[Collins] 32V2 relay issues

[Carl]

What Al mentions happens quite often and sometimes it can be cured. If not 
there are 2 choices. Treat it as an AC relay and find a voltage it is happy 
with. Or if the DC comes from a rectifer try boosting the voltage thru a SS 
diode and big cap or a doubler reduced to where it works.

Noy knowing the internals of the rig I dont know if those are options.

Ive had several 24VDC relays fail the same way that were used on the tower 
to select combinations of the stacked yagis. They were also unused for 
several years on the shelf when I reconfigured the antennas. I suspect the 
RF had something to do with it or maybe close lightning strikes. They work 
fine now on AC.

Carl
KM1H


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Al Parker" <anchor at ec.rr.com>
To: <wf2u at ws19ops.com>; <collins at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2009 1:07 PM
Subject: Re: [Collins] 32V2 relay issues


> 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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