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:
--
|
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: Tuning dial lamp holder for the R4C
Thanks Peter and Jim.
Jim, as soon as? I saw the schematic you put up I guessed the problem, and one shorting RCA plug later, I now have a working tuning lamp.
Peter , thanks for your suggestion, but now I've learned two things about the R4C.? Must download the manual from Ron's site. Now my R4C looks and sounds the part.
Thanks again, your joint advice was greatly appreciated.
73? Lawrence G4GZG.
|
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  
|
Re: Tuning dial lamp holder for the R4C
On 5/13/2023 7:34 AM, Jim W7RY via
groups.io wrote:
Isn't the lamp on the R4C VFO controlled by the transmitter?
Its called the PTO lamp on the rear apron of the receiver?
Jim W7RY
On 5/13/2023 6:55 AM, Peter E wrote:
Hi Lawrence,
My bulb holder had problems also. From memory, the tag that the
wire is soldered to comes loose from the pin in the center of
the holder (that contacts the bulb). You can solder the end of
the pin and tag, and it may cure your problem. Worth a try...
Cheers,
Peter - VK2AN
--
Thanks and 73, Jim W7RY
--
Thanks and 73, Jim W7RY
|
Re: Tuning dial lamp holder for the R4C
Isn't the lamp on the R4C VFO controlled by the transmitter?
Its called the PTO lamp on the rear apron of the receiver?
Jim W7RY
On 5/13/2023 6:55 AM, Peter E wrote:
Hi Lawrence,
My bulb holder had problems also. From memory, the tag that the
wire is soldered to comes loose from the pin in the center of the
holder (that contacts the bulb). You can solder the end of the pin
and tag, and it may cure your problem. Worth a try...
Cheers,
Peter - VK2AN
--
Thanks and 73, Jim W7RY
|
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:
--
|
Re: Tuning dial lamp holder for the R4C
Hi Lawrence,
My bulb holder had problems also. From memory, the tag that the wire is soldered to comes loose from the pin in the center of the holder (that contacts the bulb). You can solder the end of the pin and tag, and it may cure your problem. Worth a try...
Cheers,
Peter - VK2AN
|
I¡¯ll find out soon enough, I reckon. Getting ready to clear my bench for the TR7A to see if I can find out why the meter pegs when letting up the CW key. I¡¯ll poke around the 120V area (which I assume is limited to the fan and around the connector to the PS7).?
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES/4
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS
On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 23:40, Jim Shorney < jimNU0C@...> 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](https://proton.me/) secure email.
>
>
>
>
|
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. Excellent job with the audio, by the way! Cheers, Peter - VK2AN  
|
Tuning dial lamp holder for the R4C
I recently acquired a nice late serial R4C in good condition but with no panel or meter lights.? So. I dug out my supply of #47s and went about replacing the bulbs. The meter bulb now works a treat but the tuning dial remains unlit.? There is voltage on the terminals of the holder and the bulb tests good so looks like I need a replacement holder.?? Any idea where I can source one ?
Thanks in anticipation.? 73 Lawrence G4GZG.
|
Yes it¡¯s a good solution.
I had made the assembly with a 2-line display whose dimensions are the same as the display on the SP-R4.?
I considered replacing the current switching with this display and encoder.? But I think Doug's editing is better because he avoids modifying the device and leaving it in its original version.? This retains the value of this collectible material.? It remains to display the exact operating frequency to complete the whole.
The frequency meter used is not very precise.
73 QRO
Gilles F1BFU since 1969
GQRPClub 15889?
QRP ARCI 16979
??Chacun a raison de son propre point de vue, mais il n¡¯est pas impossible que tout le monde ai tort?? Gandhi
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D¨¦but du message r¨¦exp¨¦di¨¦ :
Objet: R¨¦p.?: [DRAKE-RADIO] Talking FS4 Demo
Date: 13 mai 2023 ¨¤ 04:36:51 UTC+2
I had audio too.
Great work!
73,
Bill - NA5DX
On 5/12/2023 9:07 PM, n4buq wrote:
Hmm.? There was audio when I viewed it.
BTW, nice job, Doug.
Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ
Nice.
But no audio present on the video.?
Ian, ?VK3JQ?
On
Saturday, May 13, 2023, 9:00 am, wb6ogd
<garywinblad@...> wrote:
Excellent Doug! ?It might get even more guys
building them, if only for the coolness factor!
I can¡¯t hear any audio on my iPhone for some
reason.
Gary
On May 12, 2023, at 3:24 PM, Doug
Crompton WA3DSP <wa3dsp@...>
wrote:
I have completed the construction
of another Si5351 FS4 replacement using the
Adafruit I2C rotary encoder with a voice
option to say the selected frequency for the
sight impaired. This required considerable
refactoring of the sketch. It uses the
"talkie" LPC voice using the PWM output of the
Nano, a simple filter circuit, and an LM386
amplifier module driving a small internal
speaker. The voice is robotic but very
understandable. I edited the over one
thousand-word vocabulary library to include
just the words needed to say the frequency.
Since everything is on the I2C bus, it
simplifies wiring and the encoder just works.
The voice output is optional both in the
construction and in the sketch. I will be
coming out with a complete documentation
package in the coming weeks, including the
sketch and FS4 voice library, which I will add
to the Drake files section. The rotary encoder
and LCD libraries are available in the Arduino
IDE. I highly recommend using the I2C rotary
encoder, which solves the problem of bad
encoders using the Nano GPIO and current
rotary library.
Here is a short video clip showing it in
operation -?
?
73 Doug, WA3DSP
|
Doug Crompton WA3DSP
Peter E