[Hallicrafters] tools for the newbie

[psturdivant n1ps]

I'll try to help you.  I'll answer your questions by the number:
1.  I'm not a varactor fan, thought they can be handy at times.  There is no
need to absolutely have one.  People go crazy over these things.  Start with
an ohmmeter, then run power to the set without the full set of tubes (less
audio for example).  Watch your B+ on a good digital Volt meter.  Also, get
an analog meter like a VTVM and or a Simpson 260 (I use both).  Talking
variacs is like talking about religion...and antennas.  many opinions....

.2. There are many freq generators about.  Many can be had for not much
money.  I use a Cushman service monitor that generates and receives 100K to
a gig.  One caveat in regard to a gen, make sure you can calibrate it's
frequency (to WWV perhaps).  I've yet to see a boatanchor osc set even
close.  I like to tune my rigs in the ham bands, i.e., when the bandspread
is set to 3880 KHz. it IS 3880.

3. caps...the brown colored tubular wax caps generally need to go (they turn
into resistors over time).  Same as the "black beauty" molded caps.  These
both  are usually bypass caps.  I recommend replacing with metalized
polyester or metalized film types (availabe from Antique Electronic Supply
and elsewhere).  AND...the price is about the same for 200 VDC ratings or of
630 VDC rating.  Go with the 630 cap even when replacing a 200 VDC cap!  One
caveat in regard to bypass caps exposed to 117VAC.  Use AC rated caps.  I
use Orange Drop type 715 or 716 in these cases and use as high a value as I
can fit in the radio.  On the mica caps in sensitive RF areas...normally
they don't need to be replaced...but a weak IF stage can point to a possible
issue there.  Do check all the screen, plate and cathode resistors in all
the IF stages.  They are usually carbon and they go up in value over time.
Replace anything over 10% out of tolerance.
4.  Heat is a byproduct of boatanchors!  The rectifiers and audio tubes tend
to run the hottest.  This is why we like tubes in the winter...keeps us
warm!

Hope this helps.
Peter
n1ps
Standish, ME
My boatanchor radios on-line:
SX-28 receiver
SX-100 Receiver backup
Johnson Valiant xmitter
HT-32 backup xmitter
Johnson matchmox tuner
RCA M series sound mic


----- Original Message -----
From: <tlogan7 at cox.net>
To: <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
Cc: <n7rk at cox.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 12:13 PM
Subject: [Hallicrafters] tools for the newbie


> Hi folks -
> If I decide to "tweak" my new S-53A myself, rather than have a more
knowledgable person do it, I will need some pointers:
> 1) - Where do you suggest I buy a "varacter" and about how much should
they cost? Any special characteristics I should look for?
> 2) - To align the S-53A I would need a freq. generator. What would you
suggest for the simplest, low level, anybody can use it, freq generator? Low
price is good too! Any special features, ranges etc I should look for?
> 3) - What is the normal Locating and Replacing Bad Caps 101 procedure?
> 4) - The top to my S-53A gets pretty warm - almost hot to the touch - more
so on the right side I think - is this normal?
> Thanks for any tips folks!
> 73/Tim NZ7C
>
> _______________________________________________
> List Administrator: Duane Fischer, W8DBF **for assistance**
> dfischer at usol.com
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