Electronics Forum / Repair / June 2008

   I have two WinBook XL2 laptops with Windows 98se.  Most of the time, I use
them off line (off the Web) and I don't need the CPU running at full speed
(400Mhz).  The problem is the noisy fan that cools the CPU.  This fan is not
defective since it is noisy on both laptops and it ...

Perhaps someone can help. I need to explain to my brother, who lives
in another state how to manually degauss his TV. I've sent him an old
coil I've had around here forever with instructions on how to use it.
I've also found some good articles on this on line however a pictorial

As a result of some self administered foolishness, I now have a very
nice Toshiba CD drive with a blown BA5983FP motor drive IC. I know
it's probably stupid to even want to try, but I'd rather fix this than
throw it out (waste not, want not.)

OSD works, doesn't tune channels although the OSD says it does. When I
introduce the cable connector to the tuner connector the snow changes
patterns as if it is receiving some signal from the cable. Snow is
different on the 2-13 channel tier leading me to believe there is a change

Epson Perfection 1670 scanner.  Software thinks it's normal; it goes through the motions of scanning; but the image is always just plain white.
Problem reproduced under 2 operating systems (on a machine that dual-boots XP and Vista) with separate copies of Epson Scan for each, so ...

Our Miele W828 has failed (displays a flashing rinse light).  It pumps
water in, then tries to wash - but drum motor doesn't run.  Blows
micro cct board fuse then displays flashing rinse light.  Minute or so
later it then pumps the water out and operations cease.

I am trying to locate the soft vinyl covers for the blade-style,
female ("Lucar") connectors.  I have only located them at a British
firm, although the shipping would be prohibitive.
Here's a link to them, about halfway down the page:

I have a Lifetec LT-7079VTS television (German no-name brand), which is actually a
Schneider TV 9.6 chassis. The problem with the set is that it can be turned on but
no raster comes up. The HV is present (electrostatic field) and the filaments are glowing,
but as said before no ...

I want to buy a cheap GPS to have for those occasions when one really needs
one.  I know there is risk of theft, and all that.  My concern though, is if
I can leave the GPS out-of-sight in a hot or cold car (e.g. under the seat)
without doing damage to the unit?

So I got this small computer sub-woofer.  It's an Altec Lansing BX1121
or something like that.  It has a 9 pin input that it receives sound
from the right speaker with.  I have a set of small computer speakers
(also A.L.) and was wondering if there was a way to solder the wires

I am thinking of buying a Samsung DSC382 camcorder from Vann's in
Missoula Montana.  Their price beats my local Sam's club by $10.00.
If Vann's is reputable, it is worth the $10 to wait a few days since I
am not in a hurry.  Will pay by credit card so if defective I have

my Panasonic Quintrix F 24" TV keeps stretching the display in the
horizontal direction (objects became fatter).
I was told that re-solder FBT section may solve the problem. I can
reach the solder side without  disconnecting the anode from the tube.

I just caught the 5-LED battery charge state indicator on the far right,
flashing all 5 LEDs together. Everything was powered normally. Single "AC
power filtering" LED on as normal. No or one load LED on as normal. No
'transformer grunt' to say that it was trying to produce power ...

I have got a Matsui TV (link:
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0622967266.1
213531520@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfhadeegggiimicflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&page=Product&fm=null
&sm=null&tm=null&sku=978626&category_oid=)
which I picked up from currys a while back. It ...

The above turntable drops the stylus too quickly onto a record. It appears
the damping mechanism is not working properly. I suspect oil or light grease
is used as the damping agent but would like other's opinions.
Thanks