VM 557

[William]

Today was a poopy day here in Michigan so it was a good day to work in the basement. I started out by cleaning all the controls in that GE unit that I shared a couple of days ago. I soaked the pots really good, cranked the knobs back and forth a lot, and then walked away giving it a chance to set. I then came back and cranked the knobs again. I hope that did the trick.

Next, I started on the VM 557 amp. I had already cleaned it up, so it was time to change out caps. This amp is a little confusing as the genuine VM schematic does not match what's actually in the amp. The correct schematic is the one that is glued in the bottom of the cabinet. I took a photo, printed it off, and will use that as my guide. So, this amp has two fuses, both blown, built in the amp. And, I think this amp is ultra linear. I'll let you be the judges when you take a look at the photos. I get confused with these amps.

I only changed out three caps. The two paper/film caps, and the one separate electrolytic. The multistage electrolytic still needs changing out. I thought a had some terminal strips but when I went to the cupboard, it was bare. I guess I'm on hold until I order some up, but, I may tackle the changer while I'm waiting.

I will provide photos in the following posts. For some reason I can only do one photo per post, and, I'm guessing I'm doing something wrong but have no idea what that is. Can anyone offer any advice?

Bill

[electra225]

You can do more than one picture per post. When you post your picture, edit your post and post another picture. You can post more than one picture per post, but editing the post and doing it again may be easier.

Here are some of Bill's pictures for this instrument.

[William]

Thanks, I'll try that.

Bill

[hermitcrab]

Can't wait to see your progress...

[electra225]

Bill, I realize I should have posted this in your post. I wasn't sure what I was doing was going to work, so I posted it in my post so if I messed something up......

[William]

It worked, thanks, Greg!

Bill

[electra225]

You take excellent pictures, Bill. May I ask what kind of device do you use?

[William]

I use an old Apple iPad. It does take good photos. You just aim, it does the focusing, and you hit the button. I like it for photos, but would never spend the money to replace it. It was a hand me down, so it was FREE and that is the best kind.

Bill

[electra225]

The three-section electrolytic filter cap in the pictures is the one you are replacing?

[William]

Yes, that is on the list once I receive my terminal strips. The smaller electrolytic is also being replaced along with the two paper caps. They show already replaced in one of the photos.

Bill

[electra225]

This project would be the perfect one to use some Katie Caps. I should send you some sleeves I use on Katie Caps. They are strong, you can put three or four caps in them easily, then strap them to the chassis with a wire tie without caving in the sleeve.

[William]

Ok, I give up, what are Katie caps? Or, should I not ask?

Bill

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Ok, I give up, what are Katie caps? Or, should I not ask?
Bill

I was going to ask the same question, Bill.

[electra225]

Gee, Bill, I'm glad you asked. You may have been in on this project, and I posted about it on the old forum.

There is a young lady who works at the store as a picker. Her name is Kaitlin, and they call her Katie. A nice little gal, cute as a bug and she always says good morning to me, even if she has to walk across the store to do it. One day, she was in my department and she ran out of stickers to do her picking job. She pulled out a cardboard sleeve, about 3/16 of an inch thick, a little over an inch in diameter, and about three inches long. I asked if I could have the sleeve. It would be perfect to mount separate caps in when you have a three-section round cap like the little GE stereos all have. Rolls that toilet tissue come on are flimsy and you can't tie them with a wire tie. These are nice and husky. I planned to put the three caps that GE's use in the tube, seal the ends with black silicone, then paint the body of the cap with black paint and put a printed sticker on it with cap values and polarity. I call these Katie Caps. I have probably three dozen of those sleeves laying around here. I was going to use Nichicon PZ series caps in the sleeves. Katie Caps would be perfect to reproduce the three-section caps in your VM 557.

[TC Chris]

There is a young lady who works at the store as a picker. Her name is Kaitlin, and they call her Katie. A nice little gal, cute as a bug and she always says good morning to me, even if she has to walk across the store to do it.

The post was about caps but it contained a small lesson about kindness. I was going to say that we all need those lessons but maybe it's just me. Others teach me to be kind by their actions and examples.

Chris Campbell

[electra225]

Katie's acts of kindness toward an old guy who works with her is part of the reason I call these caps Katie Caps. My plan is, should I get my shop built and running, to make up a few Katie Caps then send them to those in need. Seems like a good way to extend Katie's kindness.

[William]

With my memory refreshed, I do remember that story on the old forum. She is a nice girl, and the Katie Caps are a good idea. Thanks for sharing on this forum.

Bill

[electra225]

Would you like me to send you some Katie Caps? I can send empty sleeves for you to do your own, or I could go to AES to get the caps, then make what you need. It seems like I'm going to have the time.......

[William]

Actually, that would be nice. I need to do testing on the GE and make sure the PT is good, and if so, I will replace the caps. The VM 557 has the same type of multi chambered cap so I will definitely need one for that. Thank you!

Bill

[electra225]

Would you like the empty sleeves or would you like me to make up complete assemblies? If you want them complete, let me know the values you need.