I have a Philips DVP-3140 DVD player (similar models DVP-3142 & -3144)that has trouble tracking discs. It will frequently freeze/mute on both DVDs and CDs, followed by the pickup thrashing about. It will eventually find where it left of and continue playing. Some discs worse than others.
I'd like to try adjusting the Trackig Gain / Offset, but this player has no pots to adjust. It's got a big 200 pin flat pack Zoran ZR36966ELCG DVD processor. No information available on the chip.
I assume there is a service menu - does anyone know how how to access it? All I could find on the web is how to change the region code, and the service manual doesn't mention a service mode. The troubleshooting guides in the manual just say "replace loader" (transport assembly) for tracking problems.
So far I've ESR tested all the electrolytics, even the ones on the processor board, verified all supply voltages correct and clean, replaced the laser pickup (tried two different ones), ribbon cable, and spindle / sled motor assembly (also comes with a pickup installed). The power supply and transport from this player work perfectly in another identical player I have.

This DVD player is the only model I could find that will play non-DVD formatted shows from download sites, and has been discontinued, so I'd appreciate any help on getting it going again.

On 8/20/2012 9:02 PM, Mike WB2MEP wrote:
I have a Philips DVP-3140 DVD player (similar models DVP-3142 & -3144)that has trouble tracking discs. It will frequently freeze/mute on both DVDs and CDs, followed by the pickup thrashing about. It will eventually find where it left of and continue playing. Some discs worse than others.
I'd like to try adjusting the Trackig Gain / Offset, but this player has no pots to adjust. It's got a big 200 pin flat pack Zoran ZR36966ELCG DVD processor. No information available on the chip.
I assume there is a service menu - does anyone know how how to access it? All I could find on the web is how to change the region code, and the service manual doesn't mention a service mode. The troubleshooting guides in the manual just say "replace loader" (transport assembly) for tracking problems.
So far I've ESR tested all the electrolytics, even the ones on the processor board, verified all supply voltages correct and clean, replaced the laser pickup (tried two different ones), ribbon cable, and spindle / sled motor assembly (also comes with a pickup installed). The power supply and transport from this player work perfectly in another identical player I have.

This DVD player is the only model I could find that will play non-DVD formatted shows from download sites, and has been discontinued, so I'd appreciate any help on getting it going again.
Are you sure the optics aren't dirty? This will produce the type of
symptoms you describe. Cleaning disks with "eyebrow" brushes or a gently
applied cleaning solution may fix your problem.

On 8/20/2012 6:02 PM, Mike WB2MEP wrote:
I have a Philips DVP-3140 DVD player (similar models DVP-3142 &
-3144)that has trouble tracking discs.
snip

Mike,
You've checked everything I would have except one. If any chips are
running hot, a heat sink or small fan may help keep it going.
Manufacturers push those components hard. I've seen computer mobos die
for the same reason. Just a thought...

Ray

On 8/20/2012 9:02 PM, Mike WB2MEP wrote:
I have a Philips DVP-3140 DVD player (similar models DVP-3142 & -3144)that has trouble tracking discs. It will frequently freeze/mute on both DVDs and CDs, followed by the pickup thrashing about. It will eventually find where it left of and continue playing. Some discs worse than others.
I'd like to try adjusting the Trackig Gain / Offset, but this player has no pots to adjust. It's got a big 200 pin flat pack Zoran ZR36966ELCG DVD processor. No information available on the chip.
I assume there is a service menu - does anyone know how how to access it? All I could find on the web is how to change the region code, and the service manual doesn't mention a service mode. The troubleshooting guides in the manual just say "replace loader" (transport assembly) for tracking problems.
So far I've ESR tested all the electrolytics, even the ones on the processor board, verified all supply voltages correct and clean, replaced the laser pickup (tried two different ones), ribbon cable, and spindle / sled motor assembly (also comes with a pickup installed). The power supply and transport from this player work perfectly in another identical player I have.

This DVD player is the only model I could find that will play non-DVD formatted shows from download sites, and has been discontinued, so I'd appreciate any help on getting it going again.
Allsop make a great cleaning disk with little brushes shaped like
eyelashes which do a very effective cleaning job. Direct cleaning with
lens cleaning solution is even better if you can do it very gently and
not distort the lens / pickup assembly.

See:
http://static.highspeedbackbone.net/...lens-Guide.pdf

A weak laser is a major cause of tracking problems. If cleaning the laser
optics doesn't fix the problem, you might need to look for a replacement
optical system, or a complete drive mechanism.

On Tuesday, August 21, 2012 12:43:04 PM UTC-4, William Sommerwerck wrote:
A weak laser is a major cause of tracking problems. If cleaning the laser optics doesn't fix the problem, you might need to look for a replacement optical system, or a complete drive mechanism.

I've already tried two new laser pickups, and a replacement subassembly containing the pickup, spindle & sled motors, with only slight changes in performance. (I've had two spindle motor failures between the two machines I have.) I also took the complete drive assembly from an identical working player and installed it in this one and still have the same problems.

That's why I'm looking for a service menu in order to adjust the servo gains/offsets. The older players had pots for this.

Mike

On Tuesday, August 21, 2012 10:47:59 AM UTC-4, Ray Carlsen wrote:
On 8/20/2012 6:02 PM, Mike WB2MEP wrote: I have a Philips DVP-3140 DVD player (similar models DVP-3142 & -3144)that has trouble tracking discs. snip Mike, You've checked everything I would have except one. If any chips are running hot, a heat sink or small fan may help keep it going. Manufacturers push those components hard. I've seen computer mobos die for the same reason. Just a thought... Ray

There are two hot-running chips on that board: the 200+ pin Zoran processor and an Amtek AM5888S motor / coil driver. I'll give them a shot of freeze spray and see if anything changes. It probably won't, since the player behaves the same from a cold start to when it's warmed up. I may try to locate one of those motor driver ICs. There's no signal processing in there, but maybe one of the servo coil drivers has developed a non-linearity.

Mike

"Mike WB2MEP" wrote in message
...
On Tuesday, August 21, 2012 12:43:04 PM UTC-4, William Sommerwerck wrote:
A weak laser is a major cause of tracking problems. If cleaning the laser
optics doesn't fix the problem, you might need to look for a replacement
optical system, or a complete drive mechanism.

I've already tried two new laser pickups, and a replacement subassembly
containing the pickup, spindle & sled motors, with only slight changes in
performance. (I've had two spindle motor failures between the two machines
I have.) I also took the complete drive assembly from an identical working
player and installed it in this one and still have the same problems.

That's why I'm looking for a service menu in order to adjust the servo
gains/offsets. The older players had pots for this.

Mike


I think I would look at power supply issues - high frequency ripple,
regulation issues, etc.

This is extremely common on modern players.

No reason the servo board would have gone so far out of adjustment.

Mark Z.