hmm, did I bite off more than I can chew for this tuner?

Posted by ltman on June 23, 2023 at 17:15:16

Hmm, maybe I bit off more than I can chew. I have a cap replacement kit for the FM-3 on the way.

Sure looks like it may still have all original tubes, including the two Telefunkens.

EBAY seller claimed it worked. No way would I plug it in in this condition.

I guess the initial steps will be a follows:

1:boards and components cleanup including disassembly as far as possible.
2:visual inspection of boards, components, wiring,tracings,tubes for heat damage, physical integrity, etc. Visually inspect soldering for quality and integrity.
3:check fuse and order backups :)
4:If all components, boards, wiring, tracing visually look OK, replace line cord.
5:Clean all tube sockets, reseat tubes (after shipping could be loose)
6:Power up slowly on variac, watching tubes and components carefully.
7:if power up indicates no obvious issues, attach antenna and cheap amp and speakers and test basic functionality.

Then think very,carefully about next steps from there...

p.s. I am all ears (pun intended) if anyone has any suggestions. I am NOT trained in electronics and will avoid as far as possible any testing more advanced than what is described in the assembly manual that requires unit to be powered up during testing.

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Topic - hmm, did I bite off more than I can chew for this tuner? - ltman 17:15:16 06/23/23 (17)

RE: hmm, did I bite off more than I can chew for this tuner? - Cougar 06:44:30 07/01/23 (1)

RE:There is the PEC and Power supply upgrades. - ltman 10:57:51 07/08/23 (0)

suggest keeping.... - stellavox 10:11:22 06/26/23 (7)

I thought it was damping material! NT - voolston 10:57:02 07/04/23 (1)

HAH! )MT( - J. S. Bach 15:46:23 07/04/23 (0)

That period dust is getting ever harder to find! - mhardy6647 15:10:14 06/27/23 (4)

RE: That period dust is getting ever harder to find! - Byrd69 16:49:55 07/05/23 (3)

RE: That period dust is getting ever harder to find! - ltman 11:57:34 07/08/23 (0)

*like* x2 (Stellavox's post, too) :) (nt) - mhardy6647 05:41:40 07/08/23 (0)

What did I do with my spray can of that -? - stellavox 04:05:34 07/06/23 (0)

RE: hmm, did I bite off more than I can chew for this tuner? - fredtr 05:29:41 06/26/23 (3)

RE: hmm, did I bite off more than I can chew for this tuner? - ltman 19:05:32 06/26/23 (0)

I agree (FWIW), plus, I'll share my secret vintage tuner repair trick :) - mhardy6647 06:11:06 06/26/23 (1)

RE: I agree (FWIW), plus, I'll share my secret vintage tuner repair trick :) - ltman 19:02:56 06/26/23 (0)

Classic FM-3 - M3 lover 11:27:16 06/24/23 (2)

RE: Classic FM-3 - ltman 12:15:35 06/24/23 (1)

RE: Classic FM-3 - M3 lover 14:41:48 06/24/23 (0)

hmm, did I bite off more than I can chew for this tuner?

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