Why the COW projector won’t start and what you can do about it.

By Ron Balko
January 2008

About 90% of the COW problems reported to me are related to the projector not starting and 99% of those can be traced back to an improper shutdown of the projector by the previous user.  I will describe here is why it happens and what you can do about it.

All projectors go through a shutdown process.  Sometimes it is very short but most times it takes about a minute.  During this time a program is running inside the projector’s microprocessor.  If this program is not allowed to complete before the projector is unplugged it can cause the projector to not start properly the nest time it is plugged in.  Unfortunately the Sharp B-10S projectors seem to be quite particular in how they are shutdown and can be a bit difficult to restart if their shutdown process is interrupted.

It is vitally important that you let the projector turn itself off before you unplug the COW.  If you have been inconvenienced by a projector refusing to start you know firsthand how important proper shutdown can be. 

I have never failed to bring a projector out of a shutdown problem and you can do the same thing I do to get it back and get on with your class.

  1. The first symptom of a problem will be that it takes an inordinate amount time for the projector to start.  You wait and wait and the green lights just keep flashing.  Finally the projector shuts itself off and both green lights turn red.  This is not the end of the problem but the beginning of the solution!
  2. If you haven’t booted the computer yet, turn off the power strip.  If you have already booted the computer, unplug the power cord from the back of the projector.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds or so, plug the power back in/turn the power strip back on and press the projector’s power button again.  Odds are the projector will start normally and you are back to class.  If it doesn't, unplug again, wait and try again.  This should have you back to class.
  4. If you have tried a couple times and the projector is still not starting, contact me and someone will come over and take a look at it as it is possible that the lamp needs attention.

I hope these tips help keep your COW problems to a minimum.

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