[Collins] 516F2 Question

[Gary H. Harmon, Jr.]

Question from a friend:

 

HV seems to sag excessively for a second or two under load. and won't come
completely back up.

 

Symptom is a weak rectifier (which it is).  But a good rectifier causes fuse
to blow every time you start up PS.  I suspect that the weak rectifier
provides enough resistance under load so the PS doesn't arc over, but the
low resistance of a good rectifier is causing an internal secondary or
perhaps primary arc. I think I hear the arc when I put in a good rectifier
and try to start the PS, but it may be just the fuse.  

 

Have tried three known good rectifiers all with same results.

 

Have only seen this kind of behavior only once before. Circuit all tests
good under no load, but breaks down on startup or a load.

 

I put new caps in but that didn't solve the problem either.

 

I took the 32S-1 transmitter over to Skip's house (W5BMK) and we got great
results with his 516F-2 PS so am 99.9% certain something in either the
secondary (or possibly primary) of the transformer or one of the filter
chokes is breaking down.

 

Any ideas?

 

Gary H. Harmon, Jr. - K5JWK

6003 Archwood

San Antonio, TX 78239-1504

210.657.1549h / 210.884.6926c

 

"Retirement means every day is a Saturday, except Sunday".