Boss GE-7 Equalizer, (Monte Allums) Noise Reduction Modification

Here are a few pictures to show the Monte Allums - Boss GE-7 Equalizer mod which can purchased from his website at a very reasonable cost.

Here's a link to his website.
http://www.monteallums.com/pedal_mods.html

Of course you don't have to buy a kit, in fact you could do your own research and purchase the parts yourself -  but for the price of one of Monte's kits it's not really worth the hassle; unless of course guitar pedals are your thing.




So here is the PCB.






PCB Marked with locations of the 4 Op-amps.





4 Op-amps replaced for special low noise versions.

7 Capacitors replaced; these reduce noise and enhance the clarity.

1 Capacitor left to replace and some of the removed parts





PCB board cleaned to remove flux residue and pen marks.







Some sheets of paper slipped behind the PCB board mask the surrounding area from over-spray of PCB lacquer.

Once I got the pedal back together I tested it out and I was very pleased with the results; I could hear a definite reduction of 'hiss', especially in the top EQ ranges !

LG FLATRON W2052TQ FAULT / PROBLEM (does not turn on, hissing sound, screen flicking)

This morning when I went to switch on my computer monitor it was completely dead!  the display which is a "LG FLATRON W2052TQ"  was bought probably around 6 years ago.

So the first thing I did was tested the socket end for a mains voltage, this was fine - so I disconnected all the cables and spent a few minutes doing some web searches; these turned up a common fault with the capacitors in the power supply.

Next I dismantled the monitor; so - out came the bezel; then a few little connectors and a flat-flex cable; then 4 screws and then I had complete access to the power supply.

I could see 2 swollen capacitors and another one which was suspect;  so I decided to replace 4 just to be sure;  next using solder-wick dipped in flux I removed the old ones cleanly, and then in went the new ones.

After a little struggle to get it all back together I switched it on and it powered up and worked fine.

It seems crappy that this monitor had it's power caps fail after just a few years for the sake of not spending a tiny bit more money on better parts.

Wouldn't power-up, no signs of life!

The power board

One of the swollen capacitors.

 Removed 4; replaced 2 of 4

Replaced 4 of 4. (as seen in the 2x2 arrangement)

Now works a treat!

STOP THE BUS!!

Well, it seems after I replaced the 4 duff caps it worked fine for good while but then I got some screen flicker and hiss;  so I cracked it open yet again and replaced another duff cap which appeared to have a very visible bulging of the top.

Not sure how long this display will last as there is some very noticeable heat discolouration of the underside PCB board under what looks to be the backlight inverter.

I'll probably soak test the display for a good few hours and see if anything else fails; but one thing is for sure,  I'm not holding my breath for this one!

[UPDATE]

After a few days the unit died yet again!!  I think possibly the inverter transformer had given up;  so i looked for a replacement board but I couldn't find one, so I dumped the monitor and bought a HP one instead.