Problems with my Fostex FR-2LE

[nealthames]

Hello,

I've recently started having issues with both of my Fostex FR2-LE recorders. They've been excellent remote recorders over the years—very stable, reliable, and well worth the investment.

One unit developed an intermittent problem with the headphone output. The issue would come and go, and the audio sounded as if it was being modulated by another signal. Around the same time, the second FR2-LE started exhibiting a "motorboating" noise, with a distinct pop... pop... pop audible in both channels.

Being reasonably comfortable with electronics, I opened both units and inspected the boards. To my surprise, I found numerous cold solder joints. I reflowed all of the questionable joints, then cleaned the boards with isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush.

Thankfully, both recorders are now back in service and functioning normally.

Interestingly, the serial numbers of these two units are only a couple of hundred apart. My guess is that there may have been a manufacturing issue—perhaps the solder bath temperature was slightly too low during production. The smaller joints appear fine, but many of the larger connections, such as those on the XLR and headphone jacks, showed signs of cold solder joints.

Has anyone else experienced similar problems with their FR2-LE?

Also, if the repair hadn't solved the issue, where is the authorized U.S. service center for these units?

[Jim Feeley]

Weird about the cold joints. Cool that reflowing them solved your problems.

 

Anyway, as you probably know, Fostex now mainly sells headphones, speakers, and speaker components. No recorders. (In the DIY speaker community...which I am getting lightly sucked into...some of their full-range drivers are popular for folded horns and stuff). https://www.fostex.jp/en/

 

I don't know if Fostex even has any authorized US service centers these days. I was going to give the default answer of contacting a location-sound reseller, but then just saw this on Gotham's site: 

"We regret that Gotham will no longer be servicing Fostex machines or accepting Fostex related repairs. We encourage anyone with Fostex service related issues to contact Fostex factory trained service tech Mike Van Tine. He can be reached directly at mvt0726@hotmail.com or 973-980-2621." https://www.gothamsound.com/service/news 

 

I don't know when that was posted; it might have been long ago. 

 

And here's a discussion on Fostex repair that took place here, but in 2010, so no idea if any of the suggested contacts and techs are still working on Fostex kit.

 

 

 

[Philip Perkins]

How old is that machine?  It's really odd that a circuit board that was flow-soldered via automation would work fine and then have joints become "cold".  Is it possible that the machine has had some post-factory field repairs?