[Hammarlund] HX-50 problem cropping up

[Robert Sauvan]

Hi all,
As you may remember, I just replaced my electrolytics and the power 
transformer in an attempt to resolve the chirping issue in my HX-50. 
This was back in June and the radio has been working fine ever since 
until just the other day. I now have a new problem. When I turn on the 
radio now, I leave it it "standby" until I am ready to transmit. But, 
now when I put it in "Mox" or "Vox" it goes into transmit and shows 
power output on my power meter. The key seems to be ineffective. I do 
not use a microphone. I have it on the workbench and noticed a couple of 
times some sparking at the relays K101/102. I cleaned the relays well 
again but no change. I also notice that the contacts on the relay are 
floating. No change when I put it in mox or vox. I am assuming, but 
shouldnt the relays be closed at some point? Either sitting at idle and 
then when it is either keyed or put in vox, they should click into 
another position? Any ideas where I might start looking? Im wondering if 
the relays are bad. I have tapped them a couple of times thinking they 
may be hanging up but that doesnt seem to have any effect. Any 
suggestions would be great.

Thanks-Bob-W0YBS