TV “Planet Zhelezyaka Leskova 20”: repair, setup and firmware update

TV Planet Zhelezyaka Leskova 20 - one of those models that have become a cult among car enthusiasts and owners of commercial vehicles. Often used as an in-vehicle entertainment or rearview system, this compact monitor combines simplicity with ruggedness. However, like any equipment, it is not immune to breakdowns: from power problems to firmware failures.

In this article we will look at all key aspects of repair and maintenance Planets Zhelezyaki Leskova 20, including fault diagnosis, replacement of components and software updates. We will pay special attention typical "diseases" this model - for example, screen flickering when connected to the on-board 12V network or freezing when turned on. If you are faced with the fact that the TV has stopped responding to the remote control, does not detect USB drives, or displays artifacts in the image, here you will find step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting the problems.

Important: most of the malfunctions Leskova 20 associated with unstable power supply (especially in cars) or outdated firmware. Before disassembling the device, check the power supply and try resetting the settings to factory settings - this solves up to 60% of problems.

Technical characteristics of “Planets Zhelezyaki Leskov 20”

Before starting repairs, it is worth understanding the “stuffing” of the device. Leskov 20 refers to budget LED TVs with a diagonal of 20 inches (19.5" in fact), released in the mid-2010s. Its key features:

• 📺 Matrix: TN panel with resolution 1366×768 (HD Ready), viewing angles 120°/100°.
• 🔌 Ports: 2×HDMI 1.4, 1×AV (RCA), 1×VGA, 1×USB 2.0 (media only), 3.5mm audio output.
• 📡 Tuner: analog (PAL/SECAM) + digital DVB-T2 (optional in some modifications).
• 🔋 Food: 12V DC (car adapter) or 220V AC (network block).
• 🤖 Processor: MStar MSD6A838 (outdated platform, but with support for Full HD video).

The main disadvantage of the model is weak power supply, which often fails during voltage surges in the on-board network. Users also note poor color rendering (typical for TN matrices) and the absence of Smart TV. But the device is lightweight (only 2.1 kg), compact and consumes only 20–25 W, which makes it ideal for installation in a car or camper.

Parameter	Meaning	Notes
Brightness	200 cd/m²	Sufficient for the salon, but rather weak in bright sun.
Contrast	800:1	Average for TN matrices.
Response time	5 ms	Suitable for videos, but not for games.
Viewing angle	120°/100°	Colors are distorted when viewed from the side.
Audio	2×3 W	Weak speakers - it is better to connect external ones.

Please note: some batches Leskova 20 tuner installed without support DVB-T2. If digital TV is important to you, check the modification before purchasing or repairing.

Common malfunctions and their causes

Most breakdowns Planets Zhelezyaki Leskova 20 can be divided into three categories: power problems, firmware failures and hardware defects. Let's look at each in more detail.

1. Eating problems

• ⚡ TV won't turn on — a fuse or transistor in the power supply has burned out (often due to power surges in the car).
• 🔄 Spontaneous shutdown — malfunction of capacitors in the power supply circuit (swelling or leakage of electrolyte).
• 🔌 Doesn't work on 12V, but works on 220V - there is a problem with the car adapter or a break in the cable.

2. Firmware failures

• 🖥️ Stuck on logo — the firmware is damaged (often after an unsuccessful update).
• 📁 Can't see USB drives - outdated software version or incompatible file system (FAT32 required).
• 🔊 No sound when playing video — codec settings are lost.

3. Hardware defects

• 📺 Vertical/horizontal stripes — damage to the matrix cable or the panel itself.
• 🔴 Dead pixels — physical damage to the matrix (cannot be repaired).
• 🎛️ The buttons on the panel do not work - oxidation of contacts or broken tracks.

Critical feature: in 80% of cases, the “death” of Leskov 20 is associated with the power supply. If the TV shows no signs of life, first check the fuse (5A) and capacitors on the board.

⚠️ Attention: If the TV was used in a car, be sure to check the on-board voltage with a multimeter before repairing. Jumps above 14.5V often damage the voltage regulators on the board.

Fault diagnosis: step-by-step instructions

Before disassembling your TV, perform some basic diagnostics. This will help narrow down possible problems and save time.

Step 1: Check Power

If the TV does not turn on:

1. Disconnect all cables, wait 1 minute.
2. Connect the power supply to a 220V network (if you are using a car adapter, check it on another device).
3. Press the power button on the panel (not on the remote!). If the indicator does not light up, the problem is with the power supply or motherboard.

Step 2: Image Test

If the TV turns on, but there is no picture:

• Connect a signal source (such as a DVD player) via HDMI or AV.
• Try switching inputs with the button Source on the remote control.
• If there is an image, but with artifacts, the problem is in the matrix or cable.

Step 3: Sound Check

If there is no sound:

• Make sure the volume is not at zero (button Vol+).
• Connect headphones to the audio output - if there is sound, the speakers are faulty.
• Check the sound settings in the menu (the mode may be activated Mute).

Power supply repair: step-by-step guide

The power supply unit (PSU) is the most vulnerable point Leskova 20. Repairing it does not require special skills, but will require care. To work you will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver (phillips and flat).
• 🔍 Soldering iron (power 25–40 W) and solder.
• 📏 Multimeter for checking voltage.
• 🧴 Alcohol for cleaning the board.

Disassembling the TV

1. Remove the TV from the mount (if it is attached).
2. Unscrew the screws on the back cover (usually 4-6 pieces).
3. Carefully remove the cover without pulling the matrix cables.
4. The power supply is located in the lower left corner (board with large capacitors).

Typical PSU malfunctions

Inspect the board for:

• 💥 Swollen capacitors (most often 1000 µF × 16V or 470 µF × 25V).
• 🔥 Blackened or cracked resistors.
• 🛠️ Burnt tracks (especially near transistors).

If the capacitors are swollen, they need to be replaced with new ones with the same parameters. For example, instead of 1000 µF × 16V can be supplied 1000 µF × 25V (with voltage reserve).

How to test transistors?

Transistors (eg Q601 or Q602) are checked with a multimeter in diode mode. If, when checking the base-emitter and base-collector junctions, it shows an open or short circuit, the transistor is faulty and requires replacement.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing capacitors, be sure to observe polarity! “Minus” is marked with a white stripe on the body. If you mix it up, the capacitor will explode when turned on.

Check after repair

After replacing elements:

1. Make sure all parts are in place and there are no short circuits.
2. Connect the power supply to the network via incandescent lamp 60 W (it will smooth out the current surge when turned on).
3. If the TV turns on, let it work for 10–15 minutes, checking the heating of the elements.

Firmware update: how to bring your TV back to life

If Leskov 20 stuck on the logo or does not respond to the remote control, most likely the firmware has crashed. You can update it in two ways: via USB or using a programmer. The first method is simpler and suitable for most cases.

Method 1: Update via USB

You will need:

• 🖥️ USB drive (up to 8 GB, formatted in FAT32).
• 📁 Firmware for MStar MSD6A838 (can be found on TV repair forums).
• 🔧 Screwdriver to access the button Reset (if a reset is required).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware (the file usually has the extension .bin or .abs).
2. Place the file in the root of the USB drive (the name must match the manufacturer's requirements, for example msd6a838.bin).
3. Insert the USB flash drive into the TV that is turned off.
4. Press and hold the button Menu on the panel and turn on the TV.
5. Wait for the update indicator (flashing LED) to appear. Don't turn off the power!

Method 2: Firmware via programmer

If the USB method does not work, you will need a programmer (for example, CH341A) and software like Flash Programmer. This method is more complicated and requires soldering, but is guaranteed to restore the TV.

Algorithm:

1. Disassemble the TV and find the memory chip (usually 25Q32 or similar).
2. Connect the programmer to the microcircuit, observing the pinout.
3. Read the current firmware (save a dump in case of an error).
4. Download the new firmware and write it to memory.

⚠️ Attention: When working with the programmer do not touch the board with bare hands - Static electricity can damage microcircuits. Use an antistatic wrist strap.

Where can I get the firmware?

Official website Planet Claptraps has not been updated for a long time, but firmware can be found:

• 🔗 On the forums 4PDA or IXBT (in TV repair topics).
• 📧 In VKontakte groups dedicated to equipment repair (for example, “Do-it-yourself TV repair”).
• 💾 On file hosting services (search by request Leskov 20 firmware MSD6A838).

Replacing the matrix: when is it necessary?

Matrix in Leskove 20 - one of the most reliable parts, but it can also fail. Signs of malfunction:

• 🖼️ Vertical or horizontal stripes (the cable or the panel itself is damaged).
• 🔴 Dead pixels (black or colored dots that do not disappear).
• 💡 The backlight works, but there is no image (the problem is in the matrix or its driver).

How to check the matrix?

Before buying a new panel, make sure that this is the problem:

1. Connect your TV to your PC via VGA or HDMI.
2. If there are the same artifacts on the screen, the matrix is faulty.
3. Check the cables: stripes often appear due to poor contact.

Step-by-step matrix replacement

To replace you will need:

• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (including an asterisk for some screws).
• 🧲 Plastic spatula for detaching cables.
• 📏 New matrix (suitable model - LTM200KT03 or similar).

Instructions:

1. Remove the back cover and screen frame (carefully so as not to damage the cables!).
2. Disconnect the matrix cables from the motherboard.
3. Unscrew the screws securing the matrix and remove it.
4. Install the new panel, connect the cables and reassemble the TV in the reverse order.

What to do if the new matrix does not work?

Check if the matrix model matches the original one. Also make sure that the cables are connected correctly (mixed-up connectors can damage the panel).

⚠️ Attention: Matrices for Leskova 20 often sold on AliExpress or TV parts stores. The average price is 3,000–5,000 rubles. Please check your model number for compatibility before purchasing!

Setting up your TV for use in your car

Planet Zhelezyaka Leskova 20 often installed in cars as a rear view monitor or entertainment system. For it to work stably, you need to configure it correctly.

Connection to on-board 12V network

The TV can be powered:

• 🔌 Via cigarette lighter (you need a 12V adapter to the TV power connector).
• 🔋 Directly to the battery through a fuse (recommended rating - 5A).

Important: the voltage in the vehicle’s on-board network can reach 14.4V with the engine running. If the TV's power supply is not designed for such surges, use voltage stabilizer (for example, based on LM7812).

Setting the picture for daytime use

In the car interior, the screen often glares. To improve visibility:

• Increase brightness to maximum (Settings → Picture → Brightness).
• Activate mode Dynamic (increases contrast).
• If possible, apply anti-glare film to the screen.

Connecting a rear view camera

To use the TV as a rear view monitor:

1. Connect the camera to AV input (yellow RCA connector).
2. In the TV settings, select the source AV.
3. Set up automatic switching to the camera when reverse gear is engaged (a relay or a special adapter is required).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

🔧 How to reset your TV to factory settings?

There are two ways:

1. Via menu: Settings → System → Reset (default password is 0000 or 1234).
2. Hardware: with the TV turned off, hold down the button Menu on the panel and turn it on. Hold the button for 10 seconds.

📺 Why doesn’t the TV see the flash drive?

The problem may be:

• File system (needs FAT32).
• Incompatible video format (only supported .avi, .mp4, .mkv with H.264 codec).
• Damaged USB port (try another drive).

⚡ The TV turns on and turns off immediately. What's the matter?

This is a typical sign:

• Power supply failure (check capacitors).
• Short circuit in the matrix or loops.
• Firmware failure (try updating it).

First, inspect the board for blackened elements, then check the voltage at the output of the power supply (should be 12V or 5V depending on model).

🔊 No sound via HDMI. How to fix it?

Try:

1. Switch the sound source in the TV settings (Settings → Sound → HDMI Audio).
2. Update the firmware (older versions have bugs with HDMI audio).
3. Connect the device via a different cable (sometimes the problem is in the contacts).

🛠️ Where to buy spare parts for repairs?

Accessories for Leskova 20 can be found:

• On AliExpress (search by matrix or board model).
• In radio parts stores (capacitors, transistors, fuses).
• On Avito or Yule (used TVs for donor spare parts).

Average prices:

• Matrix - 3,000–5,000 rubles.
• Power supply — 1,500–2,500 rub.
• Remote control — 300–500 rub.