[R-390] Calibration Osc and 2nd Osc questions

[Larry H]

Tom, sounds like you're getting close.  Good going.
A little variation in the cal signal is normal, but large changes are a sign of something wrong.  Since you mentioned it drops below 8mc, that is the magic number.  Even though bcb sigs are strong, that doesn't mean the 1st mixer is working right.  If the cal sig is real low on all bands below 8, I'd strongly suspect the 1st var IF alignment.  It's easy to check - put rx on 7.9 mc cal and see if the trimmers peak correctly (ie: not at the ends of travel).  If they are ok, measure the actual sensitivity on those bands.
Because the signal on the cal cathode follower output is band independent (it works the same regardless of the band the rx is on), I think you will find it's not the cal that is the problem.  It could be the 1pf coupling cap, but it does not sound like it to me.
When I measure e402 with my vtvm, I get any where from 4 to 11 volts, usually 7 to 8 volts.  
Regards, Larry