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28. Auto Registration Troubleshooting
Flash Focus
TM
Errors
The primary causes of errors appearing during a Flash Focus
TM
session are:
1. Insufficient brightness level of the flags striking the sensor(s).
2. One or more of the colors “out of range” of the sensors.
3. The flags are being generated out of their normal positions.
The latter usually occurs when someone has altered the data for the flag positions or the data has become
corrupt. This is only possible on the RA-4W, RA-5A and RA-6 chassis as of this writing. Previous chassis
designs did not include the ability to alter the flag positions.
Insufficient brightness level errors can occur from the technician turning the picture and brightness levels down
during the registration alignment in order to avoid phosphor damage during a lengthy alignment procedure. It is
important to return the unit to at least 50% picture and brightness level before engaging the Flash Focus
TM
offset
adjustment. Sync sources from an external pattern generator will also produce errors. It is recommended to
perform Flash Focus
TM
with the unit set to an inactive channel (snow) with the brightness and picture levels set as
mentioned previously. Excessive ambient light can also affect the sensor’s ability to read. Darken the area
where the television is located as much as possible. The above-mentioned steps will assist in a high probability
of a successful outcome.
“Out of range” errors occur when one or more of the colors are adjusted beyond the normal read-range of one or
more of the sensors. They are labeled as “overflow” errors in the diagnostics list. This can occur from excessive
skew compensation from a misaligned deflection yoke or misaligned size and/or centering of one or more of the
colors. Errors of this type are the most common to be experienced after a convergence alignment. By following
the convergence tips mentioned earlier in this chapter, this type of error will be minimized.
On occasion, a technician will encounter a unit in which another technician has improperly aligned the geometry
and/or convergence. The customer may have also managed to alter the alignment settings by gaining knowledge
of access to the service mode. In such cases, default settings of global size and centering should be entered
and proper size and centering performed in the PJE mode by using a calibrated external generator. In most
cases, a successful Flash Focus will occur.
If an error occurs during the Flash Focus
TM
offset-write procedure, it will be prominently displayed on the screen
sometime during the procedure. The particular color and reason will be displayed on the screen. Table 28-1 lists
the error codes and suggested remedies.
Observing the flags and their position on the screen during the Flash Focus
TM
event will provide important clues
as to what is causing the error. Under normal conditions, the flags should appear at the locations of the sensors
and be equal in size at the edges of the screen. If something is wrong, one or more flags will be displayed off-
centered. It is important to note whether the flags are shifted horizontally or vertically. As an example: If the flags
at the top and bottom are much smaller than the ones at the left and right side, vertical height is probably
excessive. If the left flag is larger than the right, horizontal centering is off for that color. By viewing the flag
sizes, a possible cause of the error is available. If external inputs indicate proper centering and height, flag
position changes may need to be performed in the PJE mode. For those models that have this capability, the
following adjustments are provided:
1. VUP: Vertical, upper pattern position. Moves the vertical position for the upper vertical flag at sensor 0.
Increase the value to move the sensor down and visa-versa.
2. VMID: Moves the flag position up and down at the left and right sides (sensor 1 and 2).
3. VLOW: Moves the vertical position of the flag for the lower sensor 3.
4. HLE: Moves the position of the left flag at sensor 1.
5. HMID: Moves both the upper and lower flag at sensor 0 and 3 for horizontal centering.
6. HRIV: Moves the position of the right flag at sensor 2
