SA-3 To Pioneer Conversion Instructions
by G-Man of Group 42
There are many SA-3 descrambler pans out there and you should be able
to pick up used pans for $10-$15. These are easly converted into
descramblers that will work on many Pioneer systems. The basic
concept of the modification is to change the sync restoration
to the appropriate levels of a Pioneer system.
There are two versions of this mod, it will be apparent which one you
will need to use when you open up your SA-3 pan for the modification.
Modification Version #1
- Add a .027ufd cap from pins 6 and 7 of IC6 (555 timer) to jumper
K11.
- Connect a 10pf cap accress R40 (33K).
- Add a SPST switch as shown in diagram. Switch can be mounted inside
of case.
- Change R45 to 240 ohms.
- Change R46 to 510 ohms.
- Add a 10ufd cap from pin 15 of IC7 (TDA4040) to jumper K15. + goes
to K15, - goes towards IC7.
- Add a 10K resistor in series with R27 (15K).
- Change R32 to 240 ohms.
- Cut one leg of C11 loose.
- Cut one side loose of R1 (270 ohms.)
- Cut one side loose of R3 (270 ohms.)
- Use heat sinks on IC7 and IC8.
- Cut loose one side of R5 and add a 240 ohm in series with it. Attach
a SPST switch with center off as shown. Mount switch on back of
case.
Modification Version #2
- Change R32 to 240 ohms.
- Add a 10K resistor in series with R27 (15k).
- Replace Jumper K15 with a diode with the cathode (band) twards C33.
- Replace Jumper K21 with a diode with cathode towards IC8.
- Add a 220ufd cap from K14 to ground, obviously the + side of the cap
goes to K14.
- Cut one side loose of C11.
- Change R45 to 240 ohms.
- Change R46 to 680 ohms.
- Put heat sinks on IC7 and IC8.
- Follow steps to install the two switches as in Modification Version #1
(also as shown in diagrams.)