Updating a PL2000 series I

[bobdod]

I will be updating a PL2000 series 1 after getting the matching PL200 running again (have a separate thread for that one). I've read a few of the threads about folks doing some updates to this unit, and based on that, I am planning on the following:

1. Replace RC4136 with browndog/OPA2134 setup
2. replace all of the electrolytics
3. thorough cleaning

-Does anyone have any suggestions on capacitor choice/selection or a cap list they have used in redoing one of these?
-Any other advice from those that have worked on this unit?

Photos of the unit below:

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

as Glen stated in another thread, save your money on the Brown Dog adapter and OPA2134. (I've got a dozen or more sitting here unused). It's a common change but not an upgrade. As a matter of fact, we have encountered issues with changing them out in number. That "Upgrade" has not been proven. I have had better results by changing out the 4136 opamps with the new TI RC4136's. Definitely check/reflow all solder joints and clean all that 40 year old flux off the board. Just pay attention to the caps you remove (hopefully one at a time) as they MAY or MAY NOT match the schematic. They tended to use what they had/didn't reflect shit in the schematic...... Use common sense and don't go too small (voltage wise) with the cap specs. Good luck

 

[bobdod]

I have had better results by changing out the 4136 opamps with the new TI RC4136's.

Interesting... I didn't realize that the 4136 was replaceable based on all of the other stuff I've read. I was under the impression that nothing new has worked in its stead for the 2000. At $1.44 a piece I'll give the TIs a try.

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

YEP, I buy tubes of them from mouser.... They still make them. TI is reputable too for sure.

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

Carver and PL used the hell out of them so getting a quantity is worth it for me but I rebuild a LOT of gear. A buck twenty three when buying 10

 

[bobdod]

If replacing the 4136s with the TIs, is it advisable to install sockets, or is directly soldering in place the way to go?

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

Well, you can't roll opamps since these have a wankered pin out so save the cash. If you have 1 or 2 to do, use sockets. I may do 10-20 at a time so I skip the sockets.

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

some of the guys don't like "Whole Sale" changing of parts but I change most everything that I can and why rebuild a board half way? Some don't even like to recap but I change as much as possible since 40 year old junk is 40 year old junk......

 

[dtafil]

I recapped my PL2000 last year sometime, replaced all the electolytic caps , cleaned out the pots/switches, etc. Also as suggested above, cleaned flux and literally had to reflow each and every one of the rear RCA solder joints. Broken joints everywhere; when you take a close look, you'll probably understand why. In any event, it's working fine these days for what it is.

 

[laatsch55]

Yep, for what it is...

 

[Gepetto]

I recapped my PL2000 last year sometime, replaced all the electolytic caps , cleaned out the pots/switches, etc. Also as suggested above, cleaned flux and literally had to reflow each and every one of the rear RCA solder joints. Broken joints everywhere; when you take a close look, you'll probably understand why. In any event, it's working fine these days for what it is.

View attachment 40282

Crappy single sided boards...