[Central-Electronics] CE-200V progress/problems - Status update 02/09/11

[Paul]

This is a continuation of a project started over a year ago.
 
Project completed! (More or less, could still use some exterior cleaning/polish)
 
Finally got the CE-200V back on the bench last week and started where I left off last May, which was AM/CW working, but always got LSB regardless of position of LSB/USB function switch.
 
Got inside and started scoping points and found some really odd wave forms when comparing the outputs of the RF phase shift transformers. I lifted the connections at the junctions of  C107/C108 and C109/C110 and the waveforms looked much better. I replaced all 4 caps (.005 ceramics) and reconnected the RF Phase Shift transformer outputs. Waveforms looked much better. I didn't test the old caps but figure there was some significant leakage in one or more of them. Went back to try the RF Phase shift alignment and things went much better. Went so well that after performing this and checking that everything else was still working like when I left off (AM and CW), I buttoned it up in the case and installed it on my rack in place of an HT-37. Checked it out into a real antenna and everything looked fine on the scopes (CE's internal scope and an external Kenwood SM-220) . Tried 80 first, a couple quick CQ's but no responses. Then went down to the Geratol Net
 on 3.668 and got checked right in. Ended up staying around for a couple hours and worked a bunch of stations and states with good reports. Switched to 160 (had previously installed Nick's 160 conversion) and worked a couple stations there too. This morning got back on 80 and worked a few locals for more critical audio reports, all seems fine, then went on up to 40 and had no problems working stations there either. Finally went on to 20 to try USB. First call snagged a PA9, then a YU1 and a few other DX. Some QSB on a few stations, but no reports of problems with the audio. Signal reports reasonable considering most of them were running amps and I was running the CE with no amp. But sure wish I had a 600L now!
 
Only thing left is to try AM, I have no fears about CW not working! I'll give AM a try tonight.
 
So, after nearly 1-1/2 years of which almost 1 year was lost due to me not working on it, the CE-200V now seems to be up and running fine.
 
My thanks to all who have offered suggestions and encouragement during this partial restoration. The no-tune feature is just fantastic for the era of this rig!
 
73, Paul (Ray) W2EC