Services

RF, IF, and AF alignment of AM or FM tuners. We specialize in valve tuners. Any repairs required not included in this price.

The AWA A56010 Voltohmyst is probably the most commonly found VTVM in Australia. The A56010 is based on the RCA WV-87A, modified for 240VAC and other local conditions, with a locally designed cabinet and front panel. They were made in tens of thousands by Amalgamated Wireless Australia, and very widely used by local repairmen, radio & TV technicians, etc., in the period 1953–about 1970 when DVMs came into use. They are still much sought after, as there is still really no replacement for a high-impedance (10MΩ) analogue voltmeter that can measure to ±1500VDC, 4200VAC P-P, and with a centre-zero facility, the last feature being invaluable in tuner alignments.

We can perform a pretty precise DC+, DC-, and AC alignment of this unit. We also offer a small regulated 1.5VDC PSU unit to replace the D cell battery used for resistance measurements. We can also fit an illuminated mains switch and an internal AC fuse, both required under modern codes. Replacement probes are also available, including a 1MΩ DC probe. Please contact us for details.

Sometimes you just want to know whether something is working, and how well, to help you decide whether to service, buy, sell, etc. We offer a condition report service: an evaluation and written report on the current performance of any pre-amplifier, amplifier, active crossover, or tuner, for your information. We perform a visual examination, graduated power-up, and measure as follows:

Preamplifiers

THD, IMD, bandwidth, RIAA accuracy, output level, all inputs and all outputs.

Power amplifiers

THD, IMD, bandwidth, stability, total power (up to 200W only).

Active crossovers

Gain, THD, IMD, crossover point(s), output level.

Tuners

RF sensitivity, quieting, THD, IMD, audio bandwidth, FM de-emphasis accuracy, stereo channel separation.

This service can be done while you wait and is priced per functional unit, i.e. double for integrated amplifiers (preamp+amp) or triple for receivers (preamp+tuner+amp).

Servicing of any Fender valve guitar amplifer.

Supply and fitting of the TBX active bost control to Stratocasters.

Citation series: T&M

Standard service and full RF, IF, and AF alignment, including adjustment to 50uS de-emphasis if required.  Any valve model including 335 MPX unit.

Standard service plus full RF, IF, and AF alignment.

Service and alignment is done at T&M, usually around $A200 depending on findings.

The original factory decoder is now of historical interest only, but it can be serviced and aligned if required at T&M.

A modern IC-based stereo decoder can be supplied and fitted for $A100.

Price shown is per channel.

Because condition and owner requirements can vary so much, these are all charged at T&M.

Any valve model: T&M

All 22s with original rear-panel sockets need this. They are not exactly the same as modern RCA sockets, so modern RCA plugs just fall out. We replace them with 11 gold-plated sockets. colour-coded the same as the labels to make it easier to know where everything plugs in.

This is omitted from the basic service to make it more affordable, as many people don't use tone controls these days.

Test and alignment of the HT, centre voltage, and quiescent current for minimum crossover distortion and THD. These 5 alignment points need checking every decade or so.

303 service plus all PCB components replaced.

Get rid of those lamination buzzes.

Selected modifications to upgrade a 405-I to near 405-II standard.

Get rid of those lamination buzzes with a modern toroidal power transformer. 240V only.

Per pair

Power amplifiers: T&M

T&M

T&M

Standard service includes replacing about 20 components, plus a full RF, IF, and AF alignment, including retuning the whistle filter to 9KHz.

 A grinding noise when moving the tray in and out indicates the need for tray alignment and a new pinion wheel.

Replacement of about 30 electrolytic capacitors. This should be undertaken after 15-20 years of service.

This service involves replacing about 20 components and a full RF and IF alignment.

A modern stereo decoder can be supplied and fitted into the FM2. External case required for an FM1. Price varies accordingly.

Standard renovation plus full RF, IF, and AF alignment to restore performance to factory specification.

You will probably also need new panel lamps which can be supplied at low cost.

Replacement CPU (IC1). Battery no longer required. Supports 14 presets instead of the previous 7. Includes fiting and testing.

Some FM4s suffer from excessive tuning drift. This is distinct from the mere flickering of the display plus or minus 50KHz which they all seem to do. We have sourced a Drift Modification Kit from Quad that cures this problem. Note that your FM4 may already have it fitted.

Standard service plus full RF, IF, and AF alignment.

Per pair

T&M

The Quad QC24 preamp is normally supplied without a phono stage. It is an optional extra. This service comprises supply and fitting of this stage and full testing. Both MM and MC are supported. Please advise your phono cartridge make and model for exact matching.

Mono

Any model not listed separately: T&M

Preamp

Preamp, self-powered.

Preamp

solid state: T&M

Stereo

Integrated amplifier, not to be confused with the ZD-22 preamplifier.

Preamp only, excludes ZD-100 integrated amplifier.

For large installations such as recording studios we can also do a site visit, to check all your channels of all your gear. Of the services listed, only the standard THD, noise, bandwidth, and power tests are portable.

Price on application, including travel time in both directions.

We can perform alignments and Brian Beezley's modifications for Sound Technology ST-1000A units, including the low-distortion oscillator modification, and the level offset adjustment to balance mono and stereo modes on the meter. We can also fit the 400Hz oscillator and switch, and the external rear input BNC jack options if absent.

Price: T&M.

After various entertaining incidents in our laboratory, we can now undertake repair of Tektronix TM500 mainframes and a number of plugin units. Repairs are charged at T&M. Please ask us about other Tektronix equipment not listed here, but note that we do not service oscilloscopes of any kind, although we can service certain 7000-series plugin units.