[Drake] TR-7 LIVES!!!

[N9EMZ@aol.com]

Hello, My Friends....
       Though it has been some time ago, and I responded promptly to those of 
you who were kind enough to offer your advice and suggestions, I wish to 
express my most sincere appreciation again.  As a refresher, I had newly 
acquired a nice TR-7 (modded to "A"), had botched wiring a 444D for it, 
resulting in shorting something and losing xmit function.  Also, the up/down 
buttons produced some crazy results, and the counter read erratically on 
occasion.
       Yesterday, after having some time ago acquired a replacement transmit 
exciter board, my partner and I managed to summon enough resolve and 
determination to either try to correct the problems, or destroy the 
transceiver completely.  It was either that, or gut the rig and sell it off 
for parts.  Beyond that I can't coherently express my emotions regarding this 
rig.  Keep this in mind.....on the one hand, you have the best solid state 
communications technician I have ever had the privilege and honor of meeting 
(but considers Drakes to be obsolete/junk) and calling my friend; and, on the 
other....me, a totally non-tecchie type who has sent a lot of equipment to 
the bonepile as a result of trying to fix a relatively minor problem.  In 
short, the last two people on earth you would want to see attack a Drake.
       The results:  After four-and-a-half hours of the most frustrating 
experience(s) either of us have ever encountered with a piece of equipment, 
the TR-7 is sitting outside in my truck, and it is taking every bit of will I 
can summon to finish writing this, and catch up on neglected chores, to go 
outside and unload it.  Otherwise, everything else would have to hang.  I'll 
spare you all but what I feel is further pertinent to my purpose.  In the 
course of pulling boards numerous times before discovering there was nothing 
wrong with the exciter board, just about every other function became 
inoperative.  Scariest were when the little coax with the copper hair got 
plugged into the wrong place and we lost the rx; and, upon reseating the DR-7 
board and discovering we had lost the display.  Here's the real deal.....I 
now have a TR-7(A?) that functions flawlessly, looks like new, and survived 
all the efforts of two ham-handed people (pushing and shoving with all four 
hands in the unit at the same time), so frustrated that they no longer cared 
about results.  I feel some shame over the latter ditty; but, proud that we 
afforded a lot of people who witnessed this monkey/football occasion prime 
entertainment that Blockbuster lacks.
       Purpose:  Though I do appreciate all the cautions about careful 
handling of the DR-7 board, and the catastrophe that can result otherwise; 
that board received maximum abuse and still functions flawlessly.  Every 
area/component of that board received the human touch repeatedly.  So, for 
any of you who are skeptical in regard to the "fragile nature" of any 
component in a TR-7, and have been dissuaded from purchasing one when a 
giveaway deal arises, save this message.  Besides, how can "fragile" and 
Drake be associated from any past experience.  Though I do not recommend that 
any non-tecchie type choose any course other than expert service for any 
major difficulty with any rig.....if you experience any erratic/intermittent 
functions concerning the display and/or controls, do not be afraid to pull 
the covers and "see whatcha paid for."  Amazing, the results achieved from 
merely pulling and reseating the boards......dental picks make great board 
pullers.  Don't do as I did and first write off your investment as a sour 
deal, and resolve yourself to throwing the rig in the shed.
       Gentlemen and Ladies, I have taken up enough of your time with another 
of my adventures.  By the way, to those of you who are knowledgeable of the 
aforementioned, and cackled while offering humiliatingly low-ball offers for 
my rig.  I appreciate them, but the rig is not for sale at this time.  To 
everyone, I thank you for allowing me to take such liberty, and always know 
that I am grateful for the time and valuable information you have provided 
through this reflector.  Best of everything to you all and yours, and have a 
great week.....I guarantee you that I will.

Sincerely,

Sam, N9EMZ
DRAKE FIRST!  AND BY CHOICE.