[Milsurplus] AN/GRC-165 questions

[Jack Antonio]

OK, so an AN/GRC-165 (Harris RF-301A) showed up on my doorstep,
and I have a few questions as I start working on it.  This is one
of those tail wagging the dog things, I have had the manuals for
the set for about 30 years, but just now got the radio.

I knew the set had a couple problems, but that it basically worked.
I've gone through the set finding some of the gross problems, such
as a misadjusted divider, and the cold solder joint on the antenna
connector, and am now wondering how much of what I'm now seeing are
the "nature of the beast" versus actual problems.

First. Receiver birdies. How prevalent are birdies in the radio? For
example, I have strong ones at 14.336 USB and 13.354 LSB. Neither
peak with the preselector control. Anyone else hear these?

Second. Output meter indication lower at
lower frequencies. 100W out measured shows up as 100W on the output
meter at 14 mc, but only 50W at 3.5 mc.  Is this normal?

This radio actually sounds pretty good using it as a receiver, and
the transmit audio sounds good locally, but I'm a bit cautions about
putting it on the air until I get a little more familiar with it.

Thanks

Jack Antonio WA7DIA/4