Cassette deck has no PSU. Easy DIY help please

[serendipitydawg]

I have been given a cassette deck from a mid-fi component system. It has no dedicated PSU and should get it's power from one of the other components (probably the amplifier?).

As it was fished out of a skip by a mate, I don't have any of the other components

I Googled it, and found that some kind soul would sell me a PDF of the service manual for $14.99. This would help but I am reluctant to spend approximately a tenner for information that may be available for nothing.

The lead to supply power has 5 cores, one meked white (presumably earth?) Any ideas what voltage/current requirements and any hints?

It's a Kenwood X-83 BTW, and I hate seeoing things go to waste.

How do I post photos? I'll take some and post if anyone is interested

[Puffin]

If it takes it's supply from the main amp, it is likely that it will need a DC source, not AC. The most likely voltage required would be between 12 - 15v. However without circuit details it is a stab in the dark. If you have a variable DC power supply you could try it a a low voltage and increase it to see if you have you any joy. If it doesn't work you haven't lost anything.

[serendipitydawg]

Thanks for responding.

Any clues regarding posting photos? I can't figure out how to.

Are you suggesting it might be worth forking out for the PDF of the service manual just to find out the voltage?

Am I jumping the gun guessing that the connector has one negative pin, and that the
other four pins relay positive to different parts of the circuitry?

Although it's a twin cassette deck (usually an anathema in hi-fi circles??) it has Dolby HX Pro, which indicates it is pretty upmarket.

My son needs a cassette deck and I hate seeing things go to waste (land fill!!)

I am quite prepareds to lash out for a power supply from Maplin, which I could hopefully use to power my Beresford TC7510, if all else fails

[Puffin]

Hi Matthew.

It is a matter for you as to whether you think it is worth the money to buy the manual.

To post pictures I up-load them to photobucket and then you click on the link to paste them on here.

If you are able to post some clear internal pictures with pictures that show the connector and what it is connected to, it might be possible to work out what is what.

Rob.

[here we go again]

Firstly - if there are no other connectors or flying leads on the rear panel then that 5 way connector will have signal lines down it too so don't go plugging it into a power supply unless you know what's what. If you know what to look for you can take the top cover off and easily suss out which contact is which - IF you know what to look for. If you don't then it's pot luck.


HOWEVER - I wouldn't go buying ANYTHING for it - not a power supply or a manual. Used cassette decks are all over ebay - proper mains powered stand alone 'hifi' ones - even the lowliest of which, is likely to give that Kenwood a pasting. They go for as little as a fiver - and occasionally less!! - find one local and buy it. Really they are pennies nowadays.

I hate letting something go to waste too - but it will cost you more to get that Kenwood going than it will to buy a 'proper' one!!

[HighFidelityGuy]

I think I'd have to agree with Graeme but if you really want to have a go at getting it working then you simply must open it up and try and trace where the various wires go from the 5 pin connector. With any luck a couple will go to a separate PSU board, perhaps through a fuse, which will single them out as the power input. Then if you're really lucky that board may have some markings on it that indicate polarity and voltage. If it's not as obvious as that then you're pissing in the wind unless you have an advanced knowledge of electronics or the service guide.

Good luck. :)

[serendipitydawg]

Thanks everyone who has responded.

At the weekend I'll open up the cassette deck and have a look.

As my photography skills / cheap digital camera are not really up to it I'll try to get a mate to take some picture or three and post them.