ITC Triple Stack - Help needed

[SFM-Ptgal]

Hi again!

I'm not a tech/Eng guy, just a curious guy with a "baby" in my arms, that's why I'm asking for your help.

I hooked the machines yesterday and had a first ride.
The Logic is fully functional, no problems @ all.

Now the audio...

PLAYBACK:I connected the 3deck (one deck at once) onto the PC unbalanced soundcard line-in. It returned a very loud and quite distorted sound with the carts previously recorded I own.

RECORDING: I connected the soundcard unbalanced output on the cart record amplifier and play the audio on the pc. The VU's hardly moved. The result was a very, very low sound level, wich reflects the levels used on the audio input.

The soundcard is a SBLive Value

I have a Sonifex cart recorder and I've used it with the same cables I've used yesterday on the ITC-Delta. None of the audio "problems" have came on the Sonifex. I presume that I have to tweak something. I kindly ask if someone helps me solving this problem. Thank you very much!

 

[ncradioeng]

The cart machine is designed for 0 to +10 dBm balanced audio levels and your sound card is designed for -10 dBm unbalanced levels. The easiest solution is to get a level "matchbox" to go between the two. There are output and input adjustments on the cart machine (located on the playback and record cards). You may be able to turn down the output enough to satisfy the sound card, but there may not be enough level from the sound card to drive the recorder.

 

[Robert Bass]

I would pick the transformers, rather than mess with the internal adjustments of the cart machine, to fix this. RDL makes some very nice, and very affordable transformers that will resolve this.

Incidently, I have a Broadcast Electronics machine that has an internal switch that will convert it to balanced or unbalanced levels. Is it possible the ITC's have something similar?

R

 

[ChiefOperator]

Also, take a look at the "Henry Engineering" matchboxes. They are dependable and rugged; we use these all over our station.

They offer excellent *free* support. In fact, often when you call, you'll speak to "Henry" himself...

Hope that helps.....

 

[sparks794]

I have had great luck with these ProMatch units. Alot cheeper than the Henry boxes and they have outboard level controls. Here is a link: http://www.bswusa.com/searchresult.asp?searchType=keyword&searchValue=promatch

Good luck

 

[SFM-Ptgal]

Thank you all!!! I've found a cheaper workaround ;D

Another question... How do I replace a lamp on the pushbuttons? Can I push it from the front or from the back... or do I have to I have to remove the button?

 

[ncradioeng]

If I remember correctly, after you pull off the plastic cap there is a little metal tab that you can pull out to eject the lamp. You have to push it back in before inserting the new lamp.

 

[SFM-Ptgal]

Re: ITC Triple Stack - Lamp sockets

If I remember correctly, after you pull off the plastic cap there is a little metal tab that you can pull out to eject the lamp. You have to push it back in before inserting the new lamp.

At a first, 2n and 3rd sight I can't see any metal tab on the button/socket. All I see are 4 thin metal tabs that revolve the lamp socket and a bended tab where the bottom lamp contact seats.

Should I look for it more carefully?

 

[slim101]

There was a special tool for pulling the bulbs, but you can use this procedure:

1. Turn off the power!
2. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the bulb
3. Crush the bulb (not by design, but usually works this way)
4. Grab the edge of the metal base and pull it out
5. Blow the remains from the socket
6. Push the new bulb in (a small piece of heat shrink works as a holder)

 

[Robert Bass]

There was a special tool for pulling the bulbs, but you can use this procedure:

1. Turn off the power!
2. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the bulb
3. Crush the bulb (not by design, but usually works this way)
4. Grab the edge of the metal base and pull it out
5. Blow the remains from the socket
6. Push the new bulb in (a small piece of heat shrink works as a holder)

YIKES!!!!!

That's the Adam Savage way.

I wouldn't do it that way, even if danger was my middle name!

Seriously, there is a much simpler and SAFER way to do this.

On some cart machines, there are four tabs that surround the upper portion of the bulb. Gently squeeze two of the tabs and then gently pull upwards. The bulb will pop right out, in most cases.

If that doesn’t work, most of those bulbs have the same diameter as a standard, plastic straw. Simply insert the straw over the bulb and gently push on the straw until you have covered as much of the glass as you can. Next, gently turn the straw counter clockwise about 90 to 180 degrees or so, and then gently pull out the straw. The bulb will snugly fit the straw and come right out.

You can even do this while the machine is still plugged in.

If you choose the Adam Savage approach, WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!!! The last thing you want is a piece of glass shrapnel in your eyes.

R

 

[SFM-Ptgal]

There was a special tool for pulling the bulbs, but you can use this procedure:

1. Turn off the power!
2. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the bulb
3. Crush the bulb (not by design, but usually works this way)
4. Grab the edge of the metal base and pull it out
5. Blow the remains from the socket
6. Push the new bulb in (a small piece of heat shrink works as a holder)

LOL you made my day ;D I love to see the MythBusters on the Discovery... I'll give it a try. The problem is that there's a missing bulb and I don't know what sort of should I use. I've collected a few from where I work but none fits on the socket.

YIKES!!!!!

That's the Adam Savage way.

I wouldn't do it that way, even if danger was my middle name!

Seriously, there is a much simpler and SAFER way to do this.

On some cart machines, there are four tabs that surround the upper portion of the bulb. Gently squeeze two of the tabs and then gently pull upwards. The bulb will pop right out, in most cases.

If that doesn’t work, most of those bulbs have the same diameter as a standard, plastic straw. Simply insert the straw over the bulb and gently push on the straw until you have covered as much of the glass as you can. Next, gently turn the straw counter clockwise about 90 to 180 degrees or so, and then gently pull out the straw. The bulb will snugly fit the straw and come right out.

You can even do this while the machine is still plugged in.

If you choose the Adam Savage approach, WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!!! The last thing you want is a piece of glass shrapnel in your eyes.

R

 

[Robert Bass]

What is the model # of your machine? It's probably listed on the back of the deck, near the serial number.

R

 

[SFM-Ptgal]

What is the model # of your machine? It's probably listed on the back of the deck, near the serial number.

R

I can't figure it out. But it's a typical Delta with square pushbuttons...

 

[Robert Bass]

Try the cart guys. I understand they service ITC machines.

www.cartguys.com

They can probably tell you the lamp type you need.

R

 

[awsherrill]

The Delta cart decks used a #3150 subminiature flanged lamp in the pushbuttons. #381 submini lamp has the same voltage rating and may also work OK, if it fits in the socket.

Lamps are available online at places like Newark or Mouser, or locally if you are lucky enough to have a well-stocked electronic parts vendor nearby.