• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Marantz 2230 Stereo Indicator Problem

Status
Not open for further replies.
knolla1

knolla1

Anthony Knoll
Hello Everyone,
I have a Marantz 2230 I am restoring and recently recapped and adjusted all of the audio related boards and am getting ready to undertake the tuner. In addition, I have converted all the lamps to LEDs. One problem I have encountered after these efforts is that the stereo indicator does not illuminate. Having browsed many forums this seems to be a common problem. Does any one have any advice on how to solve this problem? All input is very much appreciated.
 
Register to hide this ad
Did you try to reverse the polarity of your stereo LED indicator? The Mono/Stereo switch must be in Stereo to receive FM Stereo signals.
 
Have you tried using a DMM meter across the lamp leads to see if you are getting voltage? Be sure it's tuned to a stereo channel first, obviously. If you have voltage then the led is reversed or bad. If it's a lamp it's bad. If you have no voltage it may be the tuner needs to be aligned and/or adjusted.
 
Just select the "AUX" input. Make sure the stereo/mono switch is OUT (Stereo) and the "STEREO" indicator should light. That's the easiest way to check. The lamps are connected directly to the DC power supply when in "AUX" mode.

The two lamps are in series. That means, if you are using LEDs, they both better be oriented correctly.

DH
 
Actually the stereo lamps in the 2230 are in parallel...
 

Attachments

  • 2230 STEREO LAMPS.jpg
    2230 STEREO LAMPS.jpg
    25.5 KB · Views: 231
No - they are not. Indeed, the schematic shows that but it is just another error. When one lamp goes out, they both go out - looking at the printed wiring board verifies they are in series. Marantz sometimes gets slammed for schematic errors but their schematics are better than many other manufacturers.

At any rate, check them using the "AUX" function. That is true for the 2270/2245/2230. And don't worry about using the wrong lamp. You are not going to blow anything out. Those units use a current limited transistor for the FM and just a resistor connected to the power supply for powering the two stereo lamps in the other modes. No delicate IC's to worry about.

DH

JBL GUY said:
Actually the stereo lamps in the 2230 are in parallel...
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
I had the same problem and solved it with the help of the people here:thmbsp:.
Check for 14 Vdc at the circuit board where the lamps are mounted.
If there is no power there start checking for bad solder joints.
That is what my problem was.
I re soldered a bunch of spots and the problem was gone...:D
And yes the lamps are in series and the schematic is wrong...
The Aux function also lights the stereo lamp on my 2220b...
 
whsh93a said:
No - they are not. Indeed, the schematic shows that but it is just another error. When one lamp goes out, they both go out - looking at the printed wiring board verifies they are in series. Marantz sometimes gets slammed for schematic errors but their schematics are better than many other manufacturers.

At any rate, check them using the "AUX" function. That is true for the 2270/2245/2230. And don't worry about using the wrong lamp. You are not going to blow anything out. Those units use a current limited transistor for the FM and just a resistor connected to the power supply for powering the two stereo lamps in the other modes. No delicate IC's to worry about.

DH
Click to expand...

Woops...Sorry for the wrong info...I have more than one 2230 schematic and the other one has a note about the correction...I just looked at the wrong one...I should have remembered that...but when you get to be my age...Oh darn I forgot what I was going to say....
 
If the lamp IS bad either dgwojo (original lamp) or Whsh93a (led) can supply what you need. Both are as good as it gets for getting the best lighting from your Marantz......:yes::D
 
I just picked up a Marantz 2230 and the stereo indicator light is not working. My main question is: Is this an issue that is isolated to the lamp or does it affect any other aspect of the receiver's functioning? That is, does it in anyway affect the listening experience or the longevity of the circuitry... or is it mostly a cosmetic issue. Excuse my naivety.
 
levra said:
I just picked up a Marantz 2230 and the stereo indicator light is not working. My main question is: Is this an issue that is isolated to the lamp or does it affect any other aspect of the receiver's functioning? That is, does it in anyway affect the listening experience or the longevity of the circuitry... or is it mostly a cosmetic issue. Excuse my naivety.
Click to expand...

Assuming you're hearing stereo sound, it's just a cosmetic issue. The stereo indicator is comprised of two 6.3V 'bi-pin' bulbs in series. If one bulb dies, the other will not illuminate - to do the job right, you need to replace both. AK member dgwojo offers exact replacement lamps if you want to do it yourself.

By the way, let me be the first to welcome you to AK! :wave:
 
Stereo Indicator Lamps not working on 2245

please excuse my lack of electronics sophistication. My Marantz 2245 stereo light hasn't worked in FM or other modes including AUX since I picked it up used 15 yrs ago. Recently purchased incandescent lamp set from a reliable source here and replaced all fuse lamps (dial + meters) and replaced the pair of 6.3v 200ma lamps for the stereo indicator. Now all lights work EXCEPT the STEREO. I've tested in AUX and mono button is OUT. Made first attempt after many youtube demos to remove old solder joints and replace new bulbs in series with no obvious solder bridging between pin leads for the STEREO lamps.

I have a multimeter that only measures 200 amps and up, it measures AC DC and resistance. Don't know if I can use this thing to test m/amps on these lamp boards or not.

I tested that the stereo functions in FM reception prior to replacing lamps, so I know I"m capable of stereo reception.

Can anybody direct me at this point to isolate and hopefully resolve my STEREO indicator lamp problem? I appreciate any input.
 
The pair of 6.3v/40ma bi-pin lamps should be receiving between 12.6 and 13.75 volts, if not, follow the circuit board traces to the 20 ohm resistor upstream, it might be disconnected since you say the pair of lamps don't come on when the receiver is switched to AUX input mode. Make sure you have the meter set to AC or DC volts, never to amps, that will cook the circuit if the meter is not in series with the lamps. :scratch2:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom