Transformer in Arcam Alpha 5 cd player - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

5th Mar 2018, 3:55 pm

Hi,

First post, and looking for advice please. I am trying to repair an Arcam Alpha 5 cd player tray (broken gear spindle). A replacement is currently winging its way from Hong Kong, but while diagnosing the problem I realised that some sort of viscous black sticky stuff has appeared and spread over the transformer.

I've attached before and after photos (close-up being the latter). The CD player still works okay, but does anyone know what might have caused this and whether it means further repairs?

Thanks is advance,

Rich

paulsherwin · 5th Mar 2018, 4:12 pm

Is the transformer getting noticeably hot? Are there any strange smells?

My guess would be it's some sort of glue applied during assembly.

vidjoman · 5th Mar 2018, 4:22 pm

It was a plastic self adhesive 'foot' that they put there to stop the top of the case touching the top of the transformer.

5th Mar 2018, 6:51 pm

Thanks both. I don't know if it's getting unusually hot, but it sounds like if I clean it up and keep an eye on it in use for a few hours it ought to be okay. Definitely no unusual smells.

5th Mar 2018, 3:55 pm	#1
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Transformer in Arcam Alpha 5 cd player Hi, First post, and looking for advice please. I am trying to repair an Arcam Alpha 5 cd player tray (broken gear spindle). A replacement is currently winging its way from Hong Kong, but while diagnosing the problem I realised that some sort of viscous black sticky stuff has appeared and spread over the transformer. I've attached before and after photos (close-up being the latter). The CD player still works okay, but does anyone know what might have caused this and whether it means further repairs? Thanks is advance, Rich Attached Thumbnails

5th Mar 2018, 4:12 pm	#2
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,943	Re: Transformer in Arcam Alpha 5 cd player Is the transformer getting noticeably hot? Are there any strange smells? My guess would be it's some sort of glue applied during assembly.

5th Mar 2018, 4:22 pm	#3
vidjoman Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: East Sussex, UK. Posts: 3,326	Re: Transformer in Arcam Alpha 5 cd player It was a plastic self adhesive 'foot' that they put there to stop the top of the case touching the top of the transformer.

5th Mar 2018, 6:51 pm	#4
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Transformer in Arcam Alpha 5 cd player Thanks both. I don't know if it's getting unusually hot, but it sounds like if I clean it up and keep an eye on it in use for a few hours it ought to be okay. Definitely no unusual smells.