BAC Forum
General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Paul Schwalen on August 04, 2014, 09:20:50 PM
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[size=14][/size]Yesterday after about 3 hours of run time the Aladdin went from a blue screen w/white letters to a black screen w/white letters for about a minute or so and then went back to the color screen. Today after 3 hours the same thing happend except it will not go back to the color screen. I have waited about an hour for things to cool down and tried to reset the colors at the system config screen where colors for the background and the letters can be chosen but this has not helped and I also reset the Aladdin using the switch in the TV cabinet with the same results.
Any thoughts? Just for the record the coach has around 90K miles so perhaps all that run time has caused a falt in the camera? After all these years of having a color screen the black/white screen is a big step backwards.
Paul
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Paul
I mounted a second screen just above my Aladdin screen which is on the left of the driver in the dash. I connected the second screen to the rear camera so that I can watch the toad and the also have the engine information available all the time on the original screen. You have your choice where you want the rear camera, either on the new screen or the old screen. If your problem is in the receiver/screen, you could use that for your toad and use the new screen for the engine information.
Mean while, I would work all the plugs in and out on the back of the screen and on the main control unit up in the cupboard. Make sure all the coax connectors are tight. Unplug the unit for 30 seconds and then plug it back in and try it.
This is the monitor I got: http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PLVHR75-Widescreen-Headrest-Monitor/dp/B0009SURMY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1407188209&sr=8-4&keywords=pyle+7+monitor
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[size=14][/size]Chuck,
I did as you suggested (work all the plugs in and out), unplugged unit for 30 seconds and unfortunately - stll black/white. Do you think the camera is bad and sending only blk/white? or do the colors come from the black box or the monitor?
I looked at the monitor you used but don't want to go that route before I am sure the black box and camera are OK and sure just replacing the monitor will do the job . As you can tell I am not very good at electronics and appreciate your input.
Paul
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Paul
The only camera connected to the Aladdin is the rear camera that you see the toad through, unless you happen to have side cameras. I am definitely not an expert on the Aladdin but I think the screen color comes from a computer chip that is in the control box in the cupboard or in the unit in the dash. Have you tried changing the number in the configuration? It may give you a different color. I have never messed with changing the screen colors as I like the blue and white too. Try gently tapping the control box and the back of the screen. Maybe you have a loose plugin chip or connector inside. Tap gently with the back of a screwdriver. Do you have color on the screen when you are looking at the toad through the rear camera?
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[size=14][/size]Chuck,
I tried the tapping, and the tightening and no go. I found an old post on the forum from 2010 about Master Tech RV. I have a call in to them. They say they work on the Aladdin systems and I will post what they say.
In the mean time we are stationary for a few days and I am hoping Master Tech will be a help.
Paul
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[size=14][/size]Hi again,
I have had no success yet with Master Tech- still waiting for a call back from them.
In the meantine I have been thinking that since all the functions work correctly that it may just be the Sony monitor that has lost its ability to provide a color picture. That would be an easy fix to just change out the monitor.
Chuck has provided me with the info for the monitor he uses and is readily available. Does anyone have a thought on this? Would it be worth investing in the relatively inexpensive monitor as a test?
Paul
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I am able to view the Aladdin data on the LCD flat screen television just above the driver. If your television has a video input (the yellow RCA plug on the TV),you would not have to purchase an inexpensive small screen just to test for colour output of the Aladdin.
Bob
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[size=14][/size]Bob,
Thanks for that info. I don't have a long enough cord on the aladdin output for the data out to reach the tv vga input however the cord for the backup camera output is long enough and when I connect that to the tv vga I get a COLOR IMAGE! (while on the dash monitor it is a B&W IMAGE). Do you think this is enough information to confirm that the dash monitor is the culprit?
Paul
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Paul,
I believe what you have done is confirmed that the camera is working as it should,p this does not test the colour output of the Aladdin. However buying an extension VGA cord is still less than buying a small ' test' monitor if you want to test Aladdin output.
Do you have control knobs on the front of the small monitor to adjust contrast and brightness? I assume you've tried those?
Good luck...
Bob
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[size=14][/size]Bob,
I went to Radio Shack and got a cable and the TV shows the Aladdin functions in color and I can adjust the colors, etc. I am convinced that the monitor is the problem.
My next issue is that the male plug that goes into the back of the existing monitor has 6 pins. I will try to attach a pic. The monitor I am looking at on Amazon just says it has 2 video female inputs that look like they would accept the RCA plug not a 6 pin plug. I hope there is an adaptor available.
Thanks Bob, I would never have thought to use the TV as a test!
Paul
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Paul,
What a frustrating problem. From the number on the cable and it's appearance in the photo it is a 6 pin DIN. This happens to be the same cable which connects the mouse and I believe keyboard on a desktop computer. If this is the case then you should be able to get either the male or female ends from a scrapped computer.
If you replace your dash display with a monitor that only has RCA connections you might consider having a short cable made with female DIN (from an old computer) on one end and RCA male connectors on the other end. Two of those 6 pins are for the video and two are for audio if your camera has sound. The remaining pin is for power. I wasn't able to locate a readily available adapter.
IMHO I suspect the monitor is the problem. The good news is it's easier and less expensive to replace the monitor than the Aladdin and if you pull the monitor you could take it to a shop to have it tested.
Again, good luck..
Bob
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Paul
I will tell you that the color, contrast, brightness etc. is not that great on the Pyle monitor. I am satisfied with it as a 2nd monitor just for the toad but I played with all the adjustments and it is still very dark. I did not like it as a readout monitor for my engine information. It was very hard to read. It may not be the Pyle monitor that is the problem, as the information that is being fed to the monitor comes from the camera and the Sony main box and that is matched up to the Sony screen. If my Aladdin ever went out, I would go with the Silverleaf for sure.
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[size=14][/size]Bob and Chuck,
Thanks so much for your inputs. I could not have done this without your help.
We are on the road tomorrow to Maggie Valley, NC tomorrow from Raleigh, NC. We will be there for a while and one of my good friends will also be there. Although he is not a Beaver owner he is versed in electronics and I will pose the issue that you bring up about the monitor. At this point I am a happy camper knowing that the Aladdin itself is still working and will deal with the new monitor in one way or another.
I did find another monitor on Amazon that is 1/2 the price of the Pyle. It is a 7" TFT LCD Digitlal Car Rear View Monitor w/ Remote and Stand sold by sunvalleytek. If you guys would evaluate it I would be greatfull. (sorry but I do not know how to give you the web address for this item)
Thanks again,
Paul
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Paul
The one for half price uses 9 volts, not 12 volts according to the listing. Reading the reviews, they say it will work on 9 volts and 12 volts but some of the reviews are not too good. The one I use was recommended by other Beaver owners and it has been working for me for about a year with no problem.
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[size=14][/size]Hi Bob and Chuck,
I had a thought that maybe the existing Sony Monitor can be repaired. I know there are 2 other female input plugs on the back side next to the one that it is plugged into now. Do you think it would be worth the trouble to try a different plug and if that does not work how about having a tech look at it.
Be on the road today.
Paul
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Paul,
Because the Chinese made electronics are so cheap today, it is very rarely cheaper to repair a monitor than it is to just replace it. That is the main reason that the TV repair shop that use to be almost everywhere, is almost extent. So you may have a hard time finding someone to just check it out for less than a new monitor price.
Gerald
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I can't offer personal experience with this outfit, but you might contact them. I get the impression Sony isn't into making monitors anymore, and those of us that have them may all eventually face choosing replacements. At least the common VCB-MHD1 and VCB-62MH models have been discontinued. I've seen them on E-Bay, used, but don't know that I'd trust that option. Call or email to see what this dealer proffers as options, and keep us in the loop.
http://www.rvcams.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=RBCARVS
But I'm not sure I saw anything there that could hold a candle features-wise to my VCB-MHD1. The other ports you see on the monitor back are likely for additional camera or Aladdin inputs, although I think other devices may feed into the Aladdin main video control first and then to the monitor through the one cable. I have 2 side-cameras installed by BCS in addition to the rear one. I'm no expert, but I don't think all monitors can handle numerous inputs if needed.
So though I agree with Gerald in principle, I have to respectfully offer my view that if there isn't anything better out there, or at least as good, I for one would entertain finding a good TV repair shop. Having recently done a few electronic circuit repairs myself, I likely would research and consult regarding the problem as I've done in the past, and see if I couldn't fix it myself. It's usually just a relatively inexpensive circuit board component or a solder point that has micro-cracked (cracks in solder that are visible only by festidious inspection with a quality magnifying glass) from repeated heating and cooling. Forums and videos related to the website Element14 have been a godsend for me.
But that's just my 2 cents, and whether it's a venture you feel like tackling is up to you. If you've ever successfully worked with soldering circuit board components, I'd go for it for sure. If not, you would have to put time and effort into educating yourself first. I've found that investment quite worthwhile so far, especially given the electronic age we have to live in. Be aware not all circuit boards are repairable, and if it's a part that's not easily replaceable like say the screen itself... you're gonna still be up the creek. But at least you will have tried.
-Joel
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[size=14][/size]Gerald, - Thanks for that prospective, I had not thought of that. Not sure yet what I will do.
Joel, - Diagnosing and repairing(soldering) a circuit board is way beyond my pay grade. I would not know where to start and I compliment you on your guts to try and accomplish that.
Chuck, - Since you have that second monitor perhaps you could measure it to determine if it will fit in the hole in the dash that the Sony uses. That seems like a doable option for me, I don't like the B&W screen for looking at the toad.
Thanks to all,
Paul
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I am not sure what Sony you have and where it is located, but the Pyle monitor I have is too big to fit in the hole left by my Sony monitor.
You might give this place a call. They say they have a replacement monitor. http://www.rvcams.com/
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[size=14][/size]Chuck,
I called RV Cams with the link you provided and they say they replace the Sony monitor with a Voyager LED backlit screen and they provide the necessary 6 pin to 4 pin adapter. It mounts differently than the Sony but fits in the same hole in the dash. The bad part is they want $404.
I now am rethinking B & W vs. Color and don't know if it is worth it.
Paul
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The link Roy gave is to the same RVcams outfit I mentioned.
As I proffered, Paul, see if there is a reputable repair shop in your area. A good one won't charge $400 to remelt 1mm of solder or replace a $4 component, or at the very least give you a clue what's wrong for a basic shop charge. If they can't fix it, true, you've thrown good money out - depends on whether you can accept it may not be repairable.
I'll give you this, though; finding such a shop may be no easy task, which is why I took on learning some things I could do on my own.
Joel
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Paul
Here is one more place you might call although the price looks to be about the same. http://www.batterycanada.com/
Go down the left side to RV Cameras.
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[size=14][/size]Alright this is getting weird,
We just got back to the coach from being out for something to eat and low and behold the display is back to COLOR!!!
I don't expect it will last forever but I can hope!
When I spoke to Tim at the place that wanted $400 for a monitor he said that he had not heard or a monitor going from color to B & W. He said to check the voltage at the monitor because sometimes low voltage causes strange issues with the Sony monitor.
I guess I will have to figure out how to check that voltage. I have very new house batteries and fairly new chassis batteries.
Paul