Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[robbo299]

Went to the auctions last week to buy a micro system with i-pod dock facility for my son. I had seen some up there previously for between £15 to £20. There were a number of different models there and, after having a word the day before with some of the lads at work, thought i would bid on a Hitachi unit. Managed to get a AX-M137 micro system for £20. Looking at the spec it appeared a bargain. Well, got home and, suprise suprise, it wouldn't power up. There was no manual with it so decided to try and get one and a repair manual online. Whilst searching online found out that there is a manufacturing fault with these units, where if the DAB radio is used for a short while, a component overheats and takes out the power rail. Also something about a heatsink being the wrong rating. Tried Hitachi (uk) and they have washed thier hands of these units as they regard them as a "grey" import by Currys and Dixons direct from Japan. I was told that if i took it to Currys they would only replace the component like for like so would still have the same problem. There appears to be no repairers in my area who are willing to repair the unit. Looks like my £20 is down the drain. Ok, is not a large amount but it's the principle. Bit like buying a Corsa made in Spain and no Vaux dealer or garage in the UK willing to service it.  

[Ken T]

I think you are slightly stuffed because you are not the original purchaser, and don't have a receipt. Trading Standards make up nice powerful rules, but the people in power neuter them. If you follow Hitachi's logic that means that Japanese consumers are stuck with substandard products.

A quite simple rule here, 'don't buy Hitachi'

Ken

[amigov6]

Sympathies but the words creek & paddle come to mind. Best put it down to experience. We've all slipped here & there.
   No offence, Guy.

[robbo299]

None taken chaps. Been to the auction many times before so knew the score. I know it's a chance you take. Just thought i would be able to get a manual online from somewhere so the boffins in the electronics workshop at work could "have a go at it". A circuit diagram would be useful i have been told. Tried the web for a couple of days with no luck. Did have a company in the US of A which took a paypal payment for one to be downloaded as a pdf file, but refunded when they found it wasn't on their database. Apparently the only Hitachi model not on record with them. Just a bit peeved at Hitachi's stance on the matter. It is badged as an Hitachi at the end of the day.

[Ken T]

No, if it takes out the power rail, then its not protected against shorts, which is unlikely. Chances are its something gone short which is dragging down the rail so nothing else works, caps tend to go short if abused. A good engineer should be able to track down the fault to an area, if its the DAB, then he could disable it, so the rest would work.

Did I tell you about 30" Logik TV's ?. There's a lot about on crapbay, that start up then shut down. The fault is the inverter board uses cheap transformers (8 off), and one will tend to fail just after the garantee runs out. You can buy replacements from the US for about £15 delivered, then a simple soldering job.

You can bet someone knows hows to fix your set, the fact the fault is described in so much detail shows someone knows the score.


Ken