[TenTec] Titan problems + Other Comments

[Joe Giacobello, K2XX]

Dear Matt and List Members:

I recently purchased two used Titan 425's.  After using the first one for a
couple of months, I was so impressed with some of the amp's features that I
bought a second one as a backup.  Of course, my frame of reference is colored
by the fact that I was "modernizing" from vintage amps:  a 30S1 and a Viking
Thunderbolt

I especially like the remote power supply, which allows me to more effectively
use the limited space in my small shack.  It is quite a pleasure to only have
to pick up a 14 lb. RF deck when maintenance is required.  Even the 58 lb.
power supply is, relatively speaking, fairly easy to deal with.

The physical layout and easy access to many of the components makes maintenance
relatively painless without major surgery.  All leads are labeled (numbered)
and keyed to the schematics in the manual.  One does not even have to heat up a
soldering iron to replace the filter capacitors:  just remove two screws and
slip out the electrolytic.

On the other hand, I was really shocked when I had to replace the plate ammeter
to find that it was mounted into the front panel with double-sided tape and
airplane glue!  And, although judging only superficially, the quality of the
meter seems about one step above the one in my novice DX-35.  (Replacement cost
was $42 from TenTec.)  The meter is also very susceptible to displacement of
the needle position by static electricity buildup on the plastic window.  (BTW,
easily available anti-stat from the grocery store takes care of the problem.)
As Matt has suggested, the plate voltage readout seems to easily lose
calibration.

I have also had to make frequent replacements of the filter capacitors.  I have
replaced four in the first supply and one in the second.  Given the age of the
units, I have assumed that these failures are to be expected, and I guess I
should just bite the bullet and put in new ones across the board.  On the other
hand, I remember some references to design flaws associated with filter
capacitor tolerance when I first solicited opinions on the Titan from this
list.  If anyone has any suggestions regarding this problem, I would appreciate
hearing from them.


73, Joe

Matt Erickson wrote:

> Hi Y'all,
> Read about my Titan problems and fixes on my web site; www.qsl.net/kk5dr/
>
> These amps are NOT built to very high standards! The PSU is barely
> acceptable., woefully lacking in protective circuits (step-start), no
> cooling (which is needed badly).  I plan to fix mine the right way, and is
> will NOT break-down again!
>
> If I didn't hate Alpha/Crosslink more than Osama, I would dump this pig and
> buy an old 89.
>
> 73 de Matt KK5DR
>
> (Now, I install my "flame-proof" e-mail reader)
>
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