CTC203CA10, Gemstar trouble ?

[Bill]

Hello folks- The Guide + menu on this set keeps coming on by itself
when connected to cable. At some point it will go into the audio menu
and mutes the sound. While the menu changes on the screen (all by
itself) I can't use the front controls. Is this a typical Gemstar
going south ? If so, can I simply disconnect it and use the TV
normally without the Guide + ? My customer doesn't care about this
feature. Thanks

Bill

 

[JURB6006]

This may also be an issue with the data the coble co. is sending, or the EPROM.

JURB

 

[David]

The Gemstar4 module is the entire system control in the later CTC203 sets,
without it the set simply will not function at all.

FYI early Gemstar 4 modules were so bad in failing that a very large number
of them were replaced under warranty.

David

 

[Tedd Doda]

:> The Gemstar4 module is the entire system control in the later CTC203 sets,
:> without it the set simply will not function at all.

I just got one in that doesn't have U13101, which I assume
is totally controlled by the Gemstar unit. Came in with no
power. The customer first noticed that the set would loose
video, but the audio would stay.

:> FYI early Gemstar 4 modules were so bad in failing that a very large number
:> of them were replaced under warranty.

This one was manufactured March, 2002, and the dealer said
that it is out of warranty. Chassis # CTC203AA9, model # F27669.

There is no data on any of the Gemstar connections, or pins 5
and 6 of the eeprom when the set is plugged in. Is there any
way to determine that the Gemstar is the culprit?

All voltages from the SMPS are fine, and the 12 volt SMPS
regulator works when Q14104 os bypassed.

Any ideas?

 

[Tedd Doda]

:> There is no data on any of the Gemstar connections, or pins 5
:> and 6 of the eeprom when the set is plugged in. Is there any
:> way to determine that the Gemstar is the culprit?

Update:

I decided to take the Gemstar unit apart, and found that
many of the 34 pins coming from the main chassis were
very badly soldered.

I reflowed all 34 pins and the set is up and running once again!

 

[john]

Tedd Did you get the info i sent you ?

kip

va3mm

 

[Tedd Doda]

:> Tedd Did you get the info i sent you ?

Yup...sure did. Thanks. I replied via email as well.