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Topic: need help with my ultra stereo processor?

Brad Haven
Master Film Handler

Posts: 300
From: fremantle, West Australia
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 03-14-2002 10:36 AM

i am using an ultra stereo js 105-195 processor,
i have lost some level (down to apprx.60%)on the centre channel and the dialouge seems spread over left and right, all else seems fine, i am getting some dialouge in my surrounds, but i'm not sure if it's related.
although, my monitor says that the centre is pumping out at normal level, i checked the amps and speakers and all seem fine.
my local tech suggested i swap the matrix card with the spare, but no change!
if anyone has any thoughts on what the problem might be , i would appreciate any posts.
p.s i hope this all makes sense, it's gone midnight.

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Sandie Caffelle
Film Handler

Posts: 24
From: Herefordshire, UK
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 03-14-2002 10:42 AM

Brad

Just spoke with Jonathan here and he suggests you get the
power supply changed......

Good Luck!!

Sandie

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Brad Haven
Master Film Handler

Posts: 300
From: fremantle, West Australia
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 03-14-2002 10:46 AM

thanks sandie and johnathan,
i am lucky enough to have a complete processor as a spare so i'll give it a go in the morning!

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Ken Layton
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1452
From: Olympia, Wash. USA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 03-14-2002 10:49 AM

Don't forget to check the exciter lamp (if fitted) for blackening or if you got one of the General Electric brand lamps where they soldered the prefocus ring onto the base cock-eyed. Be sure to do a Dolby tone level set, also.

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Brad Haven
Master Film Handler

Posts: 300
From: fremantle, West Australia
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 03-14-2002 11:01 AM

thanks ken,
exiter lamp is fine and just 3 months old and my test tone loop is still on order, a and b chain were done three months ago, for us thats not that long ago, thats why i cant wait for this loop!
p.s THANK GOD FOR FILM-TECH !!

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Darryl Spicer
Film God

Posts: 3250
From: Lexington, KY, USA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 03-14-2002 11:08 AM

So your leval has dropped on the center channel but you are getting the correct sound preasure on your EQ cards?

Try swapping format cards. I have had a problem before with the center channel dropping out or totaly dropping out due to a problem with the bypass switch. I could wiggle that switch and the center channel would return.

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Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man

Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 03-14-2002 11:43 AM

Darryl is on to a possibility. I have had the same thing happen on several Ultra-Stereos, one turned out to be a defective format card, and the others had a bad EQ cards. Since you have a spare processor, use the process of elimination.

Let us know what the trouble was when you fix it.

Also, "re-seat" the cards.....

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Gordon McLeod
Film God

Posts: 9532
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 99

posted 03-14-2002 05:08 PM

Considering the probabl age of the unit check the small relay that is on the bottom of each eq card. That isolates the output during powerup to prevent thumps.
These did have problems

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Don Sneed
Master Film Handler

Posts: 451
From: Texas City, TX, USA
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 03-14-2002 05:11 PM

Brad, Darryl & Paul is correct, check the format card first, I had this problem several times over the years...it was 9 out of 10 the bypass button on the format card, the 1 out of 10 was the EQ card, wiggle and press the bypass button several times to clean the switch...this should be your problem.....

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Mark Gulbrandsen
Resident Trollmaster

Posts: 16657
From: Music City
Registered: Jun 99

posted 03-14-2002 05:27 PM

Yes, I always check the relays forst on the EQ cards. Also turn the level pot up and down a bit(remnembering exactly where it was) as I ahev had a number of level pots fail. Apparently a bad batch of them or something. I just had one of these last week! Swap the cards and see if the problem follows the card. If not also check the large double card in the center...the automation card. These were excessively trouble prone a number of years back and all chennels are routed through the switching on this card. And last of all, yes, the matrix could be bad. If you have good dolby level(actually Ultra LEvel in this case and the preamp response looks good then the problem is probably somewhere else down the line.
Mark @ GTS

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Gordon McLeod
Film God

Posts: 9532
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 99

posted 03-14-2002 05:41 PM

On rereading the original post you mention dialogue leaking in the surrounds
Check that the dip switches on the back of the main board are correct for your configuration
If they are right it is probably in the soundhead

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Brad Haven
Master Film Handler

Posts: 300
From: fremantle, West Australia
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 03-14-2002 07:30 PM

thanks everyone,
i'm just off to work, thanks to the film -tech gods i now have a better idea of the problem, i will post again later with results.
thanks
brad

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Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man

Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 03-14-2002 08:36 PM

To add to Gordon's post about the relays: Yes....they can be a little troublesome. Those were most of the failures I have experienced on the older model EQ cards.

Incidently, if you are using 1/4-inch phono plugs from the output of the processor to the input to the power amplifiers, you might want to take a peek at those. If those pulgs are not "exercized" about once every 6 months or so, they could build up a film of oxidation that will prevent a good connection.

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Steve Guttag
We forgot the crackers Gromit!!!

Posts: 12814
From: Annapolis, MD
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 03-14-2002 10:23 PM

Pssst...."phono" plugs are also known as (aka) "RCA" plugs...1/4" plugs are also know as "PHONE" (as in telePHONE) plugs...A minor detail, to be sure.

1/4" plugs should have stayed with the telephone switch boards too...the action of plugging and unplugging them kept the contacts clean....I absolutely HATE them for permanent installations.

Likwise, use "phono" plugs on your phonograph.

Steve

------------------
"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"

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Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man

Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 03-14-2002 11:41 PM

Pbpthbpthbthp!

Yes, Steve.....I agree about leaving those damn things in the telephone switchboards....They are nothing short of a pain in the rear.

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