I have a sound system at home which goes to every room. Bit like a hotel
one. 4 radio services.

Was installed many years ago - long before Alexa and similar. But as
decent quality as the amps and speakers used in each room.

Used to have a mixture of tuners. AM, FM, and DAB. To get all my favourite
stations. Now, since FreeView has them all, Sony VTX-D800U TV tuners, used
audio only. And like a lot of older Sony stuff, very well made. Likely
about 20 years old and on 24/7. Bought used from likely a hotel system.

Last summer in the heat, a couple died. PS faults. They are in a roof
space which gets pretty hot in the sun. Turned out to be the SMPS IC.
Bought a few spares and got them going again.

One died recently. Thought I still had a spare IC but couldn't find it.

Looked on Ebay, and some complete tuners on offer. Put in a very low bid
on two of them, and won them both.

Should have enough to see me out. ;-)

--
*I'm not a paranoid, deranged millionaire. Dammit, I'm a billionaire.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

One issue with Freeview is that many of the feeds on there ar mono these
days. If you want stereo world service and some of the commercial ones then
internet is the only way, For stereo bbc local stations, then fm and dab and
internet are the way to go depending on where you are of course. For
r4extra, internet again.
I do wish the powers that be would try to sort out the complicated mono
and stereo feeds, in my view, providing stereo over freeview should be a no
brainer and not use a lot of bandwidth.
Brian

--
----- --
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...

Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
I have a sound system at home which goes to every room. Bit like a hotel
one. 4 radio services.

Was installed many years ago - long before Alexa and similar. But as
decent quality as the amps and speakers used in each room.

Used to have a mixture of tuners. AM, FM, and DAB. To get all my favourite
stations. Now, since FreeView has them all, Sony VTX-D800U TV tuners, used
audio only. And like a lot of older Sony stuff, very well made. Likely
about 20 years old and on 24/7. Bought used from likely a hotel system.

Last summer in the heat, a couple died. PS faults. They are in a roof
space which gets pretty hot in the sun. Turned out to be the SMPS IC.
Bought a few spares and got them going again.

One died recently. Thought I still had a spare IC but couldn't find it.

Looked on Ebay, and some complete tuners on offer. Put in a very low bid
on two of them, and won them both.

Should have enough to see me out. ;-)

--
*I'm not a paranoid, deranged millionaire. Dammit, I'm a billionaire.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
I have a sound system at home which goes to every room. Bit like a hotel
one. 4 radio services.

Was installed many years ago - long before Alexa and similar. But as
decent quality as the amps and speakers used in each room.

Used to have a mixture of tuners. AM, FM, and DAB. To get all my favourite
stations. Now, since FreeView has them all, Sony VTX-D800U TV tuners, used
audio only. And like a lot of older Sony stuff, very well made. Likely
about 20 years old and on 24/7. Bought used from likely a hotel system.

Last summer in the heat, a couple died. PS faults. They are in a roof
space which gets pretty hot in the sun. Turned out to be the SMPS IC.
Bought a few spares and got them going again.

One died recently. Thought I still had a spare IC but couldn't find it.

Looked on Ebay, and some complete tuners on offer. Put in a very low bid
on two of them, and won them both.

Should have enough to see me out. ;-)


By coincidence the topic of old audio kit came up in my weekly chat with
some American friends yesterday. One of them has a collection of old ( he
thinks 40 ish) Sony kit most of which has developed faults- the multi CD
deck, cassette deck, and record deck. In his case the faults seem to have
been mainly mechanical- drive belts slipping, although a set of contacts
needed cleaning on the record deck.

He was able to order new drive belts for the record and cassette deck. The
Multi CD deck is more of an issue- it seems the replacement belts arent
available. He is going to try and make some, apparently it isnt uncommon.
Being a radio amateur and retired engineer, he isnt afraid to tinker ;-)

--
https://www.unitedway.org/our-impact...an-trafficking

Dave Plowman wrote:

Last summer in the heat, a couple died. PS faults. They are in a roof
space which gets pretty hot in the sun. Turned out to be the SMPS IC.

Hopefully this won't be a cross-over with the "roof space fire" thread,
4x10W STBs, kept away from anything flammable?

In article ,
Andy Burns wrote:
Dave Plowman wrote:

Last summer in the heat, a couple died. PS faults. They are in a roof
space which gets pretty hot in the sun. Turned out to be the SMPS IC.

Hopefully this won't be a cross-over with the "roof space fire" thread,
4x10W STBs, kept away from anything flammable?

They have zero in the way of ventilation slots, so would seem to run
pretty cool under normal conditions. No signs of overheating in the one
which had failed. All the caps in the SMPS fine too. Normally the first
thing to fail.

--
*If at first you don't succeed, redefine success.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

In article ,
Brian Gaff \(Sofa 2\) wrote:
If you want stereo world service

Not really. Only time it gets used is at night - and speech only.

--
*Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Spoke a bit too soon. One has arrived, and powers up just fine. But is
tuned to the trnasmnitter wherever it came from, but not London. And the
child lock is set. It doesn't need to be set at all to use the tuner, so
no factory code like 1234 as on many things. So I'd guess if someone went
to the bother of setting it, they'll have used their own number.

Googled for factory reset and found two ways. Neither of which works.

Seller is just a dealer so doesn't know the code.

You get three goes at entering the code then it locks up for a while
before you can try again. Dunno for how long.

--
*Just remember...if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off*

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On Monday, 27 April 2020 11:59:58 UTC+1, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
Spoke a bit too soon. One has arrived, and powers up just fine. But is
tuned to the trnasmnitter wherever it came from, but not London. And the
child lock is set. It doesn't need to be set at all to use the tuner, so
no factory code like 1234 as on many things. So I'd guess if someone went
to the bother of setting it, they'll have used their own number.

Googled for factory reset and found two ways. Neither of which works.

Seller is just a dealer so doesn't know the code.

You get three goes at entering the code then it locks up for a while
before you can try again. Dunno for how long.

--
*Just remember...if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off*

Doesnt help you but I had an old recordable sky card which needed the number to record after 21.00. Same as you after 3 tries it locked you out. Stuck a bit paper on top and started at 5000, writing down the next number every time. Took ages but eventually got the number. I could have started at 0001 but it seemed better to start at 5000

Dave Plowman wrote:

the
child lock is set. It doesn't need to be set at all to use the tuner, so
no factory code like 1234

try 0000

In article ,
Andy Burns wrote:
Dave Plowman wrote:

the
child lock is set. It doesn't need to be set at all to use the tuner, so
no factory code like 1234

try 0000

Tried that and all the obvious ones.

--
*A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

In article ,
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
Spoke a bit too soon. One has arrived, and powers up just fine. But is
tuned to the trnasmnitter wherever it came from, but not London. And the
child lock is set. It doesn't need to be set at all to use the tuner, so
no factory code like 1234 as on many things. So I'd guess if someone went
to the bother of setting it, they'll have used their own number.

Googled for factory reset and found two ways. Neither of which works.

Seller is just a dealer so doesn't know the code.

You get three goes at entering the code then it locks up for a while
before you can try again. Dunno for how long.

Bit more Googling found 1,9,left,blue, 0,0,6 got it unlocked.
Went to retune, but showing no signal in software.

Had another look for the spare SMPS ICs and found them. TOP 244. Fixed the
original. It shows full strength and quality on the same aerial feed and
working OK again.

Given I only paid £11 including postage, not worth the bother of sending
it back, since I'd have to take it to a collection point or pay extra for
home collection.

--
*WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 27/04/2020 17:01, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
Spoke a bit too soon. One has arrived, and powers up just fine. But is
tuned to the trnasmnitter wherever it came from, but not London. And the
child lock is set. It doesn't need to be set at all to use the tuner, so
no factory code like 1234 as on many things. So I'd guess if someone went
to the bother of setting it, they'll have used their own number.

Googled for factory reset and found two ways. Neither of which works.

Seller is just a dealer so doesn't know the code.

You get three goes at entering the code then it locks up for a while
before you can try again. Dunno for how long.

Bit more Googling found 1,9,left,blue, 0,0,6 got it unlocked.
Went to retune, but showing no signal in software.

Had another look for the spare SMPS ICs and found them. TOP 244. Fixed the
original. It shows full strength and quality on the same aerial feed and
working OK again.

Given I only paid £11 including postage, not worth the bother of sending
it back, since I'd have to take it to a collection point or pay extra for
home collection.


Is the one you've just bought the same model as the existing one? If so,
can't you use some of the bits to repair the old one?

I'm also curious what these beasts are. At first I assumed you'd rigged
up some custom system using standard Sony units - perhaps with a control
system you'd built etc but now I'm thinking it is a commercial system,
perhaps like you'd find in a Hotel etc.





--
https://www.antislavery.org/slavery-...forced-labour/

In article ,
Brian Reay wrote:
On 27/04/2020 17:01, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
Spoke a bit too soon. One has arrived, and powers up just fine. But is
tuned to the trnasmnitter wherever it came from, but not London. And the
child lock is set. It doesn't need to be set at all to use the tuner, so
no factory code like 1234 as on many things. So I'd guess if someone went
to the bother of setting it, they'll have used their own number.

Googled for factory reset and found two ways. Neither of which works.

Seller is just a dealer so doesn't know the code.

You get three goes at entering the code then it locks up for a while
before you can try again. Dunno for how long.

Bit more Googling found 1,9,left,blue, 0,0,6 got it unlocked.
Went to retune, but showing no signal in software.

Had another look for the spare SMPS ICs and found them. TOP 244. Fixed
the original. It shows full strength and quality on the same aerial
feed and working OK again.

Given I only paid £11 including postage, not worth the bother of
sending it back, since I'd have to take it to a collection point or
pay extra for home collection.


Is the one you've just bought the same model as the existing one? If so,
can't you use some of the bits to repair the old one?

The only thing that has failed on any of the existing ones is the TOP244.
And when that first failed, I bought 5 spares. Given as is often the case
with electronic bits that P&P can be a big part of the total cost.

I'm also curious what these beasts are. At first I assumed you'd rigged
up some custom system using standard Sony units - perhaps with a control
system you'd built etc but now I'm thinking it is a commercial system,
perhaps like you'd find in a Hotel etc.

They are a standard FreeView tuner that you'd have once bought to convert
an analogue only TV. Since all new TVs include FreeView, not much demand
now.

I'm using them sound only. The aerial feed daisy chains together unlike FM
etc receivers, making that side simpler.

It all dates back years. In the 80s, FM reception in this part of London
was poor. Meaning a portable radio etc simply didn't work well. So decided
on a high quality audio distribution system to every room - run on 10 pair
telephone cable.

You could then decide what final audio quality you wanted in each room by
the choice of amps and speakers.

Bathroom has ceiling speakers. Kitchen area (much used) LS3/5a.

Assuming listening to the same channel, no audio delay between rooms.
Unlike things digital. ;-)






-

--
*Gravity is a myth, the earth sucks *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 28/04/2020 11:59, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Brian Reay wrote:
On 27/04/2020 17:01, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
Spoke a bit too soon. One has arrived, and powers up just fine. But is
tuned to the trnasmnitter wherever it came from, but not London. And the
child lock is set. It doesn't need to be set at all to use the tuner, so
no factory code like 1234 as on many things. So I'd guess if someone went
to the bother of setting it, they'll have used their own number.

Googled for factory reset and found two ways. Neither of which works.

Seller is just a dealer so doesn't know the code.

You get three goes at entering the code then it locks up for a while
before you can try again. Dunno for how long.

Bit more Googling found 1,9,left,blue, 0,0,6 got it unlocked.
Went to retune, but showing no signal in software.

Had another look for the spare SMPS ICs and found them. TOP 244. Fixed
the original. It shows full strength and quality on the same aerial
feed and working OK again.

Given I only paid £11 including postage, not worth the bother of
sending it back, since I'd have to take it to a collection point or
pay extra for home collection.


Is the one you've just bought the same model as the existing one? If so,
can't you use some of the bits to repair the old one?

The only thing that has failed on any of the existing ones is the TOP244.
And when that first failed, I bought 5 spares. Given as is often the case
with electronic bits that P&P can be a big part of the total cost.

I'm also curious what these beasts are. At first I assumed you'd rigged
up some custom system using standard Sony units - perhaps with a control
system you'd built etc but now I'm thinking it is a commercial system,
perhaps like you'd find in a Hotel etc.

They are a standard FreeView tuner that you'd have once bought to convert
an analogue only TV. Since all new TVs include FreeView, not much demand
now.

I'm using them sound only. The aerial feed daisy chains together unlike FM
etc receivers, making that side simpler.

It all dates back years. In the 80s, FM reception in this part of London
was poor. Meaning a portable radio etc simply didn't work well. So decided
on a high quality audio distribution system to every room - run on 10 pair
telephone cable.

You could then decide what final audio quality you wanted in each room by
the choice of amps and speakers.

Bathroom has ceiling speakers. Kitchen area (much used) LS3/5a.

Assuming listening to the same channel, no audio delay between rooms.
Unlike things digital. ;-)

LS3/5A - wow. A retro speaker with an intersting BBC history.
Used to cost a fortune on eBAY dependant on actual manufacturer or I
think supplied as a kit....

In article ,
Robert wrote:
LS3/5A - wow. A retro speaker with an intersting BBC history.
Used to cost a fortune on eBAY dependant on actual manufacturer or I
think supplied as a kit....

Last time I looked, they still cost a fortune. Mine are ex broadcast,
bought long before they became so 'in fashion'. Still pretty good for a
small speaker, though.

--
*DON'T SWEAT THE PETTY THINGS AND DON'T PET THE SWEATY THINGS.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

In article ,
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Robert wrote:
LS3/5A - wow. A retro speaker with an intersting BBC history.
Used to cost a fortune on eBAY dependant on actual manufacturer or I
think supplied as a kit....

Last time I looked, they still cost a fortune. Mine are ex broadcast,
bought long before they became so 'in fashion'. Still pretty good for a
small speaker, though.

I've still got mine, too.

--
from KT24 in Surrey, England
"I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle

It all dates back years. In the 80s, FM reception in this part of London
was poor. Meaning a portable radio etc simply didn't work well. So decided
on a high quality audio distribution system to every room - run on 10 pair
telephone cable.

You could then decide what final audio quality you wanted in each room by
the choice of amps and speakers.

Bathroom has ceiling speakers. Kitchen area (much used) LS3/5a.

Assuming listening to the same channel, no audio delay between rooms.
Unlike things digital. ;-)

LS3/5A - wow. A retro speaker with an intersting BBC history.
Used to cost a fortune on eBAY dependant on actual manufacturer or I
think supplied as a kit....



Yes some made kits, but the better ones were the 11 ohm Rogers ones
sometimes now going for over a grand on e-bay;!!


http://www.ls35a.com/

https://www.falconacoustics.co.uk/bb...3-5a-cabinets-
kits.html

http://www.stirlingbroadcast.net/

--
Tony Sayer


Man is least himself when he talks in his own person.

Give him a keyboard, and he will reveal himself.