Hi everyone,
I have an Arcam Delta CD Player that is dead at the moment. When you turn the power on nothing happens, I have taken the lid off and cannot see or smell any burnt components.
I have asked Chat GPT and here is the response
Fault-Finding and Repair Guide for Arcam Delta 70 CD Player (No Power Issue)
The Arcam Delta 70 is a well-built CD player based on the Philips CD104 design, using a CDM-1 mechanism and TDA1540 DACs. If it does not switch on, the issue is likely related to the power supply section, including the transformer, rectifiers, voltage regulators, capacitors, or fuses.
1. Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Check the Basics
• Power Cord & Fuse:
• Ensure the power cable is securely connected.
• Check the mains fuse in the plug (if applicable).
• Power Switch:
• The Arcam Delta 70 has a mechanical power switch. Use a multimeter to check continuity when switched on.
• Internal Fuse (F1 & F2):
• Open the unit and check the internal fuses near the power supply. If blown, investigate why before replacing.
Step 2: Transformer Check
• Test the AC output from the transformer’s secondary windings.
• If there is no AC voltage on the secondary, the transformer may have failed (uncommon but possible).
Step 3: Rectifier & Voltage Regulator Check
• Bridge Rectifier (D1-D4 or BR1):
• Measure the AC input and DC output. If there is AC at the input but no DC output, the rectifier is faulty.
• Voltage Regulators (7812, 7912, or other 78xx/79xx series regulators):
• Measure input voltage (should be higher than the rated output) and output voltage.
• If the input voltage is correct but there is no output, the regulator has likely failed.
• Diodes (D5-D8 in the rectifier circuit):
• Use a diode test function on a multimeter. A shorted diode will prevent power-up.
Step 4: Capacitor Check
• Electrolytic capacitors can degrade, causing power supply failure.
• Look for bulging or leaking capacitors.
• If possible, measure with an ESR meter.
Step 5: Check for Cold Solder Joints & PCB Damage
• Inspect the power supply PCB for cracked joints, especially around large components (transformer, regulators, connectors).
• Resolder any questionable connections.
2. Repair & Premium Replacement Parts BOM (Power Supply Section)
3. Repair Process
1. Replace blown fuse(s) and check for shorts before powering on.
2. Replace any faulty rectifier diodes, regulators, or capacitors.
3. Resolder any weak joints.
4. Power up gradually with a variac (if available) or use a current-limited bench supply.
Once the power supply is restored, the unit should switch on. If it still fails, further investigation into the logic and display board may be needed.
Would you like a full recap list including the analogue stage?
Is the CT GPT accurate
Can you give me some guidance on what you think? Thanks
I have an Arcam Delta CD Player that is dead at the moment. When you turn the power on nothing happens, I have taken the lid off and cannot see or smell any burnt components.
I have asked Chat GPT and here is the response
Fault-Finding and Repair Guide for Arcam Delta 70 CD Player (No Power Issue)
The Arcam Delta 70 is a well-built CD player based on the Philips CD104 design, using a CDM-1 mechanism and TDA1540 DACs. If it does not switch on, the issue is likely related to the power supply section, including the transformer, rectifiers, voltage regulators, capacitors, or fuses.
1. Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Check the Basics
• Power Cord & Fuse:
• Ensure the power cable is securely connected.
• Check the mains fuse in the plug (if applicable).
• Power Switch:
• The Arcam Delta 70 has a mechanical power switch. Use a multimeter to check continuity when switched on.
• Internal Fuse (F1 & F2):
• Open the unit and check the internal fuses near the power supply. If blown, investigate why before replacing.
Step 2: Transformer Check
• Test the AC output from the transformer’s secondary windings.
• If there is no AC voltage on the secondary, the transformer may have failed (uncommon but possible).
Step 3: Rectifier & Voltage Regulator Check
• Bridge Rectifier (D1-D4 or BR1):
• Measure the AC input and DC output. If there is AC at the input but no DC output, the rectifier is faulty.
• Voltage Regulators (7812, 7912, or other 78xx/79xx series regulators):
• Measure input voltage (should be higher than the rated output) and output voltage.
• If the input voltage is correct but there is no output, the regulator has likely failed.
• Diodes (D5-D8 in the rectifier circuit):
• Use a diode test function on a multimeter. A shorted diode will prevent power-up.
Step 4: Capacitor Check
• Electrolytic capacitors can degrade, causing power supply failure.
• Look for bulging or leaking capacitors.
• If possible, measure with an ESR meter.
Step 5: Check for Cold Solder Joints & PCB Damage
• Inspect the power supply PCB for cracked joints, especially around large components (transformer, regulators, connectors).
• Resolder any questionable connections.
2. Repair & Premium Replacement Parts BOM (Power Supply Section)
Component | Original Value | Premium Replacement | Manufacturer |
| Main Transformer | Custom (Check Label) | Check for 2x15V AC equivalent | N/A |
Mains Fuse (F1, F2) | T1A, T2A | Littelfuse Slow Blow T1A/T2A | Littelfuse |
Bridge Rectifier | 2A 200V (BR1) | Vishay W04G-E4/51 (4A, 400V) | Vishay |
Diodes (D5-D8) | 1N4002 | Vishay 1N4007 (1000V, 1A) | Vishay |
Voltage Regulator +12V | 7812 | Texas Instruments LM7812CT | Texas Instruments |
Voltage Regulator -12V | 7912 | Texas Instruments LM7912CT | Texas Instruments |
Power Supply Filter Capacitors | 4700µF 25V | Panasonic FC 4700µF 35V | Panasonic |
2200µF 16V | Nichicon KG 2200µF 25V | Nichicon | |
Decoupling Caps | 100µF 16V | Elna Silmic II 100µF 25V | Elna |
PCB Connectors | Standard Pin Headers | Gold-Plated Molex KK396 Series | Molex |
3. Repair Process
1. Replace blown fuse(s) and check for shorts before powering on.
2. Replace any faulty rectifier diodes, regulators, or capacitors.
3. Resolder any weak joints.
4. Power up gradually with a variac (if available) or use a current-limited bench supply.
Once the power supply is restored, the unit should switch on. If it still fails, further investigation into the logic and display board may be needed.
Would you like a full recap list including the analogue stage?
Is the CT GPT accurate
Can you give me some guidance on what you think? Thanks
Attachments
Sorry to say this, but
If you do not understand whether the advice you were given is correct, do you think you have the skills to repair this player?
Do you have things like a test meter for measuring voltage and current and know how to use it?
Do you understand the dangers of mains voltages on components that you will be measuring?
If you do not understand whether the advice you were given is correct, do you think you have the skills to repair this player?
Do you have things like a test meter for measuring voltage and current and know how to use it?
Do you understand the dangers of mains voltages on components that you will be measuring?
Thank for the replies. Yes I do have experience of electronics and was a telecommunications engineer for 14 years and had to do component level mainetneace at times. I do have a very good test meter and know how to use it. I did not put the question properly as I was in a rush and using my phone. The first thing I should have asked if anyone knew if there was a common problem with the Arcam Delta 70 CD Player bearing in mind the age of it. I also thought other forum members would find the Chat GPT answer interesting and wondered what they thought of it.
I will download the service manual from HiFi Engine once my download quota has been reset. If anyone has the manual and can send it to me by the messaging I would appreciate it so that I can get on with it.
I would be interested to know what mods people have made to this CD player to improve the performance.
Thanks
I will download the service manual from HiFi Engine once my download quota has been reset. If anyone has the manual and can send it to me by the messaging I would appreciate it so that I can get on with it.
I would be interested to know what mods people have made to this CD player to improve the performance.
Thanks