|
I just picked up this TS-690S with a few known problems (mostly minor), including a broken 12 VDC power input connector shell. I found a replacement connector shell and swapped it in, but it required some disassembly to get to it. I carefully removed the connectors necessary to remove the output filter assembly, and reinstalled everything back to their proper locations.
For testing I connected it to a dummy load and wattmeter. The radio powers up fine but transmits only on 6 meters. The power meter on the display stays at zero on the HF bands, and the VSWR meter does not move. Transmitting on 6 meters gives >50 W output. I have the antenna slide switch in the proper position.
I have the PDF of the service manual but have only started to go through it. I was hoping that someone with more experience than I could point me in the right direction as far as troubleshooting, isolating the failure, and/or likely causes.
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
And replying to my own post, the TS-690S did transmit at full power on the HF bands before I started taking it apart, so I’m thinking that I either misconnected something or failed to reconnect something. Given that the connectors on the boards are for the most part different from each other and that the wiring harness puts the proper connectors very near their mating connectors on the PCB, I think it would be difficult, if not impossible, to accidentally misconnect the connectors.?
That being said, I’m still very receptive to any suggestions!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
Maybe the small coax?connections? I don't remember about the 850 but I know some radios do not use all the connectors so it's easy to get one plugged in wrong, or transpose a couple. I made that mistake once on an 870 and got no RF. Ever since then I take advantage of the phone camera and take a pic of the boards B4 I unplug things. Let us know. Bob? W4JFA
On Thu, Feb 22, 2024 at 7:16?PM Stan < swperk@...> wrote: And replying to my own post, the TS-690S did transmit at full power on the HF bands before I started taking it apart, so I’m thinking that I either misconnected something or failed to reconnect something. Given that the connectors on the boards are for the most part different from each other and that the wiring harness puts the proper connectors very near their mating connectors on the PCB, I think it would be difficult, if not impossible, to accidentally misconnect the connectors.?
That being said, I’m still very receptive to any suggestions!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
I looked and o have some pictures of the RF board that I can send you if you would like. Bob? W4JFA
On Fri, Feb 23, 2024 at 6:57?AM BOB NAYLOR < w4jfabob@...> wrote: Maybe the small coax?connections? I don't remember about the 850 but I know some radios do not use all the connectors so it's easy to get one plugged in wrong, or transpose a couple. I made that mistake once on an 870 and got no RF. Ever since then I take advantage of the phone camera and take a pic of the boards B4 I unplug things. Let us know. Bob? W4JFA
On Thu, Feb 22, 2024 at 7:16?PM Stan < swperk@...> wrote: And replying to my own post, the TS-690S did transmit at full power on the HF bands before I started taking it apart, so I’m thinking that I either misconnected something or failed to reconnect something. Given that the connectors on the boards are for the most part different from each other and that the wiring harness puts the proper connectors very near their mating connectors on the PCB, I think it would be difficult, if not impossible, to accidentally misconnect the connectors.?
That being said, I’m still very receptive to any suggestions!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
The reason I offered 850 pics is because there are similarities. Bob? W4JFA
I looked and o have some pictures of the RF board that I can send you if you would like. Bob? W4JFA
On Fri, Feb 23, 2024 at 6:57?AM BOB NAYLOR < w4jfabob@...> wrote: Maybe the small coax?connections? I don't remember about the 850 but I know some radios do not use all the connectors so it's easy to get one plugged in wrong, or transpose a couple. I made that mistake once on an 870 and got no RF. Ever since then I take advantage of the phone camera and take a pic of the boards B4 I unplug things. Let us know. Bob? W4JFA
On Thu, Feb 22, 2024 at 7:16?PM Stan < swperk@...> wrote: And replying to my own post, the TS-690S did transmit at full power on the HF bands before I started taking it apart, so I’m thinking that I either misconnected something or failed to reconnect something. Given that the connectors on the boards are for the most part different from each other and that the wiring harness puts the proper connectors very near their mating connectors on the PCB, I think it would be difficult, if not impossible, to accidentally misconnect the connectors.?
That being said, I’m still very receptive to any suggestions!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
?
First, I'd go through and check the small grey
RF?coaxial connections to ensure they are connected and connected to the
right place. The service manual can help with that.
?
Then I'd check that?the other DC and logic
interconnect lines are roperly routed to the right connectors.
?
Do you have a separate receiver you could use to
see if there is any HF RF being generated..?
?
73...Jordan VE6ZT
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2024 4:06
PM
Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio]
TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF
And replying to my own post, the TS-690S did transmit at full power on the
HF bands before I started taking it apart, so I’m thinking that I either
misconnected something or failed to reconnect something. Given that the
connectors on the boards are for the most part different from each other and
that the wiring harness puts the proper connectors very near their mating
connectors on the PCB, I think it would be difficult, if not impossible, to
accidentally misconnect the connectors.?
That being said, I’m still very receptive to any
suggestions!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
Thanks for all of the helpful replies!
Jordan, I have some RF sniffer probes and a spectrum analyzer, so I will probe around and see what I find.
All of the coax cables and other connectors seem to be plugged into the right spots, but I'll double-check everything again.
Bob, I would appreciate a photo or two of your RF board.
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
?
Stan, the fact that 6m is working eliminates a lot
of possible problems. I'd pull the HF drive cable to the HF amp/filter assembly
and see if you have HF drive on that line when in TX. If you do have drive, the
problem is in the amp/filter sections. The service manual should tell you what
drive level you should find.
?
If you find no drive on that line, then the problem
is upstream somewhere exclusive to the HF sections of your 690...
?
One thing I found with Kenwoods of?the
450/850/790A vintage is that the wiring/solder connections are prone to
intermittents with flexing of the board when pulling the "harmonica" connectors.
I've also noticed that some of the boards are thick with flux that needs to be
removed...
?
73...Jordan VE6ZT
?
?
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2024 4:22
PM
Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio]
TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF
Thanks for all of the helpful replies!
Jordan, I have
some RF sniffer probes and a spectrum analyzer, so I will probe around and see
what I find.
All of the coax cables and other connectors seem to be plugged
into the right spots, but I'll double-check everything again.
Bob, I
would appreciate a photo or two of your RF board.
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
Using my spectrum analyzer, I placed an RF sniffer probe near the output connector of the of the HF amp board. I saw activity at the proper frequency, but at a very reduced level as compared to what I saw when transmitting on the 6 meter band with the probe near the 50 MHz output coax.
I've looked at the HF amplifier schematic in the service manual, and it shows what I assume are DC voltages at various points around the board. Some points show only a single voltage, and other points show a second voltage in parentheses. I assume that the first voltage is measured in the receive mode, and the second voltage (if present) is measured in the transmit mode.
I don't see any references to what HF levels I should see at the various points in the signal chain.
I'm thinking that the low output is due to either a failed transistor (or transistors), a problem with the level of the RF input to the board, or a poor connection at one of the connectors, but without knowing what the expected RF levels at the test points are, I would just be guessing.
Any help on how to proceed from here is appreciated!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
?
Stan,
?
According to Item 2 of the TX Adjustment on pg.
124, you should measure ~10dBm minimum at
CN-9 on the RF board. You should be able to connect
your SA through a DC block?across the output of the cable connected to
CN-9, or connected across the?other end of the CN-9
cable?itself.
?
Personally, I use a section of .141 rigid cable
with?an SMA female connector on one end, then I can connect my RF
millivoltmeter or when necessary, my SA.
?
Page 163 shows RX and TX stage AF and RF levels as
well...
?
73...Jordan VE6ZT
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2024 3:24
PM
Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio]
TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF
Using my spectrum analyzer, I placed an RF sniffer probe near
the output connector of the of the HF amp board. I saw activity at the proper
frequency, but at a very reduced level as compared to what I saw when
transmitting on the 6 meter band with the probe near the 50 MHz output
coax.
I've looked at the HF amplifier schematic in the service manual,
and it shows what I assume are DC voltages at various points around the board.
Some points show only a single voltage, and other points show a second voltage
in parentheses. I assume that the first voltage is measured in the receive
mode, and the second voltage (if present) is measured in the transmit
mode.
I don't see any references to what HF levels I should see at the
various points in the signal chain.
I'm thinking that the low output is
due to either a failed transistor (or transistors), a problem with the level
of the RF input to the board, or a poor connection at one of the connectors,
but without knowing what the expected RF levels at the test points are, I
would just be guessing.
Any help on how to proceed from here is
appreciated!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
Here's a pic. Hope it goes through. Bob W4JFA?
On Fri, Feb 23, 2024, 6:22 PM Stan < swperk@...> wrote: Thanks for all of the helpful replies!
Jordan, I have some RF sniffer probes and a spectrum analyzer, so I will probe around and see what I find.
All of the coax cables and other connectors seem to be plugged into the right spots, but I'll double-check everything again.
Bob, I would appreciate a photo or two of your RF board.
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
Jordan, ? I’m just now getting used to the layout of the service manual, so your pointers have saved me a lot of time and frustration. ? Any idea what the voltages in parentheses represent? I’m sure there’s some sort of explanation somewhere in the manual, but I haven’t found that yet, either! ? I’ll report back what my measurements show. ? 73, Stan N6BYU ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Jordan Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2024 4:13 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF ? According to Item 2 of the TX Adjustment on pg. 124, you should measure ~10dBm minimum at CN-9 on the RF board. You should be able to connect your SA through a DC block?across the output of the cable connected to CN-9, or connected across the?other end of the CN-9 cable?itself. Personally, I use a section of .141 rigid cable with?an SMA female connector on one end, then I can connect my RF millivoltmeter or when necessary, my SA. Page 163 shows RX and TX stage AF and RF levels as well... ----- Original Message ----- Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2024 3:24 PM Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF Using my spectrum analyzer, I placed an RF sniffer probe near the output connector of the of the HF amp board. I saw activity at the proper frequency, but at a very reduced level as compared to what I saw when transmitting on the 6 meter band with the probe near the 50 MHz output coax.
I've looked at the HF amplifier schematic in the service manual, and it shows what I assume are DC voltages at various points around the board. Some points show only a single voltage, and other points show a second voltage in parentheses. I assume that the first voltage is measured in the receive mode, and the second voltage (if present) is measured in the transmit mode.
I don't see any references to what HF levels I should see at the various points in the signal chain.
I'm thinking that the low output is due to either a failed transistor (or transistors), a problem with the level of the RF input to the board, or a poor connection at one of the connectors, but without knowing what the expected RF levels at the test points are, I would just be guessing.
Any help on how to proceed from here is appreciated!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
?
Stan,
?
I'll have to break out my actual service manual
rather than rely on the pdf version. I'm sure there is a legend somewhere but
it's?very time consuming?to find in the pdf.
?
I'm tempted to say those voltages are in Rx and
then Tx but I'm not 100% certain of that...Maybe someone else knows, but in the
meantime I'll pull my SM copy and check when I get a chance...
?
73...Jordan VE6ZT
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2024 9:37
PM
Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio]
TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF
Jordan,
?
I’m just now getting used to the layout of the service
manual, so your pointers have saved me a lot of time and
frustration.
?
Any idea what the voltages in parentheses represent? I’m
sure there’s some sort of explanation somewhere in the manual, but I haven’t
found that yet, either!
?
I’ll report back what my measurements show.
?
73,
Stan N6BYU
?
?
According to Item 2
of the TX Adjustment on pg. 124, you should measure ~10dBm minimum at
CN-9 on the RF board.
You should be able to connect your SA through a DC block?across the
output of the cable connected to CN-9, or connected across the?other end
of the CN-9 cable?itself.
Personally, I use a
section of .141 rigid cable with?an SMA female connector on one end, then
I can connect my RF millivoltmeter or when necessary, my
SA.
Page 163 shows RX and
TX stage AF and RF levels as well...
----- Original
Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February
25, 2024 3:24 PM
Subject: Re:
[Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on
HF
Using my spectrum analyzer, I placed an RF sniffer probe
near the output connector of the of the HF amp board. I saw activity at the
proper frequency, but at a very reduced level as compared to what I saw when
transmitting on the 6 meter band with the probe near the 50 MHz output
coax.
I've looked at the HF amplifier schematic in the service
manual, and it shows what I assume are DC voltages at various points around
the board. Some points show only a single voltage, and other points show a
second voltage in parentheses. I assume that the first voltage is measured
in the receive mode, and the second voltage (if present) is measured in the
transmit mode.
I don't see any references to what HF levels I should
see at the various points in the signal chain.
I'm thinking that the
low output is due to either a failed transistor (or transistors), a problem
with the level of the RF input to the board, or a poor connection at one of
the connectors, but without knowing what the expected RF levels at the test
points are, I would just be guessing.
Any help on how to proceed from
here is appreciated!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
I looked?at the PDF. I cannot find a "legend" that states what the voltages mean. Some voltages are in parenthesis???? It does say "tx" on some of them.Maybe Jordan can tell from his regular service manual. Bob? W4JFA
Stan,
?
I'll have to break out my actual service manual
rather than rely on the pdf version. I'm sure there is a legend somewhere but
it's?very time consuming?to find in the pdf.
?
I'm tempted to say those voltages are in Rx and
then Tx but I'm not 100% certain of that...Maybe someone else knows, but in the
meantime I'll pull my SM copy and check when I get a chance...
?
73...Jordan VE6ZT
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2024 9:37
PM
Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio]
TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF
Jordan,
?
I’m just now getting used to the layout of the service
manual, so your pointers have saved me a lot of time and
frustration.
?
Any idea what the voltages in parentheses represent? I’m
sure there’s some sort of explanation somewhere in the manual, but I haven’t
found that yet, either!
?
I’ll report back what my measurements show.
?
73,
Stan N6BYU
?
?
According to Item 2
of the TX Adjustment on pg. 124, you should measure ~10dBm minimum at
CN-9 on the RF board.
You should be able to connect your SA through a DC block?across the
output of the cable connected to CN-9, or connected across the?other end
of the CN-9 cable?itself.
Personally, I use a
section of .141 rigid cable with?an SMA female connector on one end, then
I can connect my RF millivoltmeter or when necessary, my
SA.
Page 163 shows RX and
TX stage AF and RF levels as well...
----- Original
Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February
25, 2024 3:24 PM
Subject: Re:
[Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on
HF
Using my spectrum analyzer, I placed an RF sniffer probe
near the output connector of the of the HF amp board. I saw activity at the
proper frequency, but at a very reduced level as compared to what I saw when
transmitting on the 6 meter band with the probe near the 50 MHz output
coax.
I've looked at the HF amplifier schematic in the service
manual, and it shows what I assume are DC voltages at various points around
the board. Some points show only a single voltage, and other points show a
second voltage in parentheses. I assume that the first voltage is measured
in the receive mode, and the second voltage (if present) is measured in the
transmit mode.
I don't see any references to what HF levels I should
see at the various points in the signal chain.
I'm thinking that the
low output is due to either a failed transistor (or transistors), a problem
with the level of the RF input to the board, or a poor connection at one of
the connectors, but without knowing what the expected RF levels at the test
points are, I would just be guessing.
Any help on how to proceed from
here is appreciated!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
Bob, ? As an example, page 137 of my PDF copy of the service manual has several test points with two voltages shown. The second voltage is in parentheses. ? 73, Stan N6BYU ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Bob
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 2:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF ? I looked?at the PDF. I cannot find a "legend" that states what the voltages mean. Some voltages are in parenthesis???? It does say "tx" on some of them.Maybe Jordan can tell from his regular service manual. ? I'll have to break out my actual service manual rather than rely on the pdf version. I'm sure there is a legend somewhere but it's?very time consuming?to find in the pdf. I'm tempted to say those voltages are in Rx and then Tx but I'm not 100% certain of that...Maybe someone else knows, but in the meantime I'll pull my SM copy and check when I get a chance... ----- Original Message ----- Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2024 9:37 PM Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF Jordan, ? I’m just now getting used to the layout of the service manual, so your pointers have saved me a lot of time and frustration. ? Any idea what the voltages in parentheses represent? I’m sure there’s some sort of explanation somewhere in the manual, but I haven’t found that yet, either! ? I’ll report back what my measurements show. ? 73, Stan N6BYU ? ? According to Item 2 of the TX Adjustment on pg. 124, you should measure ~10dBm minimum at CN-9 on the RF board. You should be able to connect your SA through a DC block?across the output of the cable connected to CN-9, or connected across the?other end of the CN-9 cable?itself. Personally, I use a section of .141 rigid cable with?an SMA female connector on one end, then I can connect my RF millivoltmeter or when necessary, my SA. Page 163 shows RX and TX stage AF and RF levels as well... ----- Original Message ----- Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2024 3:24 PM Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF Using my spectrum analyzer, I placed an RF sniffer probe near the output connector of the of the HF amp board. I saw activity at the proper frequency, but at a very reduced level as compared to what I saw when transmitting on the 6 meter band with the probe near the 50 MHz output coax.
I've looked at the HF amplifier schematic in the service manual, and it shows what I assume are DC voltages at various points around the board. Some points show only a single voltage, and other points show a second voltage in parentheses. I assume that the first voltage is measured in the receive mode, and the second voltage (if present) is measured in the transmit mode.
I don't see any references to what HF levels I should see at the various points in the signal chain.
I'm thinking that the low output is due to either a failed transistor (or transistors), a problem with the level of the RF input to the board, or a poor connection at one of the connectors, but without knowing what the expected RF levels at the test points are, I would just be guessing.
Any help on how to proceed from here is appreciated!
73,
Stan N6BYU
|
?
Ok...
?
Given the voltages shown, I believe it's safe to
say that those are RX voltages, followed by voltages in TX in parentheses...The
850S manual?uses the same scheme...
?
73...Jordan VE6ZT
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 4:52
PM
Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio]
TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF
Bob,
?
As an example, page 137 of my PDF copy of the service
manual has several test points with two voltages shown. The second voltage is
in parentheses.
?
73,
Stan N6BYU
?
From: [email protected]
<[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Bob
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 2:49
PM
To: [email protected]
Subject:
Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on
HF
?
I looked?at the PDF. I cannot find a "legend" that
states what the voltages mean. Some voltages are in
parenthesis????
It does say "tx" on some of them.Maybe Jordan can tell from
his regular service manual.
?
I'll have to break
out my actual service manual rather than rely on the pdf version. I'm sure
there is a legend somewhere but it's?very time consuming?to find
in the pdf.
I'm tempted to say
those voltages are in Rx and then Tx but I'm not 100% certain of
that...Maybe someone else knows, but in the meantime I'll pull my SM copy
and check when I get a chance...
----- Original
Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February
25, 2024 9:37 PM
Subject: Re:
[Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on
HF
Jordan,
?
I’m just now getting used to the layout of the service
manual, so your pointers have saved me a lot of time and
frustration.
?
Any idea what the voltages in parentheses represent? I’m
sure there’s some sort of explanation somewhere in the manual, but I
haven’t found that yet, either!
?
I’ll report back what my measurements show.
?
73,
Stan
N6BYU
|
I have been following this thread, so I thought I would take a look at the schematic and have come to the conclusion?that Jordan is correct in his observation also.? Good luck.
Ok...
?
Given the voltages shown, I believe it's safe to
say that those are RX voltages, followed by voltages in TX in parentheses...The
850S manual?uses the same scheme...
?
73...Jordan VE6ZT
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 4:52
PM
Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio]
TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on HF
Bob,
?
As an example, page 137 of my PDF copy of the service
manual has several test points with two voltages shown. The second voltage is
in parentheses.
?
73,
Stan N6BYU
?
From: [email protected]
<[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Bob
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 2:49
PM
To: [email protected]
Subject:
Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on
HF
?
I looked?at the PDF. I cannot find a "legend" that
states what the voltages mean. Some voltages are in
parenthesis????
It does say "tx" on some of them.Maybe Jordan can tell from
his regular service manual.
?
I'll have to break
out my actual service manual rather than rely on the pdf version. I'm sure
there is a legend somewhere but it's?very time consuming?to find
in the pdf.
I'm tempted to say
those voltages are in Rx and then Tx but I'm not 100% certain of
that...Maybe someone else knows, but in the meantime I'll pull my SM copy
and check when I get a chance...
----- Original
Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February
25, 2024 9:37 PM
Subject: Re:
[Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] TS-690S transmits on 6m but not on
HF
Jordan,
?
I’m just now getting used to the layout of the service
manual, so your pointers have saved me a lot of time and
frustration.
?
Any idea what the voltages in parentheses represent? I’m
sure there’s some sort of explanation somewhere in the manual, but I
haven’t found that yet, either!
?
I’ll report back what my measurements show.
?
73,
Stan
N6BYU
|
After finding that the output from the RF board to the amplifier board was nowhere close to the proper amplitude, I focused my attention on the RF board. I checked and rechecked the board, but couldn't see anything obviously wrong with the connections or with the board itself. By chance, I found someone selling the same board at a very reasonable price, so I bought it and installed it in my radio. Now everything works as it should.
As an exercise I may look over the old RF board more carefully, but now that the radio is working I'm certainly not going to board swap to troubleshoot the old board. If I find anything of interest on the failed board, I'll be sure to post to the group, but otherwise I consider this a successful conclusion to my repair adventures.
Thanks to everyone for all of their help and encouragement!
Stan N6BYU
|
Bob
Frank Swindler Jr.