Recall of the KIWI-OSD

Recall of the KIWI-OSD

A special notice to all our valued customers.

We are announcing a recall on some models of the KIWI-OSD.

What is wrong with the OSDs?

The design of the OSD has been proven to be very robust. However, contrary to all experience and parts standards, the use of newer transistors of the same type that had been used in earlier OSD models had different pinouts that effectively meant the transistors were backwards in the circuit. They still work as transistors, but very poorly. The circuit design was robust enough that even with the transistor reversed, the overall circuit function would still operate, but with undesirably little margin against failure. Because of this we desire to check and/or modify all units with this problem so you can benefit from what is otherwise an excellently designed product.

How do I know if my OSD has this problem?

The symptom of this problem is the inability of the OSD, upon power up, to recognize one of two signals that come from the GPS unit. The screen/monitor will display “RS232 OR 1PPS ABSENT” and even though the red LED is flashing one per second, the OSD will never begin its timing run.

Which OSDs are affected by this condition?

Any OSD units with serial numbers between 44-1000 and 44-1100 are known to suffer from the problem. Older units, with a serial number starting with 41-0100 through 43-0400 may exhibit the problem but there have been only a couple of instances of this occurring. If you currently have placed an order for an OSD with PFD Systems and not yet received it, you will not need to return it; the modification will have already been applied.

What will I notice after the modifications are made?

The problem does not affect the accuracy of the OSD and once the modification is made, it will continue to operate with the same precision as before. The only difference you may notice is that the red LED will flash brighter.

What should I do as an owner of an OSD?

Immediately, any owner of an OSD with a serial number between 44-1000 and 44-1100 may ship their OSD back to PDF Systems so that we can apply the modifications to make the OSD operate at peak performance.

Owners of older OSDs, who have noticed the symptom described above can also return their OSD as well. We urge any owner who may have purchased an OSD in the past but who have not yet tested it to please do so as soon as possible.

In addition, if any owners wish too, they may also return their GPS units (only those purchased through PFD Systems) at the time they return their OSD; we will upgrade the GPS firmware to the latest version and also insure the configuration settings are correct.

PFD Systems will take responsibility for shipping of the units back to you once the modifications have been made and will ship the products back using the same level of service as we receive them. For example, if you return the items to us Parcel Post, we will ship them back using the same or faster service. Ship them to use using Express Mail, and we will return them using Express Mail.

How long do I have to send my OSD back for modification?

PFD Systems will repair any OSD unit that has the problem and will pay return shipping up to 30 June, 2009. After that time period, any customer who has not yet returned their OSD for modification can still do so, but will be required to pay the return shipping.

Can I make the modification myself?

The repair is not difficult and anybody who has experience assembling and soldering electronic circuitry should be able to make the modifications themselves, if they so desire. PFD Systems will provide the replacement transistors and written instructions on how to make the modifications to any of you who wish to do it yourselves. Any additional damage caused by the user during the repair attempt will be the responsibility of the user and may incur a repair cost if the unit is subsequently returned to PFD Systems. Please contact PFD Systems if you wish to do the repair yourself.

Here is a link to a document that describes how to make the modifications yourself. Please be sure to read the instructions before you attempt to make the repair yourself. You can always send it here to PFD Systems and we will do it for you.

How do I send my OSD back for repair?

There is no need to contact PFD Systems prior to returning your OSD; we do not require a RMA number. If you still have a copy of your original invoice, please include a copy in the box along with your OSD and write “Return for Repair” on the outside of the box. Please include your current mailing address.

Send your OSD (and GPS if you wish) to:

PFD Systems, LLC

5900 Rudyard Dr

Bethesda, MD 20814-2234

Atten: Return for Repairs

Phone: 301-518-4326 (EST, 9am – 9pm)

How fast will PFD Systems get my OSD back tome?

Priority will be given to those OSDs with serial numbers between 44-1000 and 44-1100 since they represent the OSDs that have the highest probability of intermittent operation. It is unknown how quickly users will return their OSDs for repair but if you own an older unit that doesn’t exhibit the problem discussed above, you may wish to wait and contact us in a couple of months to see what the repair lead time is.

Disclaimer

The issues with the KIWI-OSD are a manufacturing problem and the sole responsibility of PFD Systems, LLC and should not be considered a reflection on the outstanding design by the inventor, Geoff Hitchcox.