Yamaha CR 600 - So it begins

[gkwolfman]

From first arrival, to the cleaning and testing, then the adjusting.
My $40.00 Yammy. I did a quick power up....
VU meter lights OUT, Dial light Good, power light good, AFC/Station light good, Stereo light good.
VU meters did function during a FM station search.
Very Scratchy switches and knobs, but radio FM(stereo) did come in on a headphone check.
When unpacked, dust bunnies were falling out from the bottom.
Next to open her up...

 

[avionic]

Yamaha P/N BA064450 for the missing knob is currently available on ebay. Also CR-400 shares the same part number.

 

[gkwolfman]

Yeah, for now, I just need to get the operation functioning(cleaning and adjustments). Right now it's looking like in the tuner section, and the tuning meter(not going to center). The Signal strength seems to be fine. I got the under side up and getting the pots and switches. The lights for the VU meter are out, and something funny(picture posted), someone has been in before and set the corner bulbs off to the side.
Here is the bottom to slide her out of the box.

I saw some rust above the meters, and thought maybe something spilled and damaged the lights?. Saw a bulb(center), and thought something isn't right

Then I saw a bulb set off the side(wedged in circuit board). Then another set off the side to the (front left). Then I figured it was the bulbs for the meter(right and left corners).

 

[gkwolfman]

Here is the final results. The cleaning went well. I don't have a turntable. Aux, tape A & B played great and in stereo(using dvd player).
Radio works, but has problems.
I actually wanted this 600 for the radio, and I get one with problems. In AM, both VU meters don't move. In FM, I tune in a station, and no stereo light.
The signal strength meter works(FM), but, the tuning stays to the left only.
And as soon as I release the tuning knob, the station fades(this is in FM Mode). In FM Muting, the same station tuned in, the volume is cut way low. The fading does the same. No AFC light at any time, other than for a very very short period after FM Muting selection.
So, time to do some homework and find the Radio Board.
The picture shows the FM tuning range this is doing.

 

[blhagstrom]

Never was impressed with the tuner in that series. CR-620, CR-820, etc.

They all seem weak. But I get junk.

In my travels through tuning sections, there are times when a little tweaking in the adjusting trim pots has corrected many problems. I’m sure they can get dirty/corroded. A small twist back and forth trying to set them back where they were is the ticket. Some have a marker line or painted spot that you can reference or make your own with a sharp sharpie.

 

[gkwolfman]

In my travels through tuning sections, there are times when a little tweaking in the adjusting trim pots has corrected many problems. I’m sure they can get dirty/corroded. A small twist back and forth trying to set them back where they were is the ticket. Some have a marker line or painted spot that you can reference or make your own with a sharp sharpie.

Thanks for this tip. I once had a newer black model Pioneer receiver that had stereo output problems. I opened it up and inspected the( ifc cans?? on the radio board, and one was not completely solder in place(from the factory), one of the corners was separated from the board.

Currently, I have this CR 600 off the bench. I am in analysis mode on where to/how to start. My thoughts are a short, bad solder, ground,etc…

If all else fails, and I don't want to put too much time into this, I was pondering the thought of (if it would work) just hooking up a CT xxxx tuner to this. Everything else on the 600 is working just fine.

 

[gkwolfman]

I have to put my 600 on hold for awhile. The fm issue, won't play in fm muting, but played in 'FM' (without stereo)and fading out. Well, I will just listen to the radio in mono. To keep it from fading out,
I just jumped the tuner dial to the antenna post on fm board.(green alligator clips). Of course I have it more secured than what is photographed.

 

[twiiii]

The early CR series are the receivers that. established Yamaha as some of the best of the Japanese stereo equipment. They weren't accuphase but they easily performed as well as Pioneer Elite and Marantz receivers.

 

[twiiii]

Once you get it restored fully it will be a nice sounding unit. I much preferred this series over the one that followed sonically.