[ICOM] Icom PW1 SWR Metering Failure

[Mike Mellinger WA0SXV]

You might do some brainstorming about how the resistor got damaged.  The
scenario I was worried about was use of the exciter's tuner instead of the
amp's tuner and running significant power while matching a high impedance
load.  Always use the tuner in the amp if a tuner is needed -- even if
you're not using the amp itself.

As for paralleling two 10k units -- not a bad idea but I think that if you
keep the risk factors down you shouldn't have a repeat.

Mike


-----Original Message-----
From: icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On
Behalf Of Bruce J. Howes
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 20:31
To: 'ICOM Reflector'
Subject: RE: [ICOM] Icom PW1 SWR Metering Failure

Well I had a few minutes this evening and removed the cover of the Icom PW1.

Just as Mike had surmised, the R7 resistor on the splitter unit was damaged.
Mine was not split like some of the others, but it clearly had suffered from
heat and had become discolored.
I could not longer read the value on the unit and the top had a "blistered"
appearance.

So, looks like a call to Icom parts in the cards tomorrow.

Since this is a 4.7K ohm unit, wonder if I would be better off paralleling
two of 10K units for a increase in current handling capacity? 
I did not see a tolerance spec, not sure if the additional 300 ohms will
make a difference?

Tnx again to those who responded on the board, saved the new PW1 a trip back
to the west coast.

73 Bruce W1UJR