Optoma HD26 DLP Projector No Light/Picture Repair

[@scherer007]

Fantastic channel - thank you for explaining the procedures so clearly and simply while showing all the steps. Very educational. I have the HD26 projector (not sure how many hours, but if I guessed probably 1000 hrs). Only owner since new and the bulb "flickered" and then went out. Bulb looks fine, but ordered a new one online. New bulb does not work either (bad new bulb?). Exact same thing happens with both new and old bulb. When I turn on, checked color wheel and fans - all spin up correctly. Light bulb "flickers" a few times and then the system powers down. It repeats this cylce 3 times (with either bulb) and concludes with a shut down and the Lamp Light Solid (red) and Power light blinking (red). If you think it is the power supply, tell me where to buy a new one (or I'll send it to you). You can have the old one for parts if I need a new one - free on me (as a thanks for all your great videos!).

[@FixitFrank]

Thank you for the kind words! Does the color wheel make a weird noise before the unit shuts down? It might also be an issue with the output inductor. I've seen those arc over. Ideally, if you can send me a video of the situation, I can weigh in better. I don't want to steer you the wrong way. I have my email listed on the about page about halfway down, or feel free to upload a video to YT and reply with the link here.

[@littlegeniusplayschool459]

Thanks for suggesting replacement MOSFET substitute.

[@robertgonzalez8069]

Love watching your repair videos You have a lot of talent which helps a lot of people that are trying to fix something keep up the good work Frank

[@FixitFrank]

Thanks 👍

[@werdnawins]

Hey Frank! I was wondering if you could lead me in the right direction. I've got this hd26 projector. I gave up on it a couple years ago but now I really want to fix it. I was using it one night and it shut down. Lamp light went red so I purchased a new lamp. Still the same problem. When I plug in the projector my power light is red. When I hit the power button there's a click from a relay. The power button turns blue for a second and then both the power button and the lamp light turn red. The fan and color wheel do nothing at all during that process. I've tried booting it with the lamp out and the door switch pressed with the same exact results. Nothing but a single click noise when I press the power button and then red lights. Do you have anything you'd suspect? Thanks!

[@werdnawins]

​@@FixitFrank let me know if maybe u can think of a possible cause. Thank you!

[@avs_4u]

Surprisingly, my HD26 purchased in 2015, got a bad color wheel and bulb a week ago. Never took it down just for cleaning. Besides the plastic housing right above the color wheel started to melt down.

[@HiphopknowitallZ]

This could have not been made at a more perfect time for me. Thank u

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

Always love repair videos makes me think For sure I can do that’ So I tear mine apart (when it wasn’t even broken) Thinking I’ll give it a good cleaning’ Then proceed to mess something up and have to come back and watch how to fix it’

[@FixitFrank]

I laughed way too hard at that. Were you watching me fix my air conditioning?

[@Oak_34]

Thanks for the informative video. Your video was very useful for me. I repaired my old Optoma HD26 the same way.

[@bronco9973]

Thanks again for this informative video, please keep them coming! Have an HD39Darbee myself but there is nothing wrong with that yet....

[@lucianoespinoza7275]

Hi can you help me where can I I porchase the transistors, thanks for your video, great info

[@FixitFrank]

I like Mouser.com or if you are not in the USA, the Farnell group/element 14. Any major electronics supplier should have them or something compatible.

[@jeor1298]

"Don't. Buy. Cheap. Lamps." If Frank is trying to teach us anything, it is this.

[@JM-ni7ny]

I have a new HD26 that's been in the closet since I purchased about 7 years ago. The bulb has never worked. I recently bought a new bulb and it still doesn't work. Would you be able to repair my power supply?

[@chessguru900]

Frank use a fairly hot hair dryer to remove those stickers /labels from the box. These videos refuel my passion for learning. I have a hd39 darbee quite similar to this. Blue light comes on flashes a few times and goes red then lamp light comes on flashing red. No fans or color wheel movements at all. I don't even know where to start from, could it be the main board?

[@FixitFrank]

I'll try that next time. Your Darbee kind of sounds like the lamp door switch isn't being activated. If it's lamp door is like the one on the HD26, that door switch tab is pretty flimsy. If the door switch is good, I'd check power supply voltages next. The mainboard seems to be pretty robust for the most part in this model. The lack of fans/color wheel make me wonder if you are missing 12v.

[@frasersimpson6911]

Hi Frank, I was hoping you may be able to offer some advice, I have this projector and the lamp does not come on at all, I replaced the bulb and the fan as the fan seemed to be sticking but the lamp still isn't coming on. When I press the power button and it tries to start there is an audible clicking noise although it's not very loud, then after the fan runs for a bit with no lamp, the power light flashes red and the lamp light stays lit red, then it stays like that and gives up trying to start. I was thinking about changing the supply board like the one you've fixed in this video, but don't want to waste money if it isn't that! Any help or advice you could give would be much appreciated. Thanks

[@frasersimpson6911]

Worth saying too that the noise isn't like the one in the colour wheel videos you've done, it's clicking not that whirring sound. thanks

[@Kujokouklos]

Very good and informative video my friend. These lamp connectors though........ Do these companies have ANY quality control? I am saying that to all people I know and now with the quarantine (we are 6 months into strict lockdown here in Greece) they turn to projectors as a cinema replacement. NEVER buy flashlight cheap chinese projectors (I have videos explaining some problems after using one for less than three months..... ) or cheap replacement lamps. Some listen, some don't. Ah..... you cannot save them all I guess!!!!! Excellent video again Frank!!!

[@FixitFrank]

Man, if I had a dollar for every problem that ended up being from a junk lamp, I'd be retired with a Sim2 in each room. Most of those lamps are built by people being paid by the lamp. I have a few lamps to do autopsies on now so I might try and do a little series on them. I was really amazed to see even megaohms of resistance at room temp. That was really really surprising. I say if someone wants to buy a lamp with no name, they are better off taking that money and the projector and just chucking them out a window. It will save a lot of time. You guys are fortunate with the lockdown. That worked in New Zealand. In my opinion it's a mess here. For some reason there is a weird undercurrent of "pandemic is over" here in the states, yet the actual infection numbers are spiking everywhere. I did get my vaccine (a few weeks ago) so I'm kind of OK but I pushed pretty hard to get mine. As much as I love the USA, there is a lot that makes me want to pull my hair out. Common sense is lacking but I know that is not just US centric even though we tend to take top honors in that area. Those flashlight projectors are a problem in my opinion. The companies claim many false promises. The LCD panels tend to burn after a few weeks and the specs as you know are fully made up. Most of these are based on a model R18(or similar) out of China. Different badges, different logos, but its all the same 300lumen projector. I'm trying to get my hands on one to tear down and really show what is what. I might have a company on the hook to send me one so we will see. I get a lot of companies wanting me to show their stuff but unless its something I actually like and use, its not happening. That said, if this flashlight projector company agrees to my terms, I will have one to show. I don't think they will like the video but my parameters were, I give a real and honest opinion on it. We'll see.

[@Kujokouklos]

@@FixitFrank Oh man, always stay safe and alert. This moto got me through tough times in my life. I wish you the best Frank. I have a video about a RD-819 model that discolored after 2,5 months of use. I have modded this model with a dremel to improve airflow but that thing is so cheaply made, Chinese toys are better built. The lamp video would be awesome, waiting for that!!!!!!! Thanks again Frank.

[@paulodias9425]

great video! my optoma uhd420x stopped working, turns on, no light, tries 3 times, red light on the bulb change light. in the web most people say that you should have resistance if you measure both negative and positive in the lamp, which it does as it beeps. but it seems from you're video, it shouldn't be, i'm concerned in getting a new bulb without being 100% sure that's the issue, but I can always get Osram bulb only directly from amazon and return if it doesn't fix it. thanks!

[@FixitFrank]

Hi Paulo! Thank you for the kind words! When measuring an incandescent lamp(halogen, old style bulb) you would expect resistance because they have a filament that glows with electricity. Projectors use what are known as "Short arc lamps". They do not use filaments. They use high voltage to create a sustained spark (arc) between 2 points with noble gasses inside the arc envelope to glow when the arc is created. Wikipedia has some easy to understand articles on "carbon arc lamps" which goes into more depth. Projector lamps are the modern version but follow the same theory. These should measure open circuit(infinite resistance). I would definitely start with a new lamp assembly, but I would strongly suggest against using Amazon for a replacement. Many of the projectors I end up working on were damaged by the low quality lamp assemblies littering amazon. Even the lamps that advertise "Osram Original". Since you have a UHD420X, I am guessing you are in Europe? I know a lot of US lamp sellers but not so many in Europe. www.myprojectorlamps.eu/ is the one place I know that is trustworthy. I would contact them about your lamp assembly. You do not have to replace the entire housing(As you likely know) but MyPL will have a true Osram, so you do not have to worry about if its counterfeit or a re-tube. Thank you again for watching!

[@paulodias9425]

@@FixitFrank just bought the lamp, meanwhile I've managed to get it up and running, saw another video on youtube where someone measures resistance on the lamp while knocking it with a screwdriver until you can't measure resistance anymore and indeed it worked! still will replace the lamp with a new housing and lamp from myprojectorlamps. thanks!

[@technoh7906]

As always very much informational videos 📹

[@FixitFrank]

Thanks man! I appreciate you watching.

[@SHADOW_BROS.]

Hi sir i have optoma hd26 i have replace the power supply colour feel bulb but still projector never light How to fix this

[@FixitFrank]

It is hard to say. Something is preventing the bulb from starting. I would check for color wheel sensor. Be sure the color wheel starts. If not, find the cause for that. If color wheel spins, check main board wire connections and voltages to the ballast control.

[@64jesseh]

Hey, ive got an GT1080E and the thing boots up. gives perfect image for like 1-3 minutes. after that the light dimms and gives me only a square of low light on the wall... its very anoying. replaced lamps, factory reset.. everything.. pls help me

[@FixitFrank]

What kind of lamps did you buy? Amazon or from a reputable website? It sounds like a lamp problem to me on the surface.

[@ziggythegreat]

love the content. i got a hd27hdr that seems to flicker ever so slightly for the first hour its on then goes away. its more so on bright screens when i use it on my pc but i never seem to notice it when im running it through the xbox. im guessing its my bulb with 6695 hours lol

[@FixitFrank]

Very nice projector! I'd tend to agree. It might be time for a new lamp. You will be amazed at how much brighter the image will be. If you decide to not go with an Optoma OEM, check out this one. www.purelandsupply.com/optoma-projector-lamp_hd27hdr.html YT50 will get you 5% off . Just stay away from Amazon lamps unless you really want to send me your projector ;)

[@ziggythegreat]

@@FixitFrank awesome thank you. I guess i should have gotten one when i had the chance. the brand name ones are all over 300 bucks now and sold out. its goona be a dam shame when this bulb dies and its not worth fixing.

[@19mati67]

Great job Frank. I keep mentioning your name on the avsforum. I hope you don't mind. I have noticed, that others started doing the same thing on the forum. Man I should go back to that dropped Epson 3500. I have been busy with other stuff. Did you have any (other)Epson 5040 with poser issues? I'm curious on what could be the problem. A lot of people are wondering about the same thing on the forum.

[@FixitFrank]

Not at all! I'm glad to help out. I don't really get over there myself. I tried to post on the forums but it honestly was too much to keep track of. I'd rather keep myself here and then I can hopefully share more useful info. I actually talked to a guy the other day you referred for a burned connector.

[@kevinrichter6552]

Hey Frank! Thanks for making your videos, they’re really informative. I posted on the Projector Central forum regarding a problem I was having with a W6000 hoping you might have an idea what was wrong. Anyways I went ahead and bought a new Epson so if you need a W6000 for parts, or as a repair project, let me know.

[@FixitFrank]

Hi Kevin, I would be interested. Was it the split picture where you lose half the image?

[@kevinrichter6552]

@@FixitFrank No, it was an issue at start-up that occurred after changing the bulb. I would start the projector and the BenQ screen would come up initially in true colour and then it would quickly go into a "negative" colour image and then shut down. In my post on the Projector Central forum I included some KZbin links of what was happening which will probably give you a good sense of what's going on. I posted under the name KDub, Topic: Diagnosis Needed - BenQ W6000 - Start-up Problem

[@alexgalwith3740]

​@@FixitFrankI bought an HD 26 with 10 hours on the unit the unit powers on shows Optima on the screen then if I plug something in such as my firestick Fire TV will display on the projector as if it were starting up and then black screen it does that with anything I plug into it do you think you could be the main board?

[@claudioramosdonascimento8549]

hi friend i am from brasil, could you help me? i need to find hd 26 eletronic schematic , cold you tell me where to aet it online? thank you.

[@FixitFrank]

Im sorry I can't find it either. I would like one too. I have one with a bad mainboard and its driving me nuts!

[@wesak777]

hi is anybody here ? look like you know your stuff ! i have an optoma hd25e, i change the lamp, clean the inside s little bit and i get an lamp issue, flashing amber light on the power and the lamp light red. The projector start ok, see the logo start looking for an input... the image start FLICKING and the projector stop , shut off and then the lights come on ! do you have an idea what can be wrong ? thanks , have a nice day

[@FixitFrank]

the new lamp is the problem I think. Compare the glass on the face of the housing to the old lamp. I bet it is much more clear and much less red/blue. Cheap lamps use poor IR cut filter glass which confuses color wheel sensors. That is my suspicion

[@wesak777]

@@FixitFrank hi, i open the projector again, I blew on the color wheel and the photo sensor, and hooray it worked, I think there was some dust left after cleaning the inside! Thanks à lot for your Help ! have a noce day !

[@alejn001]

Hola,tengo un óptoma hd50 que se enciende sale el logo y después pantalla gris ,alguien me puede ayudar?.

[@FixitFrank]

Eso podría ser malo. La pantalla gris podría significar un mal chip de formato. Es posible que necesite una placa base nueva. Primero verifique los voltajes de la fuente de alimentación. Si se ven bien, vería si puedes comprar una placa base usada. La placa base nueva es muy cara. Usado está bien y es mucho más barato. ¡Buena suerte para usted!

[@alejn001]

@@FixitFrank gracias,por responder,sospecho que el chip principal necesita reballing,los chinos las reparan las PCB por 150 euros y creo que les hacen reballing