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Question

Runco PL61cx Picture Lost - I need repair advice

Mar 27, 2016 1:55PM PDT

I've seen an old thread regarding a similar problem, but since it is quite old, I am starting this anew.

I bought a Runco PL61cx in the 1990's. Based on what I have read here and elsewhere, I am guessing that the Runco Processor Box may be the source of the problem.

In another thread, a box is described which is not the same as mine. I am guessing that it is a more recent model. In my processor box there is only a main board with a plug in FPGA chip (Ver 2.18), a tiny front panel board (PW-516-102, I think) and a small but common power supply board. There are no fans, no insulation, in fact, the box has very little inside. The only heat sinks that I see are on the power supply board.

None of the caps on any of the boards look blown, although I haven't tested them with a meter.

I've lost my picture, although depending on the settings that I choose, I get some sort of signal including vertical colored lines, partial ghost images, etc. Sound is fine. The plasma screen is attached to the wall, so I haven't done any troubleshooting there. The system has worked fine for about 20 years, since purchase. This is the first time that I have had a problem.

Is anyone here familiar with this version of Runco's PL61cx processor? Any suggestions other than re-seating the FPGA chip?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Frankly?
Mar 27, 2016 2:04PM PDT
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Thanks
Mar 27, 2016 10:01PM PDT

Thanks, R. The old thread referred to a couple of suspect caps that needed to be replaced, so I was hoping that someone would point me to a similar approach to this particular board so that I could use my soldering iron for once. Your suggested solution is much more elegant, assuming that I can get a properly operating box that I can keep in proper operating condition. I might need to use the soldering iron later on, so I'll also hope to get some comments on testing and repair options from some other Forum experts. Thanks very much.

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Let's go with suspect caps?
Mar 29, 2016 8:07AM PDT

If you want to try it, order up the caps and replace them. This should run less than 100 bucks total and a few hours of your time between identifying the parts, ordering, and replacement. Not very scientific but what is done many times when there is no choice and no repair center.

PS. I rechecked my ebay link and found a handful of claimed working units for 48 bucks. The time and parts cost of swapping caps doesn't seem worth it.

Post was last edited on March 29, 2016 8:09 AM PDT