[Milsurplus] Harris/RF Communications RF-301, aka AN/URC-58, AN/GRC-165 question

[Meir WF2U]

Folks,

 

I wonder whether anyone out there who went through the RF amplifier module
tracking alignment. 

I have the original manual for the RF-301 (my unit is the pre-Harris RF
Communications labeled RF-301, which I bought as a "for parts or restoration
unit) I'm working on restoring. The original RF amplifier module tuning rack
had a problem due to 2 mechanically misaligned slugs sticking in the coil
forms, which I already fixed after I removed the module. I figured as long
as I had the module out, I might as well install the NOS RF amplifier module
I got from Fair Radio and keep the old repaired one as a spare.

I didn't try to transmit with the transceiver as the panel meter is open (I
found a NOS meter in the meantime, which is on the way to me) and I can't
set the bias on the PA stage without the meter. With the old RF amp module I
was able to tune and peak from 7 MHz and up, due to the limited movement of
the tuning rack. I know the synthesizer is working OK. The receiver seemed
to be working OK - without making actual sensitivity tests.

With the NOS RF amplifier installed, I can receive on all bands, but
sensitivity is way down, some frequencies don't peak in the range on the
dial around the preselector knob. There are also a few strong birdies as I'm
tuning around to find the correct peak. The most sensitive reception is on
the 14 MHz band, but even that is down from what I experienced with the
original RF module. 

It seems I'll have to do the tracking alignment - as it's called in the
manual.

I'd welcome any pointers, caveats and experiences with the procedure.

 

Thanks,

 

73, Meir WF2U

Landrum, SC