Q1: My port grommets are the wrong type, damaged or missing. Are replacements and/or different sizes available?

A1: Yes, we stock the standard 10mm and 5mm hole grommets priced individually. Hole-less grommets can be special ordered, but are not always stocked.

Q2: Where can I get a replacement fluorescent bulb for my light fixture?

A2: If you have more than one trainer try swapping bulbs first as the problem is likely something other than the bulb. The fluorescent tubes supplied in our current light fixtures are rated for 10,000hrs. Replacements can be purchased from 3-Dmed. Remove your bulb and tell us the number/letter sequence on it beginning with the letter “T” and the length of the bulb so we can supply you with the correct bulb.

Q3: What causes the picture to become “grainy”?

A3: Insufficient light can cause a “grainy” display. Make sure the trainer work light(s) is (are) on and avoid working in a dark or poorly lit room if possible. Fluorescent bulbs become dim at the end of their life. If this is the case and it affects the quality of the picture it is time for replacement. See A2 if you want to order a replacement bulb.

Q4: Why is the display image foggy or out of focus?

A4: The focus can be adjusted on all of our cameras. Most models have a small setscrew in the side of the camera body to hold the factory setting. Others have a wave spring behind the lens that maintains tension. For setscrew models the screw must first be loosened before adjustment. This requires a .050″ (typically the smallest one in a standard, inch set or contact us) hex key wrench. On all models simply turn the lens in or out of the camera body to obtain the desired focal point. If focus adjustment does not result in a sharp image the lens filter may be cloudy due to exposure of heat, humidity or other environmental factors. If you think this may be the problem please contact us for assistance.

Q5: The lighting works but the screen is completely black with no message displayed. What is wrong?

A5: Most likely, the power supply for the LCD monitor has become disconnected. With the power on, look into the hole on the screen bezel near the control buttons. If the LED light behind it is lit the screen is receiving power. If it is lit and the screen is black, without any message displayed, please contact us. If the LED is not lit proceed as follows: Locate the rear safety panel inside the trainer that has our “3-D” label and electrical warning sticker on it.  In order to check these conditions this panel must be removed. Make sure the power cord is disconnected from the unit then unscrew the two Phillips screws from the top of the panel and remove. Lift the panel out of its bottom, retaining channel and remove from trainer. Find the black, power supply block (transformer) mounted on the back wall. Make sure the black power cord is plugged firmly into the left side of the block and the other end is plugged firmly into the beige power strip. Temporarily connect the unit to power and do not touch anything previously behind the safety panel. See if the screen illuminates. If it does disconnect the power then replace the safety panel before returning to service. If the screen still does not illuminate check the power supply block (transformer). It has a small, green LED light built into it that should be visible and lit. If it is not, most likely, the unit is bad and needs replacement. We can supply them. If it is lit and the screen is still black please contact us. Replace the safety panel after the power has been disconnected.

Q6: The monitor displays a message, but there is no picture. What should I check?

A6: If the message is: “AV1 no signal”, “no signal” or anything other than AV or AV1 the input from the camera is not being received or is set on the wrong input. If the message indicates AV2 or any input other than AV or AV1 the setting must be changed from the screen menu. Please see your instruction manual for specific instructions to navigate the menu. If the correct input has been selected and no signal is received please proceed as follows: Make sure the RCA connector from the camera is firmly connected. On the smaller models, the T3 Series, check the black, RCA elbow connections at both ends and making sure it is firmly plugged into the gold RCA receptacle at the lower R.H. corner of the screen bezel. On the larger models, the T5 series, make sure the RCA plug is seated firmly in the gold RCA receptacle on the screen bezel or located in the side of the trainer to the right of the screen on the later models. If your trainer from the T3 Series still does not work remove the black, RCA elbow connector and connect the white, male RCA connector directly into the gold receptacle on the screen bezel. When you do this DO NOT close the lid or damage will result! If the black elbow was at fault new ones can be obtained directly from us. If the previous steps yield no results (replace the black elbow on the small models) the power supply for the camera must now be checked.

To access the power supply Locate the rear safety panel inside the trainer that has the “3-D” label and electrical warning sticker on it. In order to check the power supply this panel must be removed. Make sure the power cord is disconnected from the unit then unscrew the two Phillips screws from the top of the panel and remove. Lift the panel out of its bottom, retaining channel and remove from trainer. The camera power supply will be some type of black “wall wart” (transformer) that should be plugged into the power strip located behind the removed panel. Make sure it is firmly plugged into the power strip. Replace the safety panel first then supply power and test. If these steps do not remedy the problem please contact us.

Q7: How can I record the activity within the trainer or display the image on a larger screen?

A7: For recording and splitting the video signal we have a kit available that provides these capabilities. It enables recording of the activity digitally and can split the video signal without losing picture quality. Splitting affords the opportunity to utilize multiple screens for displaying the image. Using the kit, one could be working at the trainer observing the built-in screen while others are observing on larger, satellite screens and simultaneously the activity is being recorded. The kit comes with all that is needed to accomplish this with any of our trainers.

A larger (or any alternate) television screen can be used for display by disconnecting the RCA plug from the screen bezel and connecting an RCA extension cord that has a male termination at one end and a female termination at the other (found at electronics outlets) to any alternate display with a “VIDEO” input. By doing this you will disable the built-in screen. In order to use multiple screens the SSV107 must be used.

Q8: If my trainer needs service/repairs how should I proceed?

A8: Contact us via e-mail (support@3-Dmed.com) or phone (937-746-2901). In many cases problems can be resolved without having to return the trainer to us.  We support our products and will help you find the best solution at the lowest cost to keep your unit in service. If it is determined that your unit needs to be returned for service we will advise on packing and shipping. Upon receiving your trainer we will quote for repairs. If you believe yours is still under warranty you must contact us first by e-mail or phone for a return authorization number prior to sending the unit back for repair.

Older Model, CRT Monitor Trainers

Q9: My monitor displays only “snow”. What is wrong?

A9: The monitor is not in the “video” mode. It has to be switched back to the video input. If your monitor is a Sony®: press the button labeled TV/Video on the front panel to toggle back to the video mode. If your monitor is a Philips®: press the TV/Video button at the top of the remote control to toggle back to “Video”. This can NOT be accomplished without the remote on the Philips®! We supplied the remote with the trainer and do not have any replacements. If yours is missing you can try another Philips remote, purchase a universal remote or contact Philips to see if they still have the original remote available (you will need to have the model number of your television). These suggestions are in increasing order of cost from our experience.