Optoma HD161x DLP Projector Repair | No Power | PowerSupply/Ballast Replacement

[@Kujokouklos]

You're alive!!!!!!!! Nice seeing old pjs still running!!!!!!

[@FixitFrank]

So far so good! Yeah, some changes are coming. I have a few more vids being edited so hopefully more help for people.

[@chessguru900]

Great job. Good to see you back Frank. Hope to see more of this kind of stuff. There is always something to learn.

[@FixitFrank]

thanks mate. I'm likely branching out on my own to a degree in the upcoming weeks. Im staying with my day job in a certain capacity but its time to monetize my skills a little more since I can't as much as I'd like to with the current situation. Also, what have you heard about the upcoming EU law on HG lamps?

[@toddban2891]

Nice to have you back! Missed your always informative videos! Nice work as always Frank.

[@FixitFrank]

Thanks Todd. Life got in the way and I'm sure it will again eventually but I promise that if I ever hang it up(not planning to) I will let folks know.

[@pooluop]

Nice to see you back Frank 👋👋

[@jcbdiggers1]

Well come back Frank 🎉.Fantastic video and very informative.looking forward to seeing more off your videos.

[@FixitFrank]

Hello Justin and Carole! Hope you both are well! thanks so much brother, I appreciate it.

[@pinomauro2426]

Welcome back Frank!

[@justinlyonsPawPatrol]

Yo man I’m glad you are back and haven’t seen the BenQ SU964 or other SU series that I’m keeping my eye on until you find one and hope you find projectors with a startup noise beeper so I like to hear it start up and shutdown and a error messages and so forth so hey I’m glad you’re back with more videos

[@FixitFrank]

I'm keeping my eyes open!

[@rickydeldo8596]

Perfect, thx mate.

[@FixitFrank]

sure thing Ricky. I have a few more being edited now.

[@superskier2]

Nice to see you back Frank 😊. I did see a news story on my phone that from 2026, you will no longer be able to buy projector lamps containing Mercury.....is this the same for the US or is it a Euro directive? Thanks for the video buddy.....Karl.

[@yo3429]

not frank here but as far as I know: It's only a EU law, and spare parts (as projector lamps) are still available after 2026, but no new products and projectors with classic lamps.

[@Kujokouklos]

It's true and only for Europe. I just stocked lamps for my projectors.

[@superskier2]

Thanks for the update guys. 👍

[@FixitFrank]

Hi Karl! Thanks! I saw that too and I have conflicting info. As of now I think its not going to affect them. The author is kind of assuming a lot in that article. Philips/Signify seem to think projector lamps will be exempt. They currently do not qualify to even need MSDS sheets since the mercury is enclosed and unable to leak unless damaged. I am waiting for more specific confirmation from Ushio, Osram and Philips/signify. The actual law is aimed at consumer lamps/home lighting. I know when lamps are exported/imported there is no special paperwork required so we will see. I'll probably post something once I get more concrete info.

[@FixitFrank]

I don't think they are making lamp based units anymore anyway. I am pretty sure even BenQ flipped to solid state for now. I do think some of the higher end/high lumen dual lamp stuff is still being built.

[@francislong4285]

Hi Frank!, where can I get the information on sending my optoma projector and your price list? I have tried lamp and color wheel for my optoma projector with no luck

[@FixitFrank]

I'm in between shops at the moment. August I should be up and running.

[@rustyyoung7980]

Hi Frank, I'm just wondering if this would be an easy fix, my BenQ W1070's back's HDMI ports are very 'loose' (although it may be the entire panel, can't really test it because no RGA cables, VGA, etc. I suppose the bottom where the power cord inserts is quite a bit more stable........but I feel like the shelf where the HDMI ports are seated could be a lot more stable. I don't have a toolkit but one of my friend's owns a computer repair shop and has been in the business for years, though now he splits his time up between Idaho and CA and spends more time with family these days. Not sure you could direct me to a particular video where you're tightening screws around the back housing that'd be applicable to this model or not. Also, not sure if it's time for me to break down and buy a basic electronic's kit.....or if my basically oversimplified screwdriver and ratchet kit (Husky) would do, although there surely isn't any more 'micro' attachments here of any kind. I appreciate your content and the fact that you seem to have found your calling with the sort of flow state/enjoyability that can be tinkering around with these things. It's inspiring to me to do it whilst speaking about it. That I may one day find what I'm supposed to do. (In my mid thirties now and was dealt a band hand, but trying to put the pieces back together). Appreciate it, Frank!

[@rustyyoung7980]

A few grammatical errors in here I tried to correct after skimming it, but on mobile, is not giving me an easy option to edit anything. Forgive me, I meant you speaking about the craft. Thank you.

[@FixitFrank]

oh you're good, no worries. The ports are actually mounted to the mainboard. Not on their own board. I have a few W1070 videos that show the insides if you search my channel. You can also look at the HT1075 videos. they are basically the same as the w1070 construction wise. There really isn't a way to tighten them. It might be the connector itself that is worn out and wont let the cables latch in snugly. Not much you can do without replacing the connectors and that would be a bit of a job since they are surface mount soldered. It's easier to understand if you see it, so I would suggest checking a few of my benQ videos. That will help you see whats going on.

[@FixitFrank]

I found a high resolution picture. The HDMI ports are on the upper left. They are smd connectors so the structure is the metal frame soldered to the mainboard. I am thinking the insides of the connectors are worn out. If they still function but are loose, I would leave well enough alone. Worse case, buy some short HDMI male to female jumpers and then hot glue the male end to the projector and then use the female end for your connections. It's a little janky but depending on your needs, it may work. If its just being used in one place maybe some poster putty around the plug can hold the connector a bit more steady so it stays in place. My main point is that replacing the connectors is probably the actual fix you need and that is a very difficult DIY unless you are capable with hot air soldering. cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0265/8136/8880/products/PCBA-Main-Board-Darer-BenQ-W1070-Price-Defective_2000x.jpg

[@davetrevino1361]

You have some great videos. Saw one you diagnose the components on the removed ballasts. Wondering on the Optima projectors with bad ballast components is the behavior like a bad bulb, but the bulb may flick on just a bit as it goes through the power up? Didn't see that in your videos and I have a pair of similar hd142x and another slightly different most of the same components. That is the behavior and am thinking it is a ballast problem.

[@FixitFrank]

It's possible but I would start at the mains supply and make sure you have the PFC circuit generating the 385dc that the ballast needs. A common issue is the PFC (power factor correction) failing and only supplying the rectified mains as DC to the ballast. That would be 150dc in North America and 300dc in Europe. The ballast can almost start an arc but it can't sustain one. If you have the 385dc at the ballast input then the ballast is probably bad. Sometimes it's both the PFC and the ballast. This goes for all lamp based projectors. Regardless of the brand.

[@FixitFrank]

I have a ballast repair video somewhere where I kind of explain this.

[@davetrevino1361]

@@FixitFrank Thanks in my case it's still the same part (hd142x/HD27 type have single PS with the ballast built in). Will try to figure out how to ID the failing component as the board on both look ok. Behavior is exactly as you describe. Just starts to light, flickers then off.

[@simonhare7369]

Hi Frank, I watch your videos with interest. Very informative. Don't suppose you've ever seen an Optima HD151x that's got no USB 5V out and wont see a HD input?

[@FixitFrank]

I cant say I have seen that exact issue but I would be suspect of a 5v regulator on the mainboard instead of the power supply. They have secondary supplies all over the mainboard. I'd trace back the USB 5v to where its generated and check that area. Also check the TVS diode arrays on the HDMI ports to see if they are shorted and pulling the 5v down.

[@simonhare7369]

@@FixitFrank Thanks for the insight about regulators all over the place. I'd already replaced an SMT ic that deals with usb 5v (looked like it had been reworked with solder). Looks like I'm digging a little deeper.

[@alejandroanievas8365]

how much do you charge to fix this? I have the same issue.

[@FixitFrank]

If its the same exact problem and solution, Estimated around $175-225 depending on shipping. but without seeing it, I can only give those numbers as an estimate.

[@glennbaguio6320]

Looking forward to your tutorial on Epson co-fh01 and 02 lamp replacement.. thanks!

[@pinomauro2426]

Lamp replacement Is very Easy you Just Need a screwdriver and open the lamp cover unscrew two screws on lamp body and pull It out then insert the new lamp screw back two screws Place back lamp cover and secure It with screw.

[@FixitFrank]

Hi Pino, These particular units don't have user replaceable lamps. They are sealed enclosures( you just have to take the case apart). I'm actually trying to get my hands on one to make a video. NEC did this some years ago too. It didn't go well for them either.

[@FixitFrank]

I'm actually trying to get my hands on one to do a video for this. do you have one?

[@pinomauro2426]

@@FixitFrank you're right, but he has an Epson and all them has lamp cover on body. Very Easy job. Take care.