2. misc-audio
  3. 1045443961

Magnum Dynalab 205 FM Signal Sleuth focusing bad?

i recently bought a used Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth (model 205). and it has a BIG problem... the focusing control is not working in the right range. for instance, if i were to be listening to the channel 91.5MHz on my Yamaha TX-950 tuner, i would have to set the 205 to about 95-96MHz. so, in other words, it's off by about 4-5MHz. and that is a terrible problem if you want to listen to say, KROQ, which is at 106.7MHz... cause the knob doesn't go above 108MHz, so i can't even use the 205 with that station!

also, another problem is that the gain control is labeled wrong too. it has the 0db position at about 10:00. however, the actualy 0db position is at 12:00. now, this might suggest that the unit is capable of more boost, but somehow the knob or the circuitry it's associated with isn't going high enough.

i dunno....

the guy i bought this from said he sold 2 other units previous to mine, and both had the same problems. so, it seems they're all like this......

you guys have experience with this signal amp?

my equipment: Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna, Yamaha TX-950 tuner, Magnum Dynalab 205 Signal Sleuth

thanks,
dean
orfeaus
xiekitchen
821 posts
 
I have a used Signal Sleuth I bought last year, it is used with my Magnum Dynalab Etude tuner. I don't think I have your problem per say, but I've noticed the sweet spot to dial in the best gain from a weak station does not appear to be the exact same frequency setting on the sleuth dial. My experience is this: for the $270 or so I paid used for this item, it MAYBE improves the sound 5-7% or so... it also amplifies the noise and hiss also.. I have not personally found it to be a really great piece of equipment and it does not make the kind of improvement I imagined it would. It does work, it just doesn't make, to me, a weak station suddenly jump out all clean and crisp like a strong station.
sean
6,231 posts
 
I would contact Magnum and see what they have to say. Your description is of a product that is WAY out of calibration. From the sound of it, they are shipping these out by the truckload with very limited QA ( Quality Assurance ). Sean
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jameswei
883 posts
 
I'm using a 205 purchased new in 1996 in front of an Etude. It has not had the problems you describe. Sounds like you have a serious calibration issue that should be handled via warranty. My unit has been helpful in my reception situation -- I'm about halfway between two large East Coast cities, and their signals are fairly weak due to distance. I have a few very strong local station signals that tend to overwhelm the dial. The 205 boosts the weak signals significantly, while not emphasizing the strong locals.
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