Realistic Sta
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My Realistic Receiver is cutting out and no longer functioning. Why?
I have a Realistic STA-85 Receiver ('77-'81), and ever since I bought it (last year at a pawn shop) it would take 20s-2 minutes to stop crackling after I turned it on. Then one, or sometimes both channels would work. After listening for about 30 minutes- and hour, the second channel would cut in. Today, I was listening to an LP and both channels cut out. When I turn it on now, no crackling or nothing. Even after 5-10 minutes. I like my old stereo equipment, any ideas on fixing it?
I recommend concentrating on two items:
First, get some contact cleaner from, of course, Radio Shack (or any electronics-type store.) This comes in a spray can and you use it by spraying/saturating the electronics in the knobs. It leaves no residue, so spray, allow to drip, wipe if you can, allow to vaporize, and repeat. Many times. It is an old receiver and has 25 years of dirt and dust build-up.
Secondly, either you test, or have an electronics shop test for grounds. If the ground isn't a good connection, it can intermittently play and finally stop playing. A little solder can fix it.
The first recommendation is exactly what fixed my Pioneer receiver that I bought in '81. The volume would be all scratchy, especially if I moved the volume knob. The potentiometer was dirty. Contact cleaner fixed it.
The second recommendation is based on my Sony receiver. I lost a channel, then eventually both of them. I took it to a repair shop, and for less than $50, they got ALL of the grounds re-soldered and for 3 years it has performed like new.
Good luck.
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