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Troubleshooting Nakamichi TA-1A

SteveOR

New Member
Hey all, new to the forum.
I've got a Nak TA-1A that is no longer turning on, looking for some guidance on what the problem might be. I've go a service guy I'll be taking it to, but like to go in with some understanding of the possibilities, and I just like to learn about troubleshooting.

It was working up until recently, though I'd hear the power relay click, and it could be 1-10 minutes for the FM station I listen to to be heard. Last week, I turned it on, heard the click, and never got the station.

Troubleshooting I've done/behavior I've noticed

When I turn it on:
- No lights come on *except* if I push and hold the AM button - then on the display I see "AM" and "kHz" light up. Those indicators turn off when I release the button. No other buttons have any obvious effect.
- The switched outlets in the back both have power
- I can plug in a CD player, press the CD button (though the CD indicator doesn't light) and hear the CD play.
- Plugging headphones into the front panel, I can hear the output of the CD.
- Tone, volume and balance controls all seem to work fine when listening to CD input via speakers or phones
- I cannot get any radio output with phones or speakers.

I've taken off the top and bottom case panels:
- With a multi meter, confirmed continuity of both fuses I could find.
- I've blown canned air in and around every nook and cranny.
- Looking at the top and bottom of the main board, I see no blackened areas, broken solder joints or other obvious issues with the transformer or any components.
- Likewise the obvious ground wires seem to be solidly in place

Given the above, and with my limited knowledge, it seem that the tuner and display are the bits that aren't working.

So, anything else I should look into?

And assuming there isn't, is this worth having someone take a look at it given my shop charges $140 to crack something open/seem like an expensive repair?

Thanks!
 
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Welcome aboard

Likely lost a low voltage power supply. Look over the inside for fuses.
 
6 volt regulated output needs to be checked for 6 vdc. ( U401 )
upload_2023-3-30_19-2-23.png
 
I did see two fuses, and tested both for continuity, pics attached. One near the power supply is a 3amp, the smaller one is 1 amp.

Even if they test good for continuity, should I replace them as a matter of course, to narrow things down?
 

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  • 3amp fuse near power switch.PNG
    3amp fuse near power switch.PNG
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  • 1amp fuse.PNG
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Avionic -I'm a newbie, have a multi meter and screwdriver - what would I set the meter to and where to touch the leads to confirm the 6 vdc (I assume voltage direct current)? Also assuming this is with the receiver plugged in, so is there anything I need to be aware of for safety or damaging the board in doing this test?

As for fuses, can I pick up the 5MT 1a 125v fuse at home depot, Amazon, or are they specialty items I need to pick up at a stereo repair shop/site?

I'm also fine with taking this to my nearby stereo guy if that makes sense and the receiver seems to be something worth putting a little money into given my symptoms.
 
Last edited:
Ok, learned something today - I replaced the 1amp fuse, and all is now working normally.

Lesson, a continuity test doesn't necessarily mean working correctly?
 
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