• 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

SX-450 Dial Cord

W

Westone

New Member
Hi,
My son scored an SX-450 for XMAS. Yesterday we set it up and were listening to some local stations and determined that an antenna would probably help. This morning I hooked a T antenna tuned for the FM band that I fashioned out of some twisted pair cable. Turned on the amp, went to tune a station and discovered that the tuner dial was spinning freely.

I have located a section from the service manual detailing steps for stringing the dial cord. But what about the cord, what is used for the dial cord and where can it be had?

Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
Stewart Manufacturing Cat. No. 150 Waxed Nylon Thread, the kind used for hand-stitching leather goods, has been a suitable replacement for my projects.
 
nine minutes to giving up??

This stuff is 0.028 dia:

markthefixer said:
Get the RIGHT stuff - I can vouch for this personally - I have successfully used it.

contact:www.radioantiques.com

cord link


"BOBS ANTIQUE RADIOS"
<radiobob1@sbcglobal.net>
part # 6138 dial cord, 25 foot at 3.25 apiece plus 1.25 flat rate shipping, in Illinois there will be sales tax.
quote edited on 11/18/10 to current prices, I just checked...
Click to expand...

Dial cord (0.030"):
http://www.radioantiques.com/supplies.html (great deal)
or
http://www.radiodaze.com/category/703.aspx

service manual, string guide (free registration required):
logon
Library
Pioneer
SX-450
http://www.hifiengine.com

Do NOT loose the original, tape it back together at the original length and use it for a length, knotting and tying guide.

no affiliations...
 
Last edited:
I registered at hifiengine.com yesterday, but never received the email with my password. Checked my junk folder and my spam filter but no joy. Found a service manual elsewhere however.

Thanks for the info! We were disappointed about the break right after setting it up, but looks like an easy fix.
 
Westone said:
Thanks for the info! We were disappointed about the break right after setting it up, but looks like an easy fix.
Click to expand...

Well, stinging tuners is not what I would call easy. There is some puzzle involved and tricky spring tensioning. Maybe a fresh install is easier....

Luck (and patience).
 
LOL! Yeah, from the mouths of babes, right? We'll see how I feel about it after. I'm down with the flu right now. Soon as I'm feeling better it's at the top of my list.
 
I've read that some types of Fly Fishing string works very well for dial stringing, too! Some guys may have some in their tackle box.
 
In a pinch I'll use nylon Kite cord and rub the length with Violin Rosin. Works well until you can get the good stuff from one of the vendors and you get in some practice for when you hook up the good stuff.
 
Okay got it all fixed and want to share my experience.

The local craft store did not have the #6 Bead cord someone had suggested, and the #4 they did have was rather thinner than the original cord and caused me some, perhaps needless, concern. Same with the high test braided fishing line at the local big box store. Even the 65# test line was very thin compared to the original dial cord.

So I was looking around in the store and found some polypropylene twine that was much closer to the original cord. It did not seem like it had much stretch if any, so I bought a roll for 97 cents and used that. Right now it works fine, and if it doesn't stretch too much should be good for a long time. And if it doesn't last, I know I can fix it again with something else.

I love this vintage stuff. If an engineer came up with this dial cord system today, s/he would be out of a job.
 
Try applying a coating of beezwax onto the string. Carefully work it in with your fingers as you move the cord to access all areas. Once it sets up a bit the cord will be slightly stiffer, but will still be flexible enough for the application.

The wax is intended as much (or more) for lubrication and protection against wear of the capstan and sheaves as it is to aid in traction (stiction).
 
Watthour said:
lubrication and protection against wear of the capstan and sheaves as it is to aid in traction (stiction).
Click to expand...

Hmm... Capstan? I don't recall seeing a capstan. Every point at which the dial cord made a change in direction, a pulley was utilized. Unless you mean the shaft on the dial itself, which the cord wraps around 3 times. That is solid brass. The cord will wear through first. In fact that is where the original broke.
 
Yes, the capstan of the tuner spindle (where the cord wraps 3½ times). While the string will wear a bit faster, you are on your second string, and whether you realize it the capstan is also worn down, just as plain newsprint wears down the solid carbide needles on a newspaper folder.

In either case, the beeswax will help with future wear and ease the string around the capstan so it operates smoothly.
 
You just did such a fine job correctly stringing the tuner, I'd hate to see it wear itself away too soon. :thmbsp:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom