Sansui TU-717

[lbking2]

I posted this on Facebook as well. Any assist would be appreciated!

I have a TU-717 that is original and performs rather well. Two issues I'd like to address.

First is the station pointer, it is off by about 0.3. I see the pointer is "glued?" to the string. Do you need to remove the glue and slide the indicator into proper position or is there another method to correct? (see photo). Where can I get instructions? Didn't find in Service Manual.

Second, the signal strength meter only gets to about 3 and a bit. Have a good antenna and other tuners register higher signal strength. Is this a full alignment issue or another tweak I can do?

Thanks!

 

[audiotemp]

SM says indicator position should be at AM 530 when tuning is fully to the low end of the dial.

 

[lbking2]

Pointer is not set correctly. It is about 3 lines to left of 530.

 

[audiotemp]

How does "3 lines to the left" distance compare to your "off by 0.3" on FM? Also, are AM stations also "off" or are they indicated correctly?

 

[lbking2]

How does "3 lines to the left" distance compare to your "off by 0.3" on FM? Also, are AM stations also "off" or are they indicated correctly?

FM 3 lines same as 0.3 (Mhz) compared channels to digital tune.
AM is also off.
I had same issue with a different tuner (also string/pointer) and could slide the pointer. That one didn't have the pointer glued to the string.

 

[chazix]

It certainly sounds like there is at least a mechanical misalignment. The cord on the pointer will indeed need to be freed of the glue to shift it. The glue should be quite brittle and flake off if pressed with something sharp-ish. Just be careful not to nick the cord itself. After the pointer is positioned satisfactorily, it would be best practice to put a dab of fresh glue to stake the cord to the pointer tines.

Comparing signal strength meter indications on different tuners is not very meaningful. I would suggest instead comparing how quiet the reception is on a weak station, preferably using the same antenna on the tuners used for comparison. The TU-717 is a pretty darned good tuner, so if it doesn't produce equal quieting to other tuners, it may well need an alignment. I would suggest NOT trying to DIY that.

 

[lbking2]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree it is a great tuner and I wanted to get it back into rotation with my vintage equipment.
I'm going to (carefully) try a few mild solvents to see if the glue will dissolve.

If I find something that works I'll update the post.

 

[lbking2]

Update - The glue cleaned off with denatured alcohol using a swab.

Fixed alignment of cord pointer and applied Aleene's Tacky Glue (this can be removed with denatured alcohol).