In the last couple weeks I’ve seen about 5 MacBooks all from clients reporting that their speakers are not working, but when they plug in external speakers, or headphones the volume starts working.

The fix that I’ve found is to take a paperclip and poke around inside the headphone jack until it starts working again.

Keep in mind that any damage you do to your computer this way won’t be covered under your warranty. I won’t be held responsible for any damage you do.

It’s official, I despise Sanyo projectors, and will NEVER buy another Sanyo product, Projector, TV, nothing.  I’m sticking with Epson projectors.

Different model numbers are all called “Pro Xtrax”!  There are at least 5 different models all called Pro Xtra x.  I’ve seen various PLC XU43, XU73, XU35,  XU32, and XU105.  I’m sure there are more, but those are the model numbers I’ve seen.  Now, try to find a owner’s or user’s manual for these things and it will drive you crazy!

Secondly, the menu system is ridiculous.  The horizontal then vertical menu’s are confusing and look like they were programmed by someone who was dyslexic.

Ok, here are some problems and solutions I’ve run into.

Sanyo Pro Xtrax Shuts down after 30 seconds

If your Sanyo Pro Xtra X projector turns on, looks great and then shuts down after 30 seconds or less (I’ve seen them stay on for 20 seconds and even one only stayed on about 5-10 seconds), try these two solutions and hopefully it will fix it.

1. Replace the mainboard.  Two projectors overheated blowing a capacitor. That is what the repair guy told me. I don’t know what or how it actually happened, but I think it was related to the filters getting plugged with dust and dirt and not being replaced and cleaned regularly.

2. Replace the bulb. One projector also had the yellow “Lamp Replace” (or “Replace Bulb”, I don’t remember which) light on. I tried a second bulb and that actually fixed it. With this one I think the bulb was overheating, and the projector was fine. In a related incident, I had the exact same symptoms, shutting down almost instantly, and no yellow (or amber colored) light was on. I replaced the bulb and it worked.

Sanyo Pro XtraX won’t turn on, Red Light flashes

This problem also has two solutions from what I’ve noticed and is related to overheating.

1. Unplug power, clean filters. If you’re comfortable, take out the bulb and take off the cover. When you have it apart, blow some canned air inside and blow as much dust out of it as you can. The more dust and dirt that gets in there, the less air flows through the unit. After about 5 minutes, plug the power cord back in. FYI, turning the unit off will not reset it, you actually have to unplug the power cord.

2. Replace main board. Unfortunately the other solution is to replace the mainboard (motherboard). For us, this solution isn’t a solution because the repair cost is almost as much as a new projector so we end up throwing out the old projector and buying a new one.

Update: I ran into a different Sanyo Pro Xtra X with a flashing red light, and then a flashing orange or amber colored light. The only solution I found was replacing the motherboard on that one as well.

View all posts in the Life of Tech Support series.

It happens more often that I would like to think, but I get called by a client who has a computer that “won’t work” or “won’t boot up” or “won’t turn on”.  In any case I try to give them a little support before getting in the car.  Did you restart?  Does it make any noise when starting?  When did it last work?

So last week I get to the workstation and the laptop is turned off with the lid open.  I push the power button and nothing happens.  I turn it over and push the battery indicator button.  The battery is dead.  I check the surrounding area for a power cord and can’t find one.  I ask the user, “Where is the power cord?”  “Power cord?” comes the response.  “Ya, the one that charges the battery, it’s white, plugs into the wall and into the hole right here.” I said.

User: I didn’t know I needed it, I left it at home.

Me: You didn’t know you needed to plug in your laptop?

User: I didn’t know I needed to do it every day.

Me: You’ve been using this laptop for 3 months, what have you done up until today?

User: Today is the first day I went to use it.

Me: So it’s been sitting here on your desk for 3 months?

User: No, it’s been sitting on my front passenger seat.

Me: In a case?

User: No, should it be?

Me: (What I wanted to say) Nope, thieves prefer to know what they’re stealing before they break into a car!

Me: (What I actually said) First of all it shouldn’t be sitting in your car unless you’re in the car with it.  Leave it at the office in your desk drawer, or take it home with you to keep it safe.

Yes, this is my average day.  Who’s next in line for help?