The menu problem with the wrong EEPROM is pretty normal. Get the
correct EEPROM and it should work ok. You should power the set on
with the new correct EEPROM installed, then swap the original bad
EEPROM in (with the set running) and enter service mode to write down
all the tuner settings.
That procedure has never failed me. I've seen some very strange
symptoms when the EEPROM was corrupted. I had one that wouldn't come
into horizontal sync, no matter how I adjusted the horizontal
frequency. A new EEPROM fixed the set.
Andy Cuffe
You can also just get a reader for about $30 or less and transfer the data
from the old EEPROM to the new one without having to do a hot swap. You can
even use a good EEPROM from another model if it is the same type. Fixed
lots of RCAs this way without having to inventory so many EEPROMS or
ordering them. I also keep a library of EEPROM data for various chassis and
models in case I get one where the data is corrupt.
Leonard
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>
>You can also just get a reader for about $30 or less and transfer the data
>from the old EEPROM to the new one without having to do a hot swap. You can
>even use a good EEPROM from another model if it is the same type. Fixed
>lots of RCAs this way without having to inventory so many EEPROMS or
>ordering them. I also keep a library of EEPROM data for various chassis and
>models in case I get one where the data is corrupt.
>
>Leonard
>
Where are you finding such a cheap EPROM programmer?
Also, how do you copy just the alignment data without also copying the
corrupted firmware to the new EEPROM?
Andy Cuffe
Lots of times, especially on the 185 chassis for some reason, the firmware
is fine and the EEPROM itself is bad. Copying everything saves a LOT of
time. We once stocked lots of RCA EEPROMS but not anymore. In fact I have
been recycling the old unused inventory by copying good data to the chips
from different sets if the EEPROM type is the same. If there is corrupt
data I know of no way to extract the alignment info without getting the set
cranked up and recording it manually. Someone may know the layout of the
data but I don't. Somewhere I remember seeing someone who claimed to have
identified the location of the bad data that caused the audio muting
problems on the 177 chassis, but I can 't find the info and have never
bothered to sort out the data myself.
You can find a cheap programmer here:
http://www.didya.com/product_detail.asp?pid=15
and you can find kits or build one for half that. Use PonyProg, which is
freeware.
I have a couple of dozen data files for various sets if anyone needs them.
Someone else had some on a web site a while back so if you search you can
likely find them.
Leonard
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And if you need more capability
http://www.willem.org/catalog/index.php?cPath=1&osCsid=gebid94bv0uvsuonkbhk77vej1
These are for sale on ebay regularly as well. I have one and it handles
every type of ROM chip I've thrown at it yet and I think it was only $40
or so. These things are really much cheaper than they used to be.