[Collins] Restoring a Collins 32V-3

[Gerald]

On Thu, 2005-12-15 at 15:48 -0700, T. Brad Smith wrote:
> Greetings,

> I'm on the look out for the BEST information possible on the Restoration of
> a Collins 32V-3 That I just purchased.

> Have not taken delivery of as of yet so I don't know what I will be faced
> with, BUT in the end I want to have a First Class Collins AM rig back on the
> air ....

> Many Thanks,

> 73, and   M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S    to you all .....  

> de KA5CDJ

Very likely, every paper capacitor (whether waxed or molded) will have a
lot of leakage current. They will need to be replaced. Every
electrolytic capacitor will be even worse and will need to be replaced. 

Resistors of that age will have drifted so each should be checked
(taking into account circuit connections that modify the resistance
reading) that its within the original tolerance. Age, humidity, and heat
makes carbon composition resistors rise in value.

Depending on storage conditions, transformers can have excessive leakage
from moisture absorbed in the paper insulators. They can be dried gently
in ovens or by running current at low voltage through the windings. If
wet insulation breaks down from applied voltage, it has to be replaced.
Drying won't remove the carbon tracks from that arcing.

Then there will be raspy potentiometers and variable capacitor wipers.
Cramolin makes products that help them. Some will be too bad to be
helped and will have to be replaced.
 
And the most fragile components, the tubes. Some will be weak, some
worse.

-- 

73, Jerry, K0CQ, Technical Advisor to the CRA
All content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer
 
>