Realistic STA65, STA65B, STA65C and STA65D Difference? Schematic

M

Martyo

New Member
OK, I just picked up a Realistic STA65A Receiver - Best I can tell this is the original A model. It is marked STA65 Solid State AM-FM Stereo Receiver. Back panel indicates 100 watts output. I know I need to replace the capacitors along with other undiagnosed ailments so I'm just looking for info right now. The problem I am running into is there is info available on the 65B, and D model. Plenty of B, C and D units for sale working or for parts but the A version (no letter updated version) info seems rare with only random parts on Ebay. Kinda makes sense being the first generation. I've checked with my local library and other assorted searches and resources, Ebay, other audio archives but no luck.

Does anyone have the STA65 Owners manual? a schematic?
 
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Often with Realistic, the A suffix was put on the very last production run of the first series when they already had produced or were producing the B series. The very first models had no A suffix. Kinda makes sense.
 
Ya. So my (no letter after sta65) is the first generation. I'm sure the B schematic wouldn't be helpful.
 
Brushed aluminum face or black face? If aluminum, AM/FM or FM only? Volume knob or slide volume controls?

The "65" gives rough wattage output at peak, both channels driven. Divide by 2, then multiply by .707 or .6 and output per channel is probably between those. I would guesstimate a little over 20 watts continuous per channel at 8 ohms.

The whole series were nice low wattage receivers.

You can do a little research on models going to RadioShackCatalogs.com. I would say start at 1968, maybe '67.
 
The owner's manual will probably not tell you much that you don't know, operationally. Pretty straight forward, similar to many receivers of the era. Owner's manual may have schematic on last page, but I have found resolution of such pretty poor.

There might be info in the library/archieves here, but not sure if you must be a subscriber to access it.
 
Yes I saw those. That leads me to another question. My unit is the original design STA-65 (no letter). I've been calling it the "a" version, I assume the "b" version schematic will be different - not correct - for my unit. Owners manual might give me some insight about functionality but would not expect the b schematic to be a real road map for my unit.
 
I just compared the B schematic to the C schematic and they are very close.

See how the linked B schematic above actually compares to your unit. It may be close enough to figure out what you need to do.
 
Thank you. Yes I think this will be a big help. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread. More I learn the better things will sound.

Marty
 
From RadioShackCatalogs.com I got the following info, for even though I was in the middle of it then, I could
not remember all the features...

STA-65 introduced as new model in 1968 catalog

STA-65 improved with field-effect-transistor(s) FM circuitry in 1969 catalog

STA-65B introduced in 1970 catalog...Lever switches, speaker switching for 2 pairs, integrated circuit(s) in FM section, possibly slightly more output power now labeled as "IHF."

So...if it is set up for just a single pair of speakers, it is an STA-65, "improved" or not; if set up for two pair of
speakers and has lever switches, it is a STA-65B
 
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Hahahahaha. And the plot thickens but I think we are getting closer. The speaker selector switch shows 2 sets, Off, A, B, A+B. Soooooooo STA 65b right? The switches are all slide switches not lever. I'm of the opinion now my unit falls somewhere in the middle of 1969 before the 1970 model production was fully defined thus creating a unit with mixed updates. All good. I have an idea now how to approach this job.

Now I need to track down boards for a Sansui 5000A but that's for a thread on another day. Lol.

Thanks again.
 

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