Vintage HiFi component database for repairs?

[Craig Skeet]

Hi,
Please forgive me if this idea already exists or I have posted in the wrong section (moderator please move if I have)
With vintage semiconductors, pots and switches, etc getting harder to source for repairs. I have resorted to buying different junk HiFi which happens to have the parts I need (often much cheaper model) to get the parts I want then stripping the junk unit down for more spares. Remembering which other units have the parts I need and checking schematics is very time consuming though.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a database of parts and which amps/ cassette players, etc that had those parts in them.
If we had a list of units that had the unobtanium part in it then we could search auction sites etc for a cheap ugly unit that had the part required.
What do other AK restorers think?
I can't find such a database, but I am a bit new to this.

 

[LesE]

I've been building an online parts database for a few years but it only covers Pioneer products. Link is in my sig and the discussion thread is here.

 

[Craig Skeet]

I've been building an online parts database for a few years but it only covers Pioneer products. Link is in my sig and the discussion thread is here.

Thanks for the reply. I didn't see you database. Your database looks very helpful for Pioneer mechanical parts. Any plans to include more of the semiconductors as well? as some are very scarce now including subs.
I think a similar database with hard to get transistors, ICs and other semiconductors covering all manufacturers would be increasingly useful.
Does anyone else agree?

 

[Blue Shadow]

Does anyone else agree?

Yes, start building one, post a thread on it and keep the db up to date with the additions folks post in that thread of yours. What these projects need are folks to take the lead and get the work done. Be good if some folks will help for the different databases that you seem to indicate are needed. There are a lot of brands of gear with hundreds of circuit boards and can't expect someone living in the Pioneer world to give a crap about the other brands. Maybe these databases will happen. Let's see what happens.

 

[Craig Skeet]

Yes, start building one, post a thread on it and keep the db up to date with the additions folks post in that thread of yours. What these projects need are folks to take the lead and get the work done. Be good if some folks will help for the different databases that you seem to indicate are needed. There are a lot of brands of gear with hundreds of circuit boards and can't expect someone living in the Pioneer world to give a crap about the other brands. Maybe these databases will happen. Let's see what happens.

I don't have any experience in building databases, but it can't be that hard to learn. I will start one with the limited information I have already collected and hopefully others will add to it. I think it would be really helpful and save a lot of useful parts from unloved units going to landfill.
For example currently I need an unobtanium Sanken -60w STK for a Setton AS-3300 (well worth restoring), there must be loads of cheapo JVCs out there that no one would consider fixing that have them in, etc.
Let's see how much interest there is....

 

[LesE]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't see you database. Your database looks very helpful for Pioneer mechanical parts. Any plans to include more of the semiconductors as well? as some are very scarce now including subs.

Yes, I did consider this but it is a major effort for one person to undertake. My original thought was to have one member responsible for one or more specific models that they are familiar with who could contribute to the project.

I have a database field for links to attached files and I did create spreadsheet templates for board level components and suitable replacements that would be accessed through the database links. I provided links to such spreadsheets for the SA-9900 integrated amplifier as samples.



The sheet for the AWH-037 amplifier assembly is an example of a completed spreadsheet.

AWH-037 Components

docs.google.com

 

[Craig Skeet]

Yes, I did consider this but it is a major effort for one person to undertake. My original thought was to have one member responsible for one or more specific models that they are familiar with.

I have a database field for links to attached files and I did create spreadsheet templates for board level components and suitable replacements that would be accessed through the database links. I provided links to such spreadsheets for the SA-9900 integrated amplifier as samples.

View attachment 3271387

The sheet for the AWH-037 amplifier assembly is an example of a completed spreadsheet.

AWH-037 Components

docs.google.com

That's really helpful. Agreed, a lot of work for one person, but if lots of AKers get involved something very useful could be created over time. I'll look into this. Keep in touch.

 

[Natasha Bell]

Hi,
Please forgive me if this idea already exists or I have posted in the wrong section (moderator please move if I have)
With vintage semiconductors, pots and switches, etc getting harder to source for repairs. I have resorted to buying different junk HiFi which happens to have the parts I need (often much cheaper model) to get the parts I want then stripping the junk unit down for more spares. Remembering which other units have the parts I need and checking schematics is very time consuming though.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a database of parts and which amps/ cassette players, etc that had those parts in them.
If we had a list of units that had the unobtanium part in it then we could search auction sites etc for a cheap ugly unit that had the part required.
What do other AK restorers think?
I can't find such a database, but I am a bit new to this.

If you are into restoration of these, well antiques, buying less expensive models of equipment by the same manufacturer is actually not a bad idea in my opinion. My father-in-law has a 351 Boss Mustang (1971 model I think), and I know he ended up purchasing a second similar car for various parts he needed. As far as electronics, I would not consider any vintage semiconductor, but current versions as they are manufactured with current materials and techniques. I do know that there are several companies out of Taiwan, I believe (it could also be ROK) that specialize in reproduction electronics, pots, and similar for vintage equipment. The tech that often does work for me gets his parts from there.

Speaking of "vintage" electronics: I recently unearthed an absolute treasure at a thrift store. An original, in a SEALED BOX, Texas Instruments - Little Professor with a manufacturing date of January 1978 with the red LED display. It came with a 9V battery that had basically dissolved over the last 46 years, but the Little Professor was safe and sound in a plastic bag. Got a 9V out of a smoke detector in my home. It has a couple of little issues with several buttons, but the rest seems to work for now. I remember having one of those when I was a little girl, but it was already well used by the time I got it.