TDK 2 speaker volume issue

[docs]

I've read the threads about no sound and the volume pot being the culprit.
This unit has no sound output on am or fm at full volume but is around 50-70% down on volume output on either aux or usb. On full volume it’s around 4 on the scale.
Do these symptoms add up to the same problem or is this potentially something else? I really don't fancy trying to open this up after reading the pain it is.
Thoughts please.

 

[blu_fuz]

I've never heard of this problem on the TDK. Very strange. Is there a way to do a 'hard reset' somehow on the system?

 

[Reli]

The knob cover can simply be pulled off. There's a wire inside that often rubs the wrong way or something.

 

[docs]

Good call though I did do a firmware update in the hope this would work. Think there is a default setup.
Yeh Reli I've given it a spray of contact cleaner too but the wire isnt stopping the volume turn.

 

[Reli]

Have you checked the firmware version in the menu?
The last known firmware was 2.3.7

Regarding the knob, the wires inside often get tangled, and catch on an internal edge, causing the volume to decrease.

 

[docs]

Thanks Reli, will check but I'm sure i've just put 2.3.7 on there,

Just thought, I don't think I set the region after firmware update so will try this also and may get some volume back on am/fm.

Edit: set region to europe but noticed the firmware version says 2.3.7 but America below and wondered if this was normal. Still no audio on am/fm. Guessing its a strip down job.

Assuming it is the volume pot, is the top layer the volume and lower layer the switch? I'm just trying to understand the pins for testing the resistance.

 

[Superduper]

Is this a digital encoder (can spin 360 like the kaboom) or does it have an end-end stop?

Anyway, symptoms described doesn't sound like volume pot related. The volume control shouldn't be selective with regards to the source mode. In other words, it wouldn't or shouldn't care whether you are in radio, usb, aux, blu tooth, yellow tooth, whatever.

 

[docs]

Yeh agreed but it does feel crappy.

Its an end-end with switch at lower left setting.

 

[Reli]

The wire that lights the LED on the knob is wrapped around the post, and causes tension that often pulls the knob back counter-clockwise. Hasn't happened to me, but it has for others. Doesn't sound like your issue though.

 

[docs]

No Reli, I've taken the knob off and turned by hand, definitely not related but thanks anyway.

Well i think the issue is beyond the volume pot as Norm said but the only real interchangeable parts are some caps but access to them is tough, everything is glued up so think this will go on the mod some day later pile.

 

[docs]

I've secured a beater parts unit in he hope there are good parts inside.

 

[Reli]

They sound great. Just as good as the 3-speaker IMHO.

 

[docs]

Agree Reli, I think that's mostly why it is worth trying to restore.
I'll see what I get with the parts box and see if i can get a working solution.

 

[Fatdog]

Hey Docs, I found this for you. See if it helps:

In order for the AM/FM radio to properly receive local stations, the operating region code must be set after performing a firmware upgrade.

1) Make sure the TDK product is turned off.
2) Turn on the TDK product while holding down the OK button.
3) When the diagnostic menu appears, choose "REGION", from the list in the display using the "Select" knob. Then press OK.
4) Select the desired region from the list: USA, EUROPE, or JAPAN. Press OK.
5) When the FINISHED message appears, press OK to return to the settings menu.
6) Press the BACK button to return to normal operation.

 

[docs]

Thanks FD, I did try this and set it to Europe but no luck.
Though it always says America in Version, this might be normal I don’t know.

 

[Superduper]

Yeah, this is a poor design. Many boombox volume controls last decades because most folks listen to their sets at the same or similar volume. If the power switch was separate, then there would be no need to tinker with it most of the time. Unfortunately, when you build the switch into the volume control requiring you to swipe all the way to the end each time to turn it on or off, then you are introducing needless wear. Each listening session requires 2 swipes of the control. Switches and controls usually are rated in terms of how many actuations or motions lifespan. Having the switch built in and worse, having it at the end of control travel as opposed to push on/off means that the resistor board and shaft bearings are constantly in motion which shortens the lifespan of the component. It could have been done better.

Yeh agreed but it does feel crappy.
Its an end-end with switch at lower left setting.

 

[hopey]

But it does go to volume level 11!