G'day everyone
I've just aquired an immaculate Yamaha AX-500 amplifier that was in need of few dodgy electrolytics replacing. With that done it sounds pretty good apart from a noisy direct CD (ALPS vertical 4 pole switch) switch. I tried to dismantle the switch but unfortunately damaged the latch mechanism, so now I have a switch in the direct CD off position. Although no big deal, I would like to have the amp in 100% working condition, if only to keep my OCD disorder at bay 🙂
(Just kidding). If anyone has a switch, new or pre-loved, I'd like to hear from you...The circuit reference is SW105, part number VC17 67 00
Thanx in advance.
I've just aquired an immaculate Yamaha AX-500 amplifier that was in need of few dodgy electrolytics replacing. With that done it sounds pretty good apart from a noisy direct CD (ALPS vertical 4 pole switch) switch. I tried to dismantle the switch but unfortunately damaged the latch mechanism, so now I have a switch in the direct CD off position. Although no big deal, I would like to have the amp in 100% working condition, if only to keep my OCD disorder at bay 🙂
(Just kidding). If anyone has a switch, new or pre-loved, I'd like to hear from you...The circuit reference is SW105, part number VC17 67 00
Thanx in advance.
That looks pretty unique to me, its certainly not a style I've come across. It may well be worth trying the manufacturers service dept for something like this if you have no luck. And if they won't to talk to you then look for authorised Yamaha spares distributors. Anyone with a Yamaha service account should be able to order it.
Hi Mooly
I contacted a Yamaha service centre here in Perth, who in turn contacted Yamaha..It would seem that it's no longer available.
I don't doubt that someone, somewhere has a new or second hand one from a scrap amplifier.
I'll just carry on the crusade in finding one!
Another option might be to try and locate another manufacturer that uses that type of switch and try them. Similar amps from that era... you might get lucky.
Good luck with the search 🙂
Good luck with the search 🙂
Just how damaged is the latch mechanism? Usually, you can scrape together enough parts for the actuator or pushbutton/alternate action latch mechanism from any of hundreds of basically similar switches at some recyclers' or even from simpler, new switches. I have had to do this for quite a few people in your situation over the many years that these general types of switches were used in consumer audio products.
Of course, all similar product mechanisms aren't going to be identical but a little study will show how they can be replicated, modified or pieces replaced from closely similar products, taking care with the materials and necessary spring wire hardness. A repairer could be quite helpful with what is their junkbox - if any still exist in your area.
It's still necessary to take precautions not to repeat the mistakes. You may need to fashion some tiny clips, use glues or even 'blu-tack' to temporarily mount or simply restrain parts, as you rebuild. I always make sure I have a blanket at the rear and sides of the table and work above a smooth floor - just to compensate for my own ineptitude. Work on a convenient shallow tray and get a few small, serrated and plain flatnose pliers, quality tweezers and a small surgical clamp wouldn't go astray either.
FWIW, most problems I had to fix also stemmed from other DIYs who figured this couldn't be too hard and tried to disassemble switches but lost the bits when the spring flew. Clever folks - but I had to learn this the hard way too.
Of course, all similar product mechanisms aren't going to be identical but a little study will show how they can be replicated, modified or pieces replaced from closely similar products, taking care with the materials and necessary spring wire hardness. A repairer could be quite helpful with what is their junkbox - if any still exist in your area.
It's still necessary to take precautions not to repeat the mistakes. You may need to fashion some tiny clips, use glues or even 'blu-tack' to temporarily mount or simply restrain parts, as you rebuild. I always make sure I have a blanket at the rear and sides of the table and work above a smooth floor - just to compensate for my own ineptitude. Work on a convenient shallow tray and get a few small, serrated and plain flatnose pliers, quality tweezers and a small surgical clamp wouldn't go astray either.
FWIW, most problems I had to fix also stemmed from other DIYs who figured this couldn't be too hard and tried to disassemble switches but lost the bits when the spring flew. Clever folks - but I had to learn this the hard way too.
Learning the hard way
Hi Ian
To be honest I've repaired several switches of different varieties over the years working as a tv repair technician, but this one is a little different to most that I've come across...In all honesty I should have dismantled it in daylight instead of burning the midnight oil, but whatever happens, I won't be beaten, since ALPS made more than one of these switches and somewhere in the world is a switch just waiting to be found.
It's not the end of the world, since the unit functions perfectly well without being in Direct CD mode..Now all I have to do is repair the dent in my pride for having buggered it up through my lack of attention! 🙁
Hi Ian
To be honest I've repaired several switches of different varieties over the years working as a tv repair technician, but this one is a little different to most that I've come across...In all honesty I should have dismantled it in daylight instead of burning the midnight oil, but whatever happens, I won't be beaten, since ALPS made more than one of these switches and somewhere in the world is a switch just waiting to be found.
It's not the end of the world, since the unit functions perfectly well without being in Direct CD mode..Now all I have to do is repair the dent in my pride for having buggered it up through my lack of attention! 🙁
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