[Premium-Rx] Watkins Johnson 8711A Repairs after 10 Years

[Steve Pappin]

Hi Pat,

Re: Pat is referring to the front panel version of the 8712 called the 
8712P. I have the data sheet.

The 8712P is the same basic internal design as the 8711A with a number of 
improvements. The front panel is very different, shielded, and well 
constructed with expensive components. It has very few issues. The power 
supply is shared between all three designs, 8711A, 8712, 8712P. The 8711A 
internal boards are not high failure items. The front panel is.

To answer your question: The 8712P is still supported but no longer offered 
for sale by DRS. They will not build any more. Most of the individual pieces 
are still available. DRS has declared it EOL. The 8712P front panel is very 
robust. The power supply can be rebuilt and is the single greatest point of 
failure. It is a switching power supply.

I had an 8712P come in for service and must say that it is a joy to use. The 
only thing I did not like was the fan noise. I stuck it in my burn-in rack 
and no more noise issues. When configuring these radios you have to consider 
the installation. They require the appropriate rack, mounting hardware, 
audio processing, and in some cases a cooling systems. You have to read the 
manuals. These are custom radios designed as components of a larger system.

Best Regards,
Steve


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Pat1McA at aol.com>
To: <premium-rx at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 2:42 AM
Subject: Re: [Premium-Rx] Watkins Johnson 8711A Repairs after 10 Years


> Greetings to List Members,
>
> Steve, et al, have succinctly summed up the repair situation  regarding 
> the
> WJ8711.
>
> I just wondered if the same comments apply to the similar era Mil Spec
> WJ8712P .
>
> Presumably the same boards and power supply are used in the WJ8712P? Has
> that reached EOL or is it still supported?
>
> Regards & 73
>
> Pat G3YFK
>
>
>
>
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