Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm - Page 2 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Ted Kendall · 1st Feb 2021, 11:52 am

A service manual has leaked out onto manuals.com. It has a circuit diagram without component values, layout diagrams or device numbers and a sort of troubleshooting chart which refers only to internal Linn inventory numbers. That's all. Welcome to the wonderful world of Linn.

cratedigger · 1st Feb 2021, 10:00 pm

Linn LK1 service manual pdf

PaulR · 1st Feb 2021, 10:24 pm

It is probably a problem with the 30 odd identical electrolytic caps in the pre-amp. If you are competent with a soldering iron it is not difficult to change them all. I have just done this with my son's LK1 and it has stopped all the odd problems it had.

Edit - there was also a blown transistor powering one of the inputs here is the thread about it https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/....php?p=1327967

cratedigger · 2nd Feb 2021, 8:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulR

It is probably a problem with the 30 odd identical electrolytic caps in the pre-amp. If you are competent with a soldering iron it is not difficult to change them all. I have just done this with my son's LK1 and it has stopped all the odd problems it had.

Edit - there was also a blown transistor powering one of the inputs here is the thread about it https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/....php?p=1327967

Don't spose you have a list of the caps i will Need?

cratedigger · 2nd Feb 2021, 8:35 pm

Soz just noticed that they are mostly the same, I will take the cover off and make a note of the caps needed.

PaulR · 2nd Feb 2021, 8:53 pm

They are all the same on that board. There are a few tantalum ones but I didn't replace those. Once you get the board out they are easy to change

cratedigger · 3rd Feb 2021, 10:19 pm

Ok did you just replace the 22uF 50 volt caps that there is exactly 30?29 on the main board and 1 on the control board,.
What about the other caps ie the 2 big 25 v 1000uF and the other caps 220 10 volt ones?
Also I suppose its best to change the battery at the same time

PaulR · 3rd Feb 2021, 10:44 pm

This may sound daft but I can't quite remember whether I did the big caps. If I had to say I would say not. I did replace all the 22uF ones on the main board and put it back together to try it and it worked well. I didn't do any on the control board as my son wanted to use it over Christmas but I have been thinking that I should get it back to do them. I did replace the battery.

I suppose that to do a full restoration all the caps should be replaced to be on the safe side.

cratedigger · 3rd Feb 2021, 11:54 pm

Thanks for that Paul, that's really helpful
I have had both boards out and I think the battery is just starting to leak,so definitely changing that.
Can't seem to find any of the big caps with the connections at both ends anywhere though.
Where would you recommend buying all these components from, CPC maybe?

PaulR · 4th Feb 2021, 10:16 am

I usually buy from RS or CPC but in this case the postage was expensive so I got them off ebay. The seller I used had lots of feedback and seemed genuine. I will PM the details so as not to push forum rules.

Trying to find axial caps to replace the big smoothers rings a bell now. I definitely didn't change them.

Edit - I don't know how much soldering work you do, but I have one of these:-

https://cpc.farnell.com/duratool/d00...kaAglIEALw_wcB

which I find to be invaluable. A bit expensive for a one off, maybe, but probably still cheaper than getting it professionally restored, and you would get the caps post free. Just a thought

Welsh Anorak · 4th Feb 2021, 5:42 pm

In case that's a bit pricey, you can get a mains operated hand held solder sucker for around a tenner. It would certainly make the job much easier and leave you some money for a decent temperature controlled soldering iron if you don't already have one.
I like to use Panasonic 105-degree capacitors or similar Vishay or Rubycon - just avoid any cheap makes.
I'd try and avoid selling anything just yet - it'll be the one thing you wish you hadn't!

cratedigger · 7th Feb 2021, 3:30 pm

I may need a 6u8 M 63v cap but can't find any
Any advice chaps

PaulR · 7th Feb 2021, 4:34 pm

The nearest I can see are 6.8uf 100v ones. They should be fine

PaulR · 7th Feb 2021, 5:47 pm

Cricklewood actually have 63v ones here

https://www.cricklewoodelectronics.c...kaAr9rEALw_wcB

cratedigger · 7th Feb 2021, 8:54 pm

Ok thanks.

cratedigger · 16th Feb 2021, 9:35 pm

Changed caps on control board......no change.....I give up

PaulR · 17th Feb 2021, 1:08 pm

Ah that is a shame. I assume you did all the ones on the main board. That only leaves the more or less unobtainable logic chips. According to the Linn manual the most likely fault is the capacitors but there is a chance of the logic chip failing.

cratedigger · 25th Feb 2021, 7:38 pm

Ordered some logic chips from ebay
I will let you know how I get on

PaulR · 25th Feb 2021, 7:51 pm

I didn't know they are still available. That is interesting

Radio Wrangler · 25th Feb 2021, 8:15 pm

Programmed? or blank?

David

1st Feb 2021, 11:52 am	#21
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,675	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm A service manual has leaked out onto manuals.com. It has a circuit diagram without component values, layout diagrams or device numbers and a sort of troubleshooting chart which refers only to internal Linn inventory numbers. That's all. Welcome to the wonderful world of Linn.

1st Feb 2021, 10:24 pm	#23
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,236	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm It is probably a problem with the 30 odd identical electrolytic caps in the pre-amp. If you are competent with a soldering iron it is not difficult to change them all. I have just done this with my son's LK1 and it has stopped all the odd problems it had. Edit - there was also a blown transistor powering one of the inputs here is the thread about it https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/....php?p=1327967 __________________ Paul Last edited by PaulR; 1st Feb 2021 at 10:31 pm.

2nd Feb 2021, 8:35 pm	#25
cratedigger Triode Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, UK. Posts: 33	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm Soz just noticed that they are mostly the same, I will take the cover off and make a note of the caps needed.

2nd Feb 2021, 8:53 pm	#26
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,236	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm They are all the same on that board. There are a few tantalum ones but I didn't replace those. Once you get the board out they are easy to change __________________ Paul

3rd Feb 2021, 10:19 pm	#27
cratedigger Triode Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, UK. Posts: 33	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm Ok did you just replace the 22uF 50 volt caps that there is exactly 30?29 on the main board and 1 on the control board,. What about the other caps ie the 2 big 25 v 1000uF and the other caps 220 10 volt ones? Also I suppose its best to change the battery at the same time

3rd Feb 2021, 10:44 pm	#28
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,236	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm This may sound daft but I can't quite remember whether I did the big caps. If I had to say I would say not. I did replace all the 22uF ones on the main board and put it back together to try it and it worked well. I didn't do any on the control board as my son wanted to use it over Christmas but I have been thinking that I should get it back to do them. I did replace the battery. I suppose that to do a full restoration all the caps should be replaced to be on the safe side. __________________ Paul

3rd Feb 2021, 11:54 pm	#29
cratedigger Triode Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, UK. Posts: 33	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm Thanks for that Paul, that's really helpful I have had both boards out and I think the battery is just starting to leak,so definitely changing that. Can't seem to find any of the big caps with the connections at both ends anywhere though. Where would you recommend buying all these components from, CPC maybe?

4th Feb 2021, 10:16 am	#30
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,236	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm I usually buy from RS or CPC but in this case the postage was expensive so I got them off ebay. The seller I used had lots of feedback and seemed genuine. I will PM the details so as not to push forum rules. Trying to find axial caps to replace the big smoothers rings a bell now. I definitely didn't change them. Edit - I don't know how much soldering work you do, but I have one of these:- https://cpc.farnell.com/duratool/d00...kaAglIEALw_wcB which I find to be invaluable. A bit expensive for a one off, maybe, but probably still cheaper than getting it professionally restored, and you would get the caps post free. Just a thought __________________ Paul Last edited by Station X; 1st Mar 2021 at 2:52 pm. Reason: Link fixed.

4th Feb 2021, 5:42 pm	#31
Welsh Anorak Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Wales, UK. Posts: 6,925	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm In case that's a bit pricey, you can get a mains operated hand held solder sucker for around a tenner. It would certainly make the job much easier and leave you some money for a decent temperature controlled soldering iron if you don't already have one. I like to use Panasonic 105-degree capacitors or similar Vishay or Rubycon - just avoid any cheap makes. I'd try and avoid selling anything just yet - it'll be the one thing you wish you hadn't! __________________ Glyn www.gdelectronics.wales

7th Feb 2021, 3:30 pm	#32
cratedigger Triode Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, UK. Posts: 33	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm I may need a 6u8 M 63v cap but can't find any Any advice chaps Attached Thumbnails Last edited by cratedigger; 7th Feb 2021 at 3:50 pm.

7th Feb 2021, 4:34 pm	#33
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,236	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm The nearest I can see are 6.8uf 100v ones. They should be fine __________________ Paul

7th Feb 2021, 5:47 pm	#34
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,236	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm Cricklewood actually have 63v ones here https://www.cricklewoodelectronics.c...kaAr9rEALw_wcB __________________ Paul

7th Feb 2021, 8:54 pm	#35
cratedigger Triode Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, UK. Posts: 33	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm Ok thanks.

16th Feb 2021, 9:35 pm	#36
cratedigger Triode Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, UK. Posts: 33	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm Changed caps on control board......no change.....I give up

17th Feb 2021, 1:08 pm	#37
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,236	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm Ah that is a shame. I assume you did all the ones on the main board. That only leaves the more or less unobtainable logic chips. According to the Linn manual the most likely fault is the capacitors but there is a chance of the logic chip failing. __________________ Paul

25th Feb 2021, 7:38 pm	#38
cratedigger Triode Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, UK. Posts: 33	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm Ordered some logic chips from ebay I will let you know how I get on

25th Feb 2021, 7:51 pm	#39
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,236	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm I didn't know they are still available. That is interesting __________________ Paul

25th Feb 2021, 8:15 pm	#40
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,899	Re: Linn LK1 to Linn LK280 leads and Ekos tonearm Programmed? or blank? David __________________ Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done