Just received an audiogon purchase of a BeoMaster 4500 system (receiver, cdp, speakers, remote, cables).  But the receiver won't power on and thus can't test anything.  All pieces were pretty well packed (could've been better, but should have done the trick) and no obvious signs of damage to the box.  Still, the glass front plate (the lower, wide length, touch key plate) of the BeMaster 4500 had come off and stuck to the chrome housing with whatever residual glue was left.  Luckily, it didn't break.  So, I fixed it back into the bezel and tried to power the unit up with the touch plate/key plate.  No luck.  I tried using the remote to power on thinking maybe the glass plate/touch sensors weren't working.  No luck.  I'm not sure the two are related (no power and glass flate coming out of its bezel), and they likely aren't related.  The seller swears the thing worked before shipping, and judging by the condition of all units (save the instant problem of the receiver) he is likely not lying.

My immediate thoughts were that if the glass plate came off, maybe a fuse got broken?  This would explain the lack of power.  I've tried looking for a fuse, but found none.  I've tried opening the thing, but can't do it.  I've gotten the rear latches to pry free, but it is anchored somewhere up front.  With the glass plate free to remove I tried looking for a latch or screws up fron, but no luck.  A diagram on the bottom of the unit shows screws, but I just can;'t see them. 

So, any ideas first on what might the problem be?  Next, are there any external fuses or other external things to check before opening the unit?  Third, how to get the unit open?  THe glass plate is easily removed, but I see no screws.  Am I supposed to remove the whole bezel and board under the glass plate?  how?

Any help appreciated.  Thanks!

-cubsfan

Welcome to Beoworld !

Do you have the little red standby dot ?

Martin

No, no red dot.  Of course, this could just be the light is out at the red dot, but very doubtful where no other lights, etc., are alit on the front face.

This afternoon, poking around the web, I downloaded a free copy of the service manual.  Too bad I can't read a schematic!  The manual was mostly full of schematics with some troubleshooting.  But none on fail to power or anything similar to what I am experiencing.  However, it did have a better description of how to open the thing.  I will try that tonight.

Now, if anyone had any ideas or experienced this before, then please chime in.  Otherwise, let us think this logically.  I have a receiver that doesn't appear to power-up.  So, it either doesn't power-up or it does, just no outward manifestation of it.  My solution is then to hook something up to it and test if any sound/indication of working.  Assuming most certainly it truly doesn't power, then what would you think would cause an otherwise previously working receiver to suddenly not work after shipping, but where it was more or less packed correctly, where everything else in the same box works, and where there are no external signs of damage, no loose parts rolling around inside, all looks great except for the front face plate having fallen off.  I'm likely to put my time into the front face plate, but not sure that's it.  I'm not sure that's it since I've re-seated the faceplate and it still doesn't work.  Also, the remote doesn't operate the unit, which should work independently of the front face plate?  They may be related, they may be two separate things.  I'm trying to get my head wrapped around this riddle.  I'll try to post more after my further investigations.

Cubsfan

Hi,

I'm not technical but once I bought something in the UK and it turned out to have USA voltage! As I don't know where you are just make sure the unit is voltage compatible for your country.

Assuming it is I'd then double check the fuse in the mains plug (if fitted) then the main internal anti surge fuses. Check for continuity with a multi meter. If one of those has blown you need to find out why by doing checks on the PCB's. If you're not technical you'll need to get someone with knowledge to help from here.

Where are you?

Have you considered sending it back to the seller for a refund before you take it apart?

My bet is on the mains fuse. It would be the simplest thing and the most obvious answer. Probably got jarred around in shipping and the filament broke. It's not unheard of.

You'll just have to figure out how to take it apart. Were there disassembly instructions in the service manual you got?

Jon

Yes, got it open last night.  A bit tricky, but figured it out and simple once you know the system.

There is no main fuse that I could find.  Odd, but none.  And that kind of thing (an AC fuse) would be on the larger size).  So power cord goes in, hits some terminals, and then to the power supply, then leads from the power supply hit the main board where there are then 3 fuses.  Little ones, each about 1/2inch long (2 of the same variety, one beefier of a different variety).  I pulled all 3 and the filament wasn't broken on any.  Since they didn't look broken I didn't write their values down.  So I'm back to zero.  Although, someone told me sometimes fuses break for physical reasons unrelated to power, that is, they aren't blown (the filament).  So I've got an ohm meter and check the fuses and fuse holders. 

Funny thing is that with the fuses appearing after the power supply the power supply should at least work, no?  Yet when I plug it in I hear nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  I know B&O's are quiet, but I should at least hear a click or swtich or pop or some sign of activity?  Well, tonight I'll try the fuses against the ohm meter.  And I'll put more time into the power supply.  After that, I'm afraid to declare this thing toast.

BTW, I'm in New Jersey, USA.

Thanks!

cubsfan

Hi Cubs

Have you checked for any semblance of voltage at the main bridge rectifier - AC voltage at the input, and DC voltage at the output?

Even if there's no standby light, the initial part of the system may have power.

Next I would check the main relays - these have a habit of failing - luckily they can be replaced with fairly commonly available units from Tyco or Schrack of the same rating.

And, how about cracked solder joints?

Menahem