select YCbCr or GBR for wave-form and monitor output, setup operatingchoices, line -select, cursors, calibration,preset/remote, dc restorer operating para-meters, clock/calendar settings and more.A rear -panel jack provides an active ser-ial feed of the selected A or B input.
Circle (103) on Reply Card
DMM with data portWavetek introduces the new 235, a
DMM with an RS232C serial data outputport. The meter features I I functions in45 ranges. and a bright display backlight.The meter's "T" design allows for anoversized display area and larger charac-ters. The unit also features a bargraph pro-viding analog and digital displays.
An RS232C data output port allows themeter to interface directly with laptopsand PCs. Included software, includingdriver and application that add featuresincluding alarm trips, datalogging, graph -
mg and output to spreadsheet. Output isoptically isolated, and the meter comescomplete with I/O cable.
Using simple front panel buttons, theuser can quickly select from featuresincluding Probe -Hold, Max/Min,reading hold,Relative (A) read-ing mode andRange locking.Display and audi-ble annunciatorswarn the userwhen measuringpotentially haz-ardous ranges,and fully fusedcurrent inputsadd to measuringsafety. Test leads, rubber holster and sparefuses are also included.
Circle (102) on Reply Card
ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANSAUSTIN TEXAS
Sears Customer Network is an in-dustry -leading provider of PC, elec-trorics, and home appliance repairinfo -mation. Our new state-of-the-art technology/call center inR,r.rid Rock is nearing completion,and we have a seat with your nameon i We offer stable year-roundemployment with noslow seasons. On -goingtrailing on all the latestproducts le provided.We offer competitivecon- peneation and a ben-efits package that Includes medi-cal, dental, 401(k), stock purchase
plan, and tuitionreimbursement.Relocation as-sistance pro-
vided. If you can repair consumerhome electronics includingTV's,VCR's, and camcorders, fax or mallyour job history to:
Sears Customer Network8317 Cross Park Dr.,
Austin, Texas 78754.Fax: 512-908-4891 E.O.E.
5=14I r SEARSHome ServicesWWw. ma xefe rv. co rn
wH w.resumail.com Customer Network
Circle (73) on Reply Card
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 1
-1/1i --CLASSIFIED /1/1/'
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 fullwords. Indicate free category heading (For Sale, Business Opportunities, Miscellaneous, Wanted). Blind ads (replies sent to ES&Tfor forwarding) are $40 additional. No agency discounts are allowed for classified advertising by the word. Contact Kirstie Wickhamat 516-681-2922 to place your classified ad (by -the -word). Mastercard, VISA, American Express and Discover are accepted for FAXor mail orders.Per column Inch (classified Display): $235 per column inch, per insertion, with frequency discounts available, 1" minimum, billedat 1/4" increments after that 10" maximum per ad. Blind ads are $40 addition. Reader Service Number $25 additional to cover pro-cessing and handling costs. (Free to 4 -inch or larger ads.) For more information regarding classified display advertising please call516-681-2922. Optional color (determined by magazine) $150 additional per insertion.
Send your order, materials and payments to:Electronic Servicing & Technology, 25 Newbridge Road, Hicksville, NY 11801
Attn: Classified Department Ph: 516-681-2922 FAX: 516-681-2926
FOR SALE
SENCORE, TEKTRONIX, HEWLETT PACKARD (all models). WeBUY, SELL, & TRADE . Please call "CHOICE ELECTRONICS" forall of your test equipment needs. Complete financing options avail-able. Call 1-800-609-0677, 605-361-6386 ask for Lance Tople.
FURTHER PRICE REDUCTION. Diehl Mark III $49, Diehl Mark VHorizontal circuit tester $169. New. Conductive coating for remotecontrol keypads $9.99 ppd. WEEC, 2411 Nob Hill Road, Madison, WI53713. 608-238-4629, 608-273-8585.
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 34 years. Send SASE for samples. 410 -272 -4984,1 -800 -2 -FIXTVS 11am-9pm. ( or at http://www.netgsi.com/-mikesrs).
Factory service data, used -Sams, books, vintage parts. AGTannenbaum, Box 386, Ambler, PA 19002. 215- 540-8055, fax 215-540-8327, On-line catalog: www.agtannenbaum.com.
TEST EQUIPMENT BOUGHT & SOLD: OSCILLOSCOPES, ETC.925-706-0177. FAX: 925-706-0156.
SERVICE TIPS for FREE!!! That's right it's FREE!!PROFESSIONAL BOARD LEVEL & COMPONENT LEVELREPAIRS for TV's, VCR's, Projection TV's, CAMCORDER's, CDPlayers, Audio and other repairs on computer disk. ADD your ownrepair tips. PRINT out repair tips. BACKUP & save Your repairs.Want to share your own repair tips? If you do, we will send youFREE Updates!!! Ask about our TIP EXCHANGE policy. For IBMcompatible computers with a hard drive and some Apple Macs.Get your FREE Stage 1 SERVICE TIPS PROGRAM Now!!!
FREE CALL - CALL NOW!!! CALL 1-800-215-5081.
IN -CIRCUIT CAPACITOR ESR TESTER - Find bad caps FAST andRELIABLY with the new Capacitor Wizard in -circuit ESR Tester!Great for monitors, switching power supplies. TVs, etc. Only$179.95. MCNISA. Independence Electronics Inc., 800-833-1094,www.awiz.com.
New EURAS 1998 CD Rom 165,000 repair tips, 563 brands, 32, 645models Win 95/98/NT compatible. Now purchase EURAS for the reg-ular dealer price of $149.50 (upgrade) or $199.50 (w/hardware lock)and receive KDTV SVCTIPS for 1/2 price ($35)! ORDER TOLL FREE1-888-KD-STIPS.
Sen-.:ore SC61 - scope, $800.00, CM2125 - Computer MonitorANalyzer, $1,500.00, CR7O-CRT analyzer + restorer, $500.00.Call: 610-380-1935.
FOR SALE
SERVICE TIPS ""30,000 technical SERVICE TIPS coveringover 139 POPULAR Manufacturers Brands. SERVICE TIPSwith MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS FOR EACH SYMPTOM IN 1 CONCISEEAST TO USE FORMAT has features no other technical tipsprogram has. SERVICE TIPS THE ONLY NESDA APPROVEDTECHNICAL TIPS PROGRAM available for WINDOWS at $199.95or DOS at $169.95 (plus s&h). Electronic Software Developers Inc.,826 S. Main St., S. Farmingdale, NY 11735 or e-mail us [email protected] or visit our web site at www.servicetips.comTO ORDER SERVICE TIPS CALL 1-800-621-8477.BE SURE TO VISIT us at the NPSC SHOW Aug 12-13 booth # 307 & 309
NAP Tuner 340309. RCA Tuner TCHRIA or TCCRIA and more.Snowy picture? Will rebuild for $25.00, Free Shipping. Tip Top TV &VCR, 18441 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335, 818-345-1974.
SERVICE TIPS over 60,000 excellent ones from KD T -V, Nesda,over 600 professional servicers 380 brands (TV, VCR, ComputerMonitor, Microwave, Camcorder, Audio, Misc.). Only $69.95! Addyour own tips. Alphabetizes symptom. DOD version. Runs in Win95/98. Tip exchange. Print tips. Symptom/Info/Cure Search. VCRcross. Sams cross. Finest ORIGINAL data. FREE DEMO on web -site http://www.kdtviwe.com updated monthly. KD T -V 514 3rd St.Aurora, IN 47001. ORDER TOLL FREE 1-888-KD-STIPS. Allc/cards. Ken Hull C.E.T.
( ( 36,000 REPAIR TECH -TIPS ) ) As promised, another2,000 great repairs occurring DAILY in our service centers havebeen added this update. WE ARE TECHNICIANS, TEST our FULLDATABASE of 221 brands in CD FORMAT, DOS or WINDOWSfor ONE WEEK in YOUR SERVICE CENTER for $20.00. If satisfied,you may join our membership for an additional $330.00. Ourmembership price has been the same for the past 8 1/2 yearsand will remain the same in the future."FREE" 48 Page membermagazine "THE TIP INFORMER", "FREE" Emergency tech -assist telephone line, "FREE" FCC -ID Cross -Reference Manual,"FREE" Service Center Forms. Semi-annual updates with 2,000new repairs in five - 2" Paper Manuals or Computer, CD, DOS orTrue Windows. You may enter your own repairs, edit or tag anyreport or press one key and printout selected or all repairs on aparticular Model or Chassis or FCC ID No. "GET TO THE BOTTOMLINE PROFITABLY" CALL TODAY and speak to a servicecenter owner and technician ED Erickson. NESDA MEMBER andpast president of the ( PROFESSIONAL ELECTRONICS ASSN.OF SOUTH FLORIDA ).- - - - You and your technicians will be gladyou did! - - - - Labor is your largest expense. 800-474-3588 or954-349-2455, TV -Man Tech -Tips, Inc. 2082 Augusta. Weston,Florida 33326.
62 Electronic Servicing & Technology August 1998
--/V1P--CLASSIFIED
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
SERVICE CENTER FOR SALE. Golden opportunity in thesunshine state. If you would like to have a six figure income, thenstart out with a six figure income! Why wait ten years to build abusiness in an area that may never provide that income. Purchasea business that will pay for itself, and historically increases itsrevenue yearly, in the largest growth market in the country.South Florida has expendable incomes from all parts of the world.and is never limited by a poor economy or bad weather.Two techs provide an annual gross $250,000.00 + Est. 16 Yrs. Bestlocation in the country. Call for Brochure. 954-723-1977
(owner retiring and will finance 50%)
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
CENTRAL FLORIDA TV/ELECTRONICS Business/Building. Heartof the retirement area. 36 years (75K). Owner retiring. 941-385-0359.
To Advertise in ElectronicSery icing & Technology's
Classified SectionCall 516-681-2922 or
Fax 516-681-2926
CIMENV,IMMH(M/N16,11..... M1 -4{,
READERS' EXCHANGE_wlReaders. Exchange is a free tier. ice.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 business or 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 a paid advertisement, notReaders' 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, 25 Newbridge Road, Hicksville, NY 11801
FOR SALE
Sencore VA62, VC63, NT64 NTSC. $1500.00.SC6I, mint condition and still in box, $1500.00.Contact: Darlene, 281-424-2744 after 6PM central.
Sencore SC3100, $1800.00; VA62 with VC63plus HP200, $900.00. All probes, manuals andschematics. Excellent condition, in original boxes.Contact: Frank. 813-546-7060.
Sencore SC6I waveform analyzer, with allaccessories and manuals. $750.00; AC Poweritemodel PR57 with manual, $200.00. Both in excel-lent condition. Contact: Ron, 309-452-3073, (fax)309-454-2428.
Hickok model 615 sweep marker generator, withmanual and cables, good condition, $50.00. B&K1827 frequency counter with manuls and leads. Newin box, $25.00. All plus shipping. Contact: KermitShetley, 2031 Woodland Hills Drive, CapeGirardeau, MO 63701, 573-334-2055.
Sencore CB42 analyzers (2), $500.00 each.Ramsey COM-3 communications service monitor.$1700.00. All include probes, manuals, originalboxes. Serious offers only. Contact: Jim Livermore,J&J Electronics. PO Box 274. Cincinnatus, NY13040, 607-863-4368, e-mail: [email protected].
Sams Photofact and service repair manuals.Some pretty old. Contact: David M. Kinchlow,1515 Walnut Street, New Albany, IN 47150,812-944-4097.
Sencore SC3100, $1800.00, VA62 with VC93plus HP200, $900.00. All probes, manuals andschematics. Excellent condition in original boxes.Contact: Frank, 8/3-546-7060.
Sencore SC6I with probes and manuals.$800.00: SC3100 with protective cover, manuals.probes, $1750.00. Two Heathkit VTVM's withmanual, $25.00 each. All equipment in good toexcellent condition. Contact: Roger Schreur, POBox 779, Forest Ranch, CA 95942.
Howard Sams tube substitution handbooks, Vol2-19 Photofact - cheap. Contact: Ann Bichanich, 15W. Lake Street, Chisholm, MN 55719.
Sencore SC3100 oscilloscope (mint), LC -53capacitor inductor analyzer, TF46 transistor-FETchecker, SCR -250 accessory tester. Protek 506 mul-
timeter. Contact: 612-869-4963.
WANTED
Samsung flyback, FCC 1215AL. used in Sears13 inch TV. No longer available from Sears, eithernew or good. Used one is fine. Contact: GordonHard Electronics, 1005 E. Grand Avenue, Tonkawa,OK 74653. 580-628-4234 after 3PM.
Emerson horizontal output transformer. part no.4221051014 (HFT 683) for model EC I 2PA TV.Contact: Dudley Overton, 843-406-9942.
Sony 1040 series projector tubes part number SD -187G, B or R. Contact: D. Manly. 562-924-2666.
Dell color monitor display GPD- I 6C schematic.Northern transceiver model N550. Contact: JoeSyczyle, 208-865-2216.
Sears TV model number 564.4890065 I , errordetector board part number 409-015-3301. Will paymoney. Contact: Randy Sanders. 317-859-8567, fax3/7-899-6977. Leave message.
Zenith model 953508 or 9535I2R SYSIII, work-ing with IC's included. Contact: George Schierer,2/25 NE 63 Court, Ft. Lauderdale. FL 33308, 954-771-0406.
Panasonic volume control 5K with switch for anAM/FM portable radio. Manufacturer is MatsushitaElectric Co. Ltd., Japan. Contact: Joe Quinn. 7/7-642-6883, e-mail: [email protected].
Emerson radio model 5-38, music cone and 90VB+ battery and 16 to 45V B+ batteries. Contact:Apple Electronics, 3428 E. Bankhead Highway.Lithia Springs. GA 30/22, 770-948-9895.
Hitachi schematic for SR2004 stereo receiver.Sony KV-1370R VIF IC module . MotorolaMRF309 RF power transistors. Contact: C. Ellis,9419 Wallre Rd. E., Tacoma, WA 98446, 253-531-8142. e-mail: [email protected].
A start-up disk and an Apple works programs diskfor Apple computer model A2S4I00. This is a 5 1/4disk and it runs a word processor. Contact: Gordon,/130 Rocky Fork Road, Smyrna, TN 37167, 615-220-0874.
August 1998 Electronic Servicing & Technology 63
TUBES TUBES -TUBESWorld's Largest Range
VISA
Over 2,000 Types. Domestic & Foreign
UP TO 85% OFF,A,,sckefolisrt
International Components CorporationToll Free 800-645-9154-NY.State 516-293-1500107 Maxess Road. Melville. New York 11747
Circle (68) on Reply Card
STORE-TRAK#1 Service Software
\ lost ..tfordableEasiest to use
Call for info and free gift!(800)603-9000
www.sbsdirect.comCircle (72) on Reply Card
Do You Repair Electronics?Repair Databases forTV, VCR, Monitor, UL
Audio. FCC. and more.
- Over 76,000 records- Private user forums- Live on-line chat rooms
RepairWorld.comNew Sy. Fairtwom 1111 4,21 x7s
Circle (65) on Reply Card
rrIL!C T R ONICSVisit Us At:
For more information call(800) 432-8642
Fax: (800) 552-1431
veivW ncebaldwin.comCircle (75) on Reply Card
Jas .1.1.1.11.1.1
ill
INTERNET- J11 D"31;)-i.111
DELPHI ELEurnonio
To sign up dial
1.800.365.4636with your computer & modem. and enter
ELECTRONIC at the signup password prompt!You can find Electronic Servicing & Technologyin the Radio & Electronics Forum (GO RADIO).
Circle (118) on Reply Card
/Vaticorta/ComputerAssociationThe National Computer Association
is the Professionals' Choice for secunng a future in thecomputer industry We make the computer industry a better
place for our members to work by uniting together and workingto reverse the trend of high overhead and low profits.
Please See Our Ad on Page 46or Visit Our Website at
www nca-net corn
1 -151013-0 15-0224
---/WADVERTISERS'
PageReaderService Advertiser
Company Number Number Hotline
American Hakko Products, Inc. 5 61 805/294-0090AnaTek Corporation 8 60 800/999-0304Andrews Electronics 41 62 800/289-0300B & D Enterprises 40 63 888/815-0508Citironix/Panson 45 59 800/846-2484Delphi Internet 64 118 800/365-4636Electro Dynamics. Inc 25 113 800/426-6423Electronic Design Specialists 15 64 561/487-6103
Electronics Technicians Assoc. 60 77 765/653-4301
Electronix Corporation 64 65 937/878-1828Heathkit 53 66 800/253-0570Herman Electronics 26 67 800/938-4376International Components Corp. 64 68 800/645-9154Iscet 8 76 817/921-9101MAT Electronics 44 69 800/628-1118
MCM Electronics 39 70 800/543-4330NCA/National Computer Assn. 46.64 79 800/615-6224Newnes 46 71 800/366-2665Panasonic 21 800/545-2672Philips Service Solutions Group IFC 120 800/851-8885Philips Software Development BC 117 423/475-0393SBS Direct 64 72 800/603-9000Sams & Company. Howard 43 110 800/428-7267Sears Home Services 61 73 800/676-8321
Sony World Repair Parts Center 49 74
Thomson Consumer Electronics IBC 12 800/336-1900Vance Baldwin 64 75 800/432-8642
We'd like to see your company listed here too. Call Evelyn Garrisonat 425-557-9611 or Fax her at 425-557-9612 to work out an advertisingprogram tailored to suit your needs.
What's Your BestServicing Value?
The magazine that makes money for you -
ELECTIIIIIiieServicing & Technology
Each month, ES&T brings you how-to service articles on TVs...VCRs...Computers... CD players... Microwaveovens... Audio products and more. It's theinformation you need to co your job everyday.
Regular columns and special features from experts will make you moreefficient - and more profitable - in no time. Plus. our monthly PROFAX, a FREE8 -page pull-out of popular TV, VCR and computer schematics. makes ES& Taneven greater value.
1 -year, (12 issues) $26.951 -year Canada/Mexico $36.95
1 -year Foreign Air Post, $44.95
2 -years, (24 issues) $49.952 -years, Canada/Mexico $69.952 -years Foreign Air Post, $85.95
Electronic Servicing & Technology25 Newbridge Road, Hicksville, NY 11801 Phone: 516-681-2922 FAX: 516-681-2926
64
6FR21.6
SC3Q20333
011
4X3X46
S
Ifyou repair these ...
Belts and Tires
When you need belts or tires, it's
important that you get the right
ones. SK Series has added a full line
of replacement rubber products in
all the popular sizes. Ordering is I/tit
SK6FR7X7SK6SC4Q3SKBK0533SKPRO023SK5SC6A1SK6FR7X8SK6SC4Q6SKBK0534SKPRO024cKCSC6A7
SK6FR9M0SK6SC5Q7SKBT 988
SKPR230SK5SC8A9SK6FR9M2SK6SC5X1SKBT1.014
SKPR231SK5SC8B4
SK6FR22X4SK6SC3Q6SKBK0335SKPRO012SK5SC4X6SK6FR23.6SK6SC3X2SKBK0336SKPRO013SK5SC5A4
2 SK6FRWV16 K6FR23X6
We can supplv SC3X5SKBKO K0337SKPRCC25 SKPRO014
6witn mesew.w6SK6FR8.8
SK6SC4X0SKBT.390
SKPRO026SK5SC6Q0
6 SK6FR8MC2 SK6SC4X37 SKBT.46
16 SKP'
SK5SKSK6SCSKBT.5
SKPROOSK5SC6Q7SK6FR8W0SK6SC4X9SKBT.599
SKPR216SK5SC6X2SK6FR8X0SK6SC4Y0SKBT.670
SKPR225SK5SC6YGSK6FR8X4SK6SC4Y2SKBT.948
SKPR227SK5SC6'SK6FR'
Sti"
Q325X0C3Y50367
R00175SC5Q66FR25Y0
K6SC4A0SKBK0372SKPRO018SK5SC5Q7SK6FR25Z0SK6SC4A2SKBK0501SKPRO019SK5SC5X1SK6FR7M5SK6SC4A5SKBK0530SKPRO020SK5SC5X5SK6FR7W1SK6SC4B2SKBK0531SKPRO021
easy and accuracy is assured.1'74 / A '
IA
SK Series belts or tires are available
in bulk or a convenient 6 -pack.
SK Series, the right parts for the job!
For more information, contact
your Thomson Distributor.
I LAN Li QUASIIC SAMS". Ai
56
SC 0 I SEA'
17.57"7577ANIA TATUN
7
7
X9Y7
B6
95
09
08 Circle (12) on Reply Card
X7 SK6FR7X5
SK6FR9M /SK6SC5Y0SKBT1.113
SKPR233SK5SC8Q2
SK6FR23Y6SK6SC3Y2SKBK0347SKPRO016SK5SC5Q3
TCEDistributor C5Q6
S 6FR9Wy 6 SK6FR25X0
-1011 The latestSK6SC3Y5
11-441 your .K< PB.
SRKO°031677
'I' sk sPecialm
. ,BF 2:°K:3C03457°
SKPRO018SK oC8X4 SK5SC5Q7SK6FR9X2SK6SC6A1SKBT1.152SKPR236SK5SC8X6SK6FR9X7SK6SC6A7SKBT1.156SKPR237SK5SC8X9SK6FR9Y7SK6SC6B6SKBK0095qKPRO000
.-10010
Series 04X0SK6FR9 I bI\Ut1:321 .6
SK6FR25Z0SK6SC4A2SKBK0501SKPRO019SK5SC5 X1
SK6FR7M5SK6SC4A5SKBK0530SKPRO020SK5SC5X5SK6FR7W1SK6SC4B2SKBK0531SKPRO021SK5SC5Y0SK6FR7 X5SK6SC4Q0SKBK0532SKPRO022SK5SC5Y2SK6FR7X7
A Bell Atlantic Company
Howard W. Sams EuroService TM SearchManTMP.11 IPS St 14 SCA 1/ 1 IONS GROUP
Get the speedyou need
Firepower at your Fingertips. While servicing maynot speed with heart -pounding intensity, good servicers know that fast turn-around means higher profit potential. FORCE gives you fast turnaround. FORCEhelps you keep all service manuals up to date, puts part numbers at you: finger-tips, gives you fast access to new literature, provides the latest fixes, and lets youadd your own fixes. Increase your speed and efficiency, order FORCE today!
FORCE is a Computer Help for Electronic Troubleshooting application. Philips is licensed to use and create (HET Technology service data.
www.forceonline.com For more information (with no obligation). call (423) 475-0393, far (423? 475-0178,
OF equAli 11, [email protected]