Adjusting tuner of Pioneer SX 880

[RonaldArjune]

I have a Pioneer SX 880 receiver. I need to know which RF Transformer to adjust so that the FM Center tuning meter is at dead center with maximum signal. I don't think I want to adjust the trimmer capacitors on the tuning capacitor. The center tuning meter is a little off to the left with maximum signal of an FM station. I do not know how to do an alignment and I don't have a signal generator. FM muting is not that balanced with the meter. It is my belief that if I balance the center tuning meter by adjusting one of the Transformers that the reception will improve. Most of the stations are clear. Can you send me a photo of the Transformer I have to adjust? I am hoping I don't have to adjust more than one transformer.

 

[markthefixer]

You need special plastic tools, there are TWO coils in the transformer. The tool you need is UNDERCUT so that you can GET to the one slug without turning the other.
If you download the service manual and READ the FM adjustments section, it will tell you that the center zero setting is done with DEAD air (hah!! try to find THAT in any urban area)
I have a completely different procedure for the urban area I am in. You have to understand the theory and engineering before you start poking around in a tuner.

The manual will tell you everything you need to know to dig yourself into a VERY DEEP and EXPENSIVE hole.

And EVEN with my DECADES of experience in doing FM alignments - you will probably find ME sweating during some aspect of EVERY alignment. As in what the ^$&^%&%* IS THIS &*^*&&(*& )(()*()* %^$%$^ doing NOW???

PLUS every meter has a DIFFERENT zero point, you need to hang a dmm across it and watch the millivolts and LIVE with where the METER thinks it's zero is. THAT CANNOT BE ADJUSTED (the meter position). You can get a close idea of where the zero point is by looking at the UNPLUGGED unit.

Adjusting the zero point can DRAMATICALLY shift the distortion of the received FM signal. Then getting the distortion low again moves the ZERO!! So it's rinse and repeat until a good compromise is reached.