[Milsurplus] Harris RF-590A & R-2368/URR Problems

[john]

Just wondering; if there are any Owner's/Users, of these Radios, who 
might have some 'Trouble Shooting Ideas' for me.

Please allow me to describe the Issue(s); and see what you think or 
might recommend as a 'starting Point'?

The Issue(s); are Low, Low,  Sensitivity in both Radios...........both 
Used to work very well and had a very high degree of Sensitivity.  Both 
Radios Pass the 'Bite' Self Testing on Power Up and there are no 'error 
Codes'. Prior Functioning of Radios had Signals,  World Wide,  from a 8' 
Antenna Wire stuck in a Antenna Input Jack.

I have never had these Radios connected to any type of outdoor Antenna.  
Only a short piece of wire inserted into the Antenna Input.  Radios have 
not been operated in any High RF Field; since I have owned them.  They 
have; however; been continually plugged into AC Line Power when 'Off'.

Very few B.C. Stations are now heard; and those I can pull; quite weak.  
Can't pull WWV @ 5mc.; 10mc  WWV very weak.  Not much on 20 meters, 40 
meters, or 75 meters.

I was going to try and by pass the built in pre-selector.  Thought I had 
a 'Jumper' for that.  Turned out; I did not; at least not the Right 
Size.  (does anybody know what size and Type the Internal Coax runs are, 
in the Radio; between sub Chassis?  (what connectors)?? In any event; I 
replaced one pre-selector with a Brand new one out of the Package.  No 
improvement; as far as Sensitivity is concerned.

So; the Question is:  what could possibly be affecting TWO Radios, (that 
used to work just fine);........Sensitivity wise;  when the only thing 
they have been doing is plugged into AC Power and mostly turned off?

Batteries on the Control Board do not seem to be leaking.

I do not have ready access to Test Equipment; at my present location.  I 
can say; that I have tried to use a Millen Grid Dip meter as a Signal 
source; and it is hard to get a Signal into the Radio using the G.D. 
Meter as an Oscillator; from 5 ft. away.  So; these Radios; you might 
say; are basically 'Dead'....................

Does anyone have any Ideas or experience similar to Mine; with these Radios?

I am beginning to wonder if they might have swallowed some sort of 
Voltage Spike off of the AC Line; that went into the Radios; even though 
AC Power switch was 'Off'?

I see where there is some sort  'Relay' in the Front  End Input Filter 
on these Sets; but I only figured that is for Antenna Input Over Load?  
Besides; I think this Relay is suppose to 'Self Check' at every power 
up; and as I related;  Both Radios pass all 'Bite' Testing.

Any Help or Suggestions much Appreciated.

Thank you.

John

ARS K9JII