[Heathkit] Me and My SB 230 are needing HELP

[Glen Zook]

Several things:

First of all, your 8873 tube may being going "south".  If so, then be prepared for some REAL SERIOUS cost for a new one.

Then the contacts on the meter switch (which also switches from the exciter only operation to using the linear) may need cleaning or even replacement.  According to the schematic this would be the front (towards the panel) wafer.

Next, the bias rectifier may have gone bad, C-18 may have gone bad, and R22 may have gone low in value.

Then, the contacts on the phono jack into which the control line from the exciter may have become loose.

Of course the control from your exciter may have developed problems as well as the cable between the exciter and the linear.

Glen, K9STH

Website:  http://k9sth.com


--- On Sat, 9/27/08, Bill/K4FLH <k4flh at hamsandmotorcycles.com> wrote:

From: Bill/K4FLH <k4flh at hamsandmotorcycles.com>

I need HELP! My SB 230 is driving me crazy! The relay chatters when keyed and I can't figure out why.
 
I've replaced the .01 mf cap (C17),  the diode across the relay coil (D 17), checked the 10 watt resistor across the coil (R23) also.I made sure the grid ring isn't shorted. 
 
I had replaced the thru caps C23 & C31 because one snapped awhile back .The amp worked fine after I did this. I shut it off, came back next day turned it back on and when I keyed it there was a snap and then the relay started this chattering. I can't see any arching and no components where blown.