[Hammarlund] Unstable Oscillator adjustments in the HQ-180

[K3PID]

Thanks for the input guys! Yes I am using a non-metallic alignment tool so 
that isn't an issue. I am basing my judgment of "touchy" on my observations 
of N7PP and his YouTube video where he adjust the same transformers with a 
much smoother peak. No matter, it seems to be working pretty well so maybe 
one more pass and I'll leave it alone.

Regards and TNX
Ron K3PID



-----Original Message----- 
From: Roy Morgan
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2016 10:47 PM
To: djed1 at aol.com
Cc: Ron.K3PID at sbcglobal.net ; hammarlund at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Hammarlund] Unstable Oscillator adjustments in the HQ-180


On Feb 1, 2016, at 9:35 PM, djed1--- via Hammarlund 
<hammarlund at mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> I suspect what you're seeing is normal.  Remember, when you're tuning an 
> IF of 455 KHz, an adjustment of say 1 KHz is 1/455.  If you're adjusting 
> the oscillator to the same tolerance, the ratio is (at 20 MHz) 1/20,000. 
> So it is a lot harder to adjust the HF oscillator.  I definitely avoid 
> using an output meter to adjust the HF oscillator.  I either use the BFO, 
> aiming for zero beat with the generator, or I couple a frequency counter 
> to the oscillator and set it that way. And any of my Hammarlunds will 
> shift the oscillator frequency a bit when you put a metallic screwdriver 
> on the trimmer.
> Aslong as it is stable when you're done, you probably don't have a 
> problem.

I think Ed is right.

First, When tuning an IF can for peak you are dealing with a low frequency 
tuned circuit, and moving it’s resonant point around a title bit.  When you 
do the alignment on the local oscillator coil, you are dealing with a higher 
frequency oscillator and you are changing it’s frequency.  As it passes the 
point you want, it peaks the output and zips past it quickly so finding the 
peak is difficult.  Ed’s suggestion about the zero beat is good… it will be 
easier to use than a peak in the receiver output.

Second, if you are able to use a NON-metalic tuning device, your life will 
be easier.  As Ed mentions, the metal end of the timing tool changes the 
frequency of at the oscillation.  Well made chop sticks (not the split-apart 
throwaway ones) make fine tuning tools.  Just sharpen with a jack knife, or 
a file.

Roy