Scrolling bars using agile modulator

[bigaudioal]

Originally Posted by robert1

The "scrolling bar" problem is most definetly caused by failing electrolytic caps in the power supplies of those modulators. this was a common problem with them as those agile modulators were powered on 24/7 while they were in service. this problem was also present in cable boxes as well. i used to sevice these kind of things.

Thanks. I'll crack mine open and replace. Looks fairly easy and straightforward.

[bigaudioal]

Well after opening up my Blonder Tongue agile modulator, what do I find?? Bulging, gooey, leaky lytics!!!! Thanks to Phil and Bob for pointing out this possible issue.

Now to order four 1000 uf @ 35 v caps and replace.

Thanks gents!!!

[vts1134]

I replaced all of the electrolytics on my BT modulator and it had zero effect on the scrolling bars. I highly suggest you follow Dave's advice and wire the unit directly to the TV and see if this solves your problem. I went through two modulators as well as power supply electrolytics all with no difference. Hard wiring the modulators to my sets cured the symptom entirely and gave me a much cleaner signal in the end.

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by bigaudioal

Well after opening up my Blonder Tongue agile modulator, what do I find?? Bulging, gooey, leaky lytics!!!! Thanks to Phil and Bob for pointing out this possible issue.

Now to order four 1000 uf @ 35 v caps and replace.

Thanks gents!!!

Yikes! I'd better check mine too. Is that goo from really from the caps or just glue to hold them in place ? I've never seen caps leak that much. Usually the tops bulge and start to crack along the "X"

Originally Posted by vts1134

I replaced all of the electrolytics on my BT modulator and it had zero effect on the scrolling bars. I highly suggest you follow Dave's advice and wire the unit directly to the TV and see if this solves your problem. I went through two modulators as well as power supply electrolytics all with no difference. Hard wiring the modulators to my sets cured the symptom entirely and gave me a much cleaner signal in the end.

Sure, but why use a huge modulator with a RF amp for one set ? You could get a much small, less expensive modulator for direct drive.

[vts1134]

Originally Posted by bandersen

Sure, but why use a huge modulator with a RF amp for one set ? You could get a much small, less expensive modulator for direct drive.

You could...but why would you ? I'm using two of them to drive two different channels to multiple sets. Cheaper modulators don't usually give you channel selection beyond 3 and 4, besides I didn't want to hook up plastic fantastic modulators to my sets, just didn't seem right.

[bigaudioal]

Originally Posted by bandersen

Yikes! I'd better check mine too. Is that goo from really from the caps or just glue to hold them in place ? I've never seen caps leak that much. Usually the tops bulge and start to crack along the "X"

These are bulging from the middle of the cap down towards the board. Hard to tell in the photos, but if you look at them from the top down, they are definitely bulging. If that is glue, sure did not adhere very well. I can wiggle the caps in place and it sure seems like the only thing holding them in place is the solder connections. I will report back when I remove them from the board if that was a horrible glue job or if they were leaking. I just ordered the replacements from Mouser, along with some resistors for my Telebar.