Expert: cleggsan - 9/28/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a magnavox 32v 502-00aa TV where the picture is clear but the width is narrow with the sides arcing inward
(several inches in the center). There is also slight ghosting on one side during certain colors. I heard somewhere that it is possably the main filter capacitor but I don't know what that is or what it looks like or even if that is the problem. Also, not as important but a possable clue, the menu diplay for the channels and volume bar no longer appear. This was an instant and permanent failure. I've never fixed a TV but am mechanicly inclined and should have all the tools needed. I also need to know about discharging the "big capacitor. Thank you for any help.          
         Kimber fox

ANSWER: http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/how2adj.html#5.5

The above link gives the code for getting into the service menu on some Magnavox/Philips tv sets.  Older ones have only manual adjustments for hour-glass distortion, horizontal size and position.  But, if you get into the service mode you may be able to adjust these enough to get the picture back to normal.  

This is what I recommend to you first.  It is possible the power supply filter caps need replaced as well, but try the adjustments first.

You might try finding a service manual for this model or one that is similar for learning more about these adjustments if the set you have does not have electronic service mode entry.  Try looking through

http://www.schematicsforfree.com/archive/dir/Video/Products

and other places on the Internet.

Hope this helps.
Cleggsan


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I gave you the wrong model number. It is magnavox TS3263 c101         It seems that this model does not appear on either list for adjustments or schematics. Can you tell me about how to replace these power supply cap filters and where they are and what they look like,etc. Correct me if I am wrong but if an adjustment was able to fix the problem wouldn't have gradually changed picture shape as opossed to all at once? thank you

Answer
There are many electrolytic filters in the set. These are polarized and have markings to show the + and - terminals so they will be mounted in the circuit correctly.

Without some testing by one who knows which filter circuit to look for you are at a disadvantage.  But, here are some hints.  The main power supply ripple filters are near the power transformer and circuits connect to the bridge diode/rectifier.  They are large and are often mounted vertically on the board and sometimes are in a metal can; sometimes not (even in the same model).  The filter caps to the raster system (which shapes the picture) will be located either near to the CRT or at least the wiring of it will go to the CRT circuits.

The best and sure way to get the high voltage cap discharged is to unplug the set and leave it unplugged for at least 2 or 3 hours; it takes that long for it to become fully discharged.  To do it manually is dangerous unless you really know what you are doing.

This URL may be of help to you:
http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/tvfaq.htm

Good Luck,
Cleggsan