UPDATE:

okay - apparently the above (last report only) was due to a flakey power supply connection (apologies to alarm - well not that anyone is looking anyway) - so I can live with any extant problems - I need to do a basic alignment per the manual next I guess...


ALSO - while checking the power supply again i managed to blow up Q3 (so stupid) - i shorted it i guess.
Does anyone know if this means I took out the M5230 regulator with it I guess while i'm replacing Q3 it would be a sensible idea to replace any connected parts ( )

suggestions
thanks