[Elecraft] TX GAIN CAL Problem Fixed...(maybe)?.....

[W5RDW]

After noticing my Acom 1500 not producing full output on some bands (Acom
tested good), I went off and started what I thought to be a short TX Gain
Cal (which I had never done) to the factory assembled rig. This rig has
functioned perfectly since I received it from the factory on 4/19/2011.

I am not going into the myriads of runs on the cal procedure in the latest
utility (1.15.12.7) and firmware, as I was very frustrated. I was successful
in the 5W cal up to the 60M band where I hit a dead end. I looked thru the
dozens of posts and tried all that had something to do with tweaking the
computer inputs. No luck. Then, I noticed a few type of mechanical type
problems, most I would not try in opening up the rig. I'm too old for that
and my ham radio tweaking inside a radio are long behind me (8 years retired
and full time caregiver for my wife).

While running a sweep of another TX Gain Cal, when the run was inside the
60M band trying to find 5W (it was good at finding 3.4W or so), I lifted the
rig at the front and let it drop an inch, out of frustration than anything
else! *Lo and behold*, the run slowed, showed 5W and proceeded on to a
successful 5W cal. I nervously selected the 50W process and yes, you know
the answer, it worked like a champ.

Going to bed now (almost 10PM now). I guess there is a loose pwb, component
or cable inside? Maybe someone can give a guess at what might be wrong. If
it is easy to get at, I could go in and start to tighten screws first,
re-seat cables, etc.? 

BTW, the rig has never been dropped, etc. always sitting there waiting for
the next DX station! 

Roger W5RDW




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Roger W5RDW
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