Repair a Sony Walkman Boombox

[chipster]

I have a Sony walkman boombox which can be run by battery and via plug.
Although it continues to work well when it is plugged in, it will not
even turn on with a fresh set of batteries. I know it is old but I
really don't want to discard it. I am willing to do a litte probing
and soldering. I have little info as to how to go about
troubleshooting this. I have searched the web looking for useful
websites but cannot find any. Are there any books, websites that would
be helpful in identifying the problem and how to fix it. Also,
obtaining parts. Any helpful info greatly appreciated.

 

[mc]

Actually, I would first look for loose connections. Has a wire come loose
that leads from the battery compartment to the rest of the circuitry?

 

[Arfa Daily]

I have a Sony walkman boombox which can be run by battery and via plug.
Although it continues to work well when it is plugged in, it will not
even turn on with a fresh set of batteries. I know it is old but I
really don't want to discard it. I am willing to do a litte probing
and soldering. I have little info as to how to go about
troubleshooting this. I have searched the web looking for useful
websites but cannot find any. Are there any books, websites that would
be helpful in identifying the problem and how to fix it. Also,
obtaining parts. Any helpful info greatly appreciated.

It's quite common on any of these that use a ' figure 8 ' power connector,
for the three pins on the power changeover switch, mounted on the back of
the figure 8 socket, to fracture their solder joints, or even for the pins
themselves to snap off. It's caused by the repeated insertion and removal of
the lead over the years. Depending on which pins go bad, the symptoms can be
no battery operation, no line power operation, or just plain dead. Might not
be in your case, but it sounds old enough to have this trouble, and I have
done many over the years.

Arfa

 

[Erich Schultheis, the man that owns an ISP.]

I have a Sony walkman boombox which can be run by battery and via plug.
Although it continues to work well when it is plugged in, it will not
even turn on with a fresh set of batteries. I know it is old but I
really don't want to discard it. I am willing to do a litte probing
and soldering. I have little info as to how to go about
troubleshooting this. I have searched the web looking for useful
websites but cannot find any. Are there any books, websites that would
be helpful in identifying the problem and how to fix it. Also,
obtaining parts. Any helpful info greatly appreciated.

Two things are possible:

It may have a switch in the back labeled AC/Batt or something similar.
It has not been set to battery mode for portable use.

2. Most, if not all boomboxes with a remote will only power on from the
remote when the unit is plugged in to the wall. Try operating the unit
off batteries by using the front panel buttons.

 

[spudnuty]

It's quite common on any of these that use a ' figure 8 ' power connector,
for the three pins on the power changeover switch, mounted on the back of
the figure 8 socket, to fracture their solder joints, or even for the pins
themselves to snap off. It's caused by the repeated insertion and removal of
the lead over the years. Depending on which pins go bad, the symptoms can be
no battery operation, no line power operation, or just plain dead. Might not
be in your case, but it sounds old enough to have this trouble, and I have
done many over the years.

Arfa

Yes I have seen this too. Also if that changeover switch is ok there
might be a a problem with contacts being corroded due to battery fluid
having leaked into the battery compartment.
Richard

 

[chipster]

Thank You all for your imput. I will try to troubleshoot based on your
imput. Wish me luck.
Any other comments greatly appreciated. I will let you know how I make
out.