Stored/Unused B&O Equipment - Potential Deterioration of Components

Guy

GoldModerator

4508 posts

Posted January 19, 2024 at 11:56 GMT ? Edited May 5, 2024 at 09:11 GMT

This topic may well have been raised before, probably in the Archives, but I'd appreciate some advice from the more technically-inclined members about the problems to expect when storing some older B&O equipment unused for periods of time. I was prompted to start this thread after @De_Bogener's comment

Location: Warwickshire, UK

My B&O Icons:

GL

Glitch

Bronze

395 posts

Posted January 19, 2024 at 16:32 GMT

#707015

You might want to reconsider storing equipment in an attic depending on the temperatures that occur in your particular attic. I know that my attic gets above 120 Fahrenheit / 50 Celsius in the summertime. IMHO, this is too hot for storing equipment. I store my excess equipment either in my cool, dry basement or on semi-permanent loan to family and friends. I've considered removing belts from the tape decks for long term storage. This may save the step of cleaning up the "goo" if the belt degrades that far. For the lithium batteries... Whenever I replace the soldered-in batteries, I install a socket. This would make it easy to remove/replace the battery if needed. As far as the equipment use affecting battery life, I think that it is dependent on the specific design. I've seen some designs where the battery powers the memory backup regardless of the power status of the equipment. I'm also curious about people's opinions about the "use it or lose it" when it comes to capacitors. I've read contradicting things on this subject (i.e. the subjective versus objective problem). Glitch

Guy

GoldModerator

4508 posts

Posted January 19, 2024 at 17:47 GMT

#707017

Thanks Glitch - that's very useful! It's only one of the BC2300s that has been in an attic, and I will try to get hold of it next week and see what condition it's in. I think there are some Redline 60.2s up there as well! Good tip about the battery sockets; I don't think the BC9500 would have room for a socket in the original battery location but I could relocate for ease of access. The BC2300s should be more straightforward with enough room under the microprocessor cover (I think it's identical to the Ouverture picture that you posted in the FM tuner thread). Do you have a recommended battery socket with pins that match the PCB hole spacing?

Location: Warwickshire, UK
My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png
Beoremote-Beo4.png
Beovision-10.png
Beotime.png
Beosound.png
Beosound-Explore.png
Beosound-Essence.png
Beoplay-P2.png
Beoplay-M3.png
Beoplay-H4.png
Beoplay-H3.png
Beoplay-Form-2i.png
Beoplay-Earset.png
Beoplay-A2.png

Guy

GoldModerator

4508 posts

Posted January 25, 2024 at 17:21 GMT ? Edited January 25, 2024 at 17:21 GMT

#707163

So yesterday on a visit to my Mother-In-Law I ventured into the loft and retrieved just a few of the 12-year storage items - they actually all belong to my son but there's no room in his current flat: (ignore the barometer, that's from another loft!) And inside the boxes found: MCL2P with Original Instructions and the 15v cable for powering MCL2AV, plus bottle opener! Some cables! Some remotes (needed more of those! ?) Plus the BC2300 in great external/cosmetic condition All will be carefully tested over next few days and I will report back any interesting findings!

Location: Warwickshire, UK

My B&O Icons:

MA

Madskp

Gold

1759 posts

Posted January 26, 2024 at 09:50 GMT

#707169

Location: Denmark

Guy

GoldModerator

4508 posts

Posted January 26, 2024 at 12:21 GMT ? Edited January 26, 2024 at 12:24 GMT

#707170

Login to view image I had a quick play with the BC2300 last night. It's a Type 2612 SW1.4 version (one-way IR) with the linear (straight line) CD laser movement. Mixed results:

Door opened and closed fine first time - very smooth and small gap between panels when closed. Door motion sensors are working fine - less sensitive than my older 2-way BC2300.

All keyboard buttons work fine - this was my first ever B&O fix when I fitted a new contact foil back in 2010.

FM and AM radio work fine - FM presets were still stored from 12 years ago and no problems with FM offset (checked with known stations).

Display a bit dim - but I have seen how to adjust contrast in a YouTube video, hence may attempt this.

CD not working!!! It tries to play and then I get the < > (no disc) display. I took the back off and put it in test mode. The CD tests all run smoothly will the laser coming on, trying to focus and full linear movement up/down. Trying to play CD in TESTMODE then gives a Focus Error 2. I'll investigate further but possibly hijack your Ouverture CD thread, as I think it's the same CD module. In the meantime here's a picture with the rear cover removed:

Login to view image

Location: Warwickshire, UK
My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png
Beoremote-Beo4.png
Beovision-10.png
Beotime.png
Beosound.png
Beosound-Explore.png
Beosound-Essence.png
Beoplay-P2.png
Beoplay-M3.png
Beoplay-H4.png
Beoplay-H3.png
Beoplay-Form-2i.png
Beoplay-Earset.png
Beoplay-A2.png

MA

Madskp

Gold

1759 posts

Posted January 26, 2024 at 13:15 GMT

#707172

Location: Denmark

Guy

GoldModerator

4508 posts

Posted January 26, 2024 at 16:31 GMT

#707181

Also in the MCL2P box - solid plastic plug 42mm long. Any ideas what for? Perhaps the unused type number label is the MCL2P 'accessory', and the plug from elsewhere - the BC2300 perhaps?

Location: Warwickshire, UK

My B&O Icons:

Guy

GoldModerator

4508 posts

Posted January 30, 2024 at 04:19 GMT ? Edited January 30, 2024 at 04:19 GMT

#707263

, although I replaced mine with a PL plug, I kept the plug, and just managed to find it in my 'small spares' box. The 'extra' black plastic sleeve is in a fixed position on the remote switch plug: Login to view image

Login to view image CD still not working - must crack on with that task ...
Location: Warwickshire, UK
My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png
Beoremote-Beo4.png
Beovision-10.png
Beotime.png
Beosound.png
Beosound-Explore.png
Beosound-Essence.png
Beoplay-P2.png
Beoplay-M3.png
Beoplay-H4.png
Beoplay-H3.png
Beoplay-Form-2i.png
Beoplay-Earset.png
Beoplay-A2.png

Guy

GoldModerator

4508 posts

Posted January 30, 2024 at 09:22 GMT ? Edited January 30, 2024 at 10:51 GMT

#707269

https://forum.beoworld.org/forums/topic/powerlink-power-up-vs-speaker-on/ mentions pin 1 as powering up and pin 4 as a mute function on older powerlink speakers.

Yes I think you are right - I was just working my way through the service manuals to remind myself of the powerlink pins. I also just checked two different PL leads with the multimeter - one was fully wired and the other had all except pin 8 connected. I'll let you know when I check the Passive EDIT: And I just found my 14-year old post on the same subject!

Location: Warwickshire, UK

My B&O Icons:

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