Good news Sean.? Thanks for letting me know.? I'd still open the RV-4C box and check out some of those larger resistors as well, if you have not yet done that.
Enjoy the TR-4Cw/RV-4C combo!
73 Peter VE7PS
On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 5:51?PM Sean (KK6BEB) < seanlynch@...> wrote: Peter, not only did the?De-oxit?fix the audio output issue, it brought back the VFO lamp! Thank you ! 73 Sean/KK6BEB On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 7:02?AM Sean (KK6BEB) via <seanlynch= [email protected]> wrote: Thanks so much Peter, really appreciate the thoughtful/thorough response here. Will absolutely follow your advice.
Sean KK6BEB? On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 10:55 PM VE7PS < ve7ps@...> wrote: Sean:
Suggest checking two things first....
1) There are some power resistors in the RV-4C that get quite hot and can change value.? Check all of those to make sure they are OK and within spec. I have had to change some of these in the RV-4 and RV-4C's.
2) Be VERY sure the connector in the bottom of the TR-4Cw and the cable end connector of the RV-4C are VERY clean.? Use De-oxit D5 if you have?it.
I have found these connectors to be more troublesome than they should be at times.
While you are at it with the contact cleaner, make sure the VFO selector switch in the RV-4C is clean too.
Nice radios....I have a TR-CW/rit hooked up to an RV-4C here.??
73 Peter VE7PS
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 10:12?PM Sean (KK6BEB) < seanlynch@...> wrote: Hey gang, I recently acquired a TR-4Cw and RV-4C. Both work great however I noticed a big reduction in audio when I switch to using the RV-4C¡¯s VFO. I¡¯m guessing I have a bad/degraded tube in the RV-4C but not sure yet.?
I made a short video. Would appreciate your thoughts on this:
--
|
Re: wtb: repairable ac-3 or ac-4
Hi Dave,
I have a spare AC4 that needs recapping that I will sell¡.it does not work.
Price is $125 + shipping from 23323 (Chesapeake, Va)
73¡¯²õ
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On May 13, 2023, at 7:49 PM, Ronald Beaver <Ronaldbeaver1320@...> wrote:
? Hi Jim, I have a AC3 with speaker that you could use.? It has not been upgraded . I will take some pictures of it and send them to you. Are you planning on being at the Dayton hamvention?
Thanks, Ron WB4OQL Clyde, NC Hi to all!
I recently got a TR-3 functional and hope to use it on some of the vintage nets. I'm now looking for a repairable power supply to pair with it (with or without speaker.) If you happen to have one, please let me know.
73's and best wishes
Jim
KD0WF
|
Re: wtb: repairable ac-3 or ac-4
David,
I am interested in the AC3 & MS4 if they are still available.
What are you asking for the pair?
I will also be at Hamvention hosting at booth 1003 - 1004.
Dave KC3AM
On 5/12/2023 8:03 AM, David wrote:
As
I answered the previous?call for a TR3 assembly power supply:
|
|
Thu,
May 11, 7:52?PM (11 hours ago)
|
|
|
|
|
I have
an AC3 that I used with a TR3 many years ago.? I
still?have both and they are on the?list for
restoration.? From the looks of it, I
already?changed one of the?capacitors?and it
worked then, but I would suggest that a new kit be
installed.? I also have an MS4 speaker and cabinet
for it if you wish.? In the arrangement I had, I
used a RV3 remote VFO and speaker power supply
with it.? Was a lot of fun, then.
I am
going to the Dayton hamfest and can bring?it all
with me, if you plan to be there; otherwise the
shipping would be quite costly.
So,
what do you think?? If you can get one that is
plug in working, you may wish to go with that
instead of this.?
I am
sure that you know the AC4 will also work with the
TR3, but same issue; it likely needs an upgrade as
well.
David Assaf III
W5XU, VP8RXU
?
I could also use a AC-3 or AC-4 for my TR-3.
This is on my list to look for at Dayton.
Dave KC3AM
On 5/11/2023 6:52 PM, Jim Linsenbardt wrote:
Hi to all!
I recently got a TR-3 functional and hope to use it on
some of the vintage nets. I'm now looking for a repairable
power supply to pair with it (with or without speaker.) If
you happen to have one, please let me know.
73's and best wishes
Jim
KD0WF
|
Peter, not only did the?De-oxit?fix the audio output issue, it brought back the VFO lamp! Thank you ! 73 Sean/KK6BEB
On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 7:02?AM Sean (KK6BEB) via <seanlynch= [email protected]> wrote: Thanks so much Peter, really appreciate the thoughtful/thorough response here. Will absolutely follow your advice.
Sean KK6BEB? On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 10:55 PM VE7PS < ve7ps@...> wrote: Sean:
Suggest checking two things first....
1) There are some power resistors in the RV-4C that get quite hot and can change value.? Check all of those to make sure they are OK and within spec. I have had to change some of these in the RV-4 and RV-4C's.
2) Be VERY sure the connector in the bottom of the TR-4Cw and the cable end connector of the RV-4C are VERY clean.? Use De-oxit D5 if you have?it.
I have found these connectors to be more troublesome than they should be at times.
While you are at it with the contact cleaner, make sure the VFO selector switch in the RV-4C is clean too.
Nice radios....I have a TR-CW/rit hooked up to an RV-4C here.??
73 Peter VE7PS
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 10:12?PM Sean (KK6BEB) < seanlynch@...> wrote: Hey gang, I recently acquired a TR-4Cw and RV-4C. Both work great however I noticed a big reduction in audio when I switch to using the RV-4C¡¯s VFO. I¡¯m guessing I have a bad/degraded tube in the RV-4C but not sure yet.?
I made a short video. Would appreciate your thoughts on this:
--
|
Re: FS-4B (with frequency counter)
Barry,
I have thought about that...
They can run up to 20MHz but you have to burn in another bootloader so you can still load over
USB.? Might not be that hard but my eyes started glazing over a few years ago when I looked
into it.
It would be better to run at 20MHz (or something faster than 16) so the freq counter could count
higher, at 16MHz it is limited to about 6.4MHz as I recall...
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
?
On 05/13/2023 3:44 PM PDT n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:
?
?
I wonder if the Nano could run at some other frequency?? I suppose it could invalidate some of the timing functions but, other than that, I wonder if it would work with some other, more common(?), clock.
?
Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ
?
From: "GARY WINBLAD" <garywinblad@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2023 3:49:57 PM
Subject: [DRAKE-RADIO] FS-4B (with frequency counter)
I started a new thread based on a comment by Gilles on Doug's talking FS-4A thread.
YES, the frequency counter in my FS-4B is less than desirable.? This is due to the ceramic resonator that is the time base on the cheap Arduino Nano boards.
The resonator has quite a warm up drift but after its temperature is fully warmed, it is "pretty" stable.? Since a counter needs a stable gate signal, this is a problem.
I found that you can provide an external clock signal to the Nano board rather simply.? See attached photo.
If you lift the two ATMega pins on the corner and solder a fine jumper to the second pin, you can supply an external 16MHz clock without an changes to the fuses
or Arduino code.? 0-3.3V or 0-5V squarewave is what you want to apply.? To get accurate frequency counting, it needs to be exactly 16.0000MHz and stable.
I was able to find a small $3.50USD clock chip at Mouser with temp compensation AND a voltage controlled freq trim pin.? Unfortunately they don't have these anymore
and I haven't been able to find them anywhere else.? You could make your own with a crystal and a trimmer cap... maybe use a logic gate oscillator or a transistor?
Maybe you can bring out two jumpers and get the ATMega into crystal oscillator mode by itself?
My workaround was a "calibrate" mode in the FS-5B code.. not ideal but after warmup it works pretty well.
I have also been looking for? a substitute for the Nano.? I thought I found it in the STM32 boards which have a crystal, are very advanced over the ATMega but
unfortunately their software includes the FreeRTOS real time operating system with random interrupts to look for task switching.? The frequency counter works
great most of the time until the random interrupt corrupts... bummer.? Nobody seems to know how to shut down the RTOS... especially me.
NOTE: the Nano did have a similar problem with the millisecond counter interrupting but I did figure out how to stop that during freq counts.
If anyone knows a good cheap little computer board like the Nano but with a crystal and available freq counter code, let me know.
My FS-5 in both my R-4B (frankenstein!) and T-4XB have great stable counters using Nanos, so it is possible.
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
|
I am thinking about bringing my C line to Dayton.? I've had it for at least 25 years and it is time to downsize.? This one is in great condition and could include a L4B if needed.? I have the manuals also. I will be at Dayton and could save you shipping charges.
Let me know if you have additional?questions.
Thanks, Ron WB4OQL Clyde, NC
On Thu, May 11, 2023 at 6:54?PM K8CCA < echapm4@...> wrote: I guess title says it all, looking for a c line at Dayton next week, whatcha got??
K8cca?
|
Re: wtb: repairable ac-3 or ac-4
Hi Jim, I have a AC3 with speaker that you could use.? It has not been upgraded . I will take some pictures of it and send them to you. Are you planning on being at the Dayton hamvention?
Thanks, Ron WB4OQL Clyde, NC
Hi to all!
I recently got a TR-3 functional and hope to use it on some of the vintage nets. I'm now looking for a repairable power supply to pair with it (with or without speaker.) If you happen to have one, please let me know.
73's and best wishes
Jim
KD0WF
|
Re: FS-4B (with frequency counter)
I wonder if the Nano could run at some other frequency?? I suppose it could invalidate some of the timing functions but, other than that, I wonder if it would work with some other, more common(?), clock.
Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ
From: "GARY WINBLAD" <garywinblad@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2023 3:49:57 PM
Subject: [DRAKE-RADIO] FS-4B (with frequency counter)
I started a new thread based on a comment by Gilles on Doug's talking FS-4A thread.
YES, the frequency counter in my FS-4B is less than desirable.? This is due to the ceramic resonator that is the time base on the cheap Arduino Nano boards.
The resonator has quite a warm up drift but after its temperature is fully warmed, it is "pretty" stable.? Since a counter needs a stable gate signal, this is a problem.
I found that you can provide an external clock signal to the Nano board rather simply.? See attached photo.
If you lift the two ATMega pins on the corner and solder a fine jumper to the second pin, you can supply an external 16MHz clock without an changes to the fuses
or Arduino code.? 0-3.3V or 0-5V squarewave is what you want to apply.? To get accurate frequency counting, it needs to be exactly 16.0000MHz and stable.
I was able to find a small $3.50USD clock chip at Mouser with temp compensation AND a voltage controlled freq trim pin.? Unfortunately they don't have these anymore
and I haven't been able to find them anywhere else.? You could make your own with a crystal and a trimmer cap... maybe use a logic gate oscillator or a transistor?
Maybe you can bring out two jumpers and get the ATMega into crystal oscillator mode by itself?
My workaround was a "calibrate" mode in the FS-5B code.. not ideal but after warmup it works pretty well.
I have also been looking for? a substitute for the Nano.? I thought I found it in the STM32 boards which have a crystal, are very advanced over the ATMega but
unfortunately their software includes the FreeRTOS real time operating system with random interrupts to look for task switching.? The frequency counter works
great most of the time until the random interrupt corrupts... bummer.? Nobody seems to know how to shut down the RTOS... especially me.
NOTE: the Nano did have a similar problem with the millisecond counter interrupting but I did figure out how to stop that during freq counts.
If anyone knows a good cheap little computer board like the Nano but with a crystal and available freq counter code, let me know.
My FS-5 in both my R-4B (frankenstein!) and T-4XB have great stable counters using Nanos, so it is possible.
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
|
There is if you use a PS7. 73 -Jim NU0C On Sat, 13 May 2023 13:33:53 -0700 "Doug Crompton WA3DSP" <wa3dsp@...> wrote: There is no reason to have any AC at all in the TR7.
|
Hi Sean Good luck!? i had a similar issue and cleaning the RV-4C? node switch and both jones connectors helped BTW what kind of Mic do you use with the TR?? I see its a kenwood whats the model? Bill WB2UFC?
On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 10:06?AM Sean (KK6BEB) < seanlynch@...> wrote: Ok great to hear the confirmation. I¡¯ll clean the connectors first and then go that route. Thanks On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 5:05 AM Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via <w1es= [email protected]> wrote: I have replaced one of the power resistors, too. Definitely needs to be checked out and replaced, as needed. IIRC, I replaced the one I had with a higher wattage part or combination (it was at least 5 years ago and that VFO was sold, so I can¡¯t check.?
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES/4
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS
On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 01:55, VE7PS < ve7ps@...> wrote: Sean:
Suggest checking two things first....
1) There are some power resistors in the RV-4C that get quite hot and can change value. Check all of those to make sure they are OK and within spec. I have had to change some of these in the RV-4 and RV-4C's.
2) Be VERY sure the connector in the bottom of the TR-4Cw and the cable end connector of the RV-4C are VERY clean. Use De-oxit D5 if you have it.
I have found these connectors to be more troublesome than they should be at times.
While you are at it with the contact cleaner, make sure the VFO selector switch in the RV-4C is clean too.
Nice radios....I have a TR-CW/rit hooked up to an RV-4C here.
73 Peter VE7PS
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 10:12?PM Sean (KK6BEB) < seanlynch@...> wrote: Hey gang, I recently acquired a TR-4Cw and RV-4C. Both work great however I noticed a big reduction in audio when I switch to using the RV-4C¡¯s VFO. I¡¯m guessing I have a bad/degraded tube in the RV-4C but not sure yet.
I made a short video. Would appreciate your thoughts on this:
--
|
FS-4B (with frequency counter)
I started a new thread based on a comment by Gilles on Doug's talking FS-4A thread.
YES, the frequency counter in my FS-4B is less than desirable.? This is due to the ceramic resonator that is the time base on the cheap Arduino Nano boards.
The resonator has quite a warm up drift but after its temperature is fully warmed, it is "pretty" stable.? Since a counter needs a stable gate signal, this is a problem.
I found that you can provide an external clock signal to the Nano board rather simply.? See attached photo.
If you lift the two ATMega pins on the corner and solder a fine jumper to the second pin, you can supply an external 16MHz clock without an changes to the fuses
or Arduino code.? 0-3.3V or 0-5V squarewave is what you want to apply.? To get accurate frequency counting, it needs to be exactly 16.0000MHz and stable.
I was able to find a small $3.50USD clock chip at Mouser with temp compensation AND a voltage controlled freq trim pin.? Unfortunately they don't have these anymore
and I haven't been able to find them anywhere else.? You could make your own with a crystal and a trimmer cap... maybe use a logic gate oscillator or a transistor?
Maybe you can bring out two jumpers and get the ATMega into crystal oscillator mode by itself?
My workaround was a "calibrate" mode in the FS-5B code.. not ideal but after warmup it works pretty well.
I have also been looking for? a substitute for the Nano.? I thought I found it in the STM32 boards which have a crystal, are very advanced over the ATMega but
unfortunately their software includes the FreeRTOS real time operating system with random interrupts to look for task switching.? The frequency counter works
great most of the time until the random interrupt corrupts... bummer.? Nobody seems to know how to shut down the RTOS... especially me.
NOTE: the Nano did have a similar problem with the millisecond counter interrupting but I did figure out how to stop that during freq counts.
If anyone knows a good cheap little computer board like the Nano but with a crystal and available freq counter code, let me know.
My FS-5 in both my R-4B (frankenstein!) and T-4XB have great stable counters using Nanos, so it is possible.
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
|
On 2023-05-13 13:33, Doug Crompton WA3DSP wrote: I don't think it has anything to do with RIFA capacitors but I would
definitely get rid of the AC fan in the TR7. There are plenty of
inexpensive DC fans that would be suitable replacements. *** I recommend a Noctua fan. I believe they're the quietest out there. - Jerry, KF6VB I removed the AC socket and replaced it with an aluminum cover with a hole cut in
the center for a coaxial DC connector. Then wired it to 12V in the
TR7. I used a 24 volt DC fan of the same size wired to a coaxial plug.
There is no reason to have any AC at all in the TR7. If you have it
wired in the power connector from the power source disconnect it.
--
Doug, WA3DSP
Links:
------
[1] /g/DRAKE-RADIO/message/71239
[2] /mt/98849378/243852
[3] /g/DRAKE-RADIO/post
[4] /g/DRAKE-RADIO/editsub/243852
[5] /g/DRAKE-RADIO/leave/12260778/243852/767576506/xyzzy
|
This rig came with the fan but I am also a fan (no pun intended) of using DC fans run at half voltage.? My previous TR7 had exactly this and it was very quiet.? The AC fan is loud, as far as I'm concerned and I am planning on replacing it.
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES/4
Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent with secure email.
------- Original Message -------
On Saturday, May 13th, 2023 at 4:33 PM, Doug Crompton WA3DSP <wa3dsp@...> wrote:
I don't think it has anything to do with RIFA capacitors but I would definitely get rid of the AC fan in the TR7. There are plenty of inexpensive DC fans that would be suitable replacements. I removed the AC socket and replaced it with an aluminum cover with a hole cut in the center for a coaxial DC connector. Then wired it to 12V in the TR7. I used a 24 volt DC fan of the same size wired to a coaxial plug. There is no reason to have any AC at all in the TR7. If you have it wired in the power connector from the power source disconnect it.
--
Doug, WA3DSP
|
I don't think it has anything to do with RIFA capacitors but I would definitely get rid of the AC fan in the TR7. There are plenty of inexpensive DC fans that would be suitable replacements. I removed the AC socket and replaced it with an aluminum cover with a hole cut in the center for a coaxial DC connector. Then wired it to 12V in the TR7. I used a 24 volt DC fan of the same size wired to a coaxial plug. There is no reason to have any AC at all in the TR7. If you have it wired in the power connector from the power source disconnect it.
--
Doug, WA3DSP
|
I think the key on the audio issue is to updates. I have an older 2016 Samsung Galaxy tablet that I have not used in several years. I tried to look at the video and it said it was corrupted. I updated Firefox and all was well. A lot of times the apps don't tell you about updates. I had to actually go to the play store and load the app again and then it offered an iupdate. So I suspect that those who can't watch or hearvideo have an update issue.
--
Doug, WA3DSP
|
RIFA Capacitors have been talked about extensively in the Tektronics Group I am on. There are only two types of RIFA capacitors in older Tek Gear: Those that have failed/died and those that will. So the standard recommendation is to replace them or, in some cases, just get rid of them. Per one of the group members:
"These RIFAs generally are Class X rated. Class X capacitors (X, X1, X2) intended for direct connection across the mains have to be able to absorb transient overvoltage. They do this by destroying part of the metal film when the dielectric is ruptured. As a result, the capacitance decreases over time. When such capacitors are used as voltage droppers and in other applications they will eventually fail to work as intended. The RIFA caps fail due mainly to faulty encapsulation which allows water ingress with inevitable consequences."
YMMV. 73, Gordon KJ6IKT
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 08:40 PM, Jim Shorney wrote:
There was recently a rather long discussion of RIFA caps in the HPAK group. It starts here:
/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment/message/129350
I haven't heard any stories about RIFA caps exploding in Drake gear so we may be safe. If you do find some they should be replaced with appropriately rated safety caps designed to be connected to the AC line.
73
-Jim
NU0C
On Fri, 12 May 2023 13:49:49 +0000
"Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io" <w1es@...> wrote:
Strangely enough, I had never heard anything about these components, when, yesterday I saw a reference to them on the Facebook VETE page and then something popping up here in the Drake reflector.
Are these parts in the PS7? The time period suggests that they could be. I have not opened up my PS7 since I bought it and I have already a large number of projects to complete. I guess that, since the TR7 does have a 120V buss in it for the fan that the TR7/TR7A could also have these capacitors inside them. As luck would have it, the TR7A is up for a troubleshooting session as soon as I finish with my 2-B's, as ,y friend is waiting to get his TR7 back that I'll be board-swapping to tind that AGC gremlin that I've described before.
Whilst my mind darts around, does anyone know if the L7 has any of these RIFA caps in it?
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES/4
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent with [Proton Mail]() secure email.
|
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 08:15 PM, Doug Crompton WA3DSP wrote:
Thanks for the responses. There is definitely video on the clip. It is an MP4. The firefox browser plays it but I strictly use Linux here so not sure about windows. Try saving it and bringing it up with an app like VLC media player.
--
Doug, WA3DSP
Yeah.? I had no problem playing it running OpenSuSE Leap 15.4 Linux, KDE, and Firefox 102.11.0esr (64-bit) on my home "built" desktop and Mid 2012 Macbook Pro (also running Leap 15.4) ? --
73/Rick
WA6III
*Every post is created using Linux
|
How much are you selling them for?
Replayed the video at home on the computer and had audio this time.
Ahh, technology, isn't it wonderful.
73, Ian, VK3JQ
On Saturday, 13 May 2023 at 11:38:48 pm AEST, Evan via <k9sqg= [email protected]> wrote:
I'm impressed!? Great job.
-----Original Message-----
From: Peter E < elekessy@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sat, May 13, 2023 7:44 am
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Talking FS4 Demo
Seems to be a few of them being made.
Here is my version. I found the 2 line display more than adequate to display the relevant information, and it fits into a slim case a lot better.
Cheers,
Peter - VK2AN
|
Replayed the video at home on the computer and had audio this time.
Ahh, technology, isn't it wonderful.
73, Ian, VK3JQ
On Saturday, 13 May 2023 at 11:38:48 pm AEST, Evan via groups.io <k9sqg@...> wrote:
I'm impressed! ?Great job.
-----Original Message-----
From: Peter E <elekessy@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sat, May 13, 2023 7:44 am
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Talking FS4 Demo
Seems to be a few of them being made. Here is my version. I found the 2 line display more than adequate to display the relevant information, and it fits into a slim case a lot better. Cheers, Peter - VK2AN  
|
Ok great to hear the confirmation. I¡¯ll clean the connectors first and then go that route. Thanks
On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 5:05 AM Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via <w1es= [email protected]> wrote: I have replaced one of the power resistors, too. Definitely needs to be checked out and replaced, as needed. IIRC, I replaced the one I had with a higher wattage part or combination (it was at least 5 years ago and that VFO was sold, so I can¡¯t check.?
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES/4
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS
On Sat, May 13, 2023 at 01:55, VE7PS < ve7ps@...> wrote: Sean:
Suggest checking two things first....
1) There are some power resistors in the RV-4C that get quite hot and can change value. Check all of those to make sure they are OK and within spec. I have had to change some of these in the RV-4 and RV-4C's.
2) Be VERY sure the connector in the bottom of the TR-4Cw and the cable end connector of the RV-4C are VERY clean. Use De-oxit D5 if you have it.
I have found these connectors to be more troublesome than they should be at times.
While you are at it with the contact cleaner, make sure the VFO selector switch in the RV-4C is clean too.
Nice radios....I have a TR-CW/rit hooked up to an RV-4C here.
73 Peter VE7PS
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 10:12?PM Sean (KK6BEB) < seanlynch@...> wrote: Hey gang, I recently acquired a TR-4Cw and RV-4C. Both work great however I noticed a big reduction in audio when I switch to using the RV-4C¡¯s VFO. I¡¯m guessing I have a bad/degraded tube in the RV-4C but not sure yet.
I made a short video. Would appreciate your thoughts on this:
--
|
Gary WB6OGD
Jim Shorney
Doug Crompton WA3DSP
