Fisher 170 Service Manual

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THIS MANUAL ALSO COVERS THE 173. PRICE $1.00

135, CUSTOM 177 AND 157 RECEIVERS. S E RVI C E MAN U AL 3213(333233

BEGINNING 10001

WORLD LEADER IN HIGH QUALITY STEREO

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CONTENTS and SERVICE TIPS

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MECHANICAL DISASSEMBLY 3
DIAL STRINGING 3
HARMONIC DISTORTION TEST 3
MAIN CHASSIS PARTS LIST 3
TUNER ALIGNMENT 4
CHASSIS LAYOUT 6
SIGNAL FLOW 7

The Fisher 170 and 180 receivers (also 173, Custom 177, 185 and Custom 187) are nearly identical in most respects. Except for the

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TUNER SCHEMATIC 8
TUNER LAYOUT, PARTS LIST 9
AUDIO/POWER LAYOUT 10
AUDlO/POWER SCHEMATIC 11
AUDIO/POWER PARTS LIST 12
DRIVE SYMMETRY AND IDLE
CURRENT ADJUSTMENTS 12

power transformer, their circuitry is on two boards: a TUNER board and an AUDIO/POWER board.
Even though the same boards are used, the audio output of the 180/185/187 is higher than that of the 170/173/177 due to larger
output transistors, higher B+ supply, and changes in the value of some small components.

CAUTION 1

This precision high-fidelity instrument should be serviced only by qualified personnel,
trained in the repair of transistor equipment and printed circuitry.

Many of these items are included only as a reminder -they
are normal procedures for experienced technicians. Shortcuts
may be taken, but these often cause additional damage to
transistors, circuit components, or printed circuit boards.

SOLDERING: A well-tinned, hot, clean soldering iron tip
will make soldering easier, without causing damage to the
printed circuit board or the components mounted on it.
Regular use of a sponge cleaner will maintain a clean
soldering surface. The heat available at the tip, (not the watt-
age of the ironl is important. Some 50»watt irons reach tem-
peratures of 1,0000 F, while others will hardly melt solder.
Small-diameter tips should be used for single solder con-
nections, pyramid and chisel tips for large areas.

Always disconnect the AC power cord from the line when
soldering. Turning the power switch OFF is not sufficient.
Power-line leakage paths, through the heating elements of the
iron, may destroy transistors.

PARTS REMOVAL: if a part is not being returned for in-
warranty factory replacement, it may be cut in half (with
diagonal cutting pliers) to make removal easier. Multiple
terminal parts, such as [F transformers,or electrolytic capaci-
tors, should be removed using special de-soldering tips made
especially for this purpose. Removing solder from terminals,
reduces the possibility of breaking the printed circuit board
when the part is removed.

ACCIDENTAL SHORTS: A clean working area, free of metal
particles, screws, etc, is an important preventive in avoiding
servicing problems. Screws, removed from the chassis during
servicing. should be stored in a box until needed. While a set
is operating, it takes only an instant for a base-to~collector
short to destroy a transistor (and others direct-coupled to it).
In the time it takes for a dropped screw, washer, or screw
driver, to contact a pair of terminals (or terminal and chassis),
a transistor can be ruined.

SOLID-STATE DEVICES: Integrated Circuits contain the
equivalent of many circuit parts, including transistors, diodes,
resistors, and capacitors. The preferred troubleshooting pro
cedure requires isolating the trouble to one stage using AC
signal tracing methods. Once the suspected stage is located
the DC voltages at the input and output leads are measured to
give an accurate indication of the operating conditions of the
IC. DO NOT use an ohmmeter, to check continuity with the
IC mounted on the printed circuit board. Forward biasing the
internal junctions within the lC may burn out the transistors.
Do not replace a defective lC until all external resistors,
capacitors, and transformers are checked first, to prevent the
replacement K) from failing immediately due to a defect in
the connecting components.$older and unsolder each lead
separately using a pliers or other heat sink on the lead to

prevent damage from excessive heat. Check that the leads are
connected to the correct locations on the printed circuit
board before turning the set on,

Whenever possible, a transistor tester should be used to de-
termine the condition of a transistor or diode. Ohmmeter
checks do not provide conclusive data, and many even de-
stroy the iunctionIsI within the device.

Never attempt to repair a transistor power amplifier module
until the power supply filter-capacitors are fully discharged.

If an output or driver transistor becomes defective (opens or
shorts), always check ALL direct-coupled transistors and
diodes in that channel. In addition, check the bias pot., and
other parts in the bias network, before installing replacement
transistors. All output and driver transistors in one channel
may be destroyed if the bias network is defective. After parts
replacement, check bias for specified idling current.

In some applications, replacement of transistors must be
made from the same beta group as the original type. The
beta group is indicated by a colored marking on the transistor.
lnclude this information when ordering replacements.

When mounting a replacement power transistor, be sure the
bottom of the flange, mica insulator, and the surface of the
heat sink, are free of foreign matter. Dust and grit will pre-
vent flat contact, reducing heat transfer to the heat sink.
Metallic particles can puncture the insulator, cause a short,
and destroy the transistor.

Silicone grease must be used between the transistor and the
mica insulator and between the mica and the heat sink for
best heat transfer. Use Dow-Corning DC-S, or an equivalent
compound made for power transistor heat conduction.

Use care when making connections to speakers and output
terminals. To reduce the possibility of shorts, lugs should be
used on the exposed ends, or stranded wire should be tinned
to prevent frayed wire ends.Current in the speakers and out-
put circuitry is quite high -- poor contacts, or small wire,
can cause significant power losses. For wire lengths greater
than 30 feet, 16 AWG, or heavier, should be used.

VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS: All voltages are measured
with the line voltage adjusted to 120 volts. All measured
voltages are t 20%. DC voltages are measured to chassis
with a VTVM, with no signal input unless otherwise noted.
AC signal voltages are measured under the conditions speci-
fied on the schematic.

ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES: DO NOT attempt realignment
unless the required test equipment isavailable, and the align-
ment procedure is thoroughly understood.

© COPYRIGHT 1973 FISHER RADIO ' All Rights Reserved.