[Collins] 32V2 relay issues

[Al Parker]

Hi Meir,
    Maybe it's a long shot, but try reversing the connections to the coil. 
Maybe the armature has become magnetised & is "back biasing" the field.
    Hope it's something simple like that.
73,
Al, W8UT
New Bern, NC
www.boatanchors.org
www.hammarlund.info

"there is nothing -absolutely nothing- half as much worth doing as simply 
messing about in boats."
   Ratty, to Mole


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <wf2u at ws19ops.com>
To: <collins at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2009 12:39 PM
Subject: [Collins] 32V2 relay issues


> Folks,
>
> I have a weird problem with my "newly reactivated" 32V2 transmitter.
> I acquired the 32V2 about 10 years ago, and only last week I took it
> down from the "projects" shelf, to clean it and bring it back to
> operational status.
> After cleaning the layers of dust off the chassis, tubes, etc., and
> applying contact cleaner on the bandswitch and other switches, I did
> the almost obligatory conversion to solid-state rectifiers while
> disconnecting the HV paths from the transformer filament windings. All
> voltages are normal, the transmitter works perfectly - except... The
> relay is not pulling in all the way, no matter how I adjust it. A
> little motion is evident, but it doesn't pull in all the way. The
> voltage on it is within the ballpark (around 50 V, the coil is a 48
> VDC coil according to the specs, and measures 2 Kohm)the coil is not
> hot. If I bring the armature too close to the coil core, the NC
> contacts open, so this is not an option. If I hold the armature
> closed, the transmitter works fine as the HV kicks in. Sometimes, but
> rarely, the relay stays closed after the manual help. There is no
> mechanical binding (although the contacts springiness feels stiff, but
> I can't compare it with a working unit), I even put a dab of lubricant
> on the hinge/shaft of the armature.
> The problem somewhat stumps me, because nothing seems to be wrong...
> I used the transmitter on the air last weekend, with great reports,
> but it's a two-hand operation, having to use the push-to-talk switch
> and with the other hand push the relay with a long insulated
> screwdriver.
> Anyone had similar experience? Possible cure short of trying to find a
> new relay?
>
> Thanks in advance for any ideas.
>
> 73, Meir WF2U
> Landrum, SC
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