The Fisher 202 - Full Restoration

[QUiKSR20]

Hello @QUiKSR20. I realize that this is likely the easiest adjustment I'll ever make on a vintage amplifier, yet I still seek clarification on the connections here! A couple of questions: 1) Grounding the meter means connecting the negative lead to the chassis, there is not a specific grounding pin/point somewhere? 2) Pins 5 (and 3) are located at the socket where the driver cards insert/plug in? (Edited to clarify this question about where these pins are located.) I don't want to screw this up as I'm very much a novice when it comes multimeters, test equipment, and proper connections. I have caused and seen the magic smoke from one of my Sansui amps!

Yes Grounding is to the chassis and the pin #s are on the bottom of the sockets, So underneath the units where the sockets connect you can connect here
( pin numbers are listed on schematic or on the blue plastic, I forget ).

Appreciate your help and thanks for the great thread. I picked up a very clean 202 the other day. All appears operational except that the right phono channel was quiet/silent during my initial testing (I suspect the HI/LOW phono switch may be the culprit as it seemed to affect this). I spent last night cleaning and thoroughly servicing all the pots and switches. Otherwise, everything looks very good. I was surprised how clean and how little dust there was inside the unit. Most of the gear I acquire is absolutely filthy. I'd like to set the center voltage and re-test everything before I delve into any further restoration. I suspect my 202 is in pretty good shape and not in any immediate need of recapping. Although, the deviations from spec you charted in the parts you replaced might suggest otherwise! Thanks for your help. Pete.

Glad it helped! Its the whole reason I enjoy making the posts, To help others and pay it back for all the great posts that have helped me.

That switch will help to an extent but even after full rebuild this phono preamp seems to be very low compared to say AUX or FM/AM etc.. Lower than most other units I own so it might just be normal for this unit.. I adjusted the switch and it got louder but also distorted so I dont think that was the issue in my case.

 

[jheu02]

I left the remaining 2SC458's on this board alone as it could affect the alignment of the tuner and I do not have the equipment or skill to align.

Been going thru this thread as I have one on the bench. I wonder regarding these, if it’s possible to measure them on a tester and replace with Qs that have very close hfe and vf without messing up the alignment. I may try that and label each pulled so they can be returned to their correct location if it does seem to mess things up. I too do not have the equipment or skill set to do alignments.

 

[QUiKSR20]

Im sure its possible - I left them alone and if any issues arise ill change down the road.. So far its been smooth sailing.

 

[jheu02]

Any extra noise in the FM section? I do listen to a lot of radio as I have some good college stations near enough.

 

[QUiKSR20]

Any extra noise in the FM section? I do listen to a lot of radio as I have some good college stations near enough.

None that I have observed but I haven't listened to a ton of FM on it to be honest. I think your plan of keeping track of the original parts location and swapping should be fine.. Worse case you swap them back.

 

[jheu02]

And then there’s the question of “what was the hfe when the unit was last aligned?