Sarno Black Box not working--any suggestions?

Ryan Bramlett · Post by **Ryan Bramlett** » 5 Feb 2022 7:57 am

I bought the Black Box used a year ago from Larry Shemwell and have really enjoyed it. It's been outside a few times, but i've been gentle with it and never dropped or abused it. Unfortunately it's not working now. The blue light is lit, but when it's connected I get no sound. It does say "no user serviceable parts inside" and I'm no genius when it comes to this sort of thing. But it's a valuable piece of gear and I hate to toss it aside. Has anyone ever run across this problem? Or have any ideas on what i could do to fix it?

Note: this is the older black box with one output, one input, and no knobs.

Brooks Montgomery · Post by **Brooks Montgomery** » 5 Feb 2022 8:06 am

Call Sarno (314) 962-7220

David Higginbotham · Post by **David Higginbotham** » 5 Feb 2022 8:53 am

Open it up and remove then reinstall the tube. Sometimes a bit of corrosion can build up on the terminals of the tube. Other than that you can try replacing the tube and check the input/output jacks for corrosion. If all that fails then you may wish to contact Brad.

Ryan Bramlett · Post by **Ryan Bramlett** » 6 Feb 2022 7:30 pm

Thanks David! opened it up and found the tube to be about halfway unplugged. Sure, we're talking amateur hour in terms of what i can do repairing something like this, but even i was able to figure out that the tube has to be fully plugged in.

I did spray the tube connector pins with contact cleaner just to be sure.

I guess I shouldn't have been deterred by the stern warning on the outside telling you not to take the cover off because you could shock yourself, there are no user-serviceable parts inside, etc. etc. I guess in the end, it all depends on who the "user" is...

David Higginbotham · Post by **David Higginbotham** » 7 Feb 2022 2:11 pm

Glad all worked out well, Ryan!