Europa II sound fault - ideas?

[jameshoward]

I've done a pretty thorough search on radios and learnt lots for when I go to put in an amp and new speakers. However, I have a pre-existing condition that is annoying. My Europa II radio has a fault - when turned on, it makes the reassuring stereo 'click' through the kick panel speakers. However, the radio sound is near inaudible - it sounds very tinny and strangled. I have recently connected Becker Ipod cable to the back in the 'Ed Cave style' of audio enhancement, and when using the Ipod, the sound is perfect and correct for the volume settings. The problem was intermittent before I connected the Ipod cable and so I am almost certain that the intermittent now permanent problem when using the radio alone was not caused by me fitting the cable. This therefore rules out problems with the speakers, the wires to the speakers, and the ariel. The problem would seem to be in the radios' 'innards.' Does anyone have any idea of where one might look for a solution short of sending it back to Becker? Has anyone ever stipped one of these down?

Thanks,

JH

[hands_aus]

James
How do you adjust the speaker volume when using the iPod, from the iPod or the radio volume knob?
Is it possible that by inserting the cable you have by-passed a faulty volume control?
I think there it is a silicone spray that can be used to lubricate the volume control in a radio and is usually available from electronic hobby stores and sometimes car accessories stores too.
I might be talking through my hat too.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[Ricardo]

James
It could be the pre-amp transistors, try turning it off and on again several times rapidly. If the volume comes up sometimes, then it's possible the transistors  are done....repairable by a knowledgable shop.....many of the components used in early electronic radios were only spec'd for 10 or 15 year life spans....probably your ipod connection bypasses the pre-amps and just uses the power amp (main output) transistors......but I could be totally wrong too....

[J. Huber]

Hello James. I have a similar set-up: a Europa II with an Ipod cable. I found early on that if I leave the cable I use "between" the Ipod cable plug and the Ipod connected, my sound is extremely muffled. When it is removed -- everything is perfect. Be sure to turn volume down before removing... Hope this makes sense and helps in some way.

James
63 230SL

[jameshoward]

Bob, James, Ricardo,

Thank you. I control the Ipod volume thru the volume control on the radio and it works fine. I suspect, judging from having read the posts, that Ricardo's assessment may be correct. I will see if I can get a radio repair shop to have a look at it as I don't want to send it off to Becker. Bob, I am vaguely familiar with the silicone spray - I think I used something like that to sort out my fan blower control - it worked very well.

I am grateful to you all.

JH

[66andBlue]

quote:Originally posted by jameshoward

... I will see if I can get a radio repair shop to have a look at it as I don't want to send it off to Becker.

James,
I doubt that a regular radio repair shop will be of much help. But if you plan  to send it out your best bet to get this fixed in Germany is Koenig's. I was told that they provide the iPod cables for Becker of North America!
http://www.koenigs-klassik.de/_Becker_/_becker_.html

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[jameshoward]

Hi Alfred,

How's the car? Looking forward to seeing your latest update.

I was thinking I may be able to get my radio repair cell (the work guys) to have a go at it. Some of the kit we use at times seems so old and steam driven that it makes the Europa seem positivly in vogue! They're supposedly trained in this sort of thing - plus it would be free!!!!

I'll let you know how it goes.

JH