RIP - SC-900 audio head unit - Maybe not....! - UPDATE

[scot850]

Pictures of resurrection of the SC-900 head unit!

Unit after initial build up

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On completion of swapping the CD changer over from buddies scrapped unit with faulty cassette drive. CD changer condition unknown at this point!

Initial testing

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Above testing that the tape and CD units were functioning prior to cleaning the CD laser and cassette drive and head. Wanted to make sure the main items were working as well as all the front panel bulbs. These are a pain on these units as they are all soldered in as is the front panel. Fortunately all are working. I will de-solder the front panel from the other unit and keep as a spare as well as the other circuit board. The front PCB is held in place by 3? metal lock tabs. One on the left side near the on/of knob, and 2 on the RHS above and below the tuning know. These 2 are soldered in place.

Covers fitted and powered up

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Took about 3 hours to clean the front panel. Using IPA/rubbing alcohol and probably 30 double ended cotton buds. Buddies unit had clearly been owned by a heavy smoker for many years. Can't use more aggressive cleaners as it can remove the button ID lettering as well as the finish. Never had a face-plate that bad!!

Hardest part of build up was I had 'filed' the front panel, screws and side lock mechanisms away as I had thought my unit was beyond repair. I knew where some of the screws were but not the locking panels and their screws!

My buddies dead unit had all the screws removed already when he swapped out the cassette unit, so no help there!

Unit fully fired up on test rig

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Unit fully fired up after completing build up. Still have to test the radio side of it today, but then hopefully all is good and it can get stored in the stash or sold on.

Neil.