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Watts Current
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2004

FLORIDA’S VOICE IN ELECTRONICS

"WATTS CURRENT" is the official newsletter of the
Florida Electronics Sales & Service Association, Inc.
and is published bi-monthly.
EMAIL: fesa@fdn.com

We Support NESDA

Awarded Best State Publication 1993,1996 & 2000
Visit Vance Baldwin Electronics
www.vancebaldwin.com
F.E.S.A. Officers for 2004
--------------
President
Pat Eubanks
 5323-3 Firestone Rd.
email: fesa@fdn.com Jacksonville, FL 32210
Fax: (904) 772-9492 Phone: (904) 772-1420
--------------
1st Vice President Ethan A. Allen 10878 Carroll Rd.
email: allisonallen2@aol.com Bryceville, FL 32009
Fax: (904) 266-4597 Phone: (904) 355-0267
--------------
2nd Vice President Neil Mengel 4745 San Juan Ave.
email: mengel_n@popmail.firn.edu Jacksonville, FL 32205
Fax: (904) 388-3456 Phone: (904) 388-3456
--------------
Treasurer Billy F. Williams, EHF 1409 Glendale Rd. W.
email: billyw@fdn.com Jacksonville, FL 32216
Fax: (904) 772-9492 Phone: (904) 725-9789
--------------
Secretary Larry Scott, CET 507 S. Lake Parker Ave.
email: JazzL532@aol.com Lakeland, FL 33801
Fax: (863) 687-2323 Phone: (863) 688-3172
--------------
Immediate Ken Cisson CET 7247 Adele Ct.
Past President email: keltron1@aol.com Jacksonville, FL 32277
Fax: (904) 745-6545 Phone: (904)-744-4496
--------------
Watts Current John N. Eubanks, CET 5323-3 Firestone Rd.
Editor and Publisher email: fesa@fdn.com Jacksonville, FL 32210
Fax: (904) 772-9492 Phone: (904) 772-1420
--------------
Home Page Editor Bob Williams PO Box 17835
and FESA Web Master email: bobw@duckman.net Jacksonville, FL 32245
--- Note ---
FESA or Watts Current neither endorses any company, product or service - nor guarantees the validity of statements made in any advertisement - appearing in any advertisement or article included in this publication. Watts Current is published bi- monthly. All articles to be published in "Watts Current" must be received by John Eubanks, Editor, 5323-3 Firestone Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32210 by the following dates: 2/15, 4/15, 6/15, 8/15, 10/15, and 12/15 in order to be printed in the next newsletter. Otherwise, they will be published in the following issue, as appropriate. Please send any inquires or comments to the Editor. Please excuse any grammar or punctuation errors you may find as this newsletter is entirely composed and published by association volunteers.
Visit PTS Electronics
www.ptscorp.com
President's Message

Members and Friends,

Seems as though we may have survived Hurricane season 2004. What a ride although we were more fortunate than others in regards to the destruction brought to our state, it is with great relief we see no new tropical depressions reported in our nightly weather reports.

Please read the notice (page 10) of our upcoming changes to publish our Watts Current news letter. This became unavoidable and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors and supporters for remaining with us so that we can continue to bring a service industry perspective from the independent servicers of Florida. Your continued support is needed and appreciated very much.

We will be holding our annual convention in conjunction with the National Professional Service Convention ( July 2005) in Orlando this year. Thank goodness we have time to prepare for this. We want to invite our friends from Georgia to join us in this endeavor too. We will host a Hospitality room with all the trimmings as we did in 1998 and 2002 at NPSC. There is much to be done before we can start crowing over the things that will be there for all to enjoy. This is a reminder to get your reservations in soon so you can take advantage of the better registration rates. All registration is through NESDA so get them in before the prices go up. God willing we will see you there.

Sincerely,
Pat Eubanks
President FESA
One Man’s Opinion

With all the rampant rumors amid continually rising fuel costs it is difficult to remain an optimist. Pour a national leadership election over the top of a struggling industry and good news becomes scarce. After a warning from a leader of our service industry titled "Barbarians at the Gate" an external segment of members formed an effort known as the National Service Alliance. This is nothing more than a rehash of a previous effort by the same group known as Service Express International. Just as before it has stirred the same paranoid apprehension previously created. So as the dog returns to vomit we seem always to return to turmoil.

Emails carry the prevailing apprehension to and fro offering no solution beyond predicted total service industry demise. Some see this effort as salvation, others see it as a thief in friends clothing. It has already produced an announcement from the NSA group and a position paper from our national association along with a ton of email and many new gray hairs. We all want to know how this will affect our business? What can we do to avoid being harmed by this endeavor?

First we must understand what we are facing and the reason it has resurfaced at this time. During the last decade of the twentieth century we witnessed a power struggle between producers of consumer electronics products with national interests and international interest. The international production interests won, however to accomplish this international players were forced to immolate existing national service policies to provide service for their products. After defeating national producers they focused upon establishing market shares and profitability. Sales runs this ball and selling price continues to be the main draw to increase market share. Americans were sold a big slab of "Global Baloney" allowing once national producers to move production centers to nationalities that allow a gallon of sweat to be purchased for a mere dime.

These actions solved a portion of production costs but amplified a percentage component for replacement parts with service costs remaining as an expense. All kinds of schemes and cross-treaded reasoning were attempted to reduce costs. Transfer pricing is one scheme that still has roots. Another tactic was to introduce an unfair grading system for quality of service delivered by independent servicers while exempting the big box store and chain store service departments. It doesn’t stop here.

Service literature along with technical training and assistance has become casualties of the bean counters balance sheet orientated recommendations. Many of these items were diminished by format or procedures. Telephone access was hedged with automated phone systems plus 900 toll assistance numbers for non-authorized servicers adding to the cost of doing service business. The cost of the literature even though in a less expensive format increased while some began claiming it proprietary information under the guise of progress. I suppose this depends upon perspective, however no matter your respective view it has ushered the greatest decline in the number of consumer electronic servicers remaining in the service industry.

A short-lived era of factory service became the fad for a season. Even then, they could not service their own product nationally or profitably. With all the inherited advantages available for servicing a product produced in house how can this fail? It failed because their cost was greater than the cost they were paying independent servicers to perform the same service tasks. Their own bean counters and books proved it. How could independents do this? It was possible because independents could make it up with fair market prices on non-warranty referrals and return service by the warranty customer after the warranty period.

Then third party warranty contractors began proliferating the service industry expecting to pay the same low rates on extended service contracts. To further reduce service costs manufacturers found it more economical to begin offering special deals to independents to establish refurbishing centers rather than continuing to service their own products thus further diminishing available COD work. The combined effects of these ventures split the majority of control for service work between manufacturers and insurance companies. Cumulatively these events began to severely cripple competition in the entire independent service market spelling the end for an even greater number of independents.

Now with a decade of service industry stagnation under our Global belts reality may be setting as we approach another great technological transition that will turn consumer electronics service upside down. However the peril of our service industry has not gone unnoticed by external sources much to the chagrin of "fat cat" independents. Much like foxes stalking meandering chickens, computer giants, shipping companies and large retail elements seek new opportunities.

All these efforts have alarmed a segment of independents so that they are trying to organize a select group of independents to compete with these new external threats. Actions based on an old model that again infect small independent servicers with a generous portion of mistrust. Once again we are prone to overlook the obvious. These service opportunities sought can’t be hijacked. They won’t benefit from low labor costs by export since the product’s service market is local and will remain local regardless of any global influence. The new players most certainly will try to gain labor cost leverage by hiring illegal labor pools but that won’t work nationally. In home technical communication skills are essential rendering most imported labor pools non-effective for in home service. In the heart lands

Another factor in play is an ongoing wireless telephone revolution and its devaluation of yellow page advertising. Add a years worth of spiraling fuel costs to the cost of doing business and the responsibility for disposal of electronic equipment at the end of its life is sure to keep cost on an up elevator.

With so many obstacles it is easy to see why many decided to leave the service industry encouraging those who are looking to take advantage of the situation. No matter it is in the best overall interests of the manufacturer that the Independent service industry survives. They must now look at service costs in a different light. To continue in the same fashion is an assurance they will be left dealing with corporate structures of equal size and statue demanding profitable pay for all service rendered. Our Independent service Industry’s collapse will result in continuous litigation. Eventually reason will prevail although it may be very slow arriving.

How can the small independent servicer survive this ongoing struggle? First KNOW YOUR CURRENT COST OF DOING BUSINESS. KEEP IT CURRENT AND PROVIDE NO SERVICE AT LESSER COST FOR ANYONE. Stay current in your local, state and national associations so that you are aware of the many ongoing changes and trends of our industry and its technical changes. Nothing is free, even failure comes with a cost. The bank will not accept promissory notes without collateral why should any independent servicer? After all your service industry value is now at a premium and increasing….Watts Current Editor
Visit Andrews Electronics
www.andrewselectronics.com
NOTICE

Watts Current has had to face some of the same problems that others have faced. The cost of publication and distribution have increased and our membership is down. An unfortunate situation occurring all too often in our service industry. This presents a problem requiring a solution..

There are many ways to solve the problem. One is to increase membership. We won’t fail to try but this but it is contrary to recent trends of a shrinking consumer electronics servicing pool within our state and nation. Another thought is to increase rates and reduce circulation. We recognize these options but do not wish to drastically alter either. The quality of our newsletter is still among the best in the country and do not wish to base any solution upon anything that changes this standard. We have already cropped our mailing lists and emphasized our WebPages as a source to obtain the Watts Current. We will continue to publish and maintain this option for all those who are not on our current mailing lists.

After a lot of soul searching and number crunching we have concluded the better option is to reduce the number of Watts Current issues published annually. This will reduce production and distribution costs and effectively increase our ad rates without changing the present rate structure nor diminishing the content of overall quality in our newsletter .

Effective January 1, 2005 Watts Current will become a newsletter published quarterly rather than the bi-monthly schedule we have maintained for the past decade. This schedule allows us to fulfill all existing contractual obligations and notifies our sponsors of future changes we are compelled to institute.

We want to thank everyone for standing with us and continuing to support our association and this newsletter. ….Editor
Sony First To Offer Mercury Free Batteries

Sony has just announced their commercialization of world's first silver oxide batteries without any mercury Selling the environment friendly button-cell batteries will start next year.

Sony has developed Hg-free silver oxide batteries, which until now was thought to be difficult. From January 1, 2005, Sony will sell 10 models of Hg-free silver oxide batteries all over the world. Models and further information is available at: http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/News/Press/200409/04-051/

Below is a tentative, unofficial translation via Greenpeace UK:

Sony started the production of silver oxide batteries in 1977. In September 2004, they have sold totally 5 000 000 000 batteries of this type, often called button cells or micro batteries. The batteries are used in small instruments such as watches, electronic thermometers, games etc. Sony produces all types of silver oxide batteries and is among the largest producers in the world. The Hg-free silver oxide batteries, which soon will be marketed, will greatly reduce the influence of Hg on the environment, which is of global interest.

The EU is presently revising the legislation regarding batteries but they have considered it impossible to fabricate Hg-free button cells, so an exception for button cells containing Hg is planned. These Hg-free button cells, which Sony will commercialize, will be the first Hg-free silver oxide batteries in the world. Sony is annually selling 400 000 000 silver oxide batteries. By applying their new technique, it is possible to avoid adding Hg, presently 0.2 %. As a result, Sony will be able to reduce the use of Hg by 320 kg per year, which thereby will result in less pollution of the environment. In the present revision of the battery legislation in the EU, they are also discussing a possible regulation on lead content in batteries.

Sony is now processing patent applications in Japan, the US and Europe.

Article reprinted from Florida EPA Department of Hazardous Waste email.
Visit B&D Enterprises
www.bdent.com
The Keynote Speaker for NPSC 2005
Is CEA President & CEO, MR Gary Shapiro


Gary Shapiro is president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the U.S. trade association representing over 1,700 consumer electronics companies and owning and producing the continent’s largest annual trade show, the International CES(r).

Shapiro is an active leader in the development, launch and marketing of HDTV. He has testified before Congress on HDTV and other technology and business issues over 20 times. He co-founded and chaired the HDTV Model Station and has served as a leader of the Advanced Television Test Center (ATTC). He is a charter inductee to the Academy of Digital Television Pioneers , and in 2003 received its highest award as the industry leader most influential in advancing HDTV.

Shapiro has led the manufacturers’ legal and legislative battle to preserve the legality of recording technology and the consumer battle to protect fair use rights. As chairman of the Home Recording Rights Coalition, Shapiro has held many exhibition industry leadership posts, and in 2002, received the exhibition industry’s highest honor, the IAEM "Pinnacle Award". Shapiro also serves on the Board of Visitors of George Mason University, Virginia’s largest University, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Technology Council. He also served as a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia's Commission on Information Technology. Shapiro has also been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a "mastermind" for his initiative in helping to create the Industry Cooperative for Ozone Layer Protection (ICOLP).

Shapiro leads a staff of more than 130 employees and thousands of industry volunteers. CEA has won many awards; including several for its magazine, vision and awards as a family friendly employer and one the "50 Great Places To Work" in Washington .

Prior to joining the association, Shapiro was an associate at the law firm of Squire, Sanders and Dempsey. He also has worked on Capitol Hill, as an assistant to a member of Congress. He received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate with a double major in economics and psychology from the State University of New York, Binghamton.

NPSC 2005 is scheduled to be held July 26th to July 30th at the Rosen Center in Orlando, FL. He is scheduled to address the convention on Wednesday July 27th at 4:00 PM.
Information provided by NESDA Staff
Visit Herman Panson Electronics
www.hermanpanson.com
REQUEST FOR FESA MEMBERSHIP

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NAME_________________________________

COMPANY NAME________________________

ADDRESS_______________________________

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Dues Per Year: 1 Person Service Center= $25.00/ 2/3 Person Service Center=$30.00/ 4/6 Person Service Center=$35.00/ 7/9 Person Service Center=$40.00/ 10 & up =$45.00. This rate schedule is for independent membership and may be affected by a chapter or affiliate in your region.

Please include your dues with your completed application, this will constitute your agreement to abide by the Constitution and BY-Laws of FESA. Members will continue to receive Watts Current.

For a Non Member Watts Current Subscription Only. Include your check for $12.00, write Watts Current subscription on this form and return it to:

Billy F. Williams EHF
1409 Glendale Rd. W.
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: (904) 725-9789
Industry Member Updates

Billy F. Williams EHF… Is on the road again. He is back attending meetings and looking fit. Thanks to everyone for there prayers and comforting encouragement. It worked. He came by my Shop and visited this week and we were privileged to have him with us at the FESA JAX monthly meeting. He is already getting ready to attend the NESDA winter meetings coming up in January.

Dorothy Cicchetti EHF... is still recovering from two bouts of abdominal surgery.
She wants everyone to know that she has not forgotten all the kindness, and would like to respond to everyone individually but she does not have her strength back yet. She thinks about all of you often and appreciates your cards and letters. It is taking longer than she anticipated, but she hopes to be back to normal soon. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Doug Freeman, NESDA Region 2 Director...Underwent surgery a while back on his arm for ligament damage caused by lifting these Large Direct view TVs’ however he is fully recovered and all that remains is the memory. We are happy to have him back and as usual always on the go. He has told us that he will be expanding his business "Marvins Electronics" at the first of the year. Congratulations, its good to hear good news.

Thanksgiving
This is an American Holiday based upon the faith of our forefathers and their praise to the Lord for their survival in a hostile new land under adverse weather conditions through the provisions he so graciously provided for their abundant harvest that would see them through another harsh on-coming winter. It was first celebrated as a regional holiday in New England and later became a National Holiday under President Theodore Roosevelt. The holiday is celebrated annually upon the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. It is also celebrated in Canada in October annually. We want to wish all the most prosperous Thanksgiving possible. May your families be well and gathered together in American fellowship on this special Holiday so uniquely American. Don’t forget our men and women serving in foreign lands so that we may enjoy this Holiday and safely gather in our homes. May God continue to bless America.

…..Editor Watts Current
Visit NESDA
www.nesda.com
FESA– Jax Christmas Party

It may be prior to Thanksgiving but it isn’t too early to begin preparing for the 2004 FESA-JAX Christmas Party. This years party will be held at the Arlington Christian Church, 8075 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL on Saturday December 11th, 2004. It will begin at 7:00 PM.

Since this is a season for giving, there is no charge for ALL FESA & GESDA members and their spouses. There is no charge for children (12 and under) other guests will be asked for a 10.00 donation.

Everyone is invited. Bring the whole family. So that everyone has a present, those attending are asked to bring a gift suitable for someone of your same gender. We ask that gifts purchased for this event cost no more than $10.00 so that all receive gifts of equal value. The ladies are ask to bring a lady’s gift wrapped and use a red bow. The men are ask to bring a man’s gift wrapped and use a blue bow. Those bringing children are asked to bring a wrapped gift for the child you bring and place the child’s name on the gift.

Santa Jo and her helpers will be there to insure everyone has a good time. She is committed to outlawing all frowns at this event. So remember NO Frowns Allowed.

Now lets talk Turkey! How about Baked Turkey and Southern Dressing, along with plenty of Ham and all the trimmings, .along with some rolls, Coffee and Tea. The desserts will be furnished by the FESA/JAX Ladies. The food is catered by "The Pig" restaurant.

All you gotta bring is your appetite and a gift all wrapped up. Remember leave all frowns at home. See you there. R.S.V.P, call Santa Jo at 904-744-4496 to reserve your spot and we order enough to fill you up.
Visit Tritronics Incorporated
www.tritronicsinc.com
FESA SERVICE INVOICES

PRICE LIST - MEMBERS ONLY

INVOICES ARE CARBON FOUR PART WITH CLAIM AND HARD FILE COPY
ZONES 4 & 5

#1 (SMALL)
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
63.50 125.00 183.00 218.00 275.00

IMPRINT
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
26.50 48.00 69.00 85.00 102.00

Sub Total
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
90.00 173.00 252.00 303.00 377.00

S/C
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
7.50 12.50 15.00 20.00 22.50

TOTAL
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
102.50 190.50 272.00 328.00 404.50

UPS PREPAID FREIGHT COLLECT


Please note: The price increase announced previously is now in effect. We delayed the increase until the forms previously contracted have been depleted. All form requests from this time forward will be at the posted prices, freight collect. We no longer have a supply of the LARGE invoices. We are in the process of locating new a source for our large invoices.

Until we find a new source the FESA-Large invoices are NO Longer Available.


NEW ORDERS TAKE 3 TO 4 WEEKS --- INCLUDE IMPRINT INFO WITH CHECK REPEAT ORDERS TAKE 2 TO 3 WEEKS RUSH ORDERS WILL NOT BE PLACED UNTIL I RECEIVE YOUR CHECK! MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO F.E.S.A ALL SERVICE INVOICE ORDERS SHOULD BE MAILED WITH YOUR CHECK DIRECTLY TO THE FESA TREASURER:

Mr. Billy F. Williams EHF
1409 Glendale Rd. W.
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone & Fax: (904) 725-9789

NOTE: Small Invoices are 5:5/8"W X 9:1/8" H / You must be a Member of FESA to order forms from FESA.
Industry Update

Stewardship proponents seeking OEM to target...A nationwide alliance of environmental groups involved in electronics product stewardship initiatives want to replace Dell (Round Rock, Texas) as the targeted enemy. The Computer TakeBack Campaign says that the group's work over the past few years to push Dell to higher levels of responsibility for managing obsolete Dell products has resulted in a number of corporate actions. As a result, the Campaign is seeking nominations for the next OEM to be in the hot seat, urging activists and others to vote for the Largest E-Waste Promoter and Polluter. One CTBC candidate is Sony (New York). In mid-October, for example, the Campaign held a press conference in Minneapolis where representatives said that the cost to Minnesota taxpayers from properly collecting and recycling Sony's obsolete products from 2006 to 2011 is estimated at $6.2 million. Five other firms have been put on CTBC's watch list, consisting of Apple (Cupertino, California), IBM (Armonk, New York), Panasonic (Secaucus, New Jersey), Philips (Eindhoven, the Netherlands) and Sharp (Mahwah, New Jersey).

Iowa CRT processor rules now in place&_Collectors and processors of CRTs in Iowa must now get a permit from the state environmental agency. As the result of a September 22nd rule adoption, collector and processors must seek a permit application by December 22nd. The state agency will have a year to perform a site visit, undertake an evaluation of the application and potentially issue a permit. The collector permit is fairly basic. However, the state rule bars the speculative accumulation of CRTs (more than 25 percent of annual collections). The processor permit application is more involved. The rules do not apply to firms or organizations that solely repair, refurbish and reuse televisions and monitors.

China focuses on e-scrap&_Chinese federal officials are pushing to reduce the environmental effects of domestic e-scrap disposal and the importation of electronics from other countries. The government's National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic policy planning arm, has under consideration a regulation that bans e-scrap disposal by Chinese residents and businesses; requires retailers to take back obsolete products; and limits processors in the country to those that are certified. The regulation may be considered as soon as early 2005. In related news, published reports from Beijing say that the Chinese government has banned e-scrap imports. The new regulation includes a list of banned imports (mostly electronics) and tighter controls on imports that are permitted. The Ministry of Commerce, the environmental protection agency and the General Administration of Customs simultaneously undertook this action.

Articles from e-scrap news
Extended Warranty Contracts – Where Does the Money Go?

Did you ever wonder about the profitability of extended warranty contracts and how the money is distributed? The follow information was provided by an article in a national warranty publication.

How much each party gets is always open to negotiation. The underwriter needs to be compensated for the risk, plus it needs to make a profit after claims are paid. The administrator also needs to make a profit after accounting for the overhead involved in claims processing. But in general, the three entities involved in the sale and administration of an extended warranty split the premiums in the following way: the sales agent gets 50%, the administrator gets 20%, and the underwriter gets 30%. That 30% is split further into an amount set aside to pay claims (which is typically 19.8%), an amount to cover "fees" (just over 5%), and the remainder as a buffer in case claims exceed expectations.

The ratios vary tremendously given the type of product involved. With a product line known to have a low loss ratio, there is less need for reserves, and of course an expectation of fewer claims. With a new type of product such as plasma screen televisions, the loss ratio will at least initially be unknown. Factors that need to be considered include the typical lifespan of the product, the length of the contract, and the projected cost of repairs/replacements. Another factor is the "clout" of the participants, and their ability to take their business elsewhere in pursuit of a bigger slice of the pie. For instance, a very large electronics retailer may be in a position to demand a higher percentage of the premiums as a sales commission.

The ratios vary tremendously given the type of product involved. With a product line known to have a low loss ratio, there is less need for reserves, and of course an expectation of fewer claims. With a new type of product such as plasma screen televisions, the loss ratio will at least initially be unknown. Factors that need to be considered include the typical lifespan of the product, the length of the contract, and the projected cost of repairs/replacements. Another factor is the "clout" of the participants, and their ability to take their business elsewhere in pursuit of a bigger slice of the pie. For instance, a very large electronics retailer may be in a position to demand a higher percentage of the premiums as a sales commission.

Industry Participation It's astonishing to report that nobody seems to have ever published a comprehensive market research report that sizes the extended warranty industry in all its sectors: homes, PCs, consumer electronics, major appliances, HVAC, office equipment, and automotive. Last year, a British research firm called PA Consulting undertook an international market study on behalf of the UK's Competition Commission, to which it reported that the U.S. extended warranty market was between $4 and $7 billion in size. But that estimate included just what industry insiders call brown goods and white goods -- home audio, television, DVD, VCR, washer, dryer, refrigerator, etc. And it didn't include the holy grail of extended warranty market research: a pie chart listing all the major players by revenue and/or market share.

The estimated guess at the revenue generated by extended warranty companies is $15 billion. That is a low-end estimate, and it doesn't include automotive. "It's a nebulous number,", but it is thought that $15 [billion] is probably a pretty good estimate." It was also noted that this estimate does not include a lot of the programs that bundle both preventative maintenance and corrective maintenance into a single offering...Author Unknown.
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www.nesda.com
Philips/Magnavox Model 9P5034C101 Woes

We received the above model Philips Magnavox projection TV for service, however when it was written up, those who brought the unit in for service were not sure what the problem was. Ever been there before? More times than you wish, I’m sure. We listed the complaint as check and estimate and said we would call if we were unable to make a determination.

This unit contains a Philips PTV 835 chassis and one of the first things we worried about was blowing up the blue CRT. Although a different chassis (PTV 775) we have already had an unpleasant experience with a blue CRT that was destroyed by HV suffering all the legal ramifications that consumed a year to absolve. So we proceeded with a great deal of cautious apprehension.

Our next step was to verify the unknown complaint. After a close visual inspection of the chassis we decided to apply AC power with a current monitor and a quick hand to unplug this unit. Much to our surprise the unit came on complete with picture and sound normally but the image was horizontally nonlinear. The unit played producing a good crisp clear picture that was scrunched up on the left side and stretched out on the right side.

Now that we saw a problem we entered the digital convergence mode to observe how this was effected. It had the same defect. Every thing on the left side was compressed from the top to the bottom about the same amount, just as it was expanded on the right in the same way. Unsure of what caused this defect we set about correcting it with digital convergence. Soon the alignment was roughed well enough to see that this unit displayed an outstanding picture electing to let it play to ensure that we didn’t overlook some other problem. This turned out to be a very good decision.

As the unit played and we admired its picture, dismissing careful scrutiny to turn our attention toward other units in for service, a sharp crisp snap was heard. Looking all around we could not determine which unit produced this arc since all units appeared to still be playing normally. An hour passed with no arc heard. Later as we were enjoying a cup of coffee close to the unit, it made the same snapping sound and momentarily lost raster . Now that we knew there was a problem in this unit we unplugged it deciding to look for the problem on the next work day.

The next morning we turned the unit back on, but it did not perform as it had the previous day. Instead just as it started to display a raster the picture would pull in from all sides and the set would shut down. Our first step was to check the regulator by removing the PWB and placing it on the bench with a 60 watt incandescent lamp as a load. It passed this test with flying colors maintaining a constant 130V DC. Next we inspected and tested the horizontal and yoke driver circuits, discovering nothing other than a substantial amount of invested time just to find nothing out of order.

Next we reinstalled our power supply PWB then started disconnecting different circuits to find the faulty circuit. We disconnected all three CRT’s by removing their driver PWB’s to preclude any damage to CRT phosphors while troubleshooting this problem. Immediately the set power supply came up and the regulator maintained 130V DC so we began reconnecting each disconnected circuits to see which one caused the trouble to return. With everything reconnected except the CRT PWB’s the power supply continued to regulate properly. Recalling that this set had initially played we decided to reconnect the CRT’s. Afterwards when we turned the set on the problem recurred. Reading the regulator voltage revealed initially it was stable at 130VDC then dropped to 101VDC as the power supply assumed the load. Suspecting one of the CRT’s to be shorting as power is applied we disconnected them one at a time. Nothing in the symptom changed until all CRTs’ were disconnected. Then the regulator performed properly. Now we began to suspect the CRT filament or boost source voltage. Checking these circuits produced no detectable faults merely adding to our frustrations.

Finally we returned to the power supply PWB after finding it would not sustain the load of a 100W light bulb. Eventually we replaced IC405 or 78405 OTC CNW136 (Same components but different location numbers used in different chassis versions of this power supply). Now our power supply sustained the 100W lamp with no problems. Installing the power supply PWB back in the unit also returned the set to normal operation.

Prolonged operation of the set produced no further arcing. In closing this regulator controller IC must have been defective all along and allowing the regulated voltage to creep up until a high voltage arc occurred. The amazing thing is, after observing the arc and shutting the set off to avoid more damage it resulted in changing the whole symptom. That’s what you may get with one arc too many. It was better than a cracked CRT. Could be this is what is failing and cracking all these Blue CRTs’….Editor Watts Current
Overcoming Convergence Template Problems

How many times have you been frustrated after completing service on a defective digital convergence circuit only to be faced with the task of converging the unit without the template for the specific unit. Even when you do have the correct template using it after being stowed in a rolled state it creates more problems than a wooden watch.

There have been all kind of good ideas to overcome these convergence problems. Some use clear tablecloths to duplicate the template eliminating the "roll up’ syndrome. Others use strings and weights as plum and level lines for a reference. One manufacturer even mails you the correct template upon request if you promise to return the template when the job is complete. All are means to accomplish this task but friends there is now a much better way.

Everyone has seen the ads on TV promoting many laser-leveling products for sale. We couldn’t help but wonder if one of these products could be used to help solve and overcome the difficulties we encounter with templates. After purchasing a Craftsman laser leveling kit we set out to answer this question. Of course we bought ours from Sears, knowing should our experiment fail we could return it and be out only for our time.

First we leveled our projection TV then mounted our laser-light unit on a tripod. Our laser has the ability to change from 0 to 100 degrees with the turn of a thumbwheel near the front of the product. It also has built in bubble levels in two plains that are useful for keeping the light level on the tripod.. Like most this unit is a red laser that projects a line forward where ever pointed. Since it can go around corners this feature allowed us to place the unit on the tripod in front of the screen and project a horizontal line or vertical line across the screen depending upon the plane we selected. The height of our horizontal line we controlled by varying the height of the tripod while our vertical line position was controlled by laterally moving the position of the tripod in front of the screen. You can determined dead center by rotating the plane 45 degrees and passing it through the corners, and rotating it in the opposite direction 45 degrees through the opposite corners noting where the two intersect.

With such flexibility and stability we started by aligning the green to our laser-level reference line. It worked like a charm! Afterwards we aligned the red to the green then the blue to the green and finished the job. Wow what a difference this makes. The cost of these units is around 65.00. Very affordable and available everywhere. Try it you’ll like it. Then drop us a line and let us know how it works for you. Remember you saw it in the Watts Current news letter.

An Idea from Quality TV Jacksonville FL…. Article by Editor Watts Current
A GNAT TOE ME OF PUN

A cardboard belt would be a waist of paper.

Three fingers were willing to cooperate but the thumb and forefinger were opposed.

Some people's noses and feet are build backwards: their feet smell and their noses run.

Be true to your teeth, or they will be false to you.

It's true I don't like soap, but you don't have to rub it in my face!

If you say you have bad skin, I'd say that was a pore excuse.

The headlines nobody likes are wrinkles.

Artificial knees and elbows were developed during a joint project.

Your nose is in the scenter of your face.

Time wounds all heels.


Reprinted from Pun of the day website.
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