15-1994 strange backlight problem

dmhines · Post by **dmhines** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:14 pm

I got my hands on a brand new (yes, brand new) 15-1994 but right out of the box the backlight has a problem. I am so bummed right now.

The search feature didn’t turn up anything so I was hoping someone could help me with this. I've read lots of posts about transformers breaking loose and causing backlights to quit working altogether. However, the backlight on this one comes on, but only on part of the remote. Except for the area with the ch & vol buttons, it only lights up on the right side. It also makes a very audible whining noise while the light is on.

Does this sound like something that can be fixed or did I just buy a really cool paperweight.

dmhines · Post by **dmhines** » Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:37 pm

Well, I went ahead and cracked open the case and found nothing. The transformer was in place (with glue around 2 sides). I put everything back together and it still does the same thing - backlight only works on right hand side and transformer whines while light is on.

Does anyone think a new transformer might fix this or is there anything else I can try?

mtakahar · Post by **mtakahar** » Thu Feb 24, 2005 1:26 am

dmhines wrote:backlight only works on right hand side and transformer whines while light is on.

These symptoms sound very similar to what I experienced with my 1994 before. It started working fine once I tightened up the screw that was pressing the PCB against the upper half of the case.

Hal

dmhines · Post by **dmhines** » Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:55 am

I was hoping it would be that simple. However, I took all the parts out, blew the dust off of everything with nitrogen, and put it all back together. I found nothing broken, no loose screws, and everything looked brand new (as it should have since this thing has never been used). After all that, it still does the same thing. Everything else seems to work fine. I downloaded an upgrade to it and all seems well except for the backlight.

I don't know what else to do at this point except to assume that it can't be fixed. I'm going to go ahead and try to return it for a refund.

dmhines · Post by **dmhines** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 11:25 am

OK, so here's the latest in my backlight mystery:

I have an old 1994 (the new one was to be a backup) and I swapped the EL sheet between the two. Well, guess what? The problem is not the transformer. The EL sheet in the new remote must be defective 'cause the new remote, with my old EL sheet worked fine. My old remote, with the new EL sheet, made the transformer whine loudly and only lit up the right hand side of the keypad. In other words, the problem follows the EL sheet. I even tried cleaning the contact area on the PCB and the EL sheet and that had no effect.

So, my next question is: Does anyone out there have an EL sheet for sale? Please. Anyone.

Post by **The Robman** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 11:48 am

The EL sheet is a propietary part, so the only way you'll ever find a replacement is to find someone with a broken 15-1994 who's willing to break it up for parts.

Just out of curiosity though, where were you able to buy a brand new 15-1994?

dmhines · Post by **dmhines** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 12:49 pm

The Robman wrote:The EL sheet is a propietary part, so the only way you'll ever find a replacement is to find someone with a broken 15-1994 who's willing to break it up for parts.

That's what I'm hoping for. Anybody?

The Robman wrote:Just out of curiosity though, where were you able to buy a brand new 15-1994?

eBay. The seller said that she bought it, didn't need it, and left it sitting around too long to take it back to the store. Looking at it, I have no reason to doubt her story. This thing looks like it was never taken out of the box. There were two new ones from two different sellers up for auction at the same time. I'm kicking myself in the head right now 'cause I forgot to bid on the other one. It probably didn't have a backlight problem.