[Collins] 32V2 relay issues

Dr. Gerald N. Johnson geraldj at storm.weather.net
Tue Jun 9 14:40:38 EDT 2009


On Tue, 2009-06-09 at 11:39 -0500, wf2u at ws19ops.com wrote:
> 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

Try a tiny smear of Vaseline or white grease where the armature pusher
strikes the contact stack and where each insulation spacer slips. These
have to slide a tiny bit and if they are not moving that can make the
relay not move well, there isn't a whole lot of power in the telephone
style relay which makes it not clatter, but it can be hung up by a bit
of friction. Sewing machine oil should be good for the pivots, better
than wd-40.

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



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