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dc2 L-R headphones-in problem

19lexicon78 - 2011-10-14 08:44

just bought my 3th dc2. this ones has no click, sounds perfect, but only the right channel doesn't work. the line-out works properly. i think some headphones-plug has damaged the headphones-in. the headphones-in is a bit loose. the right channel has almost no sound. how to fix this one?

 

bub - 2011-10-14 09:09

I've come across a similar problem in my DC2 when I first found it. No sound in one channel.

I checked the headphone jacks first for solder cracks and such. I found out that the cause was the L/R volume balance pots, which are on the front of the PCB below the buttons. One of the pots has some oxidization. A clean with alcohol and a slight bump up for both pots fixed the problem.

 

However, since your line-out works, Yours is very likely the headphone jack area. Check the solder point /board for cracks, try re-soldering. If the jack is broken, I believe you could get a replacement from another similar DD unit.

 

Congratulations on getting a non-clicking unit!

plop - 2011-10-14 09:15

Also worth checking DC blocking cap C228 for any signs of failure too. It is a 220uF 4V capacitor. I had a similar issue on one channel on my PX10 and after checking everything else it was due to that.

19lexicon78 - 2011-10-14 09:17

i don't have any technical expertise. should i open the dc2 or should a tech do this.

 

i'm very proud to have a non-cracked dc2. these units are more rare than rare. it's my special one..

plop - 2011-10-14 09:34

If you have a tech you trust, then yes. Otherwise you could do damage to it if you don't know what you are doing. But of course you could learn to fix them yourself (practise on cheaper common ones first) and then you would not have to worry about entrusting a stranger to your prized walkman.

 

The DC2 service manual is freely available, should you later decide to DIY.

bub - 2011-10-14 10:20

Compared to some other walkmans, I found the DC2 easy to take apart, the only difficulty was that mine had seized screws (Mine was in really sad condition, took a lot of work to get it to work great again). The case is a little tight and requires you to press the buttons down to open. Once you have it open, the machine is quite accessible to work on.

 

If you are not confident, plop's suggestion is the way to go.

19lexicon78 - 2011-10-14 10:59

hmm, i need to find a tech.

i have a broken DD, perhaps i could practice on that one. i don't have the equipment to solder etc. which things i should buy?

plop - 2011-10-14 11:40

Typical things in my repair toolkit include :

 

A good set of miniture screwdrivers (both cross and flat blade)

A soldering iron (preferably temperature controllable) with a thin pointed tip

De-solder braid/wick

A solder iron station and damp sponge

Good set of tweezers

Digital multimeter (Useful for continuity testing)

ESR Meter (for testing capacitor health) - See my capacitor guide for info on these

Cotton buds

100% rubbing alcohol

Solder (I use 60/40 grade)

Flux pen (Reviving dry solder joints)

 

There is more, but these are the minimum for simple repairing.

 

I would recommend practicing first basic soldering skills on a trashed walkman. Removing components and putting them back on. Also go to You Tube and study the techniques of applying solder correctily to prevent making dry joints.

 

Bear in mind too that some components can be damaged and also copper tracks on circuit boards lift off with too much heat, so don't dwell long with the soldering iron.

19lexicon78 - 2011-10-14 12:03

how many hours you need, for the correct feeling. if solder walkman, can i solder also other audio?

 

what are the costs for such a set?

plop - 2011-10-14 13:01

Hard to say how long. It depends on how fast a learner you are, how good a steady hand you have etc etc.. Soldering is soldering, and once you learn the technique you can apply to any electronics circuit board. I have been repairing electronic devices for many years mainly as a hobby, and I still learn new things about repair work.

 

Your costs to create a repair set will ultimately depend on how much things cost in your local country and how much you are prepared to pay for each component part of the kit. For example you could spend a lot of money on a very fancy digital multimeter, but in reality you only need a basic and accurate one with continuity meter function, as the voltage in walkman is not very high or dangerous.

minty - 2011-10-14 16:05

I wouldn't bother taking a risk with such a high end device. Soldering the units requires lots of skill. As plop has pointed out, if the copper tracks start lifting your running into more problems. Of course this is just my opinion, but do you really want to take a risk with such a prized possession? My advise to you, would be to try and find someone to repair the unit for you.

19lexicon78 - 2011-10-15 05:49

the problem, there aren't many people who can repair disc/walkman in the netherlands. so, i have to ship units oversees. i prefer to give and talk to the person directly. i have some walkman and discman that need repair or adjustment.