Fixing a BENQ MX518 projector

The school where my kids learn have some old (10 year old) projectors and they are starting to fail. I took down one of them (a BENQ MX518 model) and tried to fix it. Its lamp didn't start and it showed two red leds: Lamp and Temp:

I replaced the lamp with a new one, but when I tried to start it it would still show both leds on and wouldn't power on the lamp.

So, I took it down and tore it apart (in addition to the screws, there were some plastic clips that need opening). Inside, as expected, was a thick layer of dust:

The radiators were full of dust, but the fans still worked. The dust worked as an insulator, preventing components from cooling.

This is not a fan, but a speaker!

Thankfully, the capacitors on board looked fine, without leaks

The components below seem to have been fixed in place with hot glue, so that they don't vibrate:

After a thorough cleanup (with a vacuum, alcohol and cotton swab) most of the dust was removed and I could test the lamp once more. Take care to secure the tact switch for the lamp door (close the lid), because otherwise it doesn't power on:

Now it works, and it's back in the classroom:

So, next time, try to save your projector from the bin! It might just work after cleaning.

Comments

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February 28, 2023 at 12:54 AM

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