Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Ultra Stereo JS-200 Processor Problem

This is topic Ultra Stereo JS-200 Processor Problem in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Don Anderson (Member # 397) on 10-04-2004, 07:21 PM:

Our unit is starting to act up. Maybe somebody can offer me a suggestion as to what's wrong with it. Lately, the Format Module doesn't kick back into the NSYN mode. That isn't a real big problem. However, manually pushing the NSYNC button doesn't trigger it either. The major problem is that since this starting happening, the surrounds are not operating during the film. If I pull out the Format Module (JFM-20B) and place it back in line the surround is activated, and remains activated during the entire run. What could be defective, the Format Module or Surround/Eq board?? We have an Ultra-Stereo JS-205/295 in the other auditorium. I'd swap out the Format Module and or Surround/Eq board, but they are different #s (JFM-20C,and 2SE-20B1)The UltraStereo JS-200 has JFM-20B inside it. I believe the Surround/EQ is different too. Any suggestions???? [Confused]

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-04-2004, 07:44 PM:

The format cards are probably the most often failed cards that USL produces. I would call Clint at USL and run your problem by him though just to make sure but seems that it would be where it lies.....

Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 10-04-2004, 09:40 PM:

It is probably the format Card as Mark suggests. I have also had that card do similar things when the automation would want to send a continuous pulse. In that case it would get stuck in NSYNC and you could not change it to any other format.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 10-05-2004, 05:15 AM:

Actually I believe you will find that the power supply module starts to fail (bad bypass button) and that cuases your problems. Observe if all the LEDs on the PS are on. Press the bypass button a couple of times and see if that changes anything...it probably does. In that case, you may have to change that module or bridge the bypass button.

Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 10-05-2004, 09:57 AM:

I agree with the above, we have had some of the format cards go out in our company. It's one of the first cards (besides the PS) to "act up."

Posted by Don Anderson (Member # 397) on 10-05-2004, 11:05 PM:

Thanks guys. I called UltraStereo and was informed that the Format Module relays are the problem. I have a loaner arriving tomorrow. Common problem as everybody has stated.

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 10-05-2004, 11:07 PM:

cool you got a fix...but take a look (unless they told you to check already) at the power supply module. Are both red lights illuminated the the green light as well? If one of those Red lights are out, power supply. That solves 90% of our problems, we have 20 of those processors running in our theatre.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-05-2004, 11:19 PM:

It is a good idea to take a quick look at all of the USL processors in your chain. If any of the Power Supply Modules still have the "Backup Power" Button they should be removed and the two sets of solder pads closest to the front of the module should be jumpered as though the switch were in there in its normal position. These switches will more than likely eventually fail than not. I wish I had a buck for each one of those switches I've bypassed in the last 12 years.... I might be able to retire!

Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 10-06-2004, 12:57 AM:

I must have changed out 5 power supplies in these things in the past 6 months, but I guess after 7 years it happens. The ones we get as a replacement have the backup power supply switch taken out and the hole is just covered. I'm guessing whoever made these (or repaired them) fixed that problem?

Posted by Alexander Alves (Member # 1746) on 10-07-2004, 04:37 AM:

How does the bypass switching take place then?I mean if one has a bypass supply connected at the +/- 15V terminals at the backboard then how does that supply kick in if the main PS fails?

Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 10-07-2004, 09:56 AM:

Check out the Manuals section for a complete explanation of this. But, here's how I'm taught it works. The processor has two internal power supplies, and if both fail...the processor will switch to Bypass mode (only if you have a power supply connected to the Emergency Power jack on the back of the power supply). You can connect your own Standby Power supply to the back (again, check the manual for the proper specs for that), and if the LED lights up, you can switch over to that power supply for backup.

Posted by Michael Wilkinson (Member # 2389) on 11-30-2004, 03:14 AM:

JS 200 problem or not?
I have a JS 200 series processor also.
I'm not sure if my problem is with this processor...but here it is:
On occasion-and I mean occasion-not predictable at all... I get low level static noise through the front channel speakers. I can't tell if the surrounds are affected as the static never lasts long enough to listen to them specifically. It sounds like FM static. This may happen for a few short bursts over the course of a few minutes and then I won't catch it again for a week or two. The static has been heard in DTS and Non Sync modes. The static is never synchonous with anything such as lamp strikes etc.
The rack also has the following components:
DTS 6D
DTS ES
USL XTA 3 CHANNEL X-OVER
USL CM 80 MONITOR
STAND BY POWER SUP +/-15V
Does anyone have any suggestions? [Confused]

Thank You
-Mike