[Collins] Sometimes it really is simple.

[HENRY LEWIS]

I enjoyed that adventure!

Henry - G3GIQ


Subject: [Collins] Sometimes it really is simple.


> This is the umpteenth installment in the ongoing "Craig Learns His 
> Lesson So You Won't Have To" series.
> 
> So, while working a CW contact on my newly rebuilt R-388 (with slick 
> product detector mod), I note that my correspondent's signal is terribly 
> unstable.  His newish Ten Tec is sounding like an ancient Hartley 
> oscillator.  I'm about to point this out in brotherly fashion when I 
> notice that surrounding signals are also warbling, swooping and 
> exhibiting other unwelcome if vaguely musical qualities.  I apply within 
> and summon my years of experience and expertise to the fore.  I conclude 
> that a) a solar storm or space alien invasion of massive and frightening 
> magnitude is destroying our fragile ionosphere, or b)  my receiver's 
> screwed up.
> 
> While hoping for option a), I commence troubleshooting on the off-chance 
> that the problem is actually choice b).
> 
> I zero beat my calibrator, activate the CW switch and flick, thump, tap 
> and otherwise molest various thingies on and around the BFO can.  Every 
> disturbance, of course, causes the same instability, so I learn nothing. 
> All mechancal connections seem secure so I envision a long evening of 
> under-chassis disassembly and solder splashing labors. Just as I'm about 
> to begin the tedious process of disemboweling the radio, however, I 
> decide to take one last short and painless troubleshooting step. I 
> replace the rather-too-merrily glowing V114 with a new tube. 
> 
> By golly, it worked!
> 
> In this age of ancient, crumbling boatanchor components that require 
> wholesale replacement, it's hard to remember the advice given in the 
> service manuals that came with these radios, "Most problems can be 
> traced to a bad tube."  Snmetimes, at least, that simple counsel is 
> still the best.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Craig
> W3CRR
> 
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