The light tunnel that channels the light after the color wheel on this set fell apart. It consists of a small metal channel with four mirrors glued to the inner sides. The glue got brittle and one of the mirrors fell into the light path. The result was a shadow on one side of the pix. The set is less than 2 years old.
Optoma's solution to the problem is to replace the light engine. They do not, however, have any idea if the replacements use the same glue. Obviously, their choice of adhesive was inappropriate. This stuff was completely brittle and the rest of the mirrors simply fell out when I removed the one in the light path. They have no suggestions for a better fix than just replacing the light engine.
My question is this, is anyone familiar with high temperature adhesives that might be appropriate? I found an epoxy at an auto parts store rated to 300 degrees F and that should be good, but I don't know how it will hold up with extended exposure to lower temps and the UV from the lamp. I went ahead and tried it and the set is working fine for now, but I expect to see more of these before long. We sold a dozen or so of these sets when they were one of the best looking DLPs around, and they are mostly between one and two years old.
Another option might be to use a light tunnel from another set. Some use a solid light tunnel rather than a channel with mirrors. This would, of course, solve the problem if it had the right fit. Anyone have much experience with many DLP engines and the design of various brands? We just have not had many break yet, so my experience is limited.
Leonard