FYI: Tamper resistant fasteners in new XJ-A130 projectors!

[mpoulton]

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[polishedball]

My latest batch of XJ-A130's includes several with an "updated" laser module, which is assembled with two tamper-resistant fasteners. These two fasteners are in the lower layer of screws that holds the collimating lens plate and the diode block onto the heatsink. Not only do these screws have a funky triangular head (it's not standard tri-wing), they are installed with permanent thread locker! They cannot be unscrewed, I don't think. Fortunately a brute-force machine shop approach solves the problem just fine.

I was able to back these out with a standard tri-wing bit from my security set.

[mpoulton]

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[dsli_jon]

Hey mp -

Nice. The thread locker may be inconsistent. ...

Thanks for the '411'.... ...you also might try a little 'localized' heat - ie: with one of those little 'torch' lighters... fast-heat, finely-pointed, just on the head... or, perhaps a soldering iron, but that might need more time to soften the locker, thus spreading heat out to a wider area...

Just a thought...
peas...
j

[kitatit]

Hi mpoulton,

Maybe it's time to get medieval on it's ass!!

As the unit is not going back into service as is, a bit of destructive disassembly might be in order

I would just drill the head off the screw. As the screw is m2 a drill from 2mm-3.5mm or a 3/32-9/64th should do the trick. Run a vacuum cleaner close to the drill to keep that pesky swarf at bay.

Good luck
Kit

[mpoulton]

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[kitatit]

Nice work!


Heh heh heh... 'tamper proof" hehe heh heh. Bless em

[krazer]

In my findings I have found that any projector with a serial number starting in 1 on the second grouping (eg, wb032cjaf08-1xxxx for a A140 series)

I have found a few of them with exceptionally stiff thread locker, but for the most part a normal tri-wing screwdriver does the trick.

[White-Light]

I believe the bits are called "TP3".

Available Here in All Sizes: http://www.mcmaster.com/#triangle-sc...r-bits/=9dtrzk

TA18, 20, 23, 27

I got a set from Maplin with a single 3mm bit in but they don't seem to have them anymore:

TP3.jpg

[catalanjo]

My latest batch of XJ-A130's includes several with an "updated" laser module, which is assembled with two tamper-resistant fasteners. These two fasteners are in the lower layer of screws that holds the collimating lens plate and the diode block onto the heatsink. Not only do these screws have a funky triangular head (it's not standard tri-wing), they are installed with permanent thread locker! They cannot be unscrewed, I don't think. Fortunately a brute-force machine shop approach solves the problem just fine.

Why XJ-A130 ? .............. and not XJ-A140

Cheers

[decix]

Why XJ-A130 ? .............. and not XJ-A140

Because they contain exactly the same diodes for a lower projector price.

[polishedball]

Because they contain exactly the same diodes for a lower projector price.

From the markings on case blocks haven;t most people decided the 140's are graded higher than the 130's?

[decix]

From the markings on case blocks haven't most people decided the 140's are graded higher than the 130's?

The diodes are driven with a higher current in the A140, that's about it.
The myth that they are supposed to be better was created solely by users of this forum.

[mpoulton]

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[kobra000]

if anyone knows the proper power output of the xja-140..could you please PM it to me? im having a hard time trying to find solid data on the voltage and current going to the laser diode array..some say its 32v other say its 28.5..if anyone knows and could help.id greatly appreciate it.

thanks
Keith.

[krazer]

I have a scope capture of the current output from an XJ-A130 up on my website at http://www.krazerlasers.com/lasers/445nm/ There is no fixed output from the driver board, it is driven by a current source. Typical voltages in operation are about 30v, however the driver board will put out 20-35 volts (maybe a little more, but it will stress the rest of the projector components if it doesn't shut off immediately) depending on the load you connect. The current peaks at 1.44A, and runs at 1.22A for a period of time, which I believe is during the green generation part of the output.

[kobra000]

KRAZER

so the current shifts according to which color is being pulsed? stands to reason,each one have a different power need and load placed on the system ,the lasers,the red led,the phosphor wheel,although this is not a light source it still acts as one.
now would all these numbers be slightly higher or the same for the xj-a140?
20-35 volts good i can use that the current is also where i was hoping it would be,now just gotta harness it safely somehow. would it be possiable to come straight off the driver board or power supply to power an alternate light soruce? instead of fiddleing around ith resistors and diodes and all the trial and error?

thanks for answering i appreciate it very much.


Keith.

[opcom]

This thread reminds me of a previous experience with an old IBM computer monitor I wished to modify for an XY audio display. Back in the day, IBM detested anyone 'tampering' with 'their' products. To that end the Torx fasteners had reverse threads, unscrewing clockwise. Just something to consider when new challenges present themselves.