[Heathkit] DX-60A Chirp

[Ron Youvan]

   Mr  Bwana WB2VUF Bob wrote:

   <<
So, I wanted to get into the Novice Rig Roundup but didn't have time
until the very last day. I planned to be a Novice purist and run my
DX-60A with crystal control.  I made one 40 meter contact with a very
local (> 1/4 mile) friend and discovered that the DX-60A has a really
bad chirp.  I have my HQ-100A receiver set up so that it doesn't
completely mute, so I can monitor my keying.

Granted, my crystals are over 50 years old, but I never had a chirp
problem with the DX-60A before, though I haven't run it
crystal-controlled in decades. I swapped out V1, the 6Cl6 oscillator
tube with little effect.  Resistor values test OK, though, R5, the 1000
Ohm plate resistor is discolored from heating.

I have come up with three possible explanations:

  1. The vintage FT-243 crystals are bad
  2. A power supply filter cap is bad, resulting in poor voltage
     regulation. Time for a recap kit from Hayseed Hamfest?  I'll check
     the voltage regulation this weekend.
  3. The TX should be modified to provide regulated voltage.


Does anyone have experience with this problem or suggestions?

Thanks and 73,

Bob WB2VUF
   >>

   I vote for bad caps.  (classic cause)

-- 
   Ron  KA4INM - Youvan's corollary:
                 Every action results in unwanted side effects.