Hi
I want to repair some old MTX 2300's and 4320's I have for my personal use. After reading Perry's amp repair tutorials, I've already ordered the Weller wes51, a desoldering pump, and some desoldering braid. But I have a couple of questions about the other tools needed for amp repair.
Can I realistically fix these amps without purchasing an oscilloscope? I'm on a tight budget and these seem to be around $150+ used for the Tektronix 465 on Ebay. If it turns out that I'm proficient at doing repairs and get into it more I can see the benefit in getting one. But if I only repair my amps (3 x 2300's and 4 x 4320's) is it worth the investment?
What composition and gauge of Kester 44 solder do I need? I didn't see where it was specified in the tutorial.
Thanks.
I want to repair some old MTX 2300's and 4320's I have for my personal use. After reading Perry's amp repair tutorials, I've already ordered the Weller wes51, a desoldering pump, and some desoldering braid. But I have a couple of questions about the other tools needed for amp repair.
Can I realistically fix these amps without purchasing an oscilloscope? I'm on a tight budget and these seem to be around $150+ used for the Tektronix 465 on Ebay. If it turns out that I'm proficient at doing repairs and get into it more I can see the benefit in getting one. But if I only repair my amps (3 x 2300's and 4 x 4320's) is it worth the investment?
What composition and gauge of Kester 44 solder do I need? I didn't see where it was specified in the tutorial.
Thanks.
0.040" diameter is good for general repair work. Equipment page, item #16 if you have the full tutorial.
http://octopart.com/partsearch#search/requestData&q=24-6040-0039
Many repairs can be performed without a scope. A scope is very helpful when distortion is one of the faults.
The 2300 can be difficult to repair, especially when the output transistors fail. I haven't seen many (any?) so I don't know what it's going to take to repair them.
http://octopart.com/partsearch#search/requestData&q=24-6040-0039
Many repairs can be performed without a scope. A scope is very helpful when distortion is one of the faults.
The 2300 can be difficult to repair, especially when the output transistors fail. I haven't seen many (any?) so I don't know what it's going to take to repair them.
Thanks Perry. What composition of solder should I use? Do you think a newbie like me should take on the 2300 and 4320?
Pheadrus, Perry posted the recommended solder in his reply. He posted it in the octopart search form. octopart is an excellent tool to find nearly everything you will need for parts to repair these amps. You can search cheapest prices and what country each company is based out of. Future electronics seems to be pretty good and they are based out of Canada.
Sorry Perry. Your right Nik. I didn't realize both listed were 60/40 until I looked at the part numbers. Newbie mistake. What do you guys think about a novice taking on the MTX 2300 and 4320? I enjoy a challenge, the reward of fixing something yourself and the satisfaction of learning new skills.
Being on permanent disability, I have plenty of free time and I'm willing to learn. I've repaired cars for 25 years just by reading Haynes manuals and using common sense. But my soldering has been limited to car audio installs, car starters, by-passing alarms, etc. Am I going to be able to properly test and repair them without an oscilloscope and experience? I don't have the cash to pay a repair shop to fix 3-4 amps especially if there hard to work on.
Thanks.
Being on permanent disability, I have plenty of free time and I'm willing to learn. I've repaired cars for 25 years just by reading Haynes manuals and using common sense. But my soldering has been limited to car audio installs, car starters, by-passing alarms, etc. Am I going to be able to properly test and repair them without an oscilloscope and experience? I don't have the cash to pay a repair shop to fix 3-4 amps especially if there hard to work on.
Thanks.
I would say go for it! You can do a lot with just a 12v power supply a digital multimeter and a soldering iron.
Some people want quick-fixes and aren't willing to take the time required for tougher repairs. Repairing the 2300 may require the removal and testing of a large number of transistors. Sometimes the smaller transistors survive and sometimes a large number are damaged. Testing in the board isn't always definitive.
These aren't ideal amps to have to repair when learning but if they're all you have, you don't much of a choice.
It's unlikely that you'll need a scope to repair all of the amps. For some a scope may make the repair quicker but it's unlikely that it will be absolutely necessary.
These aren't ideal amps to have to repair when learning but if they're all you have, you don't much of a choice.
It's unlikely that you'll need a scope to repair all of the amps. For some a scope may make the repair quicker but it's unlikely that it will be absolutely necessary.
Being on disability and living in northern Ontario, Canada means I have lots of time during the winter stuck inside with nothing to do. They were great amps for me so I'd love to fix them if possible. My concern isn't being in a hurry or time constraints. It's bugging guys like Perry with too many questions. The good thing is that all the amps are basically the same design and parts so as I learn I can apply it to all the amps. If nothing else I'll be really good at soldering and desoldering by the time I'm done. I may be able to get an oscilloscope from a buddy if necessary.
Most of the people on here don't mind the questions. Considering they are not forced to get on here and answer the questions. (I hope not anyway) Also, the questions may help others learn.
Soldering Skills
Pheadrus, I think it is very commendable that you are asking about the soldering part of amp repair. So many don't & only think of it as a afterthought and not important yet it is very important to know how to correctly solder. If this is not mastered you will create more problems than you fix. You should also practice soldering on a scrap PCB board before working on your own amps.
Below are some links you may find useful.
Basic Soldering Lesson 1 - "Solder & Flux" - YouTube
dB-r.com Amp Amplifier and Electronics Repair
Pheadrus, I think it is very commendable that you are asking about the soldering part of amp repair. So many don't & only think of it as a afterthought and not important yet it is very important to know how to correctly solder. If this is not mastered you will create more problems than you fix. You should also practice soldering on a scrap PCB board before working on your own amps.
Below are some links you may find useful.
Basic Soldering Lesson 1 - "Solder & Flux" - YouTube
dB-r.com Amp Amplifier and Electronics Repair
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