Fixing a legend.....

[Superduper]

That does indeed look like a signal tracer. However, note that it says right on the carton that it is "transistorized". I do not recommend that for any serious troubleshooting applications for all the reasons I mentioned above however.

For those wondering why these signal tracer testers back in the day all used vacumm tubes instead of transistors.... check out this comparo
http://www.effectrode.com/signal-tubes/vacuum-tubes-and-transistors-compared/

An ideal modern signal tracer would be one that incorporates operational amplifiers to produce the reproduced audio, automatic output level adjustment so the audio would always be at a comfortable listening level for you to discern the "quality" of the audio signal being tested (does it have hum or distortion?), and also include a gain level meter to show how much amplifier gain was necessary to produce the output result (so you can tell at a glance whether the signal amplitude being tested matches the expected output level for the circuit being tested). maybe I'll have to make one? A smart device using an arduino comes to mind.

 

[-GZ-]

And the award for most descriptive, helpful, and longest threads of the year goes to.....NORM!!! Thats like 5 years in a row, bro. Youre the tom hanks/robert deniero of boomboxery.

 

[superlew]

And the award for most descriptive, helpful, and longest threads of the year goes to.....NORM!!! Thats like 5 years in a row, bro. Youre the tom hanks/robert deniero of Boomboxery.

I've been reading Norm's threads and replies since before I was a member.
It's kinda like reading the Bible. The Bible is full of miracles, like rising from the dead.
Norm's threads often help to bring blasters back from the dead.

 

[BoomboxLover48]

I've been reading Norm's threads and replies since before I was a member.
It's kinda like reading the Bible. The Bible is full of miracles, like rising from the dead.
Norm's threads often help to bring blasters back from the dead.

That is right! totally!
Is there a way to isolate Norms comments and help read them from Boomboxery? They are all over.

 

[Alberto]

This is one great thread.

 

[blu_fuz]

I've had this project spread all over the boom room never thinking it would have taken this long. Finally buckled down and put up a designated work space. Small but its all I got unless I move the project out to the garage.....

 

[BoomboxLover48]

That area looks nice and peaceful to work on. I would have a cool table lamp also there.

The soldering iron resting area should have a small wooden board to avoid any burns on that plastic top.

I would use use a thick beach towel or micro fiber cloth to rest the boombox to avoid scratches.
That front part of the box could get scratched up rubbing on those table legs.
The speaker rim finish on the 5350 is pricelss we don't want it scratched up so also the Al trim at the dial area.
I would keep that whole section in transparent plastic cover away from getting bumped or scratched up.

 

[blu_fuz]

Yes sir lol.

 

[BoomboxLover48]

Yes sir lol.

Pardon me.

 

[=ml=]

For those like me that are curious about the difference between a signal tracer and a signal generator and how each is used, here's a great read: http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=60761

Go!

=ml=

 

[blu_fuz]

Just got a decent deal on 2 signal tracers. Now I have to wait for those and get onto the next step in my repair.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

 

[blu_fuz]

I just got the signal tracers today but I don't know if they work....... a little frustrated with this.

 

[BoomboxLover48]

Hope you installed the battery in it.
Turn it on.... turn up the volume... touch the probe tip with your fingers .... you should hear a radio station.. That is a simple test!

I made a signal tracer years back and it works on a 9V battery.

 

[blu_fuz]

I think there is something wrong with both of them. Ticks me off.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cih3YXBgAIM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYQqYMcXXoA

 

[Superduper]

Ok, so what are you basing the on? I don't even see you doing anything with the probe. On the first video, no probe was installed and I can hear the speaker get louder as you increase the gain. That seems perfectly normal to me. On the second one, there is more noise than I expect but then again, the probe seems attached and I don't know where the other end is touching. Remember, these things have ultra high gain.

If you wanna know, connect the probe to a low level audio source (you must ground the clip to the signal ground) using an RCA jack or MP3 1/4" plug as source. Start at lowest setting and click up. You should be able to hear audio.

 

[blu_fuz]

The probes were laying on the floor at the time of the vids (one hardwired and the other was plugged in). I've had the 'volume' knobs turned all the way down when I turned them on and they are still supposed to make that horrible buzzing noise? All the videos I have watched show nothing of the sort.

 

[Superduper]

Could be picking up stray interference, especially if the ground wire is broke ie not grounded. As I said, try probe an audio signal & see. Also, make sure probe is switched to audio & not RF.

 

[baddboybill]

Cell phone may cause interference as well


Bad Boy Bill

 

[Cpl-Chronic]

Oh no :'-(
I really hope you get it sorted out. Maybe this is the point to bring it to a workshop? EVen though they'll charge a few dollars, it is most likely that you'll get it back fully working.
When I got my National Panasonic 5350F, it also only made a buzzing sound. The workshop told me that they replaced the ICs in the amp section...
Good luck with it!

I have a feeling mmcodomino is on the right track...I bet it's a PRE-AMP IC on th fritz....

Cheers,
Cpl