Greetings!
I would like to turn on my Akai AM-95 after it has been sitting idle for more than a year and do the maintenance it requires, i.e. replace a defective potentiometer that proved time-consuming to source.
As far as I understand, applying full mains voltage might be a bit too much for some of the electrolytic capacitors... I don't have a variac, but have several incandescent bulbs of different wattage, starting with 15W.
Would the dim bulb be the way to go? Any cons to this approach?
Thanks 🙂
I would like to turn on my Akai AM-95 after it has been sitting idle for more than a year and do the maintenance it requires, i.e. replace a defective potentiometer that proved time-consuming to source.
As far as I understand, applying full mains voltage might be a bit too much for some of the electrolytic capacitors... I don't have a variac, but have several incandescent bulbs of different wattage, starting with 15W.
Would the dim bulb be the way to go? Any cons to this approach?
Thanks 🙂
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I always resolder old equipment first.a visual check and some basic continuity tests are usually enough.If an electrolitic is going to be damaged you'll notice anyway.If it's shorted you can check it directly on the pcb.Some circuits needs all the voltage on them from the beginning.if you have a digital command you need full 5v there.Some op amps can't behave well under +-5v and so on...
A year, 5 years, even 10 years should be OK for anything you describe. Real vintage stuff and valve gear that has stood for decades needs a different approach. A year is nothing.
Thanks guys 🙂
I gather form your replies that the way to go is a visual inspection (e.g. cracked solder joints, leaky e-caps, anything else that's obviously amiss) and a check for major shorts (e.g. capacitors, transistors - most probably in the power supply and output stage). Then I can apply full input voltage - no dim bulb needed.
I gather form your replies that the way to go is a visual inspection (e.g. cracked solder joints, leaky e-caps, anything else that's obviously amiss) and a check for major shorts (e.g. capacitors, transistors - most probably in the power supply and output stage). Then I can apply full input voltage - no dim bulb needed.
Give it a good clean first, then if in doubt, use a series lamp before giving direct mains.
The above procedures must be done, of course.
Also, capacitors need to reform at times, let it run for a week or so (normal daily use, not 24 hours), before deciding repairs are needed.
The above procedures must be done, of course.
Also, capacitors need to reform at times, let it run for a week or so (normal daily use, not 24 hours), before deciding repairs are needed.
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Hello! Did you find a solution with the volume potentiometer? I have an AM-95 with defective potentiometer. One track is interrupted.
