This is topic need help with my ultra stereo processor? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Brad Haven (Member # 954) on 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.
Posted by Sandie Caffelle (Member # 1168) on 03-14-2002, 10:42 AM:
BradJust spoke with Jonathan here and he suggests you get the
power supply changed......
Good Luck!!
Sandie
Posted by Brad Haven (Member # 954) on 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!
Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 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.
Posted by Brad Haven (Member # 954) on 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 !!
Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 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.
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 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.....
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 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
Posted by Don Sneed (Member # 955) on 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.....
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 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
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 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
Posted by Brad Haven (Member # 954) on 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
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 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.
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 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!"
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 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.
Posted by Brad Haven (Member # 954) on 03-15-2002, 06:21 AM:
i found the problem, it was the high freq. horn on the centre channel!
after checking all of the suggestions from film-tech and others, there was still no change, so, i went back to my local tech and he suggested checking the H.F. horn, and finally having 30 mins break to test/check, found it to be dead!!, as i had a spare, i quickly replaced just in time for the next show. now all is well!
not having an H.F. horn go on me before, the symptons threw me and experience (or lack of!) took me to the processor!
so in closing this thread, thanks to all for the posts, i now know alot more than i knew yesterday, and all experience is good experience!!
brad 
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 03-15-2002, 06:30 AM:
The best description I ever got for a dead HF driver from a non-technical theatre person was "everyone sounds like an adult from the PEANUTS." A simple, yet accurate, description, if you ask me.
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 03-15-2002, 02:46 PM:
I once asked a supplier for 'RCA phono plugs'. He says, sorry I don't carry 'RCA' phono plugs, but I've got some Neutril ones, will those do!
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-15-2002, 07:12 PM:
I think you menat Neutrik. These are about the best connectors manufactured today.
Mark @ GTS