RE: [HCDX] Collins R390A Dilemma
[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

RE: [HCDX] Collins R390A Dilemma



How linear is the PTO (permeability tuned oscillator, it is ganged to the
tuning knob, along with the gear train for the IF)? In other words, on a
given band, is it off by the same amount at the top, middle, and bottom of
the range? Is the error constant in a given band, just different depending
on the band?

If so, you are in good shape. The radio is essentially a tuned IF with fixed
crystal-controlled converters in the front end. As long as the PTO is
linear, a good alignment should fix her right up. If the PTO is off, it can
be fixed, providing that it is still in the adjustment range. Special tools
to adjust and lock the trimmers in the PTO are required, and it is a bit
tedious to do, but not especially hard. Just time consuming, making small
changes and checking the linearity across the dial. I did one 75A4, and I
remember it took all day doing the adjust/check/readjust/recheck thing. But
it came out OK in the end. If the PTO is out of adjustment range, it will
have to go to the factory, if they still do that sort of thing, or replace
it with another PTO. 

I am going to guess that she just needs an alignment, since I think you are
saying that she is off differing amounts on each band. The lowest band uses
just the IF, so that is a good indication as to the linearity of the PTO
itself. 

I can't remember the links at the moment, but there are a lot of good web
pages detailing the steps to align the radio and the PTO. 

Does yours have the meters still installed (signal strength and line-level)?

Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: hard-core-dx-admin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:hard-core-dx-admin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Patrick Buckingham
Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2000 3:06 AM
To: HCDX Mailing List (E-mail)
Subject: [HCDX] Collins R390A Dilemma

  Greetings...finally received my Collins R390A, man the thing is
huge....fired it up and first thing I noticed was that the frequency
readout was off up to 15 khz on some bands. Anyone know how to fix this
problem? Thanks...


<<attachment: winmail.dat>>