ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Just to show my newest toy.
I know it's an oldie, but that's what this workbench is for, isn't it? For the older masters.
It's a start. I'd rather prefer a stereo version, but let's see where it's going.
Newer equipment is far more expensive and I can't afford that, or am not willing to pay such prices.
Just nice, old tool/toy for vintage equipment, (and some new ones too), as you, my pocket money is not enough to by the expensive ones, so looking for used tools is the solution, congrats and enjoy.
Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.
Thanks Soren!
It is also possible to alter the powersettings from 100V (standard on this device) to 115V, 215V or 240V. Just by rewiring the transformer.
At first glance connected at the Variac, it works.
But I'm starting to doubt, whether this one works properly for us here in Europe. I know that, or got the idea, that stereo broadcasting in the US differ from the European version. But just for FM-aligment it would do the job.
It's for changing the oxidated (is this the correct spelling?) trimmers in several FM sections. Like most masters have.
Here's a picture connected at the Variac:
I have the problem with my BM 4400, my BM 4000 has better reception than the BM 4400, and without signal generator and oscilloscope it is impossible to adjust/repair it.
I dont think the stereo broadcasting is different over here, all the receivers works as they work in Europe and the frequencies are the same.
Here in Mexico they are starting to change to digital, I hope it will take time as everything here.
Today I rewired the transformer and set it to 230V.
First I did a double check about the optional transformer/connections. The servicediagram didn't mention how to change the wiring for other voltages.
But it works ! Glad with that.
So, the next thing was making the proper BNC cable. I connected the generator to my BM5500 master and it confirmed on the Master Control Panel the reception of a internal 400hz or 1khz tone set on any frequency.
So, I'm happy for now. I even tried to use the external modulation signal input. I connected my HTC Phone with some music on it, and I did receive the music on the selected frequency. So, if I want, I can start braodcasting my own radiostation. Just a amplifier away.....
Excellent choice - the Panasonic test equipment.
My own is a VP-8193A. I really lucked out on that one.
I couldn't afford a new one - about $5000, but I kept looking anyway for the VP-819x series. Then I saw a NOS BNIB advertised with no picture, and no description, on liquidation from one of those asset disposal houses. I made an offer for $600, and they accepted.
Dead-stable signal, and super reliable. Very happy with it.
You'll enjoy using it.
Menahem
Regarding the BM4400 - I always replace the FM 10.7MHz filters when I get any tuner in for repair. The newer Murata 150KHz filters have lower loss, and are much more selective than the original filters. And therefore you can hear many more stations clearly than before. A much more enjoyable listening experience.
My standard replacement choice is SFELF10M7JAA0-B0, from Mouser or Digikey
It does of, course, require a complete FM realignment.
On some of the older B&O tuners (BM2000/3400 for example), there were 3 filters cascaded to achieve the necessary selectivity. Today, you can throw away the 3 filters and use only one of these.
Thanks Menahem, I will look at your FM idea. But does that mean that you cut a part off the FM stage away?