I actually have two Zenith's with this problem. I have a 5S127 and a 6S229 with the same symptoms. Whenever I turn them on and they warm up, the volume is at a listening level with the volume control turned all the way CCW against the on/off stop. What causes this?

I initially thought it may be a wiring problem, but I have two sets with this symptom. I rebuilt the 6S229 about two years ago and just hadn't got around to pulling it out of the cabinet and checking it out. I just finished a 5S127 and after a full recap and several people on the newsgroup helping me find a grounded capacitor, I have the same symptom with this set as well.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what would cause this? Again, I'm very sure it is not a wiring problem since I have two separate sets with this problem. I'm using a 500K pot where the schematic calls for a 400K on the volume control, that is the only component that does not match the schematic. The volume control works well, but the set is too loud with it turned up even 1/4 of it's rotation. I have plenty of volume, I just need to be able to turn it down!!

:I actually have two Zenith's with this problem. I have a 5S127 and a 6S229 with the same symptoms. Whenever I turn them on and they warm up, the volume is at a listening level with the volume control turned all the way CCW against the on/off stop. What causes this?
:
:I initially thought it may be a wiring problem, but I have two sets with this symptom. I rebuilt the 6S229 about two years ago and just hadn't got around to pulling it out of the cabinet and checking it out. I just finished a 5S127 and after a full recap and several people on the newsgroup helping me find a grounded capacitor, I have the same symptom with this set as well.
:
:Does anyone have any suggestions as to what would cause this? Again, I'm very sure it is not a wiring problem since I have two separate sets with this problem. I'm using a 500K pot where the schematic calls for a 400K on the volume control, that is the only component that does not match the schematic. The volume control works well, but the set is too loud with it turned up even 1/4 of it's rotation. I have plenty of volume, I just need to be able to turn it down!!
Hi Dave
Check Resistors R5 R7 & R11 for being out of tolerance, I would suspect the problem is with one of these resistors, that would be a good place to start.
Mark

::I actually have two Zenith's with this problem. I have a 5S127 and a 6S229 with the same symptoms. Whenever I turn them on and they warm up, the volume is at a listening level with the volume control turned all the way CCW against the on/off stop. What causes this?
::
::I initially thought it may be a wiring problem, but I have two sets with this symptom. I rebuilt the 6S229 about two years ago and just hadn't got around to pulling it out of the cabinet and checking it out. I just finished a 5S127 and after a full recap and several people on the newsgroup helping me find a grounded capacitor, I have the same symptom with this set as well.
::
::Does anyone have any suggestions as to what would cause this? Again, I'm very sure it is not a wiring problem since I have two separate sets with this problem. I'm using a 500K pot where the schematic calls for a 400K on the volume control, that is the only component that does not match the schematic. The volume control works well, but the set is too loud with it turned up even 1/4 of it's rotation. I have plenty of volume, I just need to be able to turn it down!!

:Hi Dave
: Check Resistors R5 R7 & R11 for being out of tolerance, I would suspect the problem is with one of these resistors, that would be a good place to start.
:Mark

Mark,

Those resistors have been replaced with new ones. I checked them with my multimeter and they are dead on.

David

Perhaps the volume control needs help and/or replacement. Check the resistance at the low end between the low and center terminals. If rather high, make sure that the rivet on that end of the resistor element is tight. Make sure that the slider is contacting a clean portion of the element. Reinstall and check operation. If still faulty, try replacing it. Make sure that whatever control you use has its low terminal connected as shown in the schematics--to where all of the cathodes connect. Also make sure that C8 is in good condition.

Zenith portables almost always make some noise at low volume. This is to notify the user that the radio is still on (batteries). Table tops, though, should turn down so that they are barely audible. I have heard some that do not turn down to that level, but the volume is still rather low. Could be a volume control issue. Moving the slider in the control so that it contacts the outer portion of the resistor can correct for this.