Return to FESA Home Page
Watts Current
SUMMER 2005

FLORIDA’S VOICE IN ELECTRONICS

"WATTS CURRENT" is the official newsletter of the
Florida Electronics Sales & Service Association, Inc.
and is published bi-monthly.
EMAIL: fesa@fdn.com

We Support NESDA

Awarded Best State Publication 1993,1996 & 2000
Visit Vance Baldwin Electronics
www.vancebaldwin.com
F.E.S.A. Officers for 2005
--------------
President
Pat Eubanks
 5323-3 Firestone Rd.
email: fesa@fdn.com Jacksonville, FL 32210
Fax: (904) 772-9492 Phone: (904) 772-1420
--------------
1st Vice President Ethan A. Allen 10878 Carroll Rd.
email: allisonallen2@aol.com Bryceville, FL 32009
Fax: (904) 266-4597 Phone: (904) 355-0267
--------------
2nd Vice President Neil Mengel 4745 San Juan Ave.
email: mengel_n@popmail.firn.edu Jacksonville, FL 32205
Fax: (904) 388-3456 Phone: (904) 388-3456
--------------
Treasurer Billy F. Williams, EHF 1409 Glendale Rd. W.
email: billyw@fdn.com Jacksonville, FL 32216
Fax: (904) 772-9492 Phone: (904) 725-9789
--------------
Secretary Larry Scott, CET 507 S. Lake Parker Ave.
email: JazzL532@aol.com Lakeland, FL 33801
Fax: (863) 687-2323 Phone: (863) 688-3172
--------------
Immediate Ken Cisson CET 7247 Adele Ct.
Past President email: keltron1@aol.com Jacksonville, FL 32277
Fax: (904) 745-6545 Phone: (904)-744-4496
--------------
Watts Current John N. Eubanks, CET 5323-3 Firestone Rd.
Editor and Publisher email: fesa@fdn.com Jacksonville, FL 32210
Fax: (904) 772-9492 Phone: (904) 772-1420
--------------
Home Page Editor Bob Williams PO Box 17835
and FESA Web Master email: bobw@duckman.net Jacksonville, FL 32245
--- Note ---
FESA or Watts Current neither endorses any company, product or service - nor guarantees the validity of statements made in any advertisement - appearing in any advertisement or article included in this publication. Watts Current is published quarterly. All articles to be published in "Watts Current" must be received by John Eubanks, Editor, 5323-3 Firestone Rd., Jacksonville, Fl 32210 by the following dates: 2/15, 5/15, 8/15, and 11/15 in order to be printed in the next newsletter. Otherwise, they will be published in the following issue, as appropriate. Please send any inquires or comments to the Editor. Please excuse any grammar or punctuation errors you may find as this newsletter is entirely composed and published by association volunteers.
Visit PTS Electronics
www.ptscorp.com
President's Message

Members and Friends,

Again we are indebted to Viola and Ethan Allen for all the work they put into our FESA-Jax picnic. They did an outstanding job, finding such a good location, then planning, promoting and hosting this event. Thanks to them it was a memorable event complete with good food and good friends. Make sure when you see them to thank them. They do FESA proud!

It was also good to see Russ Gray with his family who drove up from Daytona to be with us. We enjoyed their company and look forward to seeing them all again at NPSC 2005. Unfortunately our NESDA region 2 Director, Doug Freeman was unable to be with us but only because he was in the hospital. He had an appendectomy and is now back at work although just a little bit lighter.

Wow... what a response we received from the invitation issued in our last Watts issue to sponsor our FESA Hospitality Room at NPSC 2005. We received four offers. We immediately accepted the first and remain gratefully thankful for all of the others. Our Sponsor this year will be Hitachi America Home Electronics. Thanks to all who were willing to help and thanks to Hitachi for coming through for us once again.

We are now seeking members and friends to help us host the FESA/NPSC 2005 Hospitality Room sponsored by Hitachi. Please let us know if you can help. Caution no grumps need apply.

Sincerely,
Pat Eubanks
President FESA
Seeing Ain’t Believing Anymore

Every time you think, "You’ve seen it all" you soon realize…you haven’t. Even Samuel Clemens once met a very homely lady that caused him to all to quickly proclaim, "He had met the world’s ugliest woman." However shortly thereafter honesty caused him to correct his previous statement with the following, " After meeting her sister, I have grossly misstated the facts."

As a young man and for many years afterwards I have relied upon the culinary abilities of some of the South’s finest cooks. My mother, my grandmother and my wife, in the order they entered my life, prepared the best meals I’ve had the pleasure of consuming. They used recipes passed down from generations before them. Some things… just aren’t meant to be tampered with! You can’t make them any better. Most Southern Folks don’t crave bagels because they know about biscuits. Knives forks and spoons posses the same intangibles. You may put different handles on them but they are still a knife, fork and spoon, superbly doing what they were intended to do. Lets face it...Chopsticks ain’t gonna work in grits. A whole lot like Southern Fried Chicken. You know…. They call young chickens fryers for a reason. You can put them on a fancy plate or a platter but if they ain’t fried right it simply ain’t gonna matter…unless you never knew the difference! In my humble southern culinary opinion…tampering with the preparation of time tested traditional meals is an extreme social disorder. Dining out at unknown establishments is not an experience I embrace.

On my latest adventure into the world of dining out with modern cooking … we went to an establishment called Waldo’s Surf & Turf at the behest of an impromptu invitation from an inner family in-law. I was suspicious from the beginning but assured by my spouse…all my apprehension was unfounded…. because she had eaten at Waldo’s before. That’s real encouraging…she used to regularly eat at her mothers too…until I happened along and rescued her.

I ordered boiled shrimp along with some grits and hushpuppies…assuming any one serving grits couldn’t have veered too far into some open broccoli compost pit. That was…until I was asked if I wanted my boiled shrimp hot or cold? Everyone around me seemed uncomfortable…awaiting my answer to this question from our waitress. "Warm enough to peel easy but cold enough to handle," I politely replied …as they all chuckled in relief. They know how serious I take my boiled shrimp! I don’t want them prepared by a novice.

When my order arrived…two things immediately caught my eye. The grits were in a bowl. Southerners of my ilk don’t crave their grits served in a bowl…they want them on their plate…and above all…they ain’t gonna dip my boiled shrimp into any drawn butter. We need cocktail or tartar sauce for this. I think Waldo would be more at ease around a pasta machine than he could ever be at any real Southern shrimp boil.

The only means imaginable to convey my feelings of frustration to them, over trampling Southern Culinary traditions…would be sending a statue of the Venus De Milo with her missing arm re-attached, proudly displaying the universal digit of disagreement along with a portrait of the Mona Lisa blowing a big Raspberry. In future forays I will return to the knowingly more reliable Fish Lips Bar & Grill. When in Rome, do as the Romans do…I ain’t in Rome. What they did to boiled shrimp, won’t qualify for bait in Louisiana. You can wonder "where is Waldo"... but I won’t.

There is a TV commercial that "blows me away" too. It is a modern "Cat Food" advertisement for "indoor Cats of the four footed variety." The focus of this ad is on the nutritional needs of Cats living indoors. Rather annoyed by its lengthy presentation while awaiting the resumption of my regular demolition-derby programming, I distinctly heard the following claim. "It (the Cat Food featured in the ad) contains those garden greens indoor cats desire." Are you kidding me? Has anyone ever seen a cat eat salad? Maybe at Waldos! The only thing I’ve observed a cat eat from a garden is a bird, a mouse, a lizard and a grasshopper. The lizard was green when first caught but soon turned reddish brown when regurgitated. Beyond that… I’ve seen Cats carve soft spots in newly formed garden furrows. They must be planting those garden green seeds this ad says they crave so strongly. Silly old me I thought they were gonna relieve themselves. All this time those clever cats were watering and fertilizing garden green seeds they had just planted. My grandpa didn’t even know that…if he had he wouldn’t have thrown all those corncobs at them…to run them out of his garden.

We can learn a lot from things around us. Mostly… how stupid others take us to be. Do you think a bee selects a honey suckle by the way it looks or the way it smells? I don’t know…I have never blind folded a bee but a visit to the florist never produced hunger pains for me…as passing by the oven when my wife cooks home made biscuits does…even if my cardiologist doesn’t agree! Does it take a cardiologist to figure out, " the way to a mans heart is through his stomach?" No and it doesn’t take a culinary floral artist named Waldo to get my "Dinner ready" either!

"Nutritional Political Correctness" enforced by the Media Food Police has long since polluted human meals with their favorite seasoning…verbal baloney. Now they are even going after our pets! It is common to see dog food bags and boxes with pictures of fresh carrots, green beans, corn and wheat displayed on them. The fact that pets advertised are expected to consume this… are carnivores doesn’t seem to matter. One rationale that may apply…those pets ain’t gonna pay for it…and they ain’t gonna eat it either…no matter how badly it may disappoint the politically correct "Vegan" pet owners. Purchasing this stuff for a cat or dog makes as much sense as purchasing a bunch of morning glories for delivery to your favorite lady in the afternoon…hoping…they are gonna make her hungry…they’ll make her real hungry…to tell you how stupid that was…everyday of her life. To reset her speech patterns…you may even be forced to return to Waldo’s.

Hardcore Skeeter-gram
Visit Andrews Electronics
www.andrewselectronics.com
Sometimes the Knock-Off is Better than the Real Thing

This problem is one that just won’t go away. Most of us have observed some subtle happenings ongoing in this industry from our own respective perspective. The Thomson Projection Televisions have always been popular products with customers and servicers alike that had good support. However at present there is a problem they appear to be ignoring. It revolves around their OEM replacement IHVT P/N 239111 in the very popular PTK195 chassis.

The problem is an excessive failure rate of these OEM replacement integrated high voltage transformers. We thought that we had resolved the problem after the first onslaught of this failure. We found a note contained in the very similar 197 chassis regarding IFT replacement on that chassis. Albeit a different part number (237506) the circuits both are used in are virtually identical. It (SPS444) contained this note...Procedure: When replacing the 237506 IHVT, also replace capacitor C14710 and R14704 with the new components supplied with this kit to ensure reliable operation of the IHVT. Failure to replace these components when installing this IHVT may result in IHVT failure. After seeing this with the knowledge that both circuits are for all practical purposes identical we ass-u-med.

The note could be just as applicable to the 239111 in the PTK195. It seemed to be doing the trick for us having installed these additional components with our latest 239111 IHVTs without a failure...but that success was short lived. Just like the big-mouths on TV responding to some sporting event participant who hadn’t missed a scoring attempt in his last jillion tries….then misses...well that jinx applies to more than sporting events. I had recently posted of our success in these IHVT failures since discovering this note and complying with it...until it all blew apart late last week.

This additional service request came in from the customer who stated her Projection TV had just exploded when turned on and she heard the sound of glass breaking. We advised her to unplug it then leave it unplugged until we could get there to see what occurred. This unit is a RCA Model P52927 projection television receiver with a PTK 195 chassis that we had serviced about two weeks prior. That service consisted of replacing the IHVT with an OEM part (239111) along with both OEM components noted above.

The glass breaking sound reported captured our attention, knowing that the only glass to be broken in the unit was a mirror in some cases and the three CRT’s.

It was hard to believe the mirror could have broken with a failure on the chassis due to the majority of components located within the lite-box design which is a natural barrier between these components and the mirror...but anything is possible...so we waited to see the actual damage before wildly speculating aloud.

When we arrived we removed the lite box access panel. Then immediately noted the IHVT was split in half horizontally separated around the entire outer perimeter of the insulating cover. We also noted the ferrite core blown into three pieces, two laying loose nearby on the chassis with a small stump left from the core, remaining in its proper place within the center of the IHVT. Further inspection revealed that no damage was incurred by any of the CRTs and the mirror was intact which happened to be made of mylar. So where did this breaking glass sound come from? We think it was caused by the broken sections of ferrite core bouncing off nearby metal heat syncs... since tapping them against these metal heat syncs produce a ringing sound very similar to that of breaking glass.

It is normally a good rule of thumb to use the OEM replacement part when you have that option however this is one instance that this rule does not apply. This problem has been brought to manufacturer and distributor alike without resolution. When problems are ignored and continue to exist it soon becomes apparent that someone feels procrastination will create the cure. When confined to a specific batch known to have defects then depleting that stock will resolve this problem...provided the defect has been corrected in all subsequent batches, however that is a bean counting weasel’s way of resolution. When known the defective batch should have been recalled and replaced with non defective IHVTs. That hasn’t happened and the defective batch has randomly been proliferated throughout the distribution network stock replacements P/N 239111.

Although there are at least 3 producers of generic IHVTs some of these have become problematic in their own rights. At present we are using the HR replacements when available with good results as this article goes to press. The 239111 above was replaced with a HR 8551 even though we have in stock an OEM 239111. All that was replaced in this PTK 195 lite-box was the IHVT. No other components were defective and replacing the IHVT returned the unit to normal operations. After playing the unit for several days and monitoring its operation we returned the lite-box and reinstalled it in the customers set. It is now operating with no problems reoccurring….yet!

Editor Watts Current
NPSC Tentative Events Schedule 2005

Date of Last Update 6/22/05


CET/CSM Certification, NASTeC, and FCC testing will be offered daily throughout the convention by request.

TUESDAY 8 a.m.
Golf Outing, sponsored by Tritronics, Inc. Limit of 40 individuals. Contact Jim Scarff at 800/638-3328 x 1228 or jscarff@tritronicsinc.com to register. (Please register for NPSC prior to registering for golf.)

1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m...NESDA Board Meeting

6 p.m. - 7 p.m...Welcome Reception -- Sponsored by ServicePower Field Service Solutions

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27
Registration Desk Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

7:30 a.m. - 8 a.m...First Timer Orientation

8 a.m. - 9 a.m….Breakfast -- Sponsored by Pioneer

9:15 a.m. - 12:15 a.m...NESDA Past Presidents Meeting

9 a.m. - 12 noon...SEMINAR: Samsung 2005 DLP Training -- This course is designed to assist technicians in troubleshooting and repairing DLP products. The course covers troubleshooting, alignments, circuit explanations and repair techniques. Previous Model DLP service hints will be provided but the focus will be on new technology. The course highlights the most recent technology used in Samsung DLP products. The course will cover the 2005 pedestal and tabletop units including the new 1080P models. (Trainer -- Jim Swift, Samsung) (alternate session Thursday 9 a.m. - 12 noon)
9 a.m. - 12 noon...SEMINAR: Maytag 2005 Neptune Electronic Refrigerator Platform (Trainers -- John Stanton and Gary Freislinger, Maytag)

9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m...SEMINAR: Servicing Panasonic's LCD Projection TV's -- An overview of Panasonic 2005 LCD Projection TV and its features as related to servicing. Power-on sequence to ballast circuit and lamp-on; protection error codes and corresponding circuits; troubleshooting video circuit; using OSD and service mode to point out defect. (Trainer -- Herb Chin, Panasonic, Secaucus NJ) (alternate session Friday 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

9:30 a.m. - 12 noon...ISCET Instructors & Certification Administrator Conference: Presentation of the Online Testing and Learning Systems, with discussion and statistics. Thumbnail sketches of the new ISCET certifications being proposed as well as those already approved.

Wednesday 10 - 11 a.m...EXHIBITOR BREAKOUT SESSION: The Hidden Cost of Parts Management -- Join long-time industry leader Lowell Peters as he moderates a panel of experts in retailing, manufacturing and warranty administration. The panelists will discuss these challenges, among others: (1) Why are your administrative costs eating up your parts profits? (2) Are you losing money on core and dud parts administration? (3) Are your parts sales meeting your annual goals? (Scott Schifilliti, Partsearch Technologies)

Noon - 1:30 p.m...Lunch -- Sponsored by Thomson

1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m...SEMINAR: Electronically Controlled Laundry (GE)

1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m...SEMINAR: CSM (Certified Service Manager) Prep Class (Trainer -- Rob Steinruck CET/CSM)

1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m...SEMINAR: CET (Certified Electronics Technician) Prep Class (Trainers -- Jim Fellows CET/CSM and Dan Mundy CET/CSM)

1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m...EXHIBITOR BREAKOUT SESSION: How to Make Warranty Service Calls Profitable (Randy Whitehead CET/CSM)

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m...EXHIBITOR BREAKOUT SESSION: Managing Service Performance (Randy Whitehead CET/CSM)

1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m...SEMINAR: Hitachi Plasma and LCD Field Service Issues (Part 1) -- Covering information obtained from the field and from information obtained through Service Technicians and other forums. Also, understanding other issues such as POP Purchase on Demand or (CableCards) and HDMI. (Trainer -- Alvie Rodgers CET) (Class begins Wednesday afternoon and continues Thursday morning at 9 a.m.)

5 p.m...KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Gary Shapiro, President & CEO, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)

6:15 - 7 p.m...Cocktails -- Sponsored by Andrews Electronics; Tritronics, Inc.; and Fox International Dinner -- Sponsored by Sharp

9 p.m. - 10:30 p.m...GROUP SHARE SESSION: Best Ideas Contest -- Gerry McCann Bring your best business practices with you to share

THURSDAY, JULY 28...Registration Desk Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

7:30 - 8 a.m….First Timer Orientation

8 a.m. - 9 a.m…Breakfast -- Sponsored by Panasonic

9 a.m. - 10 a.m...NESDA State and Local Representatives Meeting

Thursday..9 a.m. - 12 noon...SEMINAR: Samsung 2005 DLP Training -- This course is designed to assist technicians in troubleshooting and repairint DLP products. The course covers troubleshooting, alignments, circuit explanations and repair techniques. Previous Model DLP service hints will be provided but the focus will be on new technology. The course highlights the most recent technology used in Samsung DLP products. The course will cover the 2005 pedestal and tabletop units including the new 1080P models. (Trainer -- Jim Swift, Samsung) (alternate session Wednesday 9 a.m. - 12 noon)

9 a.m. - 12 noon...SEMINAR: Hitachi Plasma and LCD Field Service Issues (Part 2) -- Covering information obtained from the field and from information obtained through Service Technicians and other forums. Also, understanding other issues such as POP Purchase on Demand or (CableCards) and HDMI. (Trainer -- Alvie Rodgers CET) (Continuation of class that began Wednesday afternoon.)

9 a.m. - 12 noon...SEMINAR: Toshiba 2004 PJTV with IICB Interface Demo (alternate session 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Friday) (Trainer -- Phillip Baxter, Toshiba)

9 a.m. - 1 p.m...SEMINAR: Electronically Controlled Refrigeration (GE)

9 a.m. - 12 noon...SEMINAR: Maytag 2005 Neptune Front Loading Washer/DryerPlatform (Trainers -- John Stanton and Gary Freislinger, Maytag)

9 a.m. - 12 noon...SEMINAR: Training and Introduction to Philips/IBM Web Portal for Service & Support (this is a "come and go" session) (Trainer -- TBA)

10 a.m. - 12 noon...NESDA Annual Membership Meeting

10 a.m. - 11 a.m...EXHIBITOR BREAKOUT SESSION: New Technologies to Optimize the Service Delivery Process -- ServicePower Field Service Solutions

10 a.m. - 12 noon …EXHIBITOR BREAKOUT SESSION: CDA Software -- User Meeting & Training Session -- Introduction to the new CDA Service Manager Version 8.6. Training and discussions on new features including Vendor Invoice and Core tracking, Automatic Commission assignments, enhanced communications and email functions, and much more.

11 a.m. - 12 noon...EXHIBITOR BREAKOUT SESSION: Using ServiceBench to Receive Electronic Service Requests -- Learn the "ins and outs" of the ServiceBench dispatch application and get your part of COD and warranty repairs being sent by Sony, Mitsubishi, Whirlpool, Electrolux, LG, and Sears. Over 50,000 service requests are sent monthly to independent service companies via ServiceBench and over 35% are COD. Tap into this source of work and receive your share of the volume, at no cost to you.

12:30 p.m...Luncheon -- Pending

1 p.m. - 3 p.m...SEMINAR: Sharp (details to come).

1:30 - 3:30 p.m...SEMINAR: Thomson Dead Set Troubleshooting and PTV Digital Convergence

2:30 - 4 p.m… SEMINAR: Your mother taught you to share! Networking Home or Office -- A basic Primer. Information on equipment and basic network terminology; along with networking strategies. (Del Whiteman CET/CSM)

1:30 - 5:30 p.m...TRADE SHOW

5 p.m...NESDA Officer Elections

6 - 7 p.m….Cocktails/Dinner -- Sponsored by Philips

FRIDAY, JULY 29...Registration Desk Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

8 a.m. - 9 a.m...Breakfast -- Sponsored by Toshiba

9 a.m. - 12 noon...ISCET Board of Directors Meeting

9:10 - 10:15 a.m...Servicer Information Symposiums (First Half of Companies)

10:30 - 11:35 a.m...Servicer Information Symposiums (Second Half of Companies)

11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m...Luncheon -- Sponsored by ServicePower Field Service Solutions and Nextel

1:30 - 4 p.m...TRADE SHOW

1:30 - 2 p.m...Informational Session: Using the ListServ® NESDAnet program, searching the archives, resolving password issues, virus issues and more.

1:30 - 4:30 p.m...Hall of Fame Member Meeting

1:30 - 4:30 p.m...SEMINAR: Toshiba 2004 PJTV with IICB Interface Demo (alternate session 9 a.m. - noon Thursday) (Trainer -- Phillip Baxter, Toshiba)

1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m...SEMINAR: Servicing Panasonic's LCD Projection TV's -- An overview of Panasonic 2005 LCD Projection TV and its features as related to servicing. Power-on sequence to ballast circuit and lamp-on; protection error codes and corresponding circuits; troubleshooting video circuit; using OSD and service mode to point out defect. (Trainer -- Herb Chin, Panasonic, Secaucus NJ) (alternate session Wednesday 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.)

2:30 - 4:30 p.m...SEMINAR: "There is money in those walls!" From inception to conclusion, how to sell and install electronic entertainment systems throughout today’s high tech homes. This course will teach the basics of successful sales, design and installation approaches. What products do I spec, where do I purchase them, and how much do I charge? You will have the answers to these and many other questions at the conclusion of this presentation. (Trainers -- Fred Paradis CSM and Brian Gibson CET, Elite Media Solutions)

5 p.m. - 6 p.m...NESDA Incoming Board Meeting

6 p.m...Group event, TBA.

SATURDAY, JULY 30...Registration Desk Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

8 a.m. - 9 a.m...Breakfast -- Sponsored by Hitachi

9:15 a.m. - 12:15 a.m...ISCET Annual Membership Meeting

9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m...Informational Session: Using the ListServ® NESDAnet program, searching the archives, resolving password issues, virus issues and more.

12 noon - 1:30 p.m...LUNCH -- ON YOUR OWN

1:30 - 5 p.m...Certification Testing for Certified Electronics Technician (CET) and
Certified Service Manager (CSM). No test to begin after 2:30 p.m.

6 p.m./7 p.m...Cash Bar

7 p.m./10 p.m.NESDA/ISCET Awards Banquet

Saturday July 30, 2005 FESA Annual Membership Meeting
1:30 PM FESA Hospitality Room
Visit B&D Enterprises
www.bdent.com
Industry Update

Philips Warns of Weak Demand
Jun 15, 2005 Dutch consumer electronics maker Royal Philips Electronics announce that it expects weak demand in consumer markets in the second quarter, which may dampen its full-year growth targets.

"Economic indicators around the world point to reduced growth rates. Europe in particular is suffering from a weakened consumer retail environment in the second quarter, hampering our growth ambitions in the short term," Philips CEO Gerard Kleisterlee, said in a statement.

Philips said its divisions in appliances, consumer electronics, and other activities will be hit in the second quarter.

Philips has a full-year revenue growth target of 5 to 6 percent, which analysts reckon will be tough to meet now. "It's evident they won't grow sales by 5 to 6 percent this year," said Victor Bareno at SNS Securities in Amsterdam.

The profit margin at the domestic appliances division, which in recent years achieved strong results on the back of the Senseo budget espresso machine and its global dominance in electric shavers, will be hit. Philips' appliances division has an operating margin target of 15 percent of sales, which it has met over the last years

However, Philips said the thin margins at consumer electronics will not be eroded further. "We're sticking to our IFO (income from operations) margin target for consumer electronics," a Philips spokesman said, adding its focus on flat TVs and its business model of outsourcing manufacturing gave the unit some profit protection.

Sales of the latest technology products, such as flat TVs, held up well. "But the more mature products are hit. There's a lot of deflation and no volumes to compensate for it," said British retail analyst Iain McDonald at Numis Securities. He could not see a recovery in the third quarter without an interest rate cut or tax relief in the key British market.

The fiercely competitive DVD, TV and Hi-Fi markets leave the company's consumer electronics division with a modest target of 2 to 2.5 percent.
In an update ahead of an analysts' meeting for its Medical Systems unit, Philips also said it was looking for further growth of that division, which it wants to make more important.

"As we explore areas for further expansion -- either through acquisitions or alliances -- we'll be looking for market, technology and clinical synergies with our existing activities to build an even stronger healthcare business," said Jouko Karvinen, CEO of the medical systems business.

He expected to increase the profitability of his unit over coming years, from the already healthy 12 percent it achieved last year, while outpacing the 4 to 5 percent market growth.

Despite the weakened market conditions, Philips still plans to spend 75 million euros (approx. U.S. $91 million) in the current quarter on its branding campaign. (Reuters)


Global Flat TV Shipments More than Double in Q1
Jun 16, 2005 Global sales of flat panel TVs more than doubled in the first quarter to 3.15 million units, driven by significant price reductions supported by large cost savings in factories, a survey found.

Shipments, although up 125 percent year-on-year, slipped slightly by 13 percent from the traditionally strong fourth quarter which benefits from Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, market research group DisplaySearch said.

In the 12 months to the first quarter of 2005, prices for the majority of liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions with screen sizes 20 inc and larger fell by a minimum 20 percent, and up to 40 percent. Revenue growth, up 141 percent at U.S. $4.1 billion in the first quarter, still outpaced unit growth because consumers opted for bigger sized flat TVs.

Europe remained the largest LCD TV region with a 41-percent share of the worldwide market, up from 38 percent in the fourth quarter. Japan remained the number-two region with 26 percent.

Sharp from Japan remained the leading LCD TV producer with a 21-percent share, down from 21.9 percent. Philips from the Netherlands remained number two, although its unit share dropped to 10.9 percent from 14.7 percent.

Samsung of South Korea overtook Sony and nearly caught Philips for the numer-three position with a 10.8-percent share. Sony claimed a 10-percent global market share. (Reuters)
Sony to Unveil New Strategy in September

Jun 22, 2005 Consumer electronics giant Sony Corp. will unveil a new strategy in late September to reallocate resources, the company's new CEO said, suggesting it would look to trim its product line-up or downsize struggling businesses.

Howard Stringer, whom shareholders approved as Sony's new CEO, said management would conduct a survey of its sprawling operations over the next few months and come up with a plan that maximizes profitability.

Welsh-born Mr. Stringer and new president Ryoji Chubachi are faced with the formidable challenge of reviving Sony's core electronics division, which has been in the red for the past 2 business years amid intense price competition.

"We cannot fight battles on every front," Mr. Stringer said after Sony's annual shareholders' meeting in Tokyo, Japan. "We have to make choices, and that is why this summer we will get together and decide what the company's priorities ought to be."

The electronics and entertainment conglomerate is in the last year of a 3-year restructuring plan that aims to slash 330 billion yen (approx. U.S. $3 billion) in fixed costs, mainly by cutting thousands of jobs in its electronics division. But many industry analysts have said Sony would need to take more drastic measures to remain competitive with strong domestic rivals such as Sharp Corp. and a growing number of low-cost Asian manufacturers producing low-cost electronics.

Lehman Brothers analyst Yuki Sugi said Sony's stock, which has lost about 5 percent and underperformed the broader market since March 7 when it named Mr. Stringer as CEO, would likely remain weak as investors wait for the new plan.

"While maintaining our longer-term positive view of the company, we think there will be a dearth of stock price catalysts at least until the end of September," Mr. Sugi wrote in a note. The potential for weak earnings in the current quarter to end-June could also weigh on the stock, Mr. Sugi said.

One area in need of repair is Sony's television unit, which lost 25.7 billion yen on an operating basis in the past business year on weak sales of traditional cathode ray tube (CTR) sets and sinking prices of liquid crystal display (LCD) models. The inventor of the Walkman is also trying to regain its footing in the portable music player market where it has been outmaneuvered by Apple Computer Inc. and its popular iPod device and iTunes online music store.

Mr. Stringer acknowledged that it would be more difficult to implement bold restructuring in Japan compared with the U.S., where he oversaw a streamlining plan called "Project USA" that produced significant cost savings by cutting thousands of jobs.

"I know I cannot use an axe in Japan, but we need to change. The world has changed and we have more competitors than ever," he said. (Reuters)
YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN FLORIDA IN JULY WHEN. . . .

The birds use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.

The trees are whistling for the dogs.

The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.

Hot water now comes out of both taps.

You can make sun tea instantly.

You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron!

The temperature drops below 90 and you feel a little chilly.

You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.

You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.

You actually burn your hand opening the car door.

You break into a sweat stepping outside at 7:30 a.m.

Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"

You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.

The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.

Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.

The cows are giving evaporated milk.
What’s Going On at the Pump?

Am I the only one that always falls through the holes in every safety net? With everyone referring to me as old fatso, you would think that rather impossible. Trust me it isn’t!

The latest incident occurred when I pulled our service van up to the pump expecting to need a Di-tech loan just to fill er-up. Since it has a better appetite for gasoline than I have for biscuits and it can hold more gallons than the number of fried shrimp I can consume ... neither is cheaply filled. Using a credit card to let this "big dog" drink is the usual answer. Insert card... lift nozzle...place in filler neck and pull the lever to the metal then become almost hypnotized watching those dollar wheels turn faster than the fruit wheels on a Vegas one armed bandit. Nearly mesmerized by that constant clickety-click, clickety-click sound...well on the way to woozyville when everything suddenly went silent.

Much like being awakened by my dog’s cold nose nudging my face I was startled into awareness, noticing those dollar wheels had stopped right smack on the $50.00 mark. Since no bells or whistles were sounding and the pump didn’t make that loud thump it does when it automatically shuts off I tried squeezing the lever in the nozzle again but nothing happened. I became even more suspicious with the exact $50.00 amount. This is almost an impossible feat with self-service pumps. I always seem to overshoot any intended amount no matter how hard I try, so I strongly felt this was unlikely random. I knew this transaction was over when the question, "do you want a receipt" appeared in the pump display window.

Aggravated by the inconvenience it would require to enter the store to protest I took my receipt, recorded the mileage on the odometer and proceeded on our service route determined to look into this later. First I called a local petroleum supplier’s corporate offices and was pleased to find it connected me with a human. I identified myself and stated my reason for calling and requested to speak with someone knowledgeable about the credit card process used in automated pumps. I was connected to someone who supposedly knew of this procedure only to start the usual phone tag games. Please leave a number and message and I will get my over-burdened butt...back with you when I can.

With a little time to reflect upon this pump process...one question kept returning to the top of my curiosity pile. How do these pumps know how much gas you need?

Obviously they can’t! There must be some standard in the automated procedure that is initiated when a credit/debit card is inserted at the pump. In a discussion someone suggested that an approval amount was sought for authorization to initiate this process? That makes sense but how much? Some say one dollar. Wouldn’t that be very risky? Yes...should someone only have a small amount remaining below limit of their credit or debit card amounts. Best to contact someone who knows how this is done.

After waiting a few days to realize the request I left with a Gate Petroleum Corporate Office would not be honored I tried another source for this information. This time I called Amerada Hess Offices in NY at its listed 800 number. It started out with diminished hope since it was answered with a prerecorded message….for sales push 1, for credit push 2 and on and on. Eventually I made a selection assuming it would get me to the next prerecorded message for an entry, however it said all representatives were busy and my call would be answered in the order it was received.

Shortly a lady’s voice came on asking how she could assist me? When I explained what I sought, she wanted to know if I intended to take my displeasure out on her for my inconvenience. I told her... no. I simply wanted to understand what happened to obtain an authorization for any specific card at an automated pump. She promptly told me they required authorization for $50.00 on the inserted card. Her answer also beat me to the follow up question regarding what happened if you needed less than $50.00. That amount would be removed from your card limit for 3 business days until the system has time to process the actual amount of the authorized purchase. Then any amount greater than the purchase will be returned to the card holders account for access as/when needed.

I inquired about increasing the authorization amount in view of escalating fuel prices. I received a surprise with her answer. At $ 2.50 per gallon fuel prices will create this same problem on many vehicles with fuel capacities exceeding 20 US gallons. This is not the problem they are concerned about. It will remain at $50.00 because this is a predetermined amount cardholders are liable for preventing the station from loss even if a purchase is contested. Altering this amount also alters the risk to the station so it isn’t being considered. The options around this are: Take the card into the cashier for manual processing after you fill which defeats the purpose of the automated pump. Insert the card again and commence another transaction which will tie up more of your cards available funds for 3 business days. Think we will fill up more often to avoid this hassle...Editor
SBA Family Owned Small Business of the Year

SBA Awards Family Owned Business of the Year

Accepting this... Award Kimberly Wagoner...Vice president TriTronics...Age young... who resides in Bel Air, Harford County, MD whose business Hero is" My dad, Roger Williams."

Baltimore Business Journal….http://baltimore.bizjournals.com...May 6-12, 2005... Kimberly Wagner, vice president of Tritronics, Inc., has worked with her father-literally-for decades.

Even as a child, Wagoner– along with her siblings-used to go on sales calls with Williams, now CEO of the Abingdon-based wholesale distributor of parts and accessories for consumer electronics.

"My father has been in sales since 1958," she said. ‘And he showed me from an early age that it wasn’t just about selling product, but about building relationships."

Today, Wagoner, her brother Randy Williams and her brother-in-law James W. Scariff, are still learning from their father.

The three work under Williams, and their children under them, in what Wagoner describes as a very successful environment.

"Its awesome," she said. "We have a blast. We depend upon each other for opinions and feed back."

Their rapport has allowed the Harford County family business to go national, open an office in Miami and grow its revenues over the years.

With 100 full-time employees, Tritronics booked 18 million in revenues last year, Wagoner said. That represents an annual increase of roughly 5 to 10 percent over the decade.

And this year the company has set $20 million as its goal-one the family hopes to achieve with a lot of togetherness and hard work in their specialized areas.

Wagoner an attorney, focuses on customer service and administration, while Randy Williams concentrates on the warehousing and purchasing. Scarff handles information technology, some purchasing and the Florida operations.

The vice president said she would like to see more of her family involved in the business her father started in 1975. "We are firm believers in nepotism," she laughed.

Bill Seccurro, president of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, said the various family members of the Tritronics team are very community-minded. "They are a family-owned business that is very engaged in the county." he said.

Wagner serves as a board member for the Harford County Chamber of Commerce as well as a board member for Open Doors, an organization that helps people get back to work….

Article by Heather Harlan/ Printed with permission granted Tritronics.
Visit Herman Panson Electronics
www.hermanpanson.com
REQUEST FOR FESA MEMBERSHIP

DATE_________


NAME_________________________________

COMPANY NAME________________________

ADDRESS_______________________________

CITY/STATE_________________ZIP_________

PHONE NO.______________________________

NO.OF EMPLOYEES_____________

Dues Per Year: 1 Person Service Center= $25.00/ 2/3 Person Service Center=$30.00/ 4/6 Person Service Center=$35.00/ 7/9 Person Service Center=$40.00/ 10 & up =$45.00. This rate schedule is for independent membership and may be affected by a chapter or affiliate in your region.

Please include your dues with your completed application, this will constitute your agreement to abide by the Constitution and BY-Laws of FESA. Members will continue to receive Watts Current.

For a Non Member Watts Current Subscription Only. Include your check for $12.00, write Watts Current subscription on this form and return it to:

Billy F. Williams EHF
1409 Glendale Rd. W.
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: (904) 725-9789
NET WIT

A young lady came home from a date looking rather sad. She told her mother, "Arthur proposed to me an hour ago." "Then why are you so sad?" her mother asked. "Because he also told me he was an atheist. Mom, he doesn't even believe there's a hell." Her mother replied, "Marry him anyway. Between the two of us, we'll show him how wrong he is."

A large company, feeling it was time for a shakeup, hired a new CEO. This new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. On a tour of the facilities, the CEO noticed a guy leaning on a wall. The room was full of workers and he wanted to let them know that he meant business! The new CEO walked up to the guy leaning against the wall and asked, "How much money do you make a week?" A little surprised, the young fellow looked at him and replied, "I make $300.00 a week. Why?" The CEO then handed the guy $1,200 in cash and screamed, "Here's four weeks' pay, now GET OUT and don't come back." Feeling pretty good about himself, the CEO looked around the room and asked, "Does anyone want to tell me what that goof-off did here?" From across the room came a voice, "Pizza delivery guy from Domino's."

A man standing in line at a check out counter of a grocery store was very surprised when a very attractive woman behind him said, "Hello!" Her face beaming. He gave her that "who are you look," but couldn't remember having seen her before. Noticing his look, she figured she had made a mistake and apologized. "Look," she said "I'm really sorry but when I first saw you, I thought you were the father of one of my children," and walked out of the store. The guy was dumbfounded and thought to himself, "What is this world coming to? Here is an attractive woman that doesn’t recall who fathers her children! " Then he became panicky. "I can't remember her," he thought but, MAYBE....during one of those wild parties he attended when he was in college, perhaps he may be involved with her ! He ran from the store and caught her in the parking lot and asked, "Are you the girl I met at a party in college when we got really drunk and had an orgy on the pool table in front of everyone?" "No", she said with a horrified look on her face. "I'm your son's second grade teacher! Author/s unknown taken from messages received on the internet.
Visit NESDA
www.nesda.com
FESA SERVICE INVOICES

PRICE LIST - MEMBERS ONLY

INVOICES ARE CARBON FOUR PART WITH CLAIM AND HARD FILE COPY
ZONES 4 & 5

#1 (SMALL)
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
63.50 125.00 183.00 218.00 275.00

IMPRINT
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
26.50 48.00 69.00 85.00 102.00

Sub Total
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
90.00 173.00 252.00 303.00 377.00

S/C
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
7.50 12.50 15.00 20.00 22.50

TOTAL
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
102.50 190.50 272.00 328.00 404.50

UPS PREPAID FREIGHT COLLECT


Please note: The price increase announced previously is now in effect. We delayed the increase until the forms previously contracted have been depleted. All form requests from this time forward will be at the posted prices, freight collect. We no longer have a supply of the LARGE invoices. We are in the process of locating new a source for our large invoices.

Until we find a new source the FESA-Large invoices are NO Longer Available.


NEW ORDERS TAKE 3 TO 4 WEEKS --- INCLUDE IMPRINT INFO WITH CHECK REPEAT ORDERS TAKE 2 TO 3 WEEKS RUSH ORDERS WILL NOT BE PLACED UNTIL I RECEIVE YOUR CHECK! MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO F.E.S.A ALL SERVICE INVOICE ORDERS SHOULD BE MAILED WITH YOUR CHECK DIRECTLY TO THE FESA TREASURER:

Mr. Billy F. Williams EHF
1409 Glendale Rd. W.
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone & Fax: (904) 725-9789

NOTE: Small Invoices are 5:5/8"W X 9:1/8" H / You must be a Member of FESA to order forms from FESA.
Visit Tritronics Incorporated
www.tritronicsinc.com
Return to FESA Home Page