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Tuner alignments

audiocrzy

audiocrzy

Super Member
Let’s just say for argument I want to learn how and do radio alignments. I know I need some test equipment and that may be my starting point. I already have a dual trace o scope, tone generator, VOM and signal trace. Not sure if any of those will help but that’s what I have. I’m looking for recommendations as to what I actually need with the most important piece of equipment being first. Or is there something that may be available that does it all in one package.
I’m confident I can learn how.

I’m sitting in my car at a rest stop Desert Hot Springs Ca. It’s 109 degrees at 11:00.

thanks
 
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It's the F.M. stereo and MPX generator is what you need very expensive. Someone else with experience with this will chime in. Just looked saw a few for 800.00 U.S. That is what is holding me back.
 
Frequency Counter?

update:

this got my brain-orb to thinkin'....

we need a tool library/check out here (not really feasible but to get the mental juices flowing). Rent it for a period of time, box it back up, send it to next person or the back to the owner.

a lot of this stuff is expensive and hard to figure out. having to rent one and maybe get a wee lesson with the rental cost vs. spending $$$ to buy one to maybe only use 1 to a few times and still having to figure it out.
 
Generally you don't need a frequency counter (except for some digital tuners), but I like having one because the knobs/dials on most FM Stereo generators leave a lot to be desired.

If I was doing it over again I'd grab something like a Panasonic VP-8174A, they're cheaper than the SG-165 and way more modern and full-featured.

The other thing you'll need, which is frequently overlooked, is a set of plastic alignment tools
 
grinx76 said:
we need a tool library/check out here (not really feasible but to get the mental juices flowing). Rent it for a period of time, box it back up, send it to next person or the back to the owner.
Click to expand...
Constant shipping can have deleterious effects on delicate equipment.
 
https://www.electrorent.com/us
actually does this for companies. When you start talking "real" test equipment you can easily spend 5-figures on a single unit, which can be a tough pill to swallow if you need something specific for a very finite amount of time. I have no idea how good their selection of FM stereo stuff is, and I doubt they'd rent to an individual, but it's something to keep in mind.
 
Here is a video featuring different pieces of test equipment it is quite long this will answer some questions for you.
FM Alignment - Featuring The Marantz 2130
 
audiocrzy said:
... I want to learn how and do radio alignments. I know I need some test equipment and that may be my starting point. I already have a dual trace o scope, tone generator, VOM and signal trace.
thanks
Click to expand...

What kind of radios ?
In general, you need an RF generator with variable calibrated RF output level. It should have the ability to create AM or FM depending on the radio. And for FM stereo, a stereo generator.
You also need a way to measure distortion, and frequency. If you want to sweep the IF section on tube radios to adjust the transformers, you need the sweep capability and probes to do that.

But most important, you need to understand how an AM or FM radio works. Use internet searches here.
If you try to follow the service manual exactly, in many cases you will be confused by their instructions, use of terms, or equipment, etc. But if you understand WHAT they are trying to get you to do, it will make more sense.
The easiest tuner to align (for starting out) will be a solid state analog one from the mid 70's.
An inexpensive one that you can buy cheaply and play with, probably a receiver that maybe even has a burned out amplifier section. Try to get one that at least has a free service manual for reference. Learn how it works on a unit you can toss and start again, in case you screw it up. Learn how to clean the tuning gangs, first thing! then how to adjust the RF front end, etc.
As other mentioned, get plastic alignment tools. These come in all shapes and sizes, you may need to get multiple sets to cover everything out there.
Bob
 
Everything is simple, common and fairly inexpensive, except for the MPX stereo generator. That's what kept me out of the game for a long time. The Sound Technology is most common, but fairly expensive. Leader made a small one that's nice, if you can find it, and I think they made some larger ones. There are various more modern units by Meguro, Kikusui, Kenwood and others. They often have to be shipped from outside the US and documentation is sparse at best. The venerable SG-165 and old Heathkit units will do an OK job, but aren't really up to a high quality tuner. OTOH, they'll still be way better than nothing. Expect to do some service to get the older units working right, and that can be a huge project in itself.

Manufacturer's alignment procedures are often riddled with errors or translation problems. They make assumptions about things you know, but often don't. You need to understand the basic theory and practice on some dumpster units before undertaking anything serious. There are various coupling adapters and pads you'll need to make up. It's a fun journey but expect to take a year or so before you have confidence.
 
If you really want to work on tuners you need a way to generate a clean MPX signal and measure distortion.

I started with the Sound Technology unit, then the Sencore SG-165, and finally the Sencore SG-80. They were cheap a few years ago now they are stupidly expensive.

I stumbled across this little unit. It's in Germany so shipping to the USA might be an issue. It's only 69 euros. I would love to get my hands on one just to try it. I am not sure what the distortion level is.


For distortion, you can try and find a Keithly 2015. This is a really nice DMM-style distortion meter that's easy to use. They can be had for a few hundred dollars if you keep your eyes out.

Alternatively, you could use this: Quantasylum QA-402. I have the QA-401 and it's really great.
 
Another trick about certain equipment, specifically the Sound Tech stuff, the alignment instructions in the tuner manuals don't match how an ST1000a gets used. You have to use the ST instructions with some info from the manuals about what adjustment does what.

and then there is concern about how well vintage test gear might be working. Unless its up to snuff the end results may be poor.
 
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