[Hammarlund] first SP-600 JX-26

[Barry H]

Hi Bob

Nice looking SP-600.

I suggest leaving the letting in black -- better contrast.  I've always wanted to try filling in black or red, but haven't gotten around to it.  If the stampings are mostly filled in, it would be messy trying to fill over the black -- you'd have to totally removed the black paint and that would probably mess up the panel so you'd be into a full panel refinishing job.

It is not necessarily a good idea to re-tube a whole rig.  Many well seasoned tubes may work well for a long time to come.  That's where a tube tester comes in handy.  Without one of those, you can try subbing the likely suspects.  You'll also want to look under the chassis cover to check on the state of affairs.  If I'm not mistaken, JX-26's generally have all ceramic disk caps, and no (or few) "black beauties".  There are also caps inside the IF cans and as part of the coil modules on the bandswitching turret.  There are also a number of them under the RF strip (with the 4 tubes)  That's not easy to get at.

Of course, the electrolytics should be checked.

There is a possibility that your JX-26 may just need a tube or two.

Very simple thing -- removed and reseat each of the tubes, cleaning the pins with DeOxit.  Also check for microphonics -- gently tap on tubes or near the tube sockets with a nonmetallic stick and see if you can replicate/force that AGC situation.  

hope this helps
Barry







-- "Bob Young" <youngbob53 at msn.com> wrote:
I got my first SP-600 today which incidentally was on ebay a few weeks ago, 
here are the problem(s):
The AVC does not work, when the switch is up in the AVC position, it gets 
very loud for a second or two, then gets very distorted and blanks out all 
the sound for a few seconds, even with the switch in AVC off then it comes 
back. It receives on all bands but is VERY insensitive and noisy on all 
bands except for the bottom two bands and even there I'm sure it should be 
more sensitive. The dial calibration is excellent, everything is where it 
should be pretty much, WWV is at 2.5, BCB's are very close within a few kHz. 
Most of the tubes tested good although several tested marginal and one 
(6AC7) tested dead. I can see why people fall in love with these radios, 
solid, solid, solid.
The lettering is black instead of white which must be a repaint, the front 
panel paint is nice, is there an easy way to repaint the lettering white? 
Maybe get some white enamel and wipe it into and across the engraved letters 
with a rag? I have seen and downloaded the cap article there and expect to 
do that and completely re tube it. Any help of hints advice will be 
appreciated,

here are some pictures of it which the former owner took:

http://home.inreach.com/papillon/eBayPics/Hammerlund/

Bob Young
Millbury, Ma 
_______________________________________________
List Administrator: Duane Fischer W8DBF
** For Assistance: dfischer at usol.com **
----
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hammarlund