[Heathkit] 80M Crystal for DX-100

[Larry Knapp]

Rick, for some reason a direct email to you does not work; keeps bouncing back....so I am resorting to the reflector.......
 
 

From: Rick Poole <wa1rkt at arrl.net>
To: heathkit at mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Friday, December 9, 2011 5:08 PM
Subject: [Heathkit] 80M Crystal for DX-100


Do I really need a crystal to troubleshoot this DX-100?

The manual says to start off with a crystal in the socket before 
bringing the VFO online.  I assume that's so you can verify the 
crystal oscillator / buffer before adding the VFO to the mix.

I have every indication that the VFO works OK except that I still 
can't get much grid current and can not get any grid current or 
Driver meter indication at all, without the PA plate HV applied.

Basically the instructions say to put a crystal in the socket and 
select the CRYSTAL switch position, then advance the Drive control 
while adjusting the DRIVER control for a peak reading (all this with 
Plate off). This is where it says to look for no more than 6 ma grid 
current, and set it for nominally 5 ma.  I can't get any, or just a 
very tiny amount.

Then you bring the VFO online and continue from there.

I'm taking the troubleshooting procedure one step at a time but just 
want to make sure this "crystal" step isn't something vital for some 
reason not clear to me.

If it is a vital step that I shouldn't bypass, even if I think the 
VFO is working OK, anybody have a spare 80-meter crystal or two 
that's surplus to your needs?

Rick WA1RKT


Keep the plate caps on the 6146's as you have them.....excellent heat disapaters......You are making great progress.  Thanks for sharing your results and successes.


As a DX-100B satisfied customer......see my picture on eHam.net or qrz.....yes, it does help to have a crystal to begin the tests.  As you said, it takes the vfo & osc/buffer out
of 'possible issues'.  I'm sure you can 'not' do it and achieve satisfactory results....but as Heath manuals remind us (yes, I worked at Heath for 17+ years), take it slow and
do it as the manual says.  You'll get there.....and learn a lot about this transmitter in the process.  I know I did and have loved mine for the past 11 years.
 
Hope to have an AM qso with you when you get it finished.  73, Larry KC8JX