Sony 36" Wega - Videokarma.org TV - Video

ggregg · #1 11-29-2011, 09:30 PM

Hey guys,
I found a 2004 Sony Wega 36" flat CRT set. It was free so I took a chance. Can't remember the model number, I think it's KV36-310 or something like that. Very fancy set with internal powered sub and everything. It has the won't come on unless you push the power button numerous times syndrome. If you can get it to come on, it will work fine or so the PO says. I know the power light will flash a code, but the set is at a different location right now, I'm in the process of moving. I'm hoping it's power supply caps, solder joints, or something simple like that. Repair sites don't really tell me anything, anything from caps to transistors or flybacks. Seems to be a somewhat common problem with this set.

Anybody had any experience with this? Sorry can't give any more info at this time. Or do I have a 238# albatross to get rid of?

miniman82 · #2 11-29-2011, 09:36 PM

Same set, same problem here. I've heard it's a voltage regulator chip going bad, which causes the set to throw the 'excessive x-ray' code, which is really too much HV or somesuch. Still need to source that chip, it'd be a wicked nice set.

ggregg · #3 11-29-2011, 09:54 PM

Yeah, your right Nick. It has everything and is a real monster. I figured for free, what do I have to lose?

If you happen to source that chip someday, let me know would you?

*zenithfan1* · #4 11-30-2011, 07:49 AM

Besides that chip, also re-flow the solder on everything you safely can. Sony sets are bad ass but they often get broken solder connections causing all kinds of weird issues. Good luck, that set will be a lot of fun when fixed.

ggregg · #5 11-30-2011, 12:28 PM

Well this is weird. I went over to the new place and plugged it in. Fired right up. So, I hooked up a DVD player and ran it for over an hour. Worked fine, great picture, and awesome sound. Turned it on and off about 10 times, always came right back up. The only thing I'm thinking is either because it's in a pretty cold garage, it didn't get warm enough to act up or in the move, an iffy solder joint got reconnected. I hate it when you want something to fail and it doesn't. Guess I'll worry about it later, didn't even take the back off. I'll have to bring it inside, when I have some help, and try it again.

jstout66 · #6 11-30-2011, 12:30 PM

Is that what they weigh? I thought it was more in the 500 pound range. (I will never lift a 36" set again...) LOL!
I'm not "dogging" on your set, but I was never a fan of the Wega series. They DO have some fantastic features tho.
I bought a 24" model new. (2003-2004) The shop delivered it, took it out of the box, set it up, but I noticed when I watched DVD's that the night scenes were TOO black. Even with the brightness maxed. I called the shop and they said it was a common problem, and they would send someone to fix it. (probably sub-screen adjustments) I then googled that model and saw it was plagued with high-voltage issues, so I told the shop to forget it, and they brought out a Toshiba clone, which I still have and use heavily today. I could be wrong, but I don't think Sony even used a Trinitron tube in it. (even tho the set is marked Trinitron) Up until that time, the only TRUE flat screen was a Sony... then around the time that set came out, other manufactures started coming out wilh a flat screen CRT, including the Toshiba I have. The picture tube on the Toshiba is an Orion.
A TV tech at that time said the patent ran out on the Trnitron tube, which allowed other people to copy it.
Out of curiosity.. look at the neck of your tube when the set is on. If you see 3 guns lit up, it's NOT a true Trinitron.
Sony TV quality started going downhill fast in the late 90's. They couldn't afford to build their sets in Japan anymore, and outsoursed parts/assembly.

*zenithfan1* · #7 11-30-2011, 12:38 PM

Now, it definitely sounds like a bad solder joint to me....

YamahaFreak · #8 11-30-2011, 02:11 PM

A couple things about the late Trinitrons...

I don't think Sony ever used what could be considered a truly 'fake' Trinitron tube. They did go to standard three-gun design in the later years, but they are still Trinitron aperture grille CRTs. My KV-40XBR800 from 2003 has a US-made Trinitron tube in it. By the way, Orion is a Chinese company, IIRC...many later CRT sets use their tubes.
As for the set's weight, my 40-incher weighs 304 pounds according to the service manual, and I wish to move it as little as possible.