Re: WANTED Drake TR-4C or TR-4CW
Hi Jim,
?
I have a TR4C with an MS-4 speaker with the AC-4 power supply inside the speaker. ?It lights up but is not working. ?If you are interested, I can send you pictures. I don't want to ship it though as too many bad stories about the AC-4 damaging the MS-4 during shipping. ?I am in the Richmond, VA area.
?
Thank you,
?
Kevin
W2TVS
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Re: Saving the TR7 power switch
I use an APC line conditioner.
73,
Evan, K9SQG
Could someone recommend a good remote AC outlet? Thanks...
?
joe graif
K4JNG
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Re: PLJ-8LED Freq Counter Debacle Update
Thanks Bill, appreciate.
I will investigate further, alignment may be it, who knows, first of all I need to wait for the mail man to show up with some capacitors as I've been experimenting with new finals(non Sylvania) so got some?neutralization issues to deal with first of all.
and yes erratic(unstable) display reading on 15/10meters was the correct wording.
73's de Michael - oz8abr
On Thu, May 15, 2025 at 9:03?PM Bill Leonard N0CU via <billincolo73= [email protected]> wrote: Michael,
Attached is a copy of the pdf that I pulled the circuit from.
If by "lose lock" you mean that the freq display is erratic, I would also recommend that you check the alignment on those bands. There is a spur on the INJ line that is 5.645 MHz above the INJ?frequency. As you move to the higher bands, that spur moves closer to the INJ signal and if high enough can cause an unstable?display. This spur caused unstable readings on 10 M with one of the counters. It was only 8 dB below the INJ signal. When I realigned that band I was able to get the spur down 15 dB and the display was stable. Also, there is a difference among the counters with respect to how sensitive they are to this spur. My new counter can deal with that spur when it is only 5 dB below the INJ signal level.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. Bill N0CU
On Thu, May 15, 2025 at 11:57?AM Michael Jensen via <kavigal= [email protected]> wrote: HI Bill! Would you happen to have the schematic of the J310 buffer circuit?
I've been using a plj6led for quite some time, but loose lock on counter when transmitting on 15/10Meters, so would like to try a j310 buffer solution.
Tried to use a couple of 2n2222's but result was really not that good.
Would be great if you could share!
Thanks, 73's de oz8abr Michael.
On Thu, May 15, 2025 at 7:06?PM Bill Leonard N0CU via <billincolo73= [email protected]> wrote:
This is my third unit (the first 2 failed). I ordered this one from AliExpress. It arrived from China in 8 days and continues to operate properly. It was 1/3 the price Amazon was showing and was a hassle-free purchase. I received excellent updates on status and location of the unit during transit from China. This is the first time I have used AliExpress, and I was impressed.
This unit is about 3 dB more sensitive than the previous two units that I purchased from Amazon and is less sensitive to spurs on the R4-C ¡° INJ¡± line. Freq readings are stable on all bands.
I installed a J310 JFET buffer to drive the counter. Although the insertion loss of this device ranged from 4-5 dB over the freq range of interest (2-34 MHz), there was still at least 6 dB of margin above the threshold of the counter, so I didn¡¯t feel additional gain was necessary.
This unit also had the problem with the color code on the provided cable for the signal input- red is gnd and black is the signal line. The color code for the DC power connector is correct.
Bill N0CU
--
Bill N0CU
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Re: TR-4 : Constant tone with 100kHz Calibrator
I picked up my TR3 on eBay a few weeks ago. It appeared to be in very good to
excellent condition.
?
The TR3 initially had a few problems.
?
1. Resistor R111 smoked during power up. Cause, shorted C145B.
Replaced C145 can capacitor with TR3 capacitor kit from hayseedhamfest.com
and replaced R111 with new 3.3K 1/2W resistor.
?
2. No speaker audio in my RV3 remote VFO speaker. Low level audio heard in
the HEADPHONE socket. Found the 12 pin male connector on the TR3 rear
apron was dirty. Cleaned connector pins with WD-40 Pro contact cleaner
and an old tooth brush. RV3 speaker now has low level audio.
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3. Loss of +250VDC from AC3 power supply. Noticed the OA2 regulator
tube was not glowing purple and could not find any +250VDC anywhere
in the TR3. Cause, open R4 in the AC3 power supply. Replaced R4
and AC3 has +250VDC output.
?
4. Lack of receive. Calibrator turned ON and side band switch set to "X"
produces constant low level tone. No beat note heard at any 100Khz
dial interval. Cause, VFO not working. Found pin 8 ground wire on RV3
remote VFO socket missing. Remote RV3 socket jumper plug connection
between pins 2 and 8 were good but no ground on pin 8. Replaced ground
wire? brought receiver to life. Calibrator beat note at 100Khz dial intervals
is strong on all bands and receives off the air signals rather well.
?
I haven't checked the transmitter. I'm hoping there will be no problems
with the transmitter.
?
73
Mike W5RKL
?
?
?
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Saving the TR7 power switch
Could someone recommend a good remote AC outlet? Thanks...
?
joe graif
K4JNG
|
So...no interest? Is the price too high?
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Re: Another TR7 Journey begins
I went back and checked the TX and RX 13V coming from the LPF front board.? The RX line was switching as it should - +13V in RX and zero in TX.? The TX line stays at +13V in both RX and TX.? So I checked the relay and sure enough pins 16 and 15 showed continuity with no voltage applied.? Close inspection showed a bent relay pin and a careful bending of it resolved the problem.? +13V now cycles properly through the relay and HPF board to the 7805 on the power module.? Zero volts in RX and +13V in TX.? Now I need to assess what damage has been done to the drivers and/or finals and go from there.
?
A very smart guy, Jim NU0C, told me to "follow the electrons".? Wise advise indeed, thanks Jim.
?
I'll check on the PA module tomorrow hopefully.
?
73, Bill NZ0T
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Re: PLJ-8LED Freq Counter Debacle Update
Michael,
Attached is a copy of the pdf that I pulled the circuit from.
If by "lose lock" you mean that the freq display is erratic, I would also recommend that you check the alignment on those bands. There is a spur on the INJ line that is 5.645 MHz above the INJ?frequency. As you move to the higher bands, that spur moves closer to the INJ signal and if high enough can cause an unstable?display. This spur caused unstable readings on 10 M with one of the counters. It was only 8 dB below the INJ signal. When I realigned that band I was able to get the spur down 15 dB and the display was stable. Also, there is a difference among the counters with respect to how sensitive they are to this spur. My new counter can deal with that spur when it is only 5 dB below the INJ signal level.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. Bill N0CU
On Thu, May 15, 2025 at 11:57?AM Michael Jensen via <kavigal= [email protected]> wrote: HI Bill! Would you happen to have the schematic of the J310 buffer circuit?
I've been using a plj6led for quite some time, but loose lock on counter when transmitting on 15/10Meters, so would like to try a j310 buffer solution.
Tried to use a couple of 2n2222's but result was really not that good.
Would be great if you could share!
Thanks, 73's de oz8abr Michael.
On Thu, May 15, 2025 at 7:06?PM Bill Leonard N0CU via <billincolo73= [email protected]> wrote:
This is my third unit (the first 2 failed). I ordered this one from AliExpress. It arrived from China in 8 days and continues to operate properly. It was 1/3 the price Amazon was showing and was a hassle-free purchase. I received excellent updates on status and location of the unit during transit from China. This is the first time I have used AliExpress, and I was impressed.
This unit is about 3 dB more sensitive than the previous two units that I purchased from Amazon and is less sensitive to spurs on the R4-C ¡° INJ¡± line. Freq readings are stable on all bands.
I installed a J310 JFET buffer to drive the counter. Although the insertion loss of this device ranged from 4-5 dB over the freq range of interest (2-34 MHz), there was still at least 6 dB of margin above the threshold of the counter, so I didn¡¯t feel additional gain was necessary.
This unit also had the problem with the color code on the provided cable for the signal input- red is gnd and black is the signal line. The color code for the DC power connector is correct.
Bill N0CU
--
Bill N0CU
|
WANTED Drake TR-4C or TR-4CW
Looking for a TR-4C or TR-4CW in good shape.? Email is good in QRZ.
?
Thanks,
Jim
kq4e
?
?
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Re: PLJ-8LED Freq Counter Debacle Update
HI Bill! Would you happen to have the schematic of the J310 buffer circuit?
I've been using a plj6led for quite some time, but loose lock on counter when transmitting on 15/10Meters, so would like to try a j310 buffer solution.
Tried to use a couple of 2n2222's but result was really not that good.
Would be great if you could share!
Thanks, 73's de oz8abr Michael.
On Thu, May 15, 2025 at 7:06?PM Bill Leonard N0CU via <billincolo73= [email protected]> wrote:
This is my third unit (the first 2 failed). I ordered this one from AliExpress. It arrived from China in 8 days and continues to operate properly. It was 1/3 the price Amazon was showing and was a hassle-free purchase. I received excellent updates on status and location of the unit during transit from China. This is the first time I have used AliExpress, and I was impressed.
This unit is about 3 dB more sensitive than the previous two units that I purchased from Amazon and is less sensitive to spurs on the R4-C ¡° INJ¡± line. Freq readings are stable on all bands.
I installed a J310 JFET buffer to drive the counter. Although the insertion loss of this device ranged from 4-5 dB over the freq range of interest (2-34 MHz), there was still at least 6 dB of margin above the threshold of the counter, so I didn¡¯t feel additional gain was necessary.
This unit also had the problem with the color code on the provided cable for the signal input- red is gnd and black is the signal line. The color code for the DC power connector is correct.
Bill N0CU
--
Bill N0CU
|
Bill ? Contact me offline, PLEASE ? STAY SAFE AND STAY WELL! ? Respectfully,
Thomas K. Lanieri, NU2W NJ DOH Licensed EMT;? PHTLS, AMLS, PHPEC Millenium EMS ARC N.E. BioMedical Services ARC N.E. Disaster Cycle Services  ? 
?
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Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Bill Leonard N0CU via groups.io Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2025 1:06 PM To: [email protected]Subject: [DRAKE-RADIO] PLJ-8LED Freq Counter Debacle Update ? This is my third unit (the first 2 failed). I ordered this one from AliExpress. It arrived from China in 8 days and continues to operate properly. It was 1/3 the price Amazon was showing and was a hassle-free purchase. I received excellent updates on status and location of the unit during transit from China. This is the first time I have used AliExpress, and I was impressed. This unit is about 3 dB more sensitive than the previous two units that I purchased from Amazon and is less sensitive to spurs on the R4-C ¡° INJ¡± line. Freq readings are stable on all bands. I installed a J310 JFET buffer to drive the counter. Although the insertion loss of this device ranged from 4-5 dB over the freq range of interest (2-34 MHz), there was still at least 6 dB of margin above the threshold of the counter, so I didn¡¯t feel additional gain was necessary. This unit also had the problem with the color code on the provided cable for the signal input- red is gnd and black is the signal line. The color code for the DC power connector is correct. Bill N0CU
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PLJ-8LED Freq Counter Debacle Update
This is my third unit (the first 2 failed). I ordered this one from AliExpress. It arrived from China in 8 days and continues to operate properly. It was 1/3 the price Amazon was showing and was a hassle-free purchase. I received excellent updates on status and location of the unit during transit from China. This is the first time I have used AliExpress, and I was impressed.
This unit is about 3 dB more sensitive than the previous two units that I purchased from Amazon and is less sensitive to spurs on the R4-C ¡° INJ¡± line. Freq readings are stable on all bands.
I installed a J310 JFET buffer to drive the counter. Although the insertion loss of this device ranged from 4-5 dB over the freq range of interest (2-34 MHz), there was still at least 6 dB of margin above the threshold of the counter, so I didn¡¯t feel additional gain was necessary.
This unit also had the problem with the color code on the provided cable for the signal input- red is gnd and black is the signal line. The color code for the DC power connector is correct.
Bill N0CU
--
Bill N0CU
|
I¡¯ve got a TinySA and I should look into how to set it up.?
Yes, I set the CO on exactly 9 MHz using my IC-7610 spectrum display tuned to 9 MHz. I should see how accurate the SA is so I can avoid having to drag out that loooong cable :-)
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Wed, May 14, 2025 at 17:01, Barry KJ5GQM via groups.io < chasbg@...> wrote:
You do have to go back and forth to peak them up in my limited experience.? I use a spectrum analyzer to do mine because seeing the signal vs hearing it is a lot more accurate.? I would also check what filter set is in the radio.? If it's an early TR-4 with the soup can filters I would be suspicious of the filters.? How is the carrier oscillator alignment?? It needs to be recentered and T6/T13 adjusted if it has to be recentered after the first round.? And it should be centered before you begin.? I do that with the spectrum analyzer also.??
On Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 02:56:50 PM CDT, Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io <w1es@...> wrote:
Okay, I need a little help from the real engineers here.
When doind a TR-4 filter match adjustment, I invariably come up with having to redo the adjustment several times.? T6 and T13 appear to be at opposite ends of the filters.? I can see why you want to get the received strength the same by tuning the PTO to the one place where the signals on opposite sidebands have the same strength and I get using S3 as the signal before tweaking the transformers so that you're not overloading anything (overcoupling?)? Why does it seem to take 3-5 cycles of this?
The TR-4 I'm working on has a host of problems (and I'm about to set it aside for a couple of months, as the owner has told me to "take my time". and the filter match was way out of adjustment -- implying that someone else was "in there" and didn't do the procedure quite right.
Do these filter match transformer adjustments interact?? I am inclined to believe that they do.
What happens if the adjustment is off?? Simply reduced response on one sideband?
This TR-4 has had 4 bad tubes, plus bad finals, and an intermittent fault that comes as the rig warms up -- but -- the problem also disappears with the rig warmed up.??
Voltage checks on some of the tubes have revealed some voltage differences that I'd largely chalk up to old resistors.? They're in the ballpark.? It's too bad, because this set is about an 8.5 cosmetically...
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent with
secure email.
|
You do have to go back and forth to peak them up in my limited experience.? I use a spectrum analyzer to do mine because seeing the signal vs hearing it is a lot more accurate.? I would also check what filter set is in the radio.? If it's an early TR-4 with the soup can filters I would be suspicious of the filters.? How is the carrier oscillator alignment?? It needs to be recentered and T6/T13 adjusted if it has to be recentered after the first round.? And it should be centered before you begin.? I do that with the spectrum analyzer also.??
On Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 02:56:50 PM CDT, Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io <w1es@...> wrote:
Okay, I need a little help from the real engineers here.
When doind a TR-4 filter match adjustment, I invariably come up with having to redo the adjustment several times.? T6 and T13 appear to be at opposite ends of the filters.? I can see why you want to get the received strength the same by tuning the PTO to the one place where the signals on opposite sidebands have the same strength and I get using S3 as the signal before tweaking the transformers so that you're not overloading anything (overcoupling?)? Why does it seem to take 3-5 cycles of this?
The TR-4 I'm working on has a host of problems (and I'm about to set it aside for a couple of months, as the owner has told me to "take my time". and the filter match was way out of adjustment -- implying that someone else was "in there" and didn't do the procedure quite right.
Do these filter match transformer adjustments interact?? I am inclined to believe that they do.
What happens if the adjustment is off?? Simply reduced response on one sideband?
This TR-4 has had 4 bad tubes, plus bad finals, and an intermittent fault that comes as the rig warms up -- but -- the problem also disappears with the rig warmed up.??
Voltage checks on some of the tubes have revealed some voltage differences that I'd largely chalk up to old resistors.? They're in the ballpark.? It's too bad, because this set is about an 8.5 cosmetically...
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent with secure email.
|
Okay, I need a little help from the real engineers here.
When doind a TR-4 filter match adjustment, I invariably come up with having to redo the adjustment several times.? T6 and T13 appear to be at opposite ends of the filters.? I can see why you want to get the received strength the same by tuning the PTO to the one place where the signals on opposite sidebands have the same strength and I get using S3 as the signal before tweaking the transformers so that you're not overloading anything (overcoupling?)? Why does it seem to take 3-5 cycles of this?
The TR-4 I'm working on has a host of problems (and I'm about to set it aside for a couple of months, as the owner has told me to "take my time". and the filter match was way out of adjustment -- implying that someone else was "in there" and didn't do the procedure quite right.
Do these filter match transformer adjustments interact?? I am inclined to believe that they do.
What happens if the adjustment is off?? Simply reduced response on one sideband?
This TR-4 has had 4 bad tubes, plus bad finals, and an intermittent fault that comes as the rig warms up -- but -- the problem also disappears with the rig warmed up.??
Voltage checks on some of the tubes have revealed some voltage differences that I'd largely chalk up to old resistors.? They're in the ballpark.? It's too bad, because this set is about an 8.5 cosmetically...
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent with secure email.
|
Re: Hamvention event, local restaurants
Dave,
I agree with you. ?Fantastic place to dine.
73,
Evan, K9SQG
I can vouch for Nick's. Great atmosphere and food for sure.
Very busy as Hamvention lets out, I have had a 20 minute wait but it is worth it.
Thanks for the other suggestions.
?
Dave KC3AM
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Re: Hamvention event, local restaurants
Evan,
I can vouch for Nick's. Great atmosphere and food for sure.
Very busy as Hamvention lets out, I have had a 20 minute wait but it is worth it.
Thanks for the other suggestions.
?
Dave KC3AM
|
Re: Another TR7 Journey begins
1502 and 1503 are in series. If one is bad the voltage will read wrong on both. I would replace both just to be sure. I believe others have used 1N4007 with success. Also check CR1401 and CR1402 at the other end of the module. On Tue, 13 May 2025 12:30:33 -0700 "Bill NZ0T via groups.io" <nz0tham@...> wrote: [Edited Message Follows]
I tested the three PIN diodes on the rear HPF board.? The Drake service group document says the following is? normal:
RX? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? TX
CR1501? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??0.9V max? ? ?11V typical
CR1502 , CR1503? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?11V typical? 0.9V max
I measured:
CR1501? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 12.01V? ? ? ? ?11.41V
CR1502? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 12.69V? ? ? ? ? 0.00V
CR1503? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 11.60V? ? ? ? ?10.67V
Seems only CR 1502 is still good so looks like I need to replace all three diodes to do it right.? I have seen some say 1N4007 will be OK as a replacement for the OE UM9401 diodes, is that true?? I have plenty of the 4007s laying around.
73, Bill NZ0T -- 73 -Jim NU0C
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I am liquidating radio assets here (I have quit eBay selling after 27 years).
I am selling the last new old stock Sylvania (rebooted, tested) 6JB6 that I have.
The test data is in the photo. It tests as a new tube should.
The tube is 3.15 inches tall, not counting the pins. Including the pins it is 3.52 inches tall.
$30 shipped in CONUSA.
Gary
W0DVN
PPS: If you¡¯d like to know WHY I quit eBay, drop me a direct note and I will tell you! It¡¯s not appropriate to post in this forum.
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TR7 R7 left Endcap with photo
While cleaning, I found that I have a TR7 R7 left Endcap. It is in very good condition, no cracks near the screw holes. It is original, not a reproduction, so it will not shrink over time.
$15 mailed in CONUSA.
Gary
W0DVN
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Kevin W2TVS
Joseph K4JNG
NU2W
Jim Shorney
