[Hammarlund] SP-600 RF illness

[Craig Roberts]

Hmmmm.  Something's amiss in my SP-600 RF amp section. The radio's 
sensitivity has suddenly dropped to near zero.  The only audible signals 
are from nearby AM broadcast stations. I've built "foxhole radios" with 
a Gillette Blue Blade and a chunk of pencil lead that have worked about 
as well.

All my Hammarlund's Black Beauties have been replaced. All tubes are new 
and check out okay.  Pulling RF amp tube V1, an action that used to 
decrease sensitivity, now increases it very slightly. I suspect a 
resistor may have opened up under this tube. My question is, must I now 
pull the RF deck out completely to service this area or is there a 
simpler way to access the tubes' sockets?  I know I should probably buy 
Chuck Rippel's SP-600 video from Floyd Soo, but launching a new antenna 
business has tied up all but $3.74 of my ready cash right now.

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

73,

Craig Roberts
W3CRR