[Kenwood] TS-950SDX audio problem

[Steve London]

Larry Clark wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I have a TS-950SDX with the serial beginning 501...  It has developed the
> raspy audio problem on receive on both the main and sub-receivers.  This
> typically occurs after the rig has been on for several hours and is well
> warmed up.

Do you have raspy audio on transmit too ? If so, that would indict CP1-CP4. At 
least it did on mine.

>  Some web searching seems to indicate that this is due to cold
> solder joints on the PLL board in the vicinity of the ICs CP1 thru CP4.
> Apparently some have had success curing this probem by reflowing the solder
> on the pins of these ICs.
> 
> Has anyone else on the list experienced this?  Is the fix correct?  I am not
> experienced or confident soldering SMD's, so I am not especially enthused
> about pulling the board and firing away with my iron.

Yes, I have done this fix on a 950SDX. It does work, but it's not exactly 
trivial. It took a temperature-controlled soldering iron with a very small tip, 
silver solder, and an illuminated magnifier. I even managed to screw it up the 
first time, and had to get a new IC from Kenwood parts.

Short of sending it to Cliff, I have no really good suggestions.

73,
Steve, N2IC

> 
> Any suggestions appreciated.
> 
> TIA, Larry, K0RS