Panasonic RX-5150 sound issue

[Halodoublej]

Hello, I’m having a problem with my Panasonic RX-5150. Upon redoing the belts in the deck. I reassembled the radio to test the deck’s functionality, only to find the once booming speakers were now reduced to extremely quiet in terms of output. Meaning I have to put my ear to a speaker just to hear the quietest sound with the box set to the “RADIO” setting, that’s with the dial turned to the highest level.



Reinforcing my assumption that there even is sound coming through the box, the LED sound indicators move as though there is sound being received (as seen above).

With the radio set to “TAPE” there seems to be no sound output whatsoever, even with a tape in the mechanism. Not even the LEDs illuminate to indicate any sound being produced from the deck.

I have sprayed the record bar with contact cleaner, I’ve sprayed the pertinent switch’s and dials. Still the same issue persists. Did I touch something? Did I disturb a wire maybe? Any help would be appreciated!

Photos below showing the current condition of my beloved RX-5150.

 

[Superduper]

Well, if it was working fine before, then it's pretty clear that whatever happened, happened due to the deck work so it's best to take a breath and just retrace your steps. Did you reconnect all the connectors back to the original locations? Are they all secure? Also, I see the boombox powered up with a pcb hanging. That creates a short hazard, just fyi.

 

[Halodoublej]

Well, if it was working fine before, then it's pretty clear that whatever happened, happened due to the deck work so it's best to take a breath and just retrace your steps. Did you reconnect all the connectors back to the original locations? Are they all secure? Also, I see the boombox powered up with a pcb hanging. That creates a short hazard, just fyi.

Haha definitely trying to keep a level head here. It’s probably pretty obvious I’ve never done something like this before.

From what I remember, I never unplugged any of the connectors leading the main board initially. Except until after I noticed the noise issue. Just checked the connections again. They seem seated properly.

Yeah I’ll definitely leave the batteries out and the unit powered off unless I need to absolutely test something out.

 

[Superduper]

Oh, another thing to look at is the record/playback switch. It is a long bar that is connected to a lever mechanism. That lever is mechanically "pushed" or "pulled" by the tape deck to operate the switch from playback and record functions. However, it should be noted that ALL audio signals traverses that switch, and if that lever or that switch is not in a neutral position (for example, if a wire or cable is pressing on it), it could cause your issues. Since the deck is out, you should ensure that the switch or lever is returned to the neutral position before testing. And put that LED meter board back up to eliminate any chances of live shorts. If you don't want to screw it in, at least tape it in position first.

 

[Halodoublej]

Oh, another thing to look at is the record/playback switch. It is a long bar that is connected to a lever mechanism. That lever is mechanically "pushed" or "pulled" by the tape deck to operate the switch from playback and record functions. However, it should be noted that ALL audio signals traverses that switch, and if that lever or that switch is not in a neutral position (for example, if a wire or cable is pressing on it), it could cause your issues. Since the deck is out, you should ensure that the switch or lever is returned to the neutral position before testing. And put that LED meter board back up to eliminate any chances of live shorts. If you don't want to screw it in, at least tape it in position first.

Is this the lever mechanism you’re referring to, the one with the tensioned spring that moves back and forth? I wasn’t sure if this is supposed to be connected to something, it’s not loose or floppy. But it does move freely if I swing it up with my finger.

The LED board is now secured!

 

[Superduper]

No that’s not what I’m talking about. The record playback/record switch is a long metal rectangular “log” on the main circuit board. Generally they have a hollow square on one end which can be pulled or pushed. That end is often connected to the cassette deck via some form of lever or linkage.

Here is an example of what the record-bar looks like. On yours, you can see it on the 3rd image that you posted, and it appears that the metal bracket that pivots on the rear case is the lever or linkage.

Record Switch Bar Example

A few boombox problems are caused by a dirty, or faulty, record switch / bar. Most of the times, the primary symptom is a high-pitched squeal when playing cassettes. Thorough cleaning with DeOxit or some other electronics cleaner will generally be the simple fix. Here is an example of what a...

www.boomboxery.com

 

[Halodoublej]

No that’s not what I’m talking about. The record playback/record switch is a long metal rectangular “log” on the main circuit board. Generally they have a hollow square on one end which can be pulled or pushed. That end is often connected to the cassette deck via some form of lever or linkage.

Here is an example of what the record-bar looks like. On yours, you can see it on the 3rd image that you posted, and it appears that the metal bracket that pivots on the rear case is the lever or linkage.

Record Switch Bar Example

A few boombox problems are caused by a dirty, or faulty, record switch / bar. Most of the times, the primary symptom is a high-pitched squeal when playing cassettes. Thorough cleaning with DeOxit or some other electronics cleaner will generally be the simple fix. Here is an example of what a...

www.boomboxery.com

Gotcha, I wasn’t sure if you were referring to something else. I was told by someone elsewhere that, that mechanism was the issue. I have sprayed it already. Maybe I’ll spray it again with board flipped upside down to make sure the spray really gets in there.

I’m not sure where it was connected to the tape mechanism. I must’ve disconnected whatever that was when I first took everything out. Could that be the issue?

I’ll check to see if anything is making contact with that bar.

 

[floyd]

Have you tried the headphone jack to see if the sound is coming through ?.