Project: Realistic STA-2000 (Rebuild)

[Super Noob]

Here is the most recent patient:

This was my 2nd acquisition of vintage gear about 4 years ago. Rat shack 2nd best has been doing service in my daughter room over the last couple of years. It is partnered with pair of HPM 60s (great combo). It sounded good, but I wanted to do some preventative maintenance for longevity's sake - as well as get the indicator lights working.

Here is the verified list of components:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XaYHBnEAlE1OAIyAqXKU9yoe44LCRrVr
Here comes the posts.

 

[Super Noob]

While caps were on order... I troubleshot the indicator lights down to the power supply board. Foster sure used a ton of glue on this board = replaced a diode, and let there be light. Since I have LEDs on hand = re-lamped all incandescent bulbs. Fuse style, T-10s, and 5 mm LEDs.

 

[Super Noob]

First up the Tone Amp Board:

Before:

After:

Trash Pile:

All caps under 2.2uF changed with WIMA films.

 

[Super Noob]

Next = Power Supply Board (half my time on this entire project was pulling glue).

Did not get a picture of the before...

After:

Parts:

 

[Super Noob]

Protection Board Next:

Before:

After:

Parts:

 

[leesonic]

Nice!

I had one of these once, I wished I'd kept it and restored it.

Lee.

 

[Super Noob]

Pre Amp Board.

Before:

After:

Parts:

 

[Super Noob]

FM Board Up Next.

Before:

After:

Parts:

 

[Super Noob]

Main Amp Next:

First Re-Paste The Main Output Transistors:

Before (note you can do all the work on the boards and outputs without undoing the wired post on the board). The rivets on boards flanges (to the heat sink) were a bit of a challenge to pull, but I had much luck in getting them out.

 

[Super Noob]

Main Amp Boards. Note that I did replace the double diodes and adjustment trim / variable resistors.

Before:

After:

Parts:

 

[Super Noob]

Up Last = Main Filter Caps

(note I have been adding 2.2 uF bypass caps on my rebuilds per recommendation of others= MTF)

Check out how I changed these... very happy with how easy this was.

 

[Super Noob]

Here is the test:

17.5 mV bias = dead nuts.
Less than 1 mV on the speaker outputs.

Very underrated receiver. Easy to work on. Sounds amazing.

 

[TheDHndrsn]

Excellent post! I have a D version awaiting similar rebuild. Have been putting it off but the receiver needs the TLC. May hit you p with a few Q's as I get into it.
Thanks for the post!
Dave

 

[polypetalous]

Awesome rebuild!
Though admittedly I like the incandescent over the LEDs.
Mine definitely needs a recap such as this but heck I just got it working again

Hope you did the FM Muting board, mine failed there.

Thanks for sharing, jealous of your skills!

Ben

 

[nj pheonix]

Nice job!
Does it seems like it needs an alignment?

 

[Bdbras84]

Awesome job! Step by step instructions! Thank you! I've got a 2100d that I've been wanting to get up and running for a year now but it alittle out of my expertise. I'm a big fan of Realistic so I'm glad to see you keeping this unit running strong for many more years to come!

 

[Super Noob]

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/realistic-sta-2100-recap.803294/

Did the big boy a month back... turned out sweet too.

2100

Had 2100D gifted to friend... it’s doing service next to his 1280.

 

[NAD80]

Very nice write up. Sound like it was worth doing. Since it now sounds great. Another 20-30 years out of it.

 

[Oldsansui441]

Great job, very nice. I like how you removed the filter cap terminals .

 

[tutor turtle]

I have a STA-2000 that needs a volume potentiometer. It is a four gang, single shaft 200K ohm. I can't find one anywhere. Suggestions?