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Thread: Radio Head Unit (EU 1992) Repair and Capacitor Replacement

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    Lightbulb Radio Head Unit (EU 1992) Repair and Capacitor Replacement

    One more Swiss radio arrived with a strange phase-like sound and a wobbly volume knob but otherwise fully working.
    Looking at the PCB after removal of the capacitors, the damage wasn't too severe but surprisingly strong around the smaller E818:

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    With the contaminated areas cleaned by a glass fibre pen it can be seen that a trace underneath E818 was completely eaten away:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    The trace has been repaired and covered in solder for protection:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    The final, repopulated PCB looks like this:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Not forgetting the Power PCB, the display power supply capacitor and re-tightening the volume knob.

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    Power PCB
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    Display Power Supply Capacitor
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Thread locker secured Volume Knob
    Up to this point it wasn't clear if the PCB repair would solve the strange audio issue observed. Luckily the unit tested perfectly fine.
    Since the audio problem was observed on all channels and inputs, it seems the the broken trace affected the output operational amplifier power supply.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    CD Mode
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    Radio Mode
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    Tape Mode
    An interesting aspect of this repair is that the smaller E818 capacitor leaked before the large ones - in most cases it's the other way around.

    The Head Unit - Capacitor Replacement section on the blog has been updated and the audio issue added as another possible symptom.
    Last edited by Heineken; 26-02-2022 at 04:58 PM. Reason: Added link to blog entry
    1997 JDM Custom Order AT VIN 1400005 - Stock
    Heineken's Garage

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