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Kits / Do-it-yourself

Recorder improvements for the "Do-it-your-selfer". Bulletproof your ATR-100 in a few spare hours and save a bundle. Install these proven enhancements yourself* and dramatically improve the stability and performance of your ATR-100.

We've gathered all the parts you need and labored over detailed drawings, schematics, photographs and instructions, to be able to offer these upgrades in kit form. Also, NOW you may download the instructions & schematics only - you supply the parts.

*please read footnotes at page bottom

Xiron Transformerless Upgrade Kit

Starting at:

ATR.IO.KIT

Weight: lbs

Sorry, NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Input-Output modules with all the clarity and punch your ATR-100 can deliver.

This upgrade has been described as "removing the blanket from the recorder without removing the ATR-100".

In other words, your recorder will still sound like an ATR-100 and that is a good thing! This mod removes the OEM "iron" (hence, XIRON) and replaces the transformers with active IC based balanced line receiver and driver modules. These supplied modules are based on Burr-Brown chips, properly configured and nested atop the main circuit board on stand-offs. Numerous other improvements include precision VU meter calibration, and upgrades to key amplifiers with faster, smoother sounding (rather expensive) B-B FET input op-amps plus a whole lot more. Bonus: 1/2 hour or thereabouts (until I get cranky) of telephone support, only if required.

Everything except the tools and solder provided. Plus about 5 hours of your time per channel.

Options include:
• Spare I/O circuit boards - enabling you to keep your current I/O boards as stock.
• Final calibration, testing and check out in our shop. (Shipping is additional)

Wanna hear before you buy? CLICK: HERE. Just your style or not, you'll have to admit the CD sounds darn good! You'll need to track down the CD, but if you absolutely can't find it, email us and request a sample cut.

Ed: Interestingly enough, while I have yet to find a transformerless mic preamp I could live with, I do find that here on a tape based recorder at line levels, exists a good place for active balancing. Particularly when the iron being replaced is not the best quality.

Capstan Servo PWA (8) Rebuild / Mod Kit

ATR.PWA8.KIT/Download

Fresh capacitors, robust matched transistors, and better regulated, better protected +/- 12v. rails to power the opamps onboard and on the Reel Servo PWA (9) which this board feeds. About 3 hours of your time (after parts acquisition).

DOWNLOAD just the schematics and instructions! You supply the required parts, all of which are readily available. Select the download option above and be sure to select "Electronic Delivery" as the shipping method.

Reel Servo PWA (9) Rebuild / Mod Kit

ATR.PWA9.KIT

Fresh electrolytics, robust matched transistors, and a "quieter" more stable PWM (pulse width modulator) driving your reel motors. Add "onboard" failsafe to protect the pcb traces in the event of a serious failure and you've got a "must do"! About 4 hours of your time (after parts acquisition).

IMPORTANT: Things you'll need:
(if you don't already know what this stuff is, you probably shouldn't attempt the kits)

If possible, a solder/desolder station. Or at minimum, a good soldering iron and a decent hand operated desoldering pump.
Fair supply of electrical solder /.030"-.035 dia. (available at Radio Shack - if you must)
Desoldering braid. (available at Radio Shack - if you must)
A "Dremel" style rotary tool with a few small, ball end burrs and/or Xacto knife.
3/32" allen wrench.

*While these kits are straight forward, they are not suggested if you've never held a soldering iron, or studied a schematic. To be frank, you'd be better served not making these your first electronics projects. That said, with a dose of common sense and the instructions provided, these mods may be undertaken confidently by anyone who has previously and successfully undertaken some board level repairs.