Radio keeps cutting in/out

That is a baby boom-box, correct? Getting into it for service will be a PITA. Getting it back together after servicing will be an even bigger PITA.

a) The Tuner section keeps cutting out? b) The CD section keeps cutting out? c) Both keep cutting out?

If it is both, yes, likely the XBS pot. Pick a place where it is holding, leave it there, adjust the volume as needed. These things are not exactly high-fidelity - be happy that it plays at all.

Good luck with it!

Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA

If you can get a nozzle to the pot, spray some CRC 2-26 in there. Excellent stuff, though not cheap.

CH

"XBS"? (I keep being told I should be searching for "CBS" as if I were dyslexic!)

(I keep being told I should be searching for "CBS" as if I were

Search for the part-number of the device - you will see that right on top next to the volume control. I expect that it adds 'boom' to the box.

Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA

Try cleaning the potentiometers and switches with contact cleaner for electronics. These switches and potentiometers get dirty and require cleaning every once in a great while. The cleaner will not damage your electronics as it is made for electronics. Not endorsing any products but you can go the automotive section of Wal-mart and find a great contact cleaner for about 6 bucks a can (price is approximate) made by GC or some company like that. If this works, you should not have to dismantle the radio as cleaning it can solve the problem, as well as replacing the pot.

A long time ago I worked in a TV factory where switch and pot cleaners were not allowed. Dry compressed air was used for all cleaning. Now I use an aerosol can of compressed air.

Three things: a) when parts are new, it is unlikely (but not impossible) that there is any accumulation of dust. wear particles or other debris in them. b) "A long time ago", many 'common' chemicals used were either bad for the skin and liver and/or carcinogenic. Or all three. c) Are you using a refillable can of actual compressed air, or are you using a material such as "Duster (CRC) or similar? 1. If the former, are you refilling through a filter and moisture trap? Otherwise, what is coming out of that can could have all sorts of nasty contaminants. "Dry compressed air" - as you state. 2. If the latter, that is not hardly 'compressed air' but a (supposedly ozone safe) refrigerant analog using fluorine rather than chlorine.

I use 99% IPA (not the ale), also pressurize in a refillable can, as I see the point being to rinse out the developed skunge. Then a lubricating material to replace what was lost in the cleaning.

Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA

Stephen Wolstenholme wrote: =================== Charles Lucas

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** But switches and pots are mechanical devices. ** Moving metal surfaces wear and corrode in air. Pots often contain grease that migrates. These are issues that require solvent cleaning and oil lubrication. ** Makes no sense - "electronics" needs no cleaning. Mechanical connections do. ** I can hardly think of a worse idea.

...... Phil

The mechanical switches have metal points or contacts that actuate when you apply force to them, These get dirty internally to the pot's. Examples are on/off, volume, tuning. These devices get dirty and need cleaning. Contact cleaner does not hurt a thing. Cleaning a switch does not hurt it.

Charles Lucas -----------------

** Echo machine nonsense. ** Nor does it dissolve grease, protect surfaces from moisture or lubricate. ** FOAD you PITA Google monkey idiot.

The TV switches and pots that I said did not need cleaning fluids were all brand new for building new TV.

Steve

Charles Lucas snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com Fri, Jul 15, 10:13 PM (20 hours ago) to sci.electronics.repair

Now, I get a jerk here who is even dropping the F-bomb and using profanity. I am going to spoon feed a link you can click on all about potentiometers and contact cleaner, right below for you, since you closed your ears and evidently your mind of my simple explanation about contact cleaner. Click on the blue hyperlink below (or copy the link and paste in your address bar) and bear in mind that others (not just you) have feelings too.

This is even a video less than a minute long...oooh. This one below is on "jittery" pots.

Enjoy and God Bless you. I am human. Google had nothing to do with that. Phil, and being you know that I am human, you pissed me off with your inflammatory comments because I spoke truth and referenced from my experience. I forgive you, though, and hope we can part friends.

Cheers. God Bless you.

Sincerely,

Charles Lucas

Attachments area Preview YouTube video How to Clean a Dirty Volume Control

Charles Lucas

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** FOAD is not a profanity - you pathetic fool. ** Simple minded does not not equate to accurate. ** You Googled that link - right?

Says in the tuber's blurb: " I am NOT a Technician nor do I play one on YouTube".

That vid is nothing but an *promotion* for an overpriced product that in fact DOES contain oil and a grease solvent.

FYI I am an audio technician with over 50 years experience.

** Worthless drivel. ** ROTFL

** Huh ? You nuts or something ?

** You planning to go away ? Bye bye.....

...... Phil

Hey, Phil,

Take it easy, dude! You are stressing out and being verbally abusive over a difference of opinion. I see you are not willing to be civil as you go on about your 50 years experience as an audio tech which means you have 18 years on me (more than I do). I apologize for the one error- the 45 second ad. That ad was not intended. Yes, I admit I made an error about the ad and just apologized for it. I do admit when I am wrong. I also respect your opinion as my elder in the field. All we can do is draw from our experiences and voice our opinions or concerns, even if they are different. You did not need to come across so bellicose.

What I intended for was to give you accurate information which means I am another half hour closer to death look for the answer for you and to make amends for my mistakes (and it is clear there was at least one made here on my part). After all, I am here to present the truth- even the errors, as that's how we all learn- even a tech like me with 32 years experience.

Here is another hyperlink (at the risk of getting my head bitten off or "getting roasted by the dragon") just for trying to point something out as you were bullying me to be quiet as you claim to know it all. Also, I am already gone in your mind, as I have zero credibility with you and I did not want to argue with you or go into defense mode over offering advice and my own time with the intent to help- and yet you wish to denigrate that thought and me, for that matter.

Click on this hyperlink below (or copy and paste it to your address bar).

They talk about a chemical called ""deoxit, there is also "crc" ", and "GC electronics" as well as other flavors out there.

If you look up "why potentiometers need cleaning" or "how to clean a potentiometer" in a google search, it lists several sites to refer to. In addition, I have had many situations in which using a cleaner to clean pot's works. Other times, they get replaced. it depends. Point is, when the customer gets the repaired product back, it has to work and operate properly (and with safety in mind). I talk about these little details too (as well as other things with the intention to serve here) so as not to skimp on either service or quality of service. I am a perfectionist on that. when I send a customer away with a working unit or leave their place with an operational device, i want them to use it a really long time without failing. I also want to apologize for any misunderstandings. i came here to try again. I guess my having had birth trauma could qualify me as "nuts". You need to know I do care though. No harm intended. God Bless You. Have a better day.

Sincerely,

Charles Lucas