[ICOM] IC2KL Bias supply

[W. David Paperman]

John;

The only suggestions I can offer short of a full test (exciter - watt 
meter - dummy load) are the following; far from fool proof!

Appearance is usually a clue as to how well "respected" the equipment in 
  question was in use.

Try to catch a whiff of smoke let out of some component. Serious smoke, 
like a power transformer will linger for many months and is very 
difficult to cover up.

If you can fire it up, preferably with a dummy load look at the bias 
(idle current) indicated on the plate meter. If it is too low or too 
high you may have bad or soft valves.

Pull the cover and take a look at the valves. Look for silvery 
discoloration's on the plates of the valves. This is usually and 
indication that they have been "ridden hard".

If you can put an exciter to the amplifier AND a dummy load I would 
check through the tuning procedure not only for appropriate output but 
also for parasitic oscillations.

I wish I could be a bit more helpful. The FL2100 series were excellent 
work horses.

One other note: some FL2100 had 811 valves and some had 872B. I 
personally would prefer the ruggedness of the 872B as opposed to the 
811. Although some say yes, in the FL2100 series they are NOT directly 
interchangeable.

Good luck.

Dave, W5WP

vk6jb wrote:

> Hello Dave,
> I was reading your message and wanted to ask you a question.
> I was thinking of buying an fl2100z and wanted to know what to look for when
> buying one.
> Is there any tests that I can do with a min of gear that will tell me that I
> should avoid it like the plague.
> Any assistance would be gratefully appreciated.
> 73 & 88's,
> De John
> Amateur Radio Station VK6JB
> E-mail : vk6jb at amnet.net.au
> Phone : Mob   +61 417 973 995
>            : Home +61 8 6364 0259
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "W. David Paperman" <wpaper at ev1.net>
> To: "ICOM Reflector" <icom at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 11:45 AM
> Subject: Re: [ICOM] IC2KL Bias supply
> 
> 
> 
>>Hi, Adam;
>>
>>No, I have no experience with Yaesu equipment other than the FT 101
>>series and the FL amplifiers. The amplifier I was referring to was the
>>SG-500. It is not as forgiving (well protected) as the IC2KL but is
>>quite rugged and, above all, very easy to service.
>>
>>After several unacceptable experiences with both Yaesu and Kenwood I
>>settled in with Icom, in great part due to the superb service support.
>>
>>I limit the time I have available for service work on Icom products
>>(primarily supporting a local dealer and overseas clients),
>>"boatanchors" and rebuilding TelRex rotators (I have small machine
>>shop). After all, I was told when I retired that all I am supposed to do
>>is chase DX, contest, and maintain my "estate", Ant-Hill. Obviously not
>>the case!
>>
>>My IC2KL is also on its' 4th exciter. I started with an IC 720, then IC-
>>740, a 756 and now a 756 Pro II. If the gods smile on me I will
>>eventually go to the Pro III. The 7800 is great but all my gear,
>>excepting the amplifiers and tower rotators, are powered by two large
>>battery banks. Unfortunately, the 7800 is not "battery friendly".
>>
>>Be well;
>>
>>Dave, W5WP
>>
>>Adam Farson wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Hi Dave,
>>>
>>>Is your Brand 'X' a Yaesu Quadra perchance?
>>
>>----
>>Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC, icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
>>Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
>>Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>>
>>
> 
> 
> 
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC, icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
> 
> .
>