Author Archives: jwk

Antenna Distribution for AM Radios

Posted on October 24, 2015 by jwk

I’ve had a few questions come my way about antenna distribution systems for AM radios, specifically to connect something like a large attic antenna to multiple radios at once. There’s a lot out there designed for VHF/UHF or CATV signals, … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Electronics, Gadgets, Radio, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Hands On with the FLIR One for Android

Posted on October 9, 2015 by jwk

Several months ago I ordered a FLIR One for Android, a small attachment which adds infrared thermal vision capabilities to most Android smartphones and tablets. After the backlog of pre-orders finally cleared out, I got my hands on mine today! … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Gadgets, Technology, Test Equipment | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Speaker Spotter – September 30th, 2015

Posted on September 30, 2015 by jwk

It’s back! Another installment in this occasional series, “The Speaker Spotter”, picking out the most interesting speakers available on my local Craigslist. Today’s Speaker Spotter focuses on bookshelf speakers for the best sound possible in a small package. As always, … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Collections, Commentary, Hi-Fi, Speakers | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Sherwood S3000-V Stereo FM Tuner Repair

Posted on September 28, 2015 by jwk

This Sherwood FM Stereo tuner came into the shop recently. It’s owner successfully completed a re-cap of the unit, but the specialized tools for performing an accurate FM Stereo alignment are beyond the reach of most hobbyists, and so he … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Creek 4140 S2 Overhaul and Voltage Conversion

Posted on August 23, 2015 by jwk

This Creek 4140 S2 amplifier is a bit newer than most through the shop, although it’s getting up there. This particular one was constructed in 1989, and came via eBay from the UK configured for 220V power. The owner wanted … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Projects | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

New Test Equipment Day!

Posted on August 19, 2015 by jwk

I’ve added a new analysis system to my stereo bench…the Audio Precision System One. Amplifier measurements just got a whole lot more precise.

Posted in Commentary, Test Equipment, Tools, Toys | Leave a comment

1963 Fisher FM-100-B Stereo FM Tuner Overhaul

Posted on August 9, 2015 by jwk

Something a bit unusual came through the shop recently, an old tube-type Fisher FM-100-B Stereo FM tuner. Anyone who knows classic tube audio knows Fisher, and the FM-100-B sure lives up to the name. It’s a 12-tube FM/MPX Only tuner with … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Radios and Tubes, Stereo, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Revitalize HP and Tek digital scopes with a NewScope LCD kit

Posted on August 1, 2015 by jwk

I’ve been trying to figure out if I want to bother repairing my old HP 1222A oscilloscope which I’ve been using as a waveform monitor attached to the scope ports of my Sencore PA81 Stereo Power Amplifier Analyzer. It’s been … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Electronics, Gadgets, Test Equipment | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sony ST-J75 Recap and Alignment

Posted on July 31, 2015 by jwk

The Sony ST-J75 is a pretty well regarded, great sounding stereo FM tuner from the early ’80s. It’s one of the first forrays into digital tuning, with a frequency read-out, programmable memory, and seek/scan functionality and variable muting driven by … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Stereo | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Hewlett-Packard 5451A Fourier Analyzer

Posted on July 27, 2015 by jwk

1972: the year launching the Space Shuttle program, the completion of the monument at Stone Mountain, Watergate, the first female FBI agents to join the force….and the new HP 5451A Fourier Analyzer, bringing unparalleled performance to the worlds of acoustic … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Photos, Test Equipment, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment