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Re: SX-117 revision B to C

 

I am also interested in making the same change.
?
73 Jack KZ5A
Re: S-85 refurbish: I've got a problem during the RF alignment of bands 1 and 2 - trimcaps don't peak!

 

Well those L/C networks are tuned circuits.? If you can't achieve proper resonance then either the signal is not getting to/from them or there is some fault with them.? Check the coil wiring.? Compare to the other band coils.? You should see similar construction.? Make sure the coils aren't open.? Make sure the caps aren't shorted (the mica or polymer dielectric isn't damaged).? You may have to electrically isolate (lift one side) of these components in order to measure but be careful.? It's interesting that you are getting at least reasonable performance under these conditions.
?
Maybe before unsoldering anything you could measure the RF signal at the input or output of V1.? As you adjust the appropriate cap you should see the signal there change quite a bit.?
Now this may sound silly, but make sure you are adjusting the correct cap(s) for the band!? Maybe there's a mistake in the manual?? Verify the caps you are adjusting are the ones in-circuit by looking at the band switch wafers.
?
Nick
Re: S-85 refurbish: I've got a problem during the RF alignment of bands 1 and 2 - trimcaps don't peak!

 

Thank you for the advises guys.
The problem is not solved though.
?
Bands 3 & 4 RF alignment went very well, even if the trimcaps were very touchy.
I went through the bands 1&2 alignment process again.
On bands 1 & 2 I am injecting a -90dBm signal from an HP 8640B sig-gen. I don't expect to have any close in image signal under these conditions. I looked for them tuning around the two alignment frequencies and found none, nope.

The band spread dial was set to fully clockwise and it was not moved during the process.

The band switch works ok, it has been cleaned carefully: it doesn't even produce scratches sounds while operated.

I also replaced V1 with a same type I have in hands (both measured "good" on my tube tester).

The radio works like a charm: I spent the entire yesterday night listening to broadcast and ham stations on all bands.
?
Now the questions are:
  • why is this happening in the first place?
  • how to try to further reduce the trimcap capacitance without destroying them and avoiding to dismantle the relevant RF sections?
  • Can it be C7A and C7B went out of value, enough to influence band 1&2 but not enough to influence bands 3&4?
    How to test this?
  • can it be my RTMA dummy antenna?

?

Thank you very much.
Emanuele (IU1KNR).

?
SX-117 revision B to C

 

All: I have read the very good explanation of the different revisions to the
SX-117. Mine is a post-B model, which means that the notch filter doesn't
affect the AGC response.

I am inclined to revert that part of the build back to Rev B so the notch
filter behaves "correctly", but before I look at this I'd like your opinions
on the wisdom of doing this. What do you folks think?

Thanks,
Dave Maples
Re: S-85 refurbish: I've got a problem during the RF alignment of bands 1 and 2 - trimcaps don't peak!

 

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Emanuele, we are happy to see your success so far!

We wonder firstly if band 1 and 2 work = bring in stations at all?

It seems strange that 2 bands have the same symptoms, and they are in the first RF and the second RF tuning; in total 4 wonky circuits all acting the same way. ??

Could you have unintentionally moved the bandspread to counterclockwise ??before doing 2, and 1 ?

Also, it is sometimes possible to accidentally tune onto image frequency and get trapped on the image frequency rather than the desired one. From the ranges I think the images should all be above the desired frequency by 910 Kc/s.

If it is accidentally ?near the image now, I am wondering if you begin again on these bands with the cap fully in maybe it will latch onto the desired frequency first. There must be a better way to state all that stuff, but it is a thought.

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Emanuele Girlando via groups.io
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 3:21 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] S-85 refurbish: I've got a problem during the RF alignment of bands 1 and 2 - trimcaps don't peak!

?

Hello again guys.

Performing the RF alignment of the S-85 I am refurbishing, I got the following problem in bands 1 and 2.

?

The setup conditions were as per service manual:?
Sig-gen (HP 8640B) connected to the rig via my DIY RTMA Dummy Antenna. Signal level -80dBm , AM modulation at 30%.
Dials, switches and regulations as per service manual.


The OSC setup went trough seamlessly allowing a quasi perfect dials alignment.
Unfortunately ?C4 and C15 (ANT and MIXER band1) and C3 and C14 (ANT and MIXER band2) didn't peak and had to be set at minimum capacitance (all open) ?just to get the higher output signal possible.

?

Does anybody have any idea about the cause of such a problem and/or suggestion on how to fix it?

?

Thank you very much.

Emanuele (IU1KNR).

https://egirland.blogspot.com

_._,_._,_


--
don??? va3drl
Re: S-85 refurbish: I've got a problem during the RF alignment of bands 1 and 2 - trimcaps don't peak!

 

My first thought is the bandswitch.? Work it back and forth and use some deoxit or other contact cleaner.? Of course inspect it and use your DMM to verify continuity too.? You mention problems with Bands 1/2 but the manual has you align the high bands first.? Do the high bands work ok?? If none of the bands work right, try tracing the signal through each stage.? Inject your signal at the ANT and probe with a scope S1A-front, C3/C4, S1A-rear, etc.
S-85 refurbish: I've got a problem during the RF alignment of bands 1 and 2 - trimcaps don't peak!

 

Hello again guys.
Performing the RF alignment of the S-85 I am refurbishing, I got the following problem in bands 1 and 2.
?
The setup conditions were as per service manual:?
Sig-gen (HP 8640B) connected to the rig via my DIY RTMA Dummy Antenna. Signal level -80dBm , AM modulation at 30%.
Dials, switches and regulations as per service manual.

The OSC setup went trough seamlessly allowing a quasi perfect dials alignment.
Unfortunately ?C4 and C15 (ANT and MIXER band1) and C3 and C14 (ANT and MIXER band2) didn't peak and had to be set at minimum capacitance (all open) ?just to get the higher output signal possible.
?
Does anybody have any idea about the cause of such a problem and/or suggestion on how to fix it?
?
Thank you very much.
Emanuele (IU1KNR).
https://egirland.blogspot.com
Re: SX-117 run number?

 

Hi......Jack!
Cool!? Mine is run 6; its prefix is 117005.
Curiously, the next 3 digits on mine are 416.? Yours are 516.? I wonder what those 3 digits mean.? Is it a coincidence that both have "16"?
Please let me know if you run across documentation showing changes for runs 6 and/or 7 compared to run 5 as described in Walt's excellent documentation.
Cheers,
Halden VE7UTS
Re: SX-117 run number?

 
Edited

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That would be a 7th?production run receiver. The first production run is always a zero in the last digit of?the first set of 6 numbers, a 1 is run 2 and so on.



Walt Cates, WD0GOF
?
A majority of acceptance is not proof of correctness.


From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Jack Brabham - KZ5A via groups.io <kz5a.jack@...>
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2025 1:13 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-117 run number?
?
I just? recieved a? SX-117 thatI plan to restore and put in service.? It's serial number doesn't seem to match up with Walt's run list.? I'm assuming that the first 6 digits are the serial number and the last are a sequence number
Or is it the other way around? Help!
?
Thanks,
?
73 Jack KZ5A
?
SX-117 run number?

 
Edited

I just? recieved a? SX-117 thatI plan to restore and put in service.? It's serial number doesn't seem to match up with Walt's run list.? I'm assuming that the first 6 digits are the serial number and the last are a sequence number
Or is it the other way around? Help!
?
Thanks,
?
73 Jack KZ5A
?
Re: S-85 (SX-99) IF cans alignment : What adjusting tool do I have to use to match the size of the cores' slot?

 
Edited

Thank you very much to all of you for your suggestions.
I preferred option 2: craft the tool my self.
?
Paul: I suppose you misread my first statement: it is the last "task" in a project, no the last "project". I don't have so many Hallis waiting to be refurbished, but I am a proud owner of an SX-28 waiting to be treated since ... 20 years! ugh!
You said:"Think about using one of your existing tuning tools, cutting off the existing end and reshaping for the needed slugs. ?Be sure to use one which will go into the IF can and which is not needed. " .. and that is exactly what I did. Here is the result:
It works!
The tip is 2.2mm x 4mm.
You also said: "Also if the slug won’t turn apply a small amount of heat from a low heat gun or SMD desoldering heat gun to loosen any old hard wax inside.".
It was the case and your suggestion worked very well.
?
D.
I used the sizes you indicated as a guide to craft the bit. Thank you.
My tool is not covering the entire slot length.. the slot length appears to be greater than 4mm. But 4mm is the diameter of the hole you have to insert the tool in, so there is no way to use a blade longer than 4mm.
At least it is wide enough (2.2mm) to provide adequate clearance to maintain core integrity under torsional loading.
?
Once again: thank you very much to all of you!
Emanuele.
https://egirland.blogspot.com
?
Re: S-85 (SX-99) IF cans alignment : What adjusting tool do I have to use to match the size of the cores' slot?

 
Edited

This set should work for you.
?
Re: S-85 (SX-99) IF cans alignment : What adjusting tool do I have to use to match the size of the cores' slot?

 
Edited

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For what it may, or may not, assist... I pulled my late SX-99 off the shelf to see the IF cans.? They are slot, vice hex tuning slugs.? I then looked through about 100 tuning tools from Xcelite, GC, and others only to find the exact one needed.? The required tool is a rectangular bit, vice a thin flat blade. The correct tool is 1/8 X 1/16.? The "normal" slot tool is approx. 3/32 wide and 1/32 thick.?
I have used the "incorrect" plastic or Delrin tools, in the past, to align this SX-99.? The slugs were free and the tool worked. But... the rectangular bit is the correct one, and I can see that the smaller bit could damage the slug as it does not provide total contact with the wall of the slot.?
But that I could identify the tool manufacturer... It cam from a MIL avionic shop n the early 60's.? No marking on it.? Attached is a poor photo of the correct and common tool bits. I have not figured how to do very close-up with this camera... yet.
?
Jeep K3HVG

On 01/28/2025 8:20 AM EST Paul Lemmon via groups.io <plemmon32@...> wrote:
?
?
Emanuele,
?
The last project, wow. ?I still have about 9 Hallicrafters on the shelf waiting for the dust to be blown off.
One is a SX-99 so I may have to also make a tuning tool. ?I’ve had to make a couple for some other radios I’ve restored. ?Think about using one of your existing tuning tools, cutting off the existing end and reshaping for the needed slugs. ?Be sure to use one which will go into the IF can and which is not needed. ?This has worked for me and eliminates the need to find the correct diameter wood or plastic. ?Also if the slug won’t turn apply a small amount of heat from a low heat gun or SMD desoldering heat gun to loosen any old hard wax inside.
?
Good luck and be sure to let us know how it goes and also the final dimensions of the tip.
--
Paul
NV6B

Re: S-85 (SX-99) IF cans alignment : What adjusting tool do I have to use to match the size of the cores' slot?

 

Emanuele,
?
The last project, wow. ?I still have about 9 Hallicrafters on the shelf waiting for the dust to be blown off.
One is a SX-99 so I may have to also make a tuning tool. ?I’ve had to make a couple for some other radios I’ve restored. ?Think about using one of your existing tuning tools, cutting off the existing end and reshaping for the needed slugs. ?Be sure to use one which will go into the IF can and which is not needed. ?This has worked for me and eliminates the need to find the correct diameter wood or plastic. ?Also if the slug won’t turn apply a small amount of heat from a low heat gun or SMD desoldering heat gun to loosen any old hard wax inside.
?
Good luck and be sure to let us know how it goes and also the final dimensions of the tip.
--
Paul
NV6B
Re: S-85 (SX-99) IF cans alignment : What adjusting tool do I have to use to match the size of the cores' slot?

 
Edited

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Emanuele ??look at this?? at least to get an idea? of what was used back then in North America

?

One of these might fit

Are you intending to make your own tool?? Use wood or plastic.. you must know that already

I am not the expert, so ??others must know better

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Emanuele Girlando via groups.io
Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 3:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] S-85 (SX-99) IF cans alignment : What adjusting tool do I have to use to match the size of the cores' slot?

?

Yes, they are modern stuff..

what i miss are the old tools..
so the question is: what are the slot measures of the Hallicrafters IF cans (p/n 050-30024[2,3]) old cores?

?

(this picture, showing the slot, comes from ).

?

So, can somebody tell me what to replace the question marks with?

?

?

?

Emanuele.

https://egirland.blogspot.com

?

?


--
don??? va3drl
Re: S-85 (SX-99) IF cans alignment : What adjusting tool do I have to use to match the size of the cores' slot?

 
Edited

Yes, they are modern stuff..
what i miss are the old tools..
so the question is: what are the slot measures of the Hallicrafters IF cans (p/n 050-30024[2,3]) old cores?
?
(this picture, showing the slot, comes from ).
?
So, can somebody tell me what to replace the question marks with?
?
?
Emanuele.
https://egirland.blogspot.com
?
?
Re: S-85 (SX-99) IF cans alignment : What adjusting tool do I have to use to match the size of the cores' slot?

 
Edited

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Emanuele, about when did you buy these tools?

Likely these are more recent ones made for newer, smaller cores.

I recall looking into cores a year ago and there are many shapes and sizes now.

The sites specializing in vintage radios probably have the ones you need.

?

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Emanuele Girlando via groups.io
Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 11:45 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] S-85 (SX-99) IF cans alignment : What adjusting tool do I have to use to match the size of the cores' slot?

?

I am approaching the last task in my S-85 refurbish project: Alignment.

For those IF cans I cannot find the right tool mechanically match those cores' slot: it is too long and too large.

I own these tools, none of them fitting:

?

I see two alternatives:

1) buy one (can someone provide me directions on where to buy and exactly what?), or

2) build one (preferable - can someone provide me the slot size specs?).

Thank you very much guys.

Emanuele.


--
don??? va3drl
S-85 (SX-99) IF cans alignment : What adjusting tool do I have to use to match the size of the cores' slot?

 
Edited

I am approaching the last task in my S-85 refurbish project: Alignment.
For those IF cans I cannot find the right tool mechanically match those cores' slot: it is too long and too large.
I own these tools, none of them fitting:
?
I see two alternatives:
1) buy one (can someone provide me directions on where to buy and exactly what?), or
2) build one (preferable - can someone provide me the slot size specs?).
Thank you very much guys.
Emanuele.
?
?
?
SX42 FM is "funky"

 

I now own an SX-42 I seem to be getting quite a collection here...... SX-9, S-19R, S-38C, 5R10, SX-100, SX-43? .
?
Anyway, everything is working, BUT the FM is "funky". Aside from it being quite drifty, it also tunes station in strangely. I understand "capture effect" on FM, but it seems like there is very little tuning range between stations.? I was using a little digital FM modulator today to place cd's and the radio was "all over the place".
?
Any ideas?? AM broadcast and shortwave are both fine :)
?
?
Howard
HT-46 T3

 

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This is a real long shot. I need a T3 for the HT46, part# 050-002146. It is the 15-meter transformer.

AND DO YOU WANT TO HAVE FUN. I got the transformer out. I did it with a long break between each of the 4 terminals to reduce the stress. It is directly over the band switch and you do not have a straight at any of the 4 terminals.?



Walt Cates, WD0GOF
?
A majority of acceptance is not proof of correctness.


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