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OPERATION AND SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT
It is essential you read this instruction book care¬
fully before setting up your Harman-Kardon system. You
have invested in a line instrument into which many
excellent engineering developments have been incor¬
porated. bach is important for the proper operation of
your system. This book has been written in simple non¬
technical language and if you will take the time to read
it first before doing anything else you will find it simple
to obtain optimum performance Trom your Counter¬
point II.
We especially call your attention to the paragraphs
describing the operation of the Variable Automatic Fre¬
quency Control and Variable Automatic Noise Gate
Control.
UNPACKING
After unpacking the Counterpoint II, inspect it care¬
fully for any signs of damage in transit. Your unit was
subjected to many inspections and tests, and then care¬
fully packed. If damage is visible notify the transporta¬
tion company at once.
Check the contents of the package carefully. Be
sure to inspect the folds of the packing material before
discarding it. Your package should contain:
1 Counterpoint II, Model FM-100 tuner.
1 Instruction Booklet
1 Antenna Wire (FM)
1 Warranty Card
1 Package Hardware
1 Template and Cabinet Installation
Instructions,
It is strongly urged that the warranty card be com¬
pleted and mailed without delay to protect your tights
under the warranty. If you should require repair ser¬
vice or information on the use of the Counterpoint II,
we will be able to identify your unit immediately, and
respond quickly. NOTE: To expedite service, when
necessary, please contact Harman-Kardon first. We will
suggest a warranty station in your area and give you the
procedure and authomation for shipping.
INSTALLATION
Your Counterpoint II FM tuner may be installed
on an open shelf, table, bookcase or high fidelity equip¬
ment cabinet. For cabinet mounting, refer to the tem¬
plate supplied with this instruction book.
COPYRIGHT 1956 in U.S.A, and CANADA by HARMAN-KARDON, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
VENTILATION
Ail electrical equipment generates heat which must
he allowed to escape. Although the Counterpoint II is
well-ventilated in itself, sufficient space should be al¬
lowed around it to permit free air flow. If it is placed
in a bookcase, it should be located well toward the
front, to provide as much clearance as possible at the
rear. DO NOT place books or other objects on top of
the Counterpoint II, Covering the perforated metal
cage will prevent proper air flow and will result in
shatply reduced component and tube life.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Plug the AC power cord into any outlet furnishing
117 volts, 50 or 60 cycles house current. The exact
voltage is relatively unimportant and may vary between
105 to 125 volts. Be sure, however, that yon have a
50 or 60 cycle AC power source.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
PM Antenna:
Due to the extremely high FM sensitivity of the
Counterpoint II, the 48" piece of wire furnished with
the set will be sufficient antenna for all but the most
difficult locations. One end of this wite should be
fastened to the "A” terminal of the Antenna Terminal
Strip, the other end left free and extended as may be
convenient. It may be tacked or stapled to the rear of
the bookcase or equipment cabinet if necessary.
If 7 for some reason, it is necessary to utilize other
FM antenna types, we have listed for your convenience
the following suggestions:
1. Special outdoor FM antennas may be used. These
come in various types. For extremely difficult locations
an in-line Yagi cut for the FM band or equivalent may be
necessary. For reception of FM stations scattered in
many directions, a nondirectional antenna may be used.
This nondirectional type is known as a double dipole
and consists of two folded dipoles placed at right
angles to each other.
2. Your present TV antenna may be used to obtain
a maximum FM signal. A special antenna coupler or
knife switch should be used when joining the FM line
to the television antenna.
If using a 300-ohm TV wire it should be connected
to the "G” and "A” terminal on the Antenna Terminal
Strip,
Output
Two receptacles will be found at the rear of the
chassis marked "Output 1 ' and "Multiplex.” For your
convenience in connecting the tuner to the amplifier
you will find a 36" shielded cable packed with the
Counterpoint II. Plug one end of this cable into the
"Output” receptacle and the other end into the ap¬
propriate input receptacle of the amplifier.
Since the output circuit of the tuner uses a cathode
follower this cable may be extended to any reasonable
length without deterioration of tone quality.
The "Multiplex” jack is taken directly from the
detector output and is to be connected to multiplex
equipment only. The Multiplex output jack bypasses
2
the deemphasis network and will give a 13.8 db rise at
10,000 cycles.
OPERATION
The Harman-Kardon Counterpoint II has only three
operating controls. The Tuning Knob to the right
selects the desired FM station. The Concentric Control
at the left is two controls in one. The inner knob turns
the power on and off and adjusts the Automatic Noise
Gate action. The outer knob controls the Automatic
Frequency Control (AFC) action. Maximum AFC and
ANG action is obtained in the extreme clockwise po¬
sition.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF THE CONTROLS
Automatic Noise Gate Control:
Automatic Noise Gate action (ANG) permits tun¬
ing between stations without the customary FM inter¬
station hiss and adds considerably to the enjoyment of
FM reception.
The ANG control may be set for minimum inter¬
station noise as required in your location. Advancing
the control clockwise gradually increases this action and
at the extreme clockwise position the ANG has maxi¬
mum effect. The continuously variable feature of this
control enables you to select the degree of ANG action
without cancelling out wanted stations.
Proper adjustment of the ANG control is made by
first turning the control completely counterclockwise
and then advancing clockwise to the point where inter¬
station background noise cuts out. At this point even
the weakest station will operate the noise gate. Turning
the control further clockwise will require an increasingly
stronger signal to operate the noise gate.
Tuning Meier:
The precise Harman-Kardon tuning meter op-"*
erates whether AFC is in the circuit or not. When die
Counterpoint II is tuned completely off any station, the
tuning meter will point to zero. As you tune through
a station, the needle will swing to one side, then to zero,
then to the other side, and as you tune away from the
station, back to zero. The tuning is proper only when
the needle points to approximately zero. For precise
meter adjustment see Behind The Chassis Controls sec¬
tion for adjustment procedure.
Automatic Frequency Control (AFC);
FM Broadcasting, by its very nature, eliminates al¬
most all natural and Vnan-made static. However, the
characteristics of FM which make this possible also make
for problems in tuning. The Harman-Kardon Counter¬
point II incorporates an effective Automatic Frequency
Control (AFC) circuit that overcomes these problems
and insures proper tuning even if the manual tuning
is not accurately done. The following experiment will
lead to an understanding of AFC, and the fuller en¬
joyment of the Counterpoint IL First, rotate the
"AFC” control to the extreme clockwise position. Now
tune across the scale. Note how the stations "pop”
into place, one after the other. Now tune to any station,
preferably one with a musical program. Turn the "AFC”
control counterclockwise as far as possible. This defeats
the AFC. Tune slowly through the station from left
to right. Notice that there are three points where the
station sounds clean, interspersed with points of dis¬
torted sound. The middle clean-sounding point is the
proper tuning position for the best tone quality with
minimum noise and interference. At this point the tun¬
ing meter will indicate proper tuning. Tune slightly
away from the proper tuning position, until the sound
is distorted. Note that the tuning meter will indicate
improper tuning. Now reactivate the AFC by turning
the "AFC” knob to the right. You will notice that the
sound cleats up and the proper tuning indication is
restored, as if the receiver had been manually retuned.
Actually, the tuning has been electrically re¬
adjusted by the operation of the AFC circuit, which auto¬
matically retunes the electronic circuits to the center
of the station channel.
In order to take maximum advantage of the bene¬
fits of AFC, it is suggested that tuning be done with
AFC off, to render a more precise indication of the tun¬
ing meter. When AFC is then turned on, the tuning
will be improved by a ratio of 10 to 1.
This procedure is especially recommended in those
areas where a weak station is found close to a strong
station. Under this condition, the AFC may tend to
reach for the strong station and completely skip over
the weak one. If the weak station is tuned in without
AFC, it will be locked in when the AFC is turned on.
Another procedure might be to find that setting
of the AFC control which provides the exact amount
of AFC action for most convenient tuning in your
location-
To do this, tune to a portion of the dial where a
strong station is found immediately adjacent to a weak
station. (If this situation cannot be found in your loca¬
tion, leave the AFC control at maximum.) Now tune
slowly through both stations, from the direction of the
strong station. If the AFC control is set too high, the
stronger station may be held until the tuning is past
the weak station. Adjust the AFC so that when the
stronger station pops out, the weaker station appears.
The professional feature of variable AFC enables
the user to select the amount of AFC desired at any time
according to location and personal preference.
BEHIND THE CHASSIS CONTROLS
Output Level Control:
The output level of the Counterpoint II may be ad¬
justed to suit the input requirements of the amplifier
or to balance the volume of another program source
(such as a record player). The Output Level Control
located to the right of the AC connection should be set
at maximum if it is not desired to balance volume levels.
FM Rumble Filter:
Many broadcast stations transmit a certain amount
of low frequency rumble that may be produced by the
records or turntables used at the station. This low fre¬
quency signal is often disturbing in a high quality system
and the Counterpoint II incorporates a rumble filter
which eliminates this unwanted signal by reducing re¬
sponse below 50 cycles. This filter is controlled by a
slide switch on the rear of the chassis.
Meter Adjustment Control:
A meter balancing control is incorporated in the
Counterpoint II so that the meter may be precisely set.
This control is located on the back panel slightly to the
left and above the Output Jack. To adjust, tune between
stations and turn the control until the needle points to
the center of the scale (Zero Mark).
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
In some installations, hum may be encountered
due to a voltage difference between the amplifier, tuner
and record changer chassis. This may be eliminated by
reversing one or all of the AC power plugs. Simply
reverse one at a time until improvement is experienced.
Due to the conservative design and high quality
components of the Counterpoint II, no routine main¬
tenance other than yearly tube-testing is required. Should
trouble develop, however, only the most qualified ser¬
viceman should be employed, as special equipment and
training is required to properly service high fidelity
equipment.
This instruction booklet contains diagrams and other
information needed by your repairman. It should be
kept available for his use.
CHANGING PILOT LIGHTS AND TUBES:
In order to change tubes or pilot lights in this unit
remove the 7 screw's holding the cage and slide cage off.
Tubes are then exposed and can be removed. Make
certain that excessive pressure is not applied to the
printed circuit board or components.
To change the right hand pilot light turn the tun¬
ing condenser until it is completely closed. The pointer
will then be at the extreme left of the dial. The screw
holding the light assembly at the right side can now
be loosened and the assembly pushed straight back
thus making the pilot lamp accessible.
To remove the left pilot light remove the screw
holding the assembly and push the assembly straight back
while turning to the right. To reinsert the pilot light
assemblies merely reverse the above procedure.
STACKING THE COUNTERPOINT IE
Rubber pads are included in the event that it is
desired to stack the tuner on top of the Harman-Kardon
Rondo amplifier with a minimum of space between.
Their correct use is as follows:
1. Remove cage.
2. Remove bottom plate.
3. Remove both runners from the bottom plate,
4. Now replace bottom plate and cage.
5. Remove safety paper from each pad and press
firmly into place on bottom plate in 4 corners,
approximately evenly spaced.
WARRANTY
We warrant each Counterpoint II, Model FM-I00
to be free from defects in material and workmanship
under normal use and service, and in accordance with
the conditions herein below set forth, for a period of
1 year from date of delivery to the original purchaser,
and agree to replace or repair any part or parts, except
tubes which are under manufacturer's 90-day warranty,
returned to us within said 1 year, with transportation
3
prepaid, and which our examination shall disclose to
our satisfaction to have been thus defective. This war¬
ranty does not include free labor, nor is it applicable
to any instrument which shall have been repaired or
altered in any way so as in our judgement to affect its
stability or reliability nor which has been subject to
neglect, misuse, abuse, negligence or accident nor which
has had the serial number altered, effaced, or removed.
Neither shall this warranty apply to any instrument
which has been connected otherwise than in accordance
with the instruction furnished by us.
This warranty is expressly in lieu of all other war¬
ranties, express or implied, and of all other obligations
or liabilities on our part, and we neither assume nor
authorize any representative or other person to assume
for us any other liability in connection with the sale
of the Model FM-J.00 f Counterpoint II.
SERVICE NOTES
Servicing printed circuits is a simple matter and is
no more complicated than servicing conventionally wired
circuits.
Printed circuit receivers, can be more easily re¬
paired, if cerLaiu precautions are observed. Standard
components are used throughout and can be removed
and replaced by any serviceman. No special tools or
skills are necessary. However, some parts which have
special mounting and connection lugs should be replaced
with exact duplicate parts.
Avoid Damage to Copper Foil
Be careful when removing components from the
board. However, if the copper foil wiring is damaged
a piece of wire can be used to replace the damaged foil.
Small breaks can be "jumped” with molten solder.
Larger breaks can be repaired with ordinary hook up
wire, It is unnecessary to replace the entire board be¬
cause of foil breakage.
Avoid Damage to Printed Circuit Board
Do not apply excessive pressure to the printed cir¬
cuit board or components. This is especially important
to note >vhen changing tubes. Although the board is
sturdy in construction and mounting, it may crack or
break if proper care is not taken when servicing. In
case the board is to be removed from the chassis, re¬
move the mounting screws around the edges and un¬
solder the few leads that connect between the board and
the chassis. If this is done, a vise with protected jaws
should be used to hold the board while servicing and
care should be taken not to exert excessive pressure
against the board.
Avoid Excessive Deposits of Solder
In some areas on the printed circuit board, the wir¬
ing is very closely spaced. When resoldering a new
component avoid excessive deposits of solder. Exces¬
sive solder may cause a short or an intermittent trouble
to occur later which may be difficult to locate.
Avoid Overheating
When using the soldering iron (35 watts or less),
do not overheat the component terminals or the copper
foil. Excessive heat (applying soldering iron longer
than necessary, using a higher wattage soldering iron
4
than recommended* or using a solder gun) may cause
the bond between the board and foil to break. This will
necessitate replacement or repair of the foil connection.
Tools and Materials Required
(1) Low' wattage soldering iron with a small point or
wedge (rating should not exceed 35 watts).
(2) Small wire brush.
(3) 60% tin, 40% lead, low temperature rosin core
solder.
(4) Thin bladed knife.
(5) Small wire pick, or soldering aid.
REPLACING COMPONENTS
Soldering Replacement Component to Old Leads
Cut the leads where they enter the defective compo¬
nent. Clean off the ends of the leads, leaving as much
of the leads as possible. Make a small loop in each
lead of the replacement component and slide the loops
over the remaining leads of the old component. Caution
should be taken not to overheat the connection since the
copper foil may peel or the original component lead may
fall out of the board. This is possible due to heat trans¬
fer through the leads. The lead length of the replace¬
ment part should be kept reasonably short to provide
some mechanical rigidity.
Unsoldering and Resoldering Components
To test a component or if the component is mounted
in such a manner that the ;dbove method can not be used
(such as vertically mounted capacitors, etc.) the compo¬
nent can be replaced by unsoldering it. This procedure
should be used whenever it is necessary to unsolder any
connections to replace defective components.
(a) Heat the connection on the wiring side of the
board with a small soldering iron. When the solder
melts, brush away the solder. Do not overheat the con¬
nection, In the process of removing the solder, caution
must be taken to prevent excessive heating. Therefore,
do not leave the iron on the connection while brushing
away the solder. Melt the solder, remove the iron and
quickly brush away the solder. It may require more
than one heating and brushing process to completely
remove the solder,
(b) Insert a knife blade between the wiring foil
and the "bent-over” component lead and bend the lead
perpendicular to the board, (It may be necessary to apply
the soldering iron to the connection while performing
this step as it is somgtime^ difficult to completely break
the connection by brushing.) Do not overheat the
connection.
(c) While applying the soldering iron to the con¬
nections, "wiggle” the component until it is removed.
(d) Remove any small particles of solder using a
clean cloth dipped in solvent.
(e) A thin film of solder may remain over the hole
through the board after removing the component. Pierce
the him with the dead from the new component after
heating the solder film with the soldering iron.
(f) Insert the leads of the new component through
the holes provided. Cut to desired length and bend
over the ends against the copper foil. Resolder the con¬
nection with 60/40 low temperature solder.