1981 Fisher RS-2004A AM/FM Stereo Receiver Repair.

[@iamrichrocker]

John..these big old receivers are like a good old trusted friend..i am glad you saved the day for this guys receiver..i am sure your legend at work will grow more so now!

[@joernone]

That's the problem...my legend will grow even more. Rather dubious distinction, I'd say. LOL Regards,John

[@michaellarose2912]

John, I got my FR-300 today. I tried it on some big factory solder globs on a VT-71 TV that I'm working on. Worked like a charm! I bought and installed the 1.6 mm nozzle for it though, at the suggestion of some wise folks on ARF. Thank you for turning me on to this really cool tool. Michael

[@johnrenteria75]

my grandfather had this same receiver back in 1980. around 1989 it kept going out on him. pretty much what you fixed is what kept going out. if i remember correctly the repair guy charged like 75.00 then. after the 2nd time he ended up buying a new receiver. great video!

[@stephenmoore2754]

John. I worked 30 years in the "business", mostly in the government service. I wish I could have hired you. Today we have guys coming out of Technical Colleges and after 5 years experience , could not do the repairs which you do. Part of the problem is the "So what?" attitude prevalent today. I also find that they didn't have time to really learn the craft, as they really had to get back to eBay and online sports. You have the patience and desire to repair equipment. Great great job!

[@joernone]

Thank you, Stephen, but there's many out there like me who at first muddled along in this electronics gig, making mistakes and screwing up more than one piece of equipment. Then the day came when the light bulb begins to glow and hopefully each day gets brighter and brighter. Of course along the way an extremely smart fellow like my mentor, Brendan, pops up on the scene to remind you that you still have much, much more to learn. Lastly, our world's current electronics repair mentality has become "pluck 'N chuck", meaning there's no need to trouble shoot down to the component. It's cheaper that way, hence, in terms of electronics fun and mystery our young folks are being sorely cheated. Thanks for the very kind words, my friend. It's very much appreciated. Regards, John

[@geraldward9765]

So nice to watch someone that knows what they're doing.

[@rciancia]

John - What makes your videos so great is your ability to do just about anything. When you say "This stuff is eaaaaaasy" you are not kidding. Very informative.... excellent work !

[@joernone]

Ron, It's more like I'm willing to try anything...not necessarily fix anything. I have had some colossal failures in my day. But we won't talk about that. LOL I'm happy to hear you're still finding my drivel interesting. Thank you, my friend. Regards, John

[@MrMac5150]

Now these are the type of videos I like.. Troubleshooting and repair..Good One.

[@joernone]

Brother Mac, So make some. I'll watch. Regards, John

[@micmac99]

This looks like the one we had in the family when I was a teenager. Awesome equipment.

[@2011k1500]

A friend recently gave me one of these...a box case. It's in nice cosmetic condition. Powered it up the first time tonight. Left channel is dead. Tuners seem to work. Needs some deoxit and lamps too. Winter project for me. Nice video.

[@THOMMGB]

John, Your repair and trouble shooting video was very educational. Thanks for sharing it. I'm also trying to learn about solid state repair as well so your video was, as they say, time well spent. Regards, Tom

[@joernone]

Tom,Vintage solid state is just as easy to work on as the tube stuff. It just takes the time and effort to dig in there and learn it. You won't have any problems in that area, my friend. Regards,John

[@steelcity321pb6]

Absolutely brilliant, you are a born service technician John - I love seeing and hearing of success. For me, this enjoyable video brings back pleasant memories of my days in servicing. Regards, Phil.

[@joernone]

Phil,I'm just a born KZbinr who probably talks too much, my friend. LOLBut I was happy to have fixed the receiver in relatively short order. Hopefully, it'll stay that way for at least a little while. Regards,John

[@ScottTV-yq2wu]

Good work there John!!! That was definately worth saving! Nice receiver. And I know what you mean, every now and then friends, family, and neighbors show up at my door with something not working. It's hard to say no. And as long as it doesn't take much time like this one, it works out. Also, I'm always amazed at parts you'd think would be almost impossible to find, seem to be out there somewhere! I would have never guessed those darlington packs would be so readily available.

[@joernone]

Scott,THanks, old bean. As I stated in the vid, I don't mind helping someone who has helped me in the past, but there's always the ever-present moochers, especially in our country, who constantly stand around with their hand out wanting something for nothing. I make it a point to consciously and repeatly ignore them.And you're right about the seemingly rare parts that will amazingly pop up out of nowhere. Good thing though. Regards,John

[@jewllake]

I love my Fisher radios; own 4 of them! Thanks for the info at the end and the Bellamy brothers is one of my favorite bands!

[@plantopguy5]

I use to be in the consumer electronic repair business for 20 years. Got out in 2000. I decided not to do any repairs where i work now since there are near 100 employees. If it let that genie out of the bottle, well...... I do though have a bench setup and mess around in my spare time. Got a yard sale mid 90's Sony surround the other day for $12 i think with a bad power pack that drives transistor finals. Started to fix it but then read ESR on various capacitors. Most were way out of normal range and there were ALOT in that unit. So it went back in storage :-) at least for now. Enjoy your videos. Chuck over here in W. TN. - - ... ... - -

[@joernone]

Chuck,Hey neighbor...it's good hearing from you. I don't mind helping the folks where I work. Most are wage slaves and can use all the help they can get. But I'm not afraid to say no...especially to those I know to be grubs. I can't handle those types.BTW...the 90s stereo units are a bit too new for me. I much more prefer working on the 1970s units.Thanks for popping in. Do come back, my friend. Regards,John

[@joewbrock]

I have the exact same receiver. The LEFT channel Darlington was shorted between pins 8-9 exactly as in your video. After replacing that and the few other components that were fried, I ran the receiver for 40 minutes and it worked well. A few hours later, I turned it back on, and then the RIGHT channel Darlington (still the original) quit. It was shorted between pins 8-9, and also 2-3. I wonder if it's just dumb luck that the right one finally quit due to age, or if something else is causing these Darlingtons to give out. I replaced the right channel Darlington and associated fried components, and I turned it on and it worked. But I didn't want to leave it on long out of fear that something would again cause one or both of those Darlingtons to fail.

[@joernone]

Joe, The reason for repairing anything is to make it function again, so turn that receiver back on and play it...else why did you waste your time fixing it? If it breaks again, then it breaks again. No biggie. Just plunge back in there and show it who's boss. It's what makes this hobby fun. You can do it, my friend. Regards, John

[@inthenameofjustice8811]

I know what you mean John. Many years ago I lived in a small village in a place called Illogan, (Pronounced il-log-an) in Cornwall, UK. A neighbour asked me to fix a washing machine for him and because I liked the guy I did it for free, as long as he paid for the parts. The following Saturday morning I woke to find, outside my back door, three more washing machines had appeared. Each had a note asking me to fix them for free and a promise to pay for the parts. That got old very fast but I did fix them for free and then let it be known that henceforth I would charge by the hour. No more washing machines appeared.

[@umajunkcollector]

This could have cost over 100$ for the repair, is this old receiver worth it? I've seen many, even better ones, for much less here or there. Saving someone over 100$ is quite a nice "favor", most folks wouldn't give you, or even loan you, ten bucks now days. I used to have coffee shops in Cleveland. Many customers asked for a tab, or I o u. No credit, no way! WHY? Just as you said, word gets around, you give an inch, people will take you for a mile, you do it for one, and then many expect it, "that's only fair". My brother had a truck, and was often asked to move stuff by church members. If it gets around that you can fix cars, look out! It's one thing to offer, but it's something else to demand favors, and people can be crass, like Obama. I like to help people, but then we all can only do so much, and must say NO to others. And so few return the favor, because they are mooches who take advantage. A tech gets over 70$/hour, and I remind people of that when they seem to expect a freebie. Don

[@joernone]

So it's the same in the UK as it is here in the USA, huh? LOL How interesting. Regards,John

[@umajunkcollector]

Hey John, I have lots of junk that you can fix for free, for meeeee! IF you pay the UPS round trip, do we have a deal? heh heh heh, it's the Obama way, I expect "entitlements"! (don't tell buzz)

[@Watcher3223]

_"When word gets around..."_ You're not kidding there.

[@td7456]

Great troubleshooting, John! Thanks for sharing!

[@joernone]

You're very welcome, Tim. Thanks for dropping in. Regards,John

[@skycarl]

Good stuff John. Great info on those Darlington packs. Carl

[@joernone]

Carl,I looked all over the net and was unable to find any definitive info on those packs, so I thought it was time to try to do something about it. Just know that not all of those packs are the same. Regards,John

[@tubical71]

Nice Repair job, very well done, John! Thanx for sharing :) :)

[@joernone]

Thank you, my friend. Regards,John

[@wtaKick]

Nice video, about to dig into my Fisher CA-880!

[@Charlee2015]

Where did you find the schematics for fisher. Would appreciate any help. Chuck

[@joernone]

Chuck, Go here, register, then click the manual link at the bottom: www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/fisher/rs-2004a.shtml Regards, John

[@bones007able]

Wow I did not know you dabbled in modern electronics , till I found this video...I repaired a set like that.... brand was Yorx... ( probably from china) lol, had the same problem power amp fried, but this power pack enclosed both channels one channel was dead, I just compared the measurements on one half of pack to the other and found out the problem... no other components were bad, just the amp pack,.... was a pain to remove because this one had 20 leads , 10 for each channel these have so many components built in to them , that anything can just short internally, I prefer the old discrete transistor power amps .... so much easier to trouble shoot...nice you got this one going!

[@ZenithClarity]

Nice fun stuff John. That guy is going to be happy! I can see a rebuild of a Darlington powerpack video in your future. :)

[@joernone]

I almost never work on the old solid state stereo receivers, so the chances of rebuilding a Darlingto Pack is pretty remote...especially when thay can be had already refurbished for lass than $15.00. Call me lazy. LOL Regards,John

[@michaellarose2912]

John, Brilliant! I have a late '70s Technics that my barber gave to me. The things needs help, but looks new. Your vids inspire me to give it a shot. Question: Can the Hakko FR-300 be used to de-solder terminals in vintage gear? It's an expensive tool, but I can justify spending the dough on it if I can save on de-soldering wick in my old radio work. I use the "corkscrew method" most of the time, but there are times when I wind up re-working terminals. Love your videos! I've watched 'em all!. Michael

[@joernone]

Michael, Thank you very much, my friend. I'l glad you enjoyed the video. As for the Hakko...it's a solder extractor. At the price they charge for one, it better remove solder from vintage electronics. It better remove solder from a nuclear power plant. LOL But just know that when using the extractor on vintage gear you'll have to clean it far more often. Our ancestors in those factories sure liked to pile on the solder. Regards, John

[@MrGhonk]

Hi John. I was wondering if you could help me out with something. Do you still have the Schematic for the Fisher RS-2004A receiver. I need to know the( PART # )of the AM-FM SIGNAL STRENGTH METER. I downloaded the service manual from Hifiengine,but it DOES NOT list the (PART #),only refers to it as M1,and lists it as 8.0V and 300MA. Thought your manual copy might have the info i need,the (PART #) Greg

[@joernone]

Greg, Sorry, my friend, but I got the manual from the same place you did. But there is an alternative for that tuning meter. Go here:www.ebay.com/itm/FISHER-RS-2004A-TUNING-METER-SIGNAL-STRENGTH-/152321419538?hash=item2377106912:g:5~cAAOSwIgNXs0-C Regards,John

[@MrGhonk]

Thanks for your reply John. The one in the ebay link is the one i was thinking of buying,but it doesn't list the part #. I wanted to use it in my RS-2015 that i'm having repaired. I assume it's the same,but i wanted to check before ordering if possible. I download the manual for the RS-2010 from Hifiengine,which lists the meter part #for that model as (4 5112 00060) I haven't matched that # up yet to see if it's the same as my 2015,my tech has my manual so i will have to ask him to confirm.

[@ortizramon]

You sir know what you doing good job and nice stereo receiver

[@joernone]

Ramon,I just got lucky, my friend. Truth is...the repair couild have gone either way. Regards,John

[@coolbluelights]

Wow John, how did you troubleshoot that so well? Did you go through and methodically test each component? or did you see the burned resistor and trace it back? 1981... wow, almost as old as me! LOL

[@joernone]

Daniel,Troubleshooting this unit was something you could have easily done. No big deal. You have enough knowledge and experience. What you don't know or you're not sure about can be readily found on the net. It just takes a little time to do the research. And you're right...it all boiled down to methodically testing component by component surrounding the burnt resistor. The resistor was the clue as to where to start troubleshooting. The rest was a piece of cake. Regards, John

[@AMStationEngineer]

I used to one once like it, and chances are, it's a 1980 model. I could not keep Darlington Arrays in the left channel, and by 1986, I bit the bullet, and completely rebuild both audio outs. They're good performers, in-fact, my ex wife uses it to this day. Be sure to test a few of those 1N4148 "small signal diodes", as I've experienced "infant mortality" on several occasions. Had I been blessed with an ounce of common sense, I'd have installed an SCA Subcarrier demodulator, and programmed my own FM transmitter to deliver "subliminal messages". Ahhh, it's great to dream!!! PS: Ask the gent from Myerstown, PA (about 17 miles from where my carcass is parked) to send some whoopie pies from Dutchway for your enjoyment!!

[@joernone]

Tim,With regards to most of what you wrote, I have no idea what you're talking about, but it sure sounds cool. LOL Regards,John

[@AMStationEngineer]

Ehh, I'll put it this way, it was not my most well researched purchase - the pretty display, and machined aluminum forced my hand. The left channel used to fail annually, and after the third year, I did a little redesign, added a pancake fan, a better heatsink, beefier resistors and capacitors, and to the best of my knowledge, my ex-wife still listens to Dan Fogleberg and Christopher Cross with regularity.

[@bassblaster505]

Nice job! i would have replaced those 3 parts on the other side aswell just to be safe. i cant find it what's the name of that guy that rebuilds those STK's? my fisher amp uses an STK-4191II-GSA and the right channel is VERY weak.

[@joernone]

The web site is posted in the vid. Pick it up at time 9:04.

[@bassblaster505]

ahh i see, how did i miss that?

[@thegodofhellfire]

long shot. just got this same tuner. adjusted the 15khz on the equalizer and heard a pop. found one of those little brown D shaped resistor with SV on them... number D18 is broke in half... same as the one numbered D19 right next to the ones you replaced. anyway. do you know what they are? I can't find them anywhere.

[@joernone]

Devon, Just happened to log on and saw your question. If the item is labeled as D18, then it's a diode. Along with the SV there should also be a number i.e., 04, 31, 3a etc. That's the part number. But I'd first be looking around for the cause of the thing being broken. Simply replacing it probably won't solve the problem. It'll just go poof again. Regards, John

[@jaypownall8812]

Can I ask is there a replacement bored as I have a big problem with mine

[@joernone]

Jay, I have no idea, my friend. Try asking the members of the Antique Radio Forum. www.antiqueradios.com/forums/index.php Regards, John

[@ppatzer]

Dear Mr Joernone, I have the same device, but I connected the wrong speaker with 4 ohms and it works ok for a couple days but suddenly it dies!, local radio technicians told me that i had to buy an stk 0050 and replace for a new one. Which speaker can you recomend me to connect to this stereo receiver to works properly? thanks in advance. Chears from Argentina.

[@joernone]

Pablo, Hello, my friend, it's good to hear from you and I'm sorry you experienced problems with your Fischer receiver. It's been a while since I repaired this one for my workmate. However it seems I used 8 ohm speakers, but I'm not certain. To help you, try to obtain an RS-2004A manual. Regards, John

[@ppatzer]

thank John for your response.. allright! I will try to get an RS.2004A manual and I will try to conect 8 ohms speakers!! regards. Pablo

[@josesantiago7570]

Its ok thank you for replying to me Mr. Joernone .

[@Turkeydoodlers]

Nice work John

[@joernone]

Thanks, my friend, I'm glad it worked out for the best. Regards,John

[@ciprianwinerElectronicManiac]

Nice job on this awesome Receiver.I know what you mean myself. About 70% of the repairs I make are either for free or I waste 2 days on the damn thing only to find you that is beyond economic repair or like in many cases totally burned out. I try to stay away from repairing stuff especially from my neighobours because I never go to their place and ask them a favor, anyway I could continue this rant forever. Bottom line is, only do it for the people that you can get something in return like in your case. Cheers :)

[@joernone]

Thanks, my friend.I always try to help a friend...if time permits, that is. I have been known to turn folks down. Actually, turning folks down is a great way to seperate the moochers from your true friends. LOL Regards,John

[@ciprianwinerElectronicManiac]

joernone Thanks. That is a very good advice for turning down folks. Cheers :)

[@emorris272]

Neat video John!!!

[@joernone]

THank you, Edward. Regards,John

[@josesantiago7570]

Hello is there any way you can repair my fisher RS-1052 receiver. I'm willing to send it to you. I live in Puerto Rico, I can not find a good vintage gear tech. I will be thankful if you can reply back.

[@joernone]

I'm sorry, Jose, but I don't take in outside work. It too generates problems I prefer not to have. But I'm sure someone on the Antique Radio Forum would be willing to do it.Regards,John

[@umajunkcollector]

ScottTV1962 offered to help me with my old Admiral bakelight console TV. I consider this as a tremendous kindness and help. He will be making a vid about it soon. The S&H will be well over 100$. When all is done, I will have invested about 300$ into a 60+ year old B&W TV set. Is it worth it? For Scott and me, YES, well worth it! I never rebuilt a TV, and had apprehensions about my limitations and safety in using it if I tried the restore, Scott is very competent, like bandersentv. So I appreciated his nice offer to help, THANK YOU SCOTT! I was glad to give him another Admiral portable to fix up for himself too. John, cheers to you for helping a friend in need! And one less electronics in a junk pile! Don Please sub, comment and watch Scott too. kzbin.info/door/OBvD6Z_SxNe1E-iQmePj6g

[@joernone]

Thanks much, Don. I've been watching Scott's channel for a while now and look forward to the Admiral repair series. It'll be fun. Scott is a good boy and competent tech.And it was good of you to give him the Admiral portable. A tip of the hat to you, my friend. Regards,John

[@umajunkcollector]

Scott got the boxes, drop kicked, um, drop shipped today. I hope they made it OK.. byw, UPS does not insure for damages anymore, only for LOSS. Needless to day, I will not use UPS anymore. If they did damage the Admiral, Scott will expose them - their reputation is on the line. But if they will not cover damages, they suck! Don

[@anselb2000]

You, too, could have a future in electronic service! Send in your enrollment today!

[@joernone]

Ansel,Nah...I'd rather sign up for the Charles Atlas Bodybuilding Course. LOL Regards,John

[@anselb2000]

joernone I have not seen an Atlas advertisement in a long time! Glad you were able to salvage a good piece of equipment!

[@ariesoro1098]

nice job.

[@umajunkcollector]

Um sending Steven King some messed up receivers, a Harmon Kardon quad, and Yamaha PA power amplifier, much better than this Fisher. Not to fix for me, but for himself. WHY? Because I want to. They weigh over 60#, are they worth the UPS? YES If he can fix them, YES. I bought this HK 800+ from eBay for over 100$ with its S&H. So no land fill for it. It was "untested" by the seller, i.e., I gambled and lost. But if Steve fixes it, all is good for me, not a total loss since I cannot fix it for myself. I hate the thought of this very nice receiver going to waste. And this Fisher is a nice rebadged Sanyo, worth the few parts and a labor of appreciation. plus John used this "favor" to teach his YT pals, thank you John! Steve will do same, looking forward to the "educational" and entertaining vids by Steven King. I hope many will watch the next couple week, and sub his channel too. Let's see what he can do with them amps??? Don kzbin.info/door/E-OwGpie5KA2TAb0S_grrw

[@joernone]

Don,Thanks for the heads-up on Stephen. I'll be watching. Regards,John

[@7ngaf]

please laugh again ...........great work

[@Buzz1151]

Good video John..I bet your darling female co-worker gave you a big kiss after you fixed her darlington power pack..don't tell wifey...lol..Regards, Buzz

[@joernone]

Buzz,No kiss, my friend...he's too ugly. LOL Regards,John

[@nixxonnor]

you just know what you are doing

[@joernone]

Sometimes that's true...most of the time it's not. LOL Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Regards,John