Unfruitful Attempt To Service A 55 Inch SuperGeneral LED TV Model SGLED55AUST2
This TV belonged to a Senior Citizens Home in my town run by a Charitable Social Organization, in which I too am associated as an external supporter to the extent possible. The complaint reported was that it was dead and no power indication was seen. Assuming that it could only be a power supply problem, I agreed for taking up service, though the TV was too much for me to handle both because of its size and weight. But when it was brought into my house, I learnt on an enquiry with the one of the guys who carried it in, that the problem was not ‘dead.’ According to him, the power indication was on, but there was no display with sound was on. Well, I was flabbergasted and a bit annoyed too that correct input of complaint was not given.
I applied power in front of them and switched on, upon which the TV got removed from the standby but there was no display. On gently tapping the panel, I could not see any backlight indicating that either there was a backlight or inverter or its power supply failure. That meant I might have to go to the extent of dismantling the entire TV. Anyhow, because of my closeness to the people I accepted to proceed further and requested them to help me handle the TV in case panel has to be removed. I also cautioned them from my experience especially through the Whatsup Technical Group, that in case the panel has suffered any damage while in transportation or handling, this would not be visible until the backlight was restored and I cannot be held responsible for it. I made this very clear as the cost of replacement of a panel of 55” size would be prohibitively high. I took up the work only on a later day, as I was very busy with some other tasks belonging to the hospital, where I worked.
I could carry the TV as it was not made of metal frames and I used my elder son’s cot as my service table, since he was not in station. After opening the back cover, which had umpteen numbers of screws, I applied power and checked up whether the inverter was working and voltage reached the backlight connector. Voltage was building up but dropped immediately, indicating that all was not well with the backlight. I used my LED Tester and checked whether the LEDs showed any life. But it did not and I was then forced to go for the next step of dismantling the whole TV. Well, I forgot to mention that when I opened the TV, I had already noticed that the TV had undergone service before and on enquiry I was informed that it had gone for service to a known technician in the town twice for same complaint.
As handling the panel of this size alone was very risky, I removed yet another set of several screws from all over the sides of the fixing frame and kept it isolated. Then, called for help by one of my friends there, who came next day when he was free. He was in the managing board on voluntary service after his retirement. With his help, I carried my lunch table which was made of Fibre Plastic and very light weight and kept it besides the cot. Then transferred the TV onto its top, keeping it face up, and raised the height a bit by placing two pillows underneath so as not to damage the mother board and other connections under it. Then slid of the front frame by gently prying out the locks with a minus screw driver. Then removed the two COFs from the T-con Board and detached scaler boards from the metal body underneath.
I gently bent the two scaler boards and taped it on the top of the panel, so that it did not get torn when lifted.
For removing this type of large size panels, we need to have a large size vacuum suction cup hold such as this:
Not only are these very costly, but also has a risk of bending and breaking the glass if the suction power is too much. I do not have these in stock, as I generally do not accept such large size TVs in which I have to take out the panel. But in this case, I had already put my neck in and there was no way out! So, I had taken guidance from experience-wise senior technicians who suggested a simple way, which was: – Just insert a thin but strong thermocol or lamination sheet under the centre, which should cover not only the middle but also the sides to a good extent, then fix it with paper tape at a few points so that it does not slip off. Then lift the centre using the full arm and fingers spread enough, while holding the top gently without applying any pressure just to ensure that the panel does not slide off. Then move gently on to the cot.
First I inserted a plastic visiting card under the panel and slid it all around to detach the panel from any glue. There was nothing as this was already opened before. I used a lamination sheet, which I had put on my service table and followed these guidelines, while my friend was standing by to provide any support needed. After the panel was moved out, I let my friend go as his presence was required at the Centre all the time. Now let us have a look at some connected pictures before we move on:
Then removed yet another bottom seat supporting frame and took out the reflector and light dispensing sheets to view the backlight:
The reflector sheet was fixed with the screws that held LED strips as well. I had to remove yet another set of screws before I could see the backlights:
There were totally twelve strips, six at each side, connected at the centre. I saw two strips that were not matching with the original:
There were two such replacements, for which the reflector sheet was pierced to make room for the domes. The replaced strip had connection in its centre, whereas the original had it on the sides. The other technician had rewired these. But the fundamental mistake that generally seen done by many technicians is not replacing the entire lot! Many do it just to ensure that the TV comes back for a second service within a few months. Many others do it out of ignorance of the aftermath or to do an economical service. Anyhow, for me all these added more woes and I was almost cursing myself for having accepted the set when I almost knew it was a backlight issue. But unfortunately, none informed me that the TV had gone for service twice before when they brought it nor did I ask! I would have definitely refused to take it up then! But alas, now I was already neck deep in this ……..!
When I disconnected the wires and checked the strips using my LED Tester, a couple of them worked but all others were dead short. I hoped that the inverter was not affected and would not fail on load. Anyhow, I did not like the way things were turning out! I took out all the strips and went to the two electronic spare parts shops in the town but both had no matching backlight strips. Then contacted my regular suppliers in other towns and obtained the estimate for replacement, as the organization needed to take approval before proceeding with the repair work. I went to their office with the old strips and showed them how bad they were and how changing of just two strips with different current ratings affected the circuit and also shared my doubts about possible defect in the inverter section. I also mentioned the cost involved and sought their approval. They discussed among themselves and decided not to go for service of the TV, as it had already undergone service twice incurring heavy amounts. They advised me to close the TV as they would try to get another one sponsored by their regular benefactors. I proposed that I would try to get some sponsors within my technical group either to get the TV serviced or offer a working TV. Since the Old Age Home inmates were deprived of this entertainment, we needed to act fast. After posting the message in my groups, one technician offered to replace the backlight free and came home with the lights. He connected the lights from outside and applied power, but the inverter did not switch on as feared already. Then he used my LED tester and applied power to the lights and just kept it in place without fixing it and placed the sheets and panel on top and connected the scaler board to the T-Con and applied power. But the panel did not get on, though the voltage to the panel was ok. So, this meant that there were more damages to the TV than envisaged. So, he took away the backlights and I felt sorry that I had given him unnecessary trouble, though unknowingly. Things looked grim and I kept sharing the developments to my friend in the Old Age Home. Then one stream of luck turned out when one of my techie friends running a shop at a place about 25Kms away offered free gift of a 55” LED TV with only a minor and negligible patch at left lower edge, which he kept aside after he bought a higher model for his home. I shared this with my friend and he discussed with the governing body and decided to use it to meet the immediate need. So he and his team went to my friend’s shop and collected the free TV next day.
I took a snap of the T-con board and advertised (of-course, with the consent of the governing board) in my technical groups offering to sell the Mother Board (4K with Wifi), LVDS Cable, T-con board, original Remote and both modules of key and WIFI, in as is where is condition. But none responded.
The TV is occupying my son’s bed still and I have no idea what to do with further dismay setting in because of the bad experience! The only solace was that I could become instrumental in getting a free replacement for the deserving OA Home!
Here is the picture of the TV that was given to them as a free gift:
Can satisfaction get an entry into the bag this time? I leave the option to you, readers!
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 74 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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Albert van Bemmelen
March 15, 2025 at 5:19 pm
Your attempted repair again proves that fixing modern lcd led tv's is a risk. Especially when it concerns the bigger ones! But glad that the outcome was that it provided the people in the old age Home with a good and free replacement tv!
Parasuraman S
March 15, 2025 at 5:46 pm
Yes, that is the only solation we got from the hard efforts put in. Many thanks for your expert and analytical comments!
pa l
March 16, 2025 at 1:34 am
I too had a similar experience with my granddaughters led computer monitor...not one as big as your TV, but my inadvertent pressure on the screen was enough to cause visible cracks after replacing the backight leds.
So I relented and purchased her a new monitor.
Parasuraman S
March 16, 2025 at 10:31 am
That's very sad to hear. I always advise customers not to apply pressure on the screen while carrying. The crack would develop if the panel is not having cushened bed and many times when a panel is removed and re-fixed, this is not taken care of by the technicians that would cause a gap increasing the chances of crack.
Many thanks for your comments and sharing experiences.
Waleed Rishmawi
March 15, 2025 at 8:17 pm
You did what you can nothing to be ashamed of. Some times we do what is needed to be done but end up with nothing but a gained experience. Have a blessed day
Parasuraman S
March 15, 2025 at 10:39 pm
Thanks for the consolation and encouragement, dear friend!
YOGESH PANCHAL
March 16, 2025 at 1:01 am
We experienced something new, in general some electronics field Repair success Rate is 75% Because of Fast changing technology,unavailability of spares & monopoly tendency of manufacturers.
Mainly in TVs & Laptops Risk is also main concern when customer demand "Bring it back to its original state as it was",
Any way good effort Sir.
Parasuraman S
March 16, 2025 at 10:35 am
Yes, 'bring it back.....' is always a threat we have to face and deal with. I always take an advance bail sharing the naked facts of negative results with the customer and nowadays I also insist on a minimum estimate charges even if there is a failure. In this case, however, I could not do because of my association with the charitable organisation. Many thanks, dear Yogesh Bai!
Imoudu
March 17, 2025 at 4:35 am
I empathise with you sir,however being an instrument of getting a free tv set for SC is enough for satisfaction to get into the amazing bag.
Parasuraman S
March 17, 2025 at 4:15 pm
Thanks for giving permission for the satisfaction to enter into the bag! Many thanks for your continued support and encouragement, dear Imoudu!
Mark J
March 16, 2025 at 2:26 am
Parasuraman you did what you good. Thank you fro sharing.
Mark J
March 16, 2025 at 2:27 am
I meant you did what you could. Sorry for the typing mistake.
Parasuraman S
March 16, 2025 at 10:41 am
It is understood, dear Mark! No need for any 'sorry'! Typographical errors are common and many times, it go unnoticed. I usually sent an article after all spell and grammatical checks and reading and re-reading it couple of times on different days. But still I have noticed some stupid mistakes when I read it after it was published. Errors and omissions are expected, E&OE!(LOL)
Parasuraman S
March 16, 2025 at 10:36 am
Thanks, dear Mark!
Lawrence Mc Coig
March 18, 2025 at 7:17 am
A battle to the end of noble efforts. Above and beyond efforts so I would say satisfaction was deserved.
Parasuraman S
March 18, 2025 at 12:24 pm
Many thanks for your consoling support and encouragement!
Andrea Del Corso
March 18, 2025 at 10:20 pm
Bravo,come al solito!!
====================
Well done, as usual!!
Parasuraman S
March 19, 2025 at 3:46 pm
Thanks!
MUYKIT
March 18, 2025 at 11:01 pm
If I was asked to choose between personal satisfaction and blessings, I would go for blessings because they may extend to my offspring. Individual satisfaction may not live long. Engineer Parasuraman, I'm far from being a preacherman, but please hear me out. That TV came into your hands not to be repaired, but so that a free TV would be obtaind through you for the oldmen, so that you would get additional blessings for directly or indirectly coming to their aid when they needed it most. In this case nothing is comparable to a sight of oldmen with satisfaction written all over their faces watching TV,as they hd clearly dearly missed for a couple of days to watch. Watching TV could be their most preferred passtime, a long time addiction that adds bliss to their lives, refreshens their minds and puts them in a happy mood. Nothing, not even self satisfaction, is more greatly rewarding as bringing tears of joy to their spackling eyes. Religion and traditions teach that through God, oldmen can bless us.
Parasuraman S
March 19, 2025 at 3:51 pm
I am indeed blessed and indebted to God for bringing people like you in this forum, who take time to read and comment on an article with deep involvement and concern! I fully agree and endorse with your views and comments! Many, many thanks, dear Muykit! May God bless you!
MUYKIT
March 19, 2025 at 4:08 am
I like the admirable way you carry along with your fellow technicians, I envy you because mostly I come across uncorperative and mean looking ones. They only show willingness to any request if it has a financial gain attached. Some will sell to you a spare part at a high price without blinking an eye. Really a technician donated a 55 inch TV set to a home of the aged to replace a same sized Super General who had quit while on line of duty. Now is there any more use left of the Generals big screen ? How were the Generals circuit boards tested and found to be fine ? Beyond a voltage regulator IC and its associated components what else could possibly go wrong in an LED TV lighting system?. When does it become necessary to use an LED TV lighting power module?
Parasuraman S
March 19, 2025 at 3:58 pm
Yes, this is another fortune of unity among technicians and it is another boon! We help each other promptly and selflessly! I have a few technician friends in my own town and I help them solve any problems mostly through phone or by visit when it is absolutely necessary. All these are free services with love and concern for each other. I tell them: If a customer comes to us he should be sent back satisfied. If we encounter a problem, it is a challenge to our entire technician community and we should face it that way.
The Boards are not at all required by anyone and the TV is lying with the customer, moved to their scrap yard. Other technicians usually keep the old ones for salvage, as they are running shops. But I operate from home and do not encourage storage of such salvagable scraps.
LED TVs can have multifarious problems including software issues. Some can be solved and some cannot!
Many, many thanks once again!