Well… Lots to update the blog with. Where to start?
The FT-990 is back and working perfectly thanks to John, KI4NR. He’s an absolute first class technician, his rate for repairs is more that fair, and he’s faster than fast! Playing with the FT-990, I actually like it better than my old Ft-1000D I sold off last time I got out of Amateur Radio.
As far as the amp, I blew a 125μF/450V capacitor in the Heathkit SB-200, but no issues. Went down to Fistell’s and picked up another one and guess what? Blew that one too. Didn’t even last 15 seconds. Nothing like capacitors going off like firecrackers on the kitchen table to wake you up and remind you that there’s some high voltage in that case! After talking with Keith (KØKE) who figured I had a couple other shorted capacitors putting the high voltage load across that specific one, it would probably be cheaper to replace all 6 caps and the entire board with a $80 PM-200 Replacement Power Supply Module kit from Harbaugh Electronics than to try and replace just the electrolytics. And so that’s what I did. Took all of a couple hours to assemble, wire and solder up the new circuit board and about another 30 minutes to install it. The Harbaugh PM-200 Replacement Power Supply Module kit comes with 6 new caps, all bleeder resistors, diodes and a circuit board. All the buyer has to do is follow the simple instructions; assemble and solder the board, then install it into the SB-200. Felt good to have a soldering iron and electronic “pieces parts” in my hands again, but I can’t ever remember having such a difficult time seeing the small parts though. Almost had to get a friggin’ magnifying glass… almost I said! Anyway, the amp is working perfectly now.
As far as the antenna situation… We’re moving forward, slowly. My friend Joe came over yesterday with a TIG machine and touched up about 20 welds on the aluminum tower and Keith (KØKE) found a used Cushcraft A3S for a couple hundred bucks, so it’s coming together nicely. I played hell trying to get the A3S resonant on the old element “tuning” markings, but once I measured everything and adjusted the elements per Cushcraft’s dimensions, she fell right in line. For some reason I can’t seem to get the SWR below 1.5:1, but I’m hoping it’s only because it’s 3 feet off the ground and still in “assembly” mode. Once it’s up at 60′ hopefully the SWR will drop flat to 1.1:1. Like I said, hopefully.
Next project is to get it on the mast and erected. This should be fun…
NØUN Tower
73 for now,
NØUN
About two years ago, I purchased a used Heath SB-200 amplifier. It came unmodified, but included the Harbach power supply kit, Soft-Start kit, a new fan and relay. I had a good time putting in these items, most of which were sorely needed. During this time I also added several other mods which seemed appropriate.
I really like the SB-200. 600 watts for less than $400. You just can’t beat that with a stick.
I enjoyed repairing the SB-200 so much, I just went through an old Drake L-4B and did more of the same. Replaced the caps/diodes/bleeder resistors and installed a soft start kit. I even found some new replacement screws and feet on eBay.
Life is good
Thanks for commenting!
Wayne, NØUN