I have a four-year old Aiwa/Sony shelf stereo. I am having a problem with
it. With some CDs, particularly some that seem a bit lighter in weight, I am
getting a horrible whining noise and sometimes the thing even starts
skipping.

I started to get rid of the thing, but after shopping around, I discovered
that it's superior to any other shelf system I checked out, plus I
determined that I simply don't have the space, resources, etc., right now to
assemble a component setup in my bedroom, which is where this stereo is. So
I decided to keep the thing and try to get it fixed.

I know, from a Sony Technical Bulletin, that this issue is caused by an
oscillation problem with the specific Sony optical pickup (KSS-240A) that's
installed on the thing, that causes a mechanical resonance issue with the
discs as they play. I know, from a Sony Technical Bulletin, that the fix for
this is to add a brass weight (part No. 4-962-979-01) to the pickup, and a
felt washer (part No. 4-986-769-01) to the surface of the clamper that
touches the disc. The screw (part No. 7-685-134-19) that adds the weight to
the pickup replaces the screw that holds the PC board with the pots to the
laser.
I have these parts in hand from Sony, ready to install. I have spent the
morning trying to find someone to install them, since I've never done this
kind of thing before. I've discovered that no one works on stereos anymore.
I'm not surprised of this, because I'm sure they're considered kind of
disposable. But I don't want to dispose of this one when all that needs to
be done is a piece of brass screwed in somewhere and a piece of felt stuck
somewhere.

Let me take that back, there is one person in my town who will do such work,
and he's very good and quite cheap. The only problem is I might get the
stereo back around Inauguration Day ... of 2013.

So, is there anyone out there who could clue me in on just how big a deal
what I have described is to execute, whether it's something a
do-it-yourselfer should even attempt or should I still beat the bushes
trying to find somebody to do it. And if it is something simple that I could
do, could you give me "See Spot Run" simple, hand-holding directions,
starting from the moment I take the first screw out of the thing, as to how
I do it, what exactly I need to look for, what do I need to be careful of,
etc., because I really don't want to trash the thing trying to fix it.
Because I really have no clue whatsoever where or what these specific things
(clamper, PC board with pots, pickup, laser, etc.) are or look like.

Thanks in advance for any help.

"Greg Bailey" wrote in message
. ..
I have a four-year old Aiwa/Sony shelf stereo. I am having a problem with
it. With some CDs, particularly some that seem a bit lighter in weight, I
am getting a horrible whining noise and sometimes the thing even starts
skipping.

I started to get rid of the thing, but after shopping around, I discovered
that it's superior to any other shelf system I checked out, plus I
determined that I simply don't have the space, resources, etc., right now
to assemble a component setup in my bedroom, which is where this stereo
is. So I decided to keep the thing and try to get it fixed.

I know, from a Sony Technical Bulletin, that this issue is caused by an
oscillation problem with the specific Sony optical pickup (KSS-240A)
that's installed on the thing, that causes a mechanical resonance issue
with the discs as they play. I know, from a Sony Technical Bulletin, that
the fix for this is to add a brass weight (part No. 4-962-979-01) to the
pickup, and a felt washer (part No. 4-986-769-01) to the surface of the
clamper that touches the disc. The screw (part No. 7-685-134-19) that adds
the weight to the pickup replaces the screw that holds the PC board with
the pots to the laser.
I have these parts in hand from Sony, ready to install. I have spent the
morning trying to find someone to install them, since I've never done this
kind of thing before. I've discovered that no one works on stereos
anymore. I'm not surprised of this, because I'm sure they're considered
kind of disposable. But I don't want to dispose of this one when all that
needs to be done is a piece of brass screwed in somewhere and a piece of
felt stuck somewhere.

Let me take that back, there is one person in my town who will do such
work, and he's very good and quite cheap. The only problem is I might get
the stereo back around Inauguration Day ... of 2013.

So, is there anyone out there who could clue me in on just how big a deal
what I have described is to execute, whether it's something a
do-it-yourselfer should even attempt or should I still beat the bushes
trying to find somebody to do it. And if it is something simple that I
could do, could you give me "See Spot Run" simple, hand-holding
directions, starting from the moment I take the first screw out of the
thing, as to how I do it, what exactly I need to look for, what do I need
to be careful of, etc., because I really don't want to trash the thing
trying to fix it. Because I really have no clue whatsoever where or what
these specific things (clamper, PC board with pots, pickup, laser, etc.)
are or look like.

Thanks in advance for any help.



Did it come with any instructions? If you have a screwdriver you ought to be
able to fix this yourself, it should only take a few minutes. If you're
really that much of a newbie, I suggest finding someone local to help, don't
you have any engineer or handyman friends or neighbors? It would be very
hard for someone to give you such detailed instructions over the internet
without being familiar with that particular unit.

No, all I got was a piece of felt, a brass weight and a screw. I've been
trying to find a diagram of that particular pickup online, to use as
reference, without any success so far.


"James Sweet" wrote in message
news:ImWzj.8367$Ie2.2001@trndny09...

"Greg Bailey" wrote in message
. ..
I have a four-year old Aiwa/Sony shelf stereo. I am having a problem with
it. With some CDs, particularly some that seem a bit lighter in weight, I
am getting a horrible whining noise and sometimes the thing even starts
skipping.

I started to get rid of the thing, but after shopping around, I
discovered that it's superior to any other shelf system I checked out,
plus I determined that I simply don't have the space, resources, etc.,
right now to assemble a component setup in my bedroom, which is where
this stereo is. So I decided to keep the thing and try to get it fixed.

I know, from a Sony Technical Bulletin, that this issue is caused by an
oscillation problem with the specific Sony optical pickup (KSS-240A)
that's installed on the thing, that causes a mechanical resonance issue
with the discs as they play. I know, from a Sony Technical Bulletin, that
the fix for this is to add a brass weight (part No. 4-962-979-01) to the
pickup, and a felt washer (part No. 4-986-769-01) to the surface of the
clamper that touches the disc. The screw (part No. 7-685-134-19) that
adds the weight to the pickup replaces the screw that holds the PC board
with the pots to the laser.
I have these parts in hand from Sony, ready to install. I have spent the
morning trying to find someone to install them, since I've never done
this kind of thing before. I've discovered that no one works on stereos
anymore. I'm not surprised of this, because I'm sure they're considered
kind of disposable. But I don't want to dispose of this one when all that
needs to be done is a piece of brass screwed in somewhere and a piece of
felt stuck somewhere.

Let me take that back, there is one person in my town who will do such
work, and he's very good and quite cheap. The only problem is I might get
the stereo back around Inauguration Day ... of 2013.

So, is there anyone out there who could clue me in on just how big a deal
what I have described is to execute, whether it's something a
do-it-yourselfer should even attempt or should I still beat the bushes
trying to find somebody to do it. And if it is something simple that I
could do, could you give me "See Spot Run" simple, hand-holding
directions, starting from the moment I take the first screw out of the
thing, as to how I do it, what exactly I need to look for, what do I need
to be careful of, etc., because I really don't want to trash the thing
trying to fix it. Because I really have no clue whatsoever where or what
these specific things (clamper, PC board with pots, pickup, laser, etc.)
are or look like.

Thanks in advance for any help.



Did it come with any instructions? If you have a screwdriver you ought to
be able to fix this yourself, it should only take a few minutes. If you're
really that much of a newbie, I suggest finding someone local to help,
don't you have any engineer or handyman friends or neighbors? It would be
very hard for someone to give you such detailed instructions over the
internet without being familiar with that particular unit.

"Greg Bailey" wrote in message
...
No, all I got was a piece of felt, a brass weight and a screw. I've been
trying to find a diagram of that particular pickup online, to use as
reference, without any success so far.


Have a look he

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cd4.htm

The optical pickup is the lens you see which is on a sled which moves
horizontally as the CD spins. As in the picture in the above link, the
pickup head is often attached to a small circuit board with some
focus/tracking components. You can actually see a screw in the picture,
although yours might be somewhat different it shouldn't be rocket science to
open it up, remove a screw holding the laser assembly to the attached PCB,
and install the brass one. Be careful not to move any of the pots (they'll
probably have a drop of adhesive keeping them from moving) as that will mess
up your focus/tracking/alignment. As far as the hunk of felt, I assume it's
got sticky backing on it on one side? When you open up the player, there
is, to use Sony's term, a "clamper" which grabs the CD, allowing the spindle
motor to spin it. You need whatever is attached to the spindle motor
(called "disks drive" in the picture) to have friction on the disc, so I'd
think the felt washer would go on the other side (which would be the top),
but it should be obvious where the washer will fit once you get things
opened up.

Don't worry about this one: it's not at all a technical repair and if you
are careful, it'd be pretty hard to break anything.

Dave

THANK YOU!!! This is exactly what I needed. And it looks like I'm going to
be the one to do it, no local techs would fool with it.


"Dave" wrote in message
news:jcZzj.85381$C61.60797@edtnps89...

"Greg Bailey" wrote in message
...
No, all I got was a piece of felt, a brass weight and a screw. I've been
trying to find a diagram of that particular pickup online, to use as
reference, without any success so far.


Have a look he

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cd4.htm

The optical pickup is the lens you see which is on a sled which moves
horizontally as the CD spins. As in the picture in the above link, the
pickup head is often attached to a small circuit board with some
focus/tracking components. You can actually see a screw in the picture,
although yours might be somewhat different it shouldn't be rocket science
to open it up, remove a screw holding the laser assembly to the attached
PCB, and install the brass one. Be careful not to move any of the pots
(they'll probably have a drop of adhesive keeping them from moving) as
that will mess up your focus/tracking/alignment. As far as the hunk of
felt, I assume it's got sticky backing on it on one side? When you open
up the player, there is, to use Sony's term, a "clamper" which grabs the
CD, allowing the spindle motor to spin it. You need whatever is attached
to the spindle motor (called "disks drive" in the picture) to have
friction on the disc, so I'd think the felt washer would go on the other
side (which would be the top), but it should be obvious where the washer
will fit once you get things opened up.

Don't worry about this one: it's not at all a technical repair and if you
are careful, it'd be pretty hard to break anything.

Dave

On Mar 6, 4:18 pm, "Dave" wrote:
"Greg Bailey" wrote in message

... No, all I got was a piece of felt, a brass weight and a screw. I've been
trying to find a diagram of that particular pickup online, to use as
reference, without any success so far.

Have a look he

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cd4.htm

The optical pickup is the lens you see which is on a sled which moves
horizontally as the CD spins. As in the picture in the above link, the
pickup head is often attached to a small circuit board with some
focus/tracking components. You can actually see a screw in the picture,
although yours might be somewhat different it shouldn't be rocket science to
open it up, remove a screw holding the laser assembly to the attached PCB,
and install the brass one. Be careful not to move any of the pots (they'll
probably have a drop of adhesive keeping them from moving) as that will mess
up your focus/tracking/alignment. As far as the hunk of felt, I assume it's
got sticky backing on it on one side? When you open up the player, there
is, to use Sony's term, a "clamper" which grabs the CD, allowing the spindle
motor to spin it. You need whatever is attached to the spindle motor
(called "disks drive" in the picture) to have friction on the disc, so I'd
think the felt washer would go on the other side (which would be the top),
but it should be obvious where the washer will fit once you get things
opened up.

Don't worry about this one: it's not at all a technical repair and if you
are careful, it'd be pretty hard to break anything.

Dave

Here's a picture of the KSS-240A pickup:
http://www.studiosoundelectronics.com/kss240a.jpg
You can see the screw to the left of the label.

The other thing to be careful of is ESD (Electrostatic Discharge). If
you
don't have an antistatic wrist strap, at least take some common sense
precautions: minimize plastic and fabrics (carpet, wool or acrylic
sweater)
in the vicinity of your repair, pick a more humid day or area to do
the
repair, and touch the metal chassis of the stereo system (if it has
one)
before approaching the pickup or other electronic devices with your
hands.

TM

Gotcha ... I've done work inside my computer before so I know about avoiding
ESD.


wrote in message
...
Here's a picture of the KSS-240A pickup:
http://www.studiosoundelectronics.com/kss240a.jpg
You can see the screw to the left of the label.

The other thing to be careful of is ESD (Electrostatic Discharge). If
you
don't have an antistatic wrist strap, at least take some common sense
precautions: minimize plastic and fabrics (carpet, wool or acrylic
sweater)
in the vicinity of your repair, pick a more humid day or area to do
the
repair, and touch the metal chassis of the stereo system (if it has
one)
before approaching the pickup or other electronic devices with your
hands.

TM

On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 12:24:39 -0600, "Greg Bailey"
wrote:

No, all I got was a piece of felt, a brass weight and a screw. I've been

Hilarious. This is what I used to use on my record player when the
tone-arm skipped.

trying to find a diagram of that particular pickup online, to use as
reference, without any success so far.


"James Sweet" wrote in message
news:ImWzj.8367$Ie2.2001@trndny09...

"Greg Bailey" wrote in message
. ..
I have a four-year old Aiwa/Sony shelf stereo. I am having a problem with
it. With some CDs, particularly some that seem a bit lighter in weight, I
am getting a horrible whining noise and sometimes the thing even starts
skipping.

I started to get rid of the thing, but after shopping around, I
discovered that it's superior to any other shelf system I checked out,
plus I determined that I simply don't have the space, resources, etc.,
right now to assemble a component setup in my bedroom, which is where
this stereo is. So I decided to keep the thing and try to get it fixed.

I know, from a Sony Technical Bulletin, that this issue is caused by an
oscillation problem with the specific Sony optical pickup (KSS-240A)
that's installed on the thing, that causes a mechanical resonance issue
with the discs as they play. I know, from a Sony Technical Bulletin, that
the fix for this is to add a brass weight (part No. 4-962-979-01) to the
pickup, and a felt washer (part No. 4-986-769-01) to the surface of the
clamper that touches the disc. The screw (part No. 7-685-134-19) that
adds the weight to the pickup replaces the screw that holds the PC board
with the pots to the laser.
I have these parts in hand from Sony, ready to install. I have spent the
morning trying to find someone to install them, since I've never done
this kind of thing before. I've discovered that no one works on stereos
anymore. I'm not surprised of this, because I'm sure they're considered
kind of disposable. But I don't want to dispose of this one when all that
needs to be done is a piece of brass screwed in somewhere and a piece of
felt stuck somewhere.

Let me take that back, there is one person in my town who will do such
work, and he's very good and quite cheap. The only problem is I might get
the stereo back around Inauguration Day ... of 2013.

So, is there anyone out there who could clue me in on just how big a deal
what I have described is to execute, whether it's something a
do-it-yourselfer should even attempt or should I still beat the bushes
trying to find somebody to do it. And if it is something simple that I
could do, could you give me "See Spot Run" simple, hand-holding
directions, starting from the moment I take the first screw out of the
thing, as to how I do it, what exactly I need to look for, what do I need
to be careful of, etc., because I really don't want to trash the thing
trying to fix it. Because I really have no clue whatsoever where or what
these specific things (clamper, PC board with pots, pickup, laser, etc.)
are or look like.

Thanks in advance for any help.



Did it come with any instructions? If you have a screwdriver you ought to
be able to fix this yourself, it should only take a few minutes. If you're
really that much of a newbie, I suggest finding someone local to help,
don't you have any engineer or handyman friends or neighbors? It would be
very hard for someone to give you such detailed instructions over the
internet without being familiar with that particular unit.




If you are inclined to email me
for some reason, remove NOPSAM :-)