Weird projector issue--anyone have this?

[SJ Tech]

I'm hoping someone can help me.  We have a SMART Board with a Unifi 55 projector.  In the spring it started doing this weird flashing, where for a split second the colors would invert like a negative and then return to normal.  At first it was only occasional.  Then it started doing it more often, until it was almost constant, and then the projector would only run a few seconds more before shutting down.  We sent it out for service, they sent us a brand new one, and that one is doing the same thing.  Has anyone else seen this?  If so, have you had any success in fixing it?

[Obe Hostetter]

If you are using a MAC, the white vga adapters do go bad.  You can bend them to get colors back or just replace the vga adapter.  If you are using a windows computer, replace the vga cabes. 

I have also fixed one Unifi 55 projector by cleaning it really well.  I unplugged the power and let the projector sit for 5 minutes and then took out the bulb.  Since the projector doesn't have a filter, I got canned air and cleaned all the filters or spaces all around the projector well and then put the bulb in and that projector has been working since then.  

[Leslie Cothern]

I work with tech in my school.  Assuming your Unifi 55 projector is still under warrantee, you should goto www.smarttech.com and submit an RMA request.  From this description, this is a Colorwheel failure, probably caused by a dust build up on the top of the unit where there is an air-vent.  I have had to replace several of this model.  

-Gus

[Chris Heywood]

Gus is right...we call these units "flashers".

SMART Technologies or your SMART reseller should be able to help you with this. In addition, SMART is shipping a special cleaning tool for all unifi 55 units that helps blow out the dust and extending the projector warranty by one year.

SMART does have a modification to stop the "flashing" but you will need to RMA your unit.

[Sarah]

I have had to arrange every one of ours to be replaced, and some more than once! There was the modification of a small rubber plug over the vent but this still wasn't a fix for all. After the units went out of warranty (1month or so - typical!) I contacted Steljes to be told it was £150 just to look at one and then any work would be on top - £150!! It was only this academic year that someone decided to send me the cleaning tool, I wasn't aware there was one as it had never been mentioned before despite having regular contact with Steljes...

Now I have to look at what to do next and not liking the fact that there is only one company in the UK that can get the parts for Smart, I'm tempted to look at other models but unfortunately we have 8 of the height adjustable boards which can't be adapted to take a different projector - grrr.