[Premium-Rx] WJ-8718/MFP operation

[Terry O']

Here's a little tidbit I ran across a few years ago that may apply to 
that radio.

In the mid/late 80s, WJ sold WJ-8718As and WJ-8718/MFPs directly to 
China.  The technology transfer was a sensitive issue and required 
approval at the highest level.  The sale was tied to other efforts 
(enough said).  The PRC specified transport on Chinese military aircraft 
for the overseas leg from California.  These aircraft were unpressurized 
and unheated.

Significant numbers of the radio failed almost immediately.  WJ sent 
engineers over to fix the radios.  They found the tantalum capacitors 
were compromised by the flight conditions and failing when powered up.  
WJ staff spent several weeks recapping the radios in a small conference 
room of a hotel before the Chinese government accepted the shipment.

I don't know if this incident changed component specifications at WJ, 
but I suspect so.  To an engineer it was understandable failure, but 
there were many eyes were on the company during the transaction.

I was very surprised to see the eBay sale with radios from China.  If 
they are what I suspect they are, I had no idea the Chinese government 
had surplus outlets for military equipment.  I'd love to know if there 
any markings or tags on the radio hinting where they have been.

Terry O'
http://watkins-johnson.terryo.org



On 7/28/2010 12:41 PM, Nico van Dongen wrote:
> I recently have purchased a WJ-8718/MFP from China. The receiver is performing well but I lack the manual for the /MFP version.
>
> I wonder if someone can give me a short introduction on the setup of the memory channel programming and channel selection.
>
> I noticed that behind the 488 option board there is an additional board that has a lead that ends in a 9 pin connector mounted in the area of the PRE option. I wonder what the function of this module is.
>
> Regards,
>
> Nico - PA3ESA
>
> Netherlands
>