Wednesday, 28 August 2013

Re: [Amateur-repairs] In search of the basic test equipment for workbench.

 


I think a decent scope is vital. Go through the handbooks for the stuff you think you will be working on and see what sort of measurements are required. That will tell you what instruments you will need. I can suggest some I think are helpful but most of my stuff is very old. I do think a good analog VOM like a Triplet 630 is extremely useful. I also have a Hewlett-Packard 410-B. This is useful because of its extremely high input resistance. The 410-C and -hp- 412 also have very high input resistance. This is useful for looking at AVC and similar circuits. There are many older signal generators but one of the best is the -hp-606-B The A version is also good but the B has an added buffer stage which reduces incidental FM quite a lot. Both generators can be modulated to 100% with low distortion and have well calibrated output levels. A lot of old -hp- and General Radio gear has the same advantage as boatanchor radios, that is, they are pretty easy to repair and bring back to new performance. Depending on what you want to do there are other older instruments that can be useful although they may seem exotic, for instance the Boonton or -hp- 260 Q-Meter. This will make measurements that nothing else will. Avoid the older 160 meter.
A decent spectrum analyzer is also quite useful but even the older -hp- analyzers are quite expensive.

-----Original Message-----
>From: k4tfj <timothy.f.johnston@gmail.com>
>Sent: Aug 28, 2013 9:01 AM
>To: Amateur-repairs@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Amateur-repairs] In search of the basic test equipment for workbench.
>
>I haven't had a functioning workbench in 20+ years.
>But now, with an empty nest and rooms available, the bench will be born soon, but as with all newborns, it will be naked, with the exception of a couple DMM's and a MFJ-259B antenna analyzer.
>
>The DMM's are fairly basic, but one has frequency measurement to 10MHz and a capacitance function. The 259B has a frequency counter function as well as inductance, capacitance and the ability to generate un-modulated RF signals. I also have a DSI 5600A counter waiting to be repaired (just a bad 7805, I think). That being the current state of my test equipment.
>
>My intent is to be able to perform basic alignments and testing of my current radio gear, and a little experimentation and restorations. Rigs/radios include Conar 400/500, Kenwood TS-520s, Alinco DX-70T, assorted VHF mobiles and handhelds. Up for restoration currently is a Zenith 11S474 Receiver and a Hammurland SP-600-11 Receiver.
>
>Budget is $200-$300 a month, to locate and purchase affordable test equipment.
>
>My first instinctive thought is "I need an O'scope!!" and a VOM/VTVM capable of 3kvdc+.
>Any comments and recommendations on these?
>
>What other gear would you recommend and in what priority?
>
>
>TJ, K4TFJ
>

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Re: [Amateur-repairs] In search of the basic test equipment for workbench.

 

TJ -

You need to put a scope (465B or better, no 'PC scopes') very near the front. Once you become familiar with it, it will be the second thing
you reach for after your DMM/VOM/VTVM. I use my scope in 90% of my restore/repair adventures. You can measure voltage 'close enough' and
'see' which things are working, or not. If you get one with the on screen readout, you can 'count' frequencies and measure voltages (DMM)
and see signals, all with one probe.

A VTVM ($50 tops) is needed if you plan to do any vintage (tube) repair or alignment. You can't realisticly align with a DMM. If you need
3kV capability, a separate HV probe is all you need, either for the DMM or VTVM.

A good RF signal generator, HP-606 covers 50 kHz to 65 MHz, but is BIG. (Think DX-100) More modern HP, more money, slightly smaller 8640B,
etc. There are lots of DDS 'generators' around for very little money, but you need an external step attenuator and accurate level
measurement to make them really useful.

A lot of the signal and monitor functions can be performed with a modern general coverage transceiver, such as accurate frequency
measurement, LO signal evaluation, signal generation, etc. while you're looking for just the right service item. Almost as good as a
Service Monitor!!

You can do 95% of your repair/restore jobs with these. I would NOT suggest a 'Service Monitor' as your ONLY piece of test gear. It's
nice having it all in one box, but quite expensive, and as with all multifunction devices, if ONE function dies, you are dead in the water
until it's fixed.

Things like a good quality soldering iron, (Weller with temp control tips, much simpler and more reliable than variable temp consoles,)
desoldering tool if you do much PC work (Hakko 808), and all the hand tools you have room for.! No matter how many you have, the one you
need is available from Mouser in a few days!.

73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA

Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
<www.k4oah.com>

k4tfj wrote:
> I haven't had a functioning workbench in 20+ years.
> But now, with an empty nest and rooms available, the bench will be born soon, but as with all newborns, it will be naked, with the exception of a couple DMM's and a MFJ-259B antenna analyzer.
>
> The DMM's are fairly basic, but one has frequency measurement to 10MHz and a capacitance function. The 259B has a frequency counter function as well as inductance, capacitance and the ability to generate un-modulated RF signals. I also have a DSI 5600A counter waiting to be repaired (just a bad 7805, I think). That being the current state of my test equipment.
>
> My intent is to be able to perform basic alignments and testing of my current radio gear, and a little experimentation and restorations. Rigs/radios include Conar 400/500, Kenwood TS-520s, Alinco DX-70T, assorted VHF mobiles and handhelds. Up for restoration currently is a Zenith 11S474 Receiver and a Hammurland SP-600-11 Receiver.
>
> Budget is $200-$300 a month, to locate and purchase affordable test equipment.
>
> My first instinctive thought is "I need an O'scope!!" and a VOM/VTVM capable of 3kvdc+.
> Any comments and recommendations on these?
>
> What other gear would you recommend and in what priority?
>
>
> TJ, K4TFJ
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> TO UNSUBSCRIBE: login to groups.yahoo.com, select group amateur-repairs, click on "leave group" on right side of screen and follow instructions. PLEASE do not send UNSUBSCRIBE messages to the list.Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

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Re: [Amateur-repairs] In search of the basic test equipment for workbench.

 

Maybe you should check out some of my gear.  I have rf and af generators and some voltmeters.  But I'm in Los Angeles.

I am downsizing, with far too much test equipment.  All the stuff I am trying to unload is classed as boat anchors, but they all work.

For VHF there are the Measurements Model 80 and the Marconi TF1066/4B generators.  For HF there is the deluxe HP606A and the Precision E-200C.  I have HP 200CD and HP 400D and Ballantine 300 voltmeters.  I should also sell my Lampkin 205A deviation meter.

The best deal in a voltmeter is, in my opinion, the Harbor Freight cheapie that goes for just a few bucks and is very useful.  In fact, the price of the unit is worth it just for the test leads and the battery it comes with.  Finding a meter that measures to 3 kV isn't easy these days.  An old Simpson 260 or Triplett 630 will work, if it's old enough to have the high voltage range.  Otherwise you can cobble up a high voltage probe for one of your meters.  The Harbor Freight unit goes to 1 kV and has 1 Meg input resistance so you can add 9 Megohms to make it a high voltage tester.  You can calibrate it at lower voltage.  Just be sure to insulate carefully and use large enough resistors to withstand the voltage without excessive voltage coefficient.

Bob K6DDX

________________________________
From: k4tfj <timothy.f.johnston@gmail.com>
To: Amateur-repairs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 9:01 AM
Subject: [Amateur-repairs] In search of the basic test equipment for workbench.


 
I haven't had a functioning workbench in 20+ years.
But now, with an empty nest and rooms available, the bench will be born soon, but as with all newborns, it will be naked, with the exception of a couple DMM's and a MFJ-259B antenna analyzer.

The DMM's are fairly basic, but one has frequency measurement to 10MHz and a capacitance function. The 259B has a frequency counter function as well as inductance, capacitance and the ability to generate un-modulated RF signals. I also have a DSI 5600A counter waiting to be repaired (just a bad 7805, I think). That being the current state of my test equipment.

My intent is to be able to perform basic alignments and testing of my current radio gear, and a little experimentation and restorations. Rigs/radios include Conar 400/500, Kenwood TS-520s, Alinco DX-70T, assorted VHF mobiles and handhelds. Up for restoration currently is a Zenith 11S474 Receiver and a Hammurland SP-600-11 Receiver.

Budget is $200-$300 a month, to locate and purchase affordable test equipment.

My first instinctive thought is "I need an O'scope!!" and a VOM/VTVM capable of 3kvdc+.
Any comments and recommendations on these?

What other gear would you recommend and in what priority?

TJ, K4TFJ

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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[Amateur-repairs] Re: In search of the basic test equipment for workbench.

 

Hello Folks

There are a couple of thing I would recommend. The first and one of the most useful if you are restoring old equipment is an ESR meter. partially failed caps will cause all sorts of strange things to happen and the ESR meter is the best way I have yet found to find them. I also live by the idea that If it's over thirty years old, just go ahead and replace the electrolytic caps. Even if they haven't failed, It's likely they will in the not too distant future. If it's something you plan on keeping it, spend the extra money for long life 105 degree caps.

The other thing I use on my bench all the time is a good wide coverage receiver. I keep an ICOM PCR1000 on the bench. When dealing with a radio the first thing I do is lay a wire across the chassis and hook it up to the PCR. I then scan and I can hear the different IF oscillators. This lets get a feel for the basic lay of the land.

I also keep an old programmable scanner on the bench. Its a dual conversion receiver with IFs of 10.7 MHz and 455 KHZ. the oscillator for the first IF is 10.7 under the frequency of interest. It's pretty stable. If I'm working on a two meter radio, All I need do is program in the frequency 10.7 MHZ over the frequency the radio is set to and Voila! instant test signal. You would be surprised how much signal leaks out.

I don't know that you need a VOM rated for 3KV. They are few and far between. What I think you would serve your purpose would be a high voltage probe set. These typically have a voltage divider built in so you can use them with a regular VOM. Most standard probes aren't rated for anything over 1kv as well.

These are on the cheap and dirty side of things but, that's OK so long as it works.

I hope this helps

Archie N8OBM

--- In Amateur-repairs@yahoogroups.com, "k4tfj" <timothy.f.johnston@...> wrote:
>
> I haven't had a functioning workbench in 20+ years.
> But now, with an empty nest and rooms available, the bench will be born soon, but as with all newborns, it will be naked, with the exception of a couple DMM's and a MFJ-259B antenna analyzer.
>
> The DMM's are fairly basic, but one has frequency measurement to 10MHz and a capacitance function. The 259B has a frequency counter function as well as inductance, capacitance and the ability to generate un-modulated RF signals. I also have a DSI 5600A counter waiting to be repaired (just a bad 7805, I think). That being the current state of my test equipment.
>
> My intent is to be able to perform basic alignments and testing of my current radio gear, and a little experimentation and restorations. Rigs/radios include Conar 400/500, Kenwood TS-520s, Alinco DX-70T, assorted VHF mobiles and handhelds. Up for restoration currently is a Zenith 11S474 Receiver and a Hammurland SP-600-11 Receiver.
>
> Budget is $200-$300 a month, to locate and purchase affordable test equipment.
>
> My first instinctive thought is "I need an O'scope!!" and a VOM/VTVM capable of 3kvdc+.
> Any comments and recommendations on these?
>
> What other gear would you recommend and in what priority?
>
>
> TJ, K4TFJ
>

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Re: [Amateur-repairs] In search of the basic test equipment for workbench.

 

That's a start. Like the Johnny Cash song "one piece at a time"

I got a Ramsey COM 3010 service monitor just before my retirement.

John

On 8/28/2013 11:01 AM, k4tfj wrote:
> I haven't had a functioning workbench in 20+ years.
> But now, with an empty nest and rooms available, the bench will be born soon, but as with all newborns, it will be naked, with the exception of a couple DMM's and a MFJ-259B antenna analyzer.
>
> The DMM's are fairly basic, but one has frequency measurement to 10MHz and a capacitance function. The 259B has a frequency counter function as well as inductance, capacitance and the ability to generate un-modulated RF signals. I also have a DSI 5600A counter waiting to be repaired (just a bad 7805, I think). That being the current state of my test equipment.
>
> My intent is to be able to perform basic alignments and testing of my current radio gear, and a little experimentation and restorations. Rigs/radios include Conar 400/500, Kenwood TS-520s, Alinco DX-70T, assorted VHF mobiles and handhelds. Up for restoration currently is a Zenith 11S474 Receiver and a Hammurland SP-600-11 Receiver.
>
> Budget is $200-$300 a month, to locate and purchase affordable test equipment.
>
> My first instinctive thought is "I need an O'scope!!" and a VOM/VTVM capable of 3kvdc+.
> Any comments and recommendations on these?
>
> What other gear would you recommend and in what priority?
>
>
> TJ, K4TFJ
>

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[Amateur-repairs] In search of the basic test equipment for workbench.

 

I haven't had a functioning workbench in 20+ years.
But now, with an empty nest and rooms available, the bench will be born soon, but as with all newborns, it will be naked, with the exception of a couple DMM's and a MFJ-259B antenna analyzer.

The DMM's are fairly basic, but one has frequency measurement to 10MHz and a capacitance function. The 259B has a frequency counter function as well as inductance, capacitance and the ability to generate un-modulated RF signals. I also have a DSI 5600A counter waiting to be repaired (just a bad 7805, I think). That being the current state of my test equipment.

My intent is to be able to perform basic alignments and testing of my current radio gear, and a little experimentation and restorations. Rigs/radios include Conar 400/500, Kenwood TS-520s, Alinco DX-70T, assorted VHF mobiles and handhelds. Up for restoration currently is a Zenith 11S474 Receiver and a Hammurland SP-600-11 Receiver.

Budget is $200-$300 a month, to locate and purchase affordable test equipment.

My first instinctive thought is "I need an O'scope!!" and a VOM/VTVM capable of 3kvdc+.
Any comments and recommendations on these?

What other gear would you recommend and in what priority?

TJ, K4TFJ

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Sunday, 18 August 2013

[Amateur-repairs] Looking for an Eico 615 tube test adapter

 

I wonder if there is any chance someone has a spare Eico 615 tube test
adapter for the 667 Tube tester? This enables testing of the older 4 and 5
pin tubes.

Also my 667 has the tube chart 667-05. Are there any known significant
errors on it?

Your attention is appreciated.

Ray, W4BYG

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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