[ETO_Alpha] Re: 76PA - Follow-up on problems found

[Tom Hammond]

Craig (Info - Glenn, Alpha Power):

This is a follow-up on the two problems I previously noted upon 
attempting to remove the cover from your 76PA amp.

I wrote:

   1) As viewed from the rear of the amp, the top right cover
      screw was missing. I assume the amp may have been missing
      a screw when it was received at Alpha Power, so they
      reassembled it with only the number of screws with which
      it was received. Just a note.

      It turned out that the press-in nut at this location was
      missing. Thus no screw could have been installed.

      I will replace this nut so a screw can be installed by
      you at a later date.


   2) As viewed from the LEFT SIDE of the amp, the bottom rear
      LEFT SIDE cover screw appears to have been reinstalled in
      a manner which caused it to be crossthreaded. This HAD to
      require some effort to reinstall the screw into the chassis.

      As a result, I am experiencing no small amount of difficulty
      removing the screw without risking damage to the screw
      itself (e.g. shearing if off inside the chassis). I am going
      to apply a small amount of penetrating lubricant in the hope
      of easing extrication of the screw, but I wanted you to be
      aware of the potential for possible damage. The screw is VERY
      DIFFICULT to turn in either direction.

      Upon application of a small amount of penetrating lubricant
      I was able to work the screw back and forth several times and
      to remove it from the chassis. Upon inspection, it was noted
      that the screw was not only bent, the threads were pretty
      badly damaged as well. I think this accounted for the difficult
      removal. I will attempt to re-thread the press-in nut (if it
      requires this) and to confirm that a clean screw can be
      installed without difficulty. If not, I will consider replacing
      the push-in nut, but this will be a last-option effort. It will
      be much better if the existing nut can be saved.

   There is NO indication whatsoever of any damage to the case or amp
   resulting from shipping!

   Upon further inspection, I found that the lead from the DC blocking
   cap (C17) had broken mid-lead. It appears that, for some reason I
   am not aware of, this lead has been cut previously and re-joined
   via a soldered connection. The break this time was just below the
   point where the two wires had been previously re-connected, so it
   was not the joint that failed. I have replaced the broken wire with
   a slightly longer one and reconnected C17 to the RFC at the finals.
   This failure may have been just the result of component 'jitter'
   during shipping. I also noted that all three finals were slightly
   out of being fully seated in their sockets.

Thanks,

Tom Hammond    N0SS