Troubleshooting a Mini-Hifi Right Channel Audio Issue

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting an audio issue with a mini-hifi system, specifically focusing on the right channel audio producing a clicking noise when connected through the tape player connections. Participants explore potential causes and solutions related to the circuitry and connections involved in using the tape heads as an auxiliary input.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a clicking noise in the right channel when using the tape player connections and speculates it may relate to the tape head's dual function as a record head.
  • Another participant suggests that both tape heads should not be connected simultaneously with an external signal source and recommends using a switch to alternate between them.
  • A participant reports that removing the 4-pin connector for the tape improved audio quality but suspects insufficient current from the PC audio output may be an issue.
  • Concerns are raised about the equalization settings for tape playback affecting the audio quality, with a suggestion to place the AUX input elsewhere in the circuit.
  • There is a discussion about bypassing the IC201 chip, which is designed for magnetic tape signals, to avoid distortion and improve audio levels.
  • Participants inquire about the source of the audio signal being injected and consider the possibility of using other music sources available on the mini-hifi system.
  • A participant mentions the availability of a service manual and suggests that injecting the signal at the power amp stage may be a viable solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to resolve the audio issue, with no consensus reached on a definitive solution. There are multiple competing suggestions regarding circuit modifications and the use of different audio sources.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential limitations related to the circuit design and the specific functions of the components involved, including the need for proper signal amplification and the implications of using tape heads for AUX input.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in audio electronics, troubleshooting audio equipment, or modifying hifi systems may find this discussion relevant.

richardstan
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I know this is a physics forum, but someone may be able to help.

I have a mini-hifi that I want to use the tape player connections from as an aux in.

I've soldered a stereo cable into the connections on the hi-fi as shown in the electronic diagram. The left channel works fine, without any distortion. However, the audio for the right channel creates a horrible loud clicking noise like a bad connection whenever the volume is turned up and down or music plays. I assume this has something to do with the right tape head also being a record head, but when the hi-fi is in playback mode, i don't know why it would still make this noise?

Both left and right tape heads are to a voltage output VCC2 on IC201, which is just small voltage output of about 0.9V or something, as well as connecting to terminal 4 of L501.

PB2P and PB1P are the playback inputs for the IC201 AMP.

Both left and right audio input cables are coax cables. There is a single input wire covered with plastic, these are connected to the 4th and 3rd connector of the tape connector. This is then surrounded with what I am guessing is the return path of the circuit, which I have soldered to ground

Could someone tell me why this is and how to fix it?
5789512555_d1a2c9257d_b.jpg
 
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both heads are record or playback depending on the position of SW S501

ok obvious question ... I hope you are not trying to have the tape heads across the input at the same time as the external signal source ?

you need to use one or the other and if you still want to be able to use the tape heads, then you need to have a separate switch to switch them out of cct whilst you are using that for an AUX input.

cheers
Dave
 
I've completely removed the 4 pin connector for the tape ***. The audio in is now considerably quieter and there isn't any distortion when the pc audio level is at full. I think that that voltage amplified the signal but caused distortion somehow. I think there just isn't sufficient current being supplied from the pc audio out to the amp ic to overcome the high resistance so I won't bother with this project.
 
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I suspect that because of the equalisation etc for tape playback that will be incorporated into that chip. That is probably what is causing the hassles.
you may be better off putting the AUX input in some where else, what immediately springs to mind would be at the outputs of the chip. if you really didnt want to use the tape anymore you could cut away the output pins so that the chip internals didnt upset the signal you were injecting at that point.

cheers
Dave
 
As it stands once the 4pin tape connector is removed, left and right audio channels go directly into pb1p and pb2p of the ic201. Are you suggesting I should bypass this chip as I is causing errors. If this isn't the case, do you think there would be a way of elevating the sound levels for the injected audio by altering some pins or something?
 
richardstan said:
As it stands once the 4pin tape connector is removed, left and right audio channels go directly into pb1p and pb2p of the ic201. Are you suggesting I should bypass this chip as I is causing errors. If this isn't the case, do you think there would be a way of elevating the sound levels for the injected audio by altering some pins or something?

Yes that's right. That chip is designed to take a signal specifically from a magnetic tape head, signal condition and amplify it appropriately.

Just reading your first post again, I noticed that you didnt comment on what the source of your new inputted signal was. Maybe you are trying to input music from a MP3 player of some description ?
If so the level from one of them is relatively high and there should be no prob amplifying it to a decent level :)
Let's see more of the circuit, particularly what there is between the output of that chip and the input of the main amplifier stage and see what I can suggest to you.

ohhh an afterthought ... this hifi has a tape player, what other music sources does it have ? it may be easier to modify one of them

cheers
Dave
 
I'll post more circuit pics soon or a service manual with details. It's also got a cd player and radio tuner. It's the sharp xl-s10.
 
I gave up trying to find a site where I could d/l the manual for free. wasnt going to pay for it when it wasnt my system ;)

its also got an AUX input on the rear so the user manual says so are you already using that for something else ? you could always switch that input between multiple sources

Dave
 
Here's a copy of the service manual. If you look at page 10, there's a Power amp before the speaker and headphone stage. I think this would be the best place to inject the signal, correct?

Just click on the document link.
http://cid-dbf36a87da2b59ef.office.live.com/embedicon.aspx/Public/sharp^_xl-s10h^_sm^_[ET].pdf
 
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