[Kenwood] TS-830S troubles...

[Dave Reed]

Hello CEMilton!

>>First, have you checked the AGC switch?  In the "OFF" position you  will
get 
>>"0" S-Meter readings.

AGC has remained in the 'Slow' position throughout...
 
>>Next, were you able to verify the antenna and feedline are intact (you did

>>say a storm was present) and that there is still a usable signal there?

I don't believe the antenna was hit.  It is a simple center-fed dipole (no
balun, 
only center connector) and signals are still present at the shack end of the
coax.
At least that’s what my NC-300 tells me.  Things look normal on that
receiver.
 
>>A signal generator connected to the antenna input would also give you a  
>>known level for Receive functions and might lead you to find the problem
quickly.

Ahhh...to own some quality test and repair equipment.  That would be nice.
:-)
 
>>My 830S gets a regular "screw tightening" ever so often.  Every screw  
>>associated with a PC board is backed off 1/4 turn then snugged down again.

>>Re-establishes ground points nicely!

A good practice that I may employee.  I've only had the '830' for a month.
I've 
been AWOL for about 22 years and this is a 'get me back into ham radio
quick' purchase.
Not a throw away, mind you, because I went looking for an '830'.  I may even
get 
another one, but eventually I will own something more current...and digital.

Something I can do auto logging with.  When I last operated, they didn't
have computers!
(Actually, I stayed active with 2 meters only, but sold all my HF gear.)

>>Have you checked the antenna relay?  I would clean any relay with a piece
of 
>>brown paper (sack) and some DeOxit............don't burnish or file them. 

ARGH!!!  Now you tell me.  I don't have any of the things most hams have
lying around 
the shack, except screw drivers and hammers.  But, I did have a well used
burnishing tool.
So, I cleaned that and made about 4 or 5 passes on each set of points.  I
didn't change 
the shape of the contact points, but I did burnish them.
 
>>I'm guessing you've done all the above but thought you might like a second

>>reminder.  Beyond these items, voltage and signal checks are in order. 

Without any of the proper equipment here in my shack, I have allowed a
qualified local 
Ham to go through my '830'.  He was unsure at first if he would have the
time to do so,
but shortly after I put out my plea for help, he called and said he could do
it.  So, it
is now on his bench.  I'll let everyone know what the diagnosis and fix
turns out to be.
 
73, Dave