[Kenwood] Repair Service Recommendation

[Al N6TA]

A recent need for major service on my TS940 led me to an individual that I
wish to recommend for those that require expert service for their rig.  My
radio had been suffering with the dreaded 'all dots display' indicating that
one or more of the phase locked loops had lost lock.  I had done initial
work on solder joints and potting of a VCO with minor improvement.  I also
sent the rig out to another repair service and it came back with the same
problem, probably due to the intermittent nature of the problem.

Another reflector member recommended I contact John, KI4NR, as he had had a
good experience.  I talked with this other customer and decided that John
should have a crack at my rig.  I shipped it out via air.  John had the rig
for a week before he could get a start on it but then went all out to make
it like new.  Boards came out, solder was re-done where needed, connectors
cleaned with DeOxit, alignment performed as well as other enhancements that
are nice to have.  A list of work is at the end of this msg.
John kept me in the loop at all times with status on what he found and
recommended.  He operated the rig under many conditions at different times
to ensure that the root causes were addressed and that it was a long term
fix.  The price was more than fair and parts costs were what they should be,
not what you would pay from the big KW suppliers.  It was a model experience
for a service job without qualification.  It could have ended there but it
just got better...

John noted that my main tuning knob was cosmetically damaged when received.
Considering the excellent condition of the rig with this exception, John
actually exchanged my 'rough' know with one of his own that looked better!
He couldn't let a good rig go back without looking better than he got it!
Additionally, he changed another know with a cracked skirt that I had never
really noticed.  And finally, when the rig arrived back in California with
some damage to the rear PA cover, John sent me his cover to trade for my
bent cover!  Though I would not expect that John can do this for everyone's
rig, it is a clear indicator of his dedication to getting a job done
properly and professionally.  My recommendation for John as a serviceperson
for Kenwood is without hesitation or qualifications.

John is on QRZ.com as follows:

John Bolduc, KI4NR
349 Orange Ave
Orange City FL 32763

hydroaction@cfl.rr.com

Call me if you want more details.  408-314-8301

Al, N6TA

PS: Did I forget to mention that I flew from SF to Orlando to pick up the
rig?  I fly for free thanks to my XYL).  John drove 30+ miles and 2 hours of
rush hour traffic to deliver the rig to me at the airport and help me get
the rig through the security stuff.  A 45 minute eyeball he had to drive
back home.  First class, all the way.  (His service, not my airplane seat!)

Work performed on Kenwood TS940SAT .. Serial number 7110053

PLL Board Resoldering
Kenwood PLL update for increase VCO output for positive lock
Power supply + 5 volt to PLL board rerouted
All connectors treated with Deoxit
All PLL voltages set to spec

Carrier board removed and resolder all suspect connections
All connectors treated with Deoxit
Oscillator adjusted to 9.285.00

IF board removed and resoldered
Update for improve Transmit & Receiver audio (Cap change's)
Dexoit all connections

Control board removed resoldered
Audio modification continued
Connectors Deoxit

RF board removed and resoldered
Deoxit connections including attenuator relays
Resolder Q7& Q8 FET run hot in normal operation

AVR board removed
All overheated soldering reflowed ( typical of this board )
Connectors Deoxit

All critical control voltage's set to spec ( ALC,AGC,RB, SWR, Final 28.5V )
RV/TV checked
Full RF alignment done including S meter
Metering alignment done
Frequency adjusted to WWV
Final & Driver Bias set to updated Kenwood specs (lower IMD)
Carrier point adjusted to 250hz to 2.6khz ..Both Sidebands symmetrical as
possible
Fans Lubricated
VFO & Pitch control knobs swapped
Notch checked
VFO friction adjustment fixed and lube
Numerous resoldering done to extra boards
Antenna tuner check out and operating correctly
Unit cleaned on inside and outside