Hello there Mc AK Gurus!
I have two MC7150s. One is an earlier model with the narrower, nostalgic faceplate and the other is the newer model with the wider faceplate (the W in the model number).
First question: Both were working/sounding wonderfully, but one day the MC7150W failed to turn on. It draws power initially but then drops to zero after a few seconds and won't finish turning on. I've checked the fuse for the meters as I understand that it can prevent the unit from powering up. It's fine. So is the main fuse, obviously. Is anyone aware of this as being a common issue that has a simple potential fix? I only have the service manual for the MC7150, can't find one for the Mc7150W (maybe because the guts are pretty much the same, at least they appear to be).
Second question: The earlier model MC7150 has bubbled glass and the meters are extremely dim (including the blue writing on the meter). Apparently the MC7150 had different color markings on the meter than the later model MC7150W (which has black writing on the meter). The MC7150W is in mint condition appearance-wise, but isn't working now (see above). It looks like I can swap the faceplates (everything appears identical, placement-wise) but can I easily swap the meters so that the MC7150's appearance is more like new until I can figure out what is wrong with the MC7150W? (Basically turn the MC7150 into a Mc7150W appearance-wise). Most boards appear to be plug and play, but I am not sure if there were significant design differences between the MC7150 and MC7150W internally when it comes to the meters. I'm also not sure if I should swap the meter board as well, or just the meters.
Third Question: I used to have Terry DeWick (RIP) do my repairs and upgrades that I didn't want to tackle myself. Are there any other reputable and qualified techs to consider for repairs should this be something I cannot handle myself? I don't trust any of the Mc authorized service centers (unless members here want to vouch for one). I've had one (won't mention who) rob a good, hard to find part from my unit I had them service and replace it with one that had minor issues. Unbelievable. That's why I became pretty good with simple repairs, but I'm not sure how involved this is going to get. Seems to me it may be a simple fix. But then again, things aren't always as they appear. But if there are simple things to check I'm all for it. If I can't, I'd like to know whom I can trust one of my babies with these days.
Thank you in advance for answers or tips to any of the three questions, and Happy Holidays!
I have two MC7150s. One is an earlier model with the narrower, nostalgic faceplate and the other is the newer model with the wider faceplate (the W in the model number).
First question: Both were working/sounding wonderfully, but one day the MC7150W failed to turn on. It draws power initially but then drops to zero after a few seconds and won't finish turning on. I've checked the fuse for the meters as I understand that it can prevent the unit from powering up. It's fine. So is the main fuse, obviously. Is anyone aware of this as being a common issue that has a simple potential fix? I only have the service manual for the MC7150, can't find one for the Mc7150W (maybe because the guts are pretty much the same, at least they appear to be).
Second question: The earlier model MC7150 has bubbled glass and the meters are extremely dim (including the blue writing on the meter). Apparently the MC7150 had different color markings on the meter than the later model MC7150W (which has black writing on the meter). The MC7150W is in mint condition appearance-wise, but isn't working now (see above). It looks like I can swap the faceplates (everything appears identical, placement-wise) but can I easily swap the meters so that the MC7150's appearance is more like new until I can figure out what is wrong with the MC7150W? (Basically turn the MC7150 into a Mc7150W appearance-wise). Most boards appear to be plug and play, but I am not sure if there were significant design differences between the MC7150 and MC7150W internally when it comes to the meters. I'm also not sure if I should swap the meter board as well, or just the meters.
Third Question: I used to have Terry DeWick (RIP) do my repairs and upgrades that I didn't want to tackle myself. Are there any other reputable and qualified techs to consider for repairs should this be something I cannot handle myself? I don't trust any of the Mc authorized service centers (unless members here want to vouch for one). I've had one (won't mention who) rob a good, hard to find part from my unit I had them service and replace it with one that had minor issues. Unbelievable. That's why I became pretty good with simple repairs, but I'm not sure how involved this is going to get. Seems to me it may be a simple fix. But then again, things aren't always as they appear. But if there are simple things to check I'm all for it. If I can't, I'd like to know whom I can trust one of my babies with these days.
Thank you in advance for answers or tips to any of the three questions, and Happy Holidays!
