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Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
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I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it.
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-------- Original message -------- From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...> Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability
Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
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Tried that. ?
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS
On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow < 1oldlens1@...> wrote: I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it.
-------- Original message -------- From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...> Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability
Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
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I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
?
GL/73,
Bob K3AC
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
?
Tried that. ?
?
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS
?
?
On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow < 1oldlens1@...> wrote:
I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it.
?
?
?
?
?
-------- Original message --------
From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...>
Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability
?
Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask.
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
?
|
Yeah, I ordered a couple of 455 KHz crystals today.? It would be good to have another on hand.? ? FYI, I stumble onto these things because I restore boat anchors (mostly receivers) for educational and historical purposes.? I also write articles for ER magazine, and the extra information is fun and interesting.? Anyway, I’m more likely to remove a component and test it out of curiosity rather than questioning the design.? The unstable crystal caught me by surprise! ?And just for the heck of it, I pulled a similar crystal out of a SX-71 awaiting restoration and it’s doing exactly the same thing.? Still mulling that over. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1@...> wrote:
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I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it. -------- Original message -------- From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...> Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
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This is perhaps your test? configuration Steve. I have made? jigs with the? crystal socket and a PCB ?that then plugs into?? my VNA. I would think you could make a jog with shielded? cables and rigid connectors. Just be aware that cable capacity? will likely alter the resonant frequency. ? Regards, Dale W4OP ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KW4H via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 2:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability? Yeah, I ordered a couple of 455 KHz crystals today.? It would be good to have another on hand.? ? FYI, I stumble onto these things because I restore boat anchors (mostly receivers) for educational and historical purposes.? I also write articles for ER magazine, and the extra information is fun and interesting.? Anyway, I’m more likely to remove a component and test it out of curiosity rather than questioning the design.? The unstable crystal caught me by surprise! ?And just for the heck of it, I pulled a similar crystal out of a SX-71 awaiting restoration and it’s doing exactly the same thing.? Still mulling that over. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1@...> wrote: I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it. -------- Original message -------- From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...> Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
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Sounds cool!? All I’ve been doing here is just the old-fashioned signal generator and oscilloscope method.? The resonant frequency is the peak.? It’s always worked well for me…until…this crystal.? All you have to do is just gently pick up the crystal and set it down again, and the resonant frequency changes.? ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? This is perhaps your test? configuration Steve. I have made? jigs with the? crystal socket and a PCB ?that then plugs into?? my VNA. I would think you could make a jog with shielded? cables and rigid connectors. Just be aware that cable capacity? will likely alter the resonant frequency. ? Regards, Dale W4OP ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KW4H via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 2:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability? Yeah, I ordered a couple of 455 KHz crystals today.? It would be good to have another on hand.? ? FYI, I stumble onto these things because I restore boat anchors (mostly receivers) for educational and historical purposes.? I also write articles for ER magazine, and the extra information is fun and interesting.? Anyway, I’m more likely to remove a component and test it out of curiosity rather than questioning the design.? The unstable crystal caught me by surprise! ?And just for the heck of it, I pulled a similar crystal out of a SX-71 awaiting restoration and it’s doing exactly the same thing.? Still mulling that over. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1@...> wrote: I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it. -------- Original message -------- From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...> Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
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Steve,
?
Have you tried the heating in the oven trick?
That may have some effect. GL.
?
73, Joe-WA9LAE.
?
-----Original Message----- From: < [email protected]> Sent: Nov 2, 2022 11:28 AM To: [email protected] < [email protected]> Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability
?
Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask.
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
?
?
|
Is the Xtal loose in the holder, or clamped from both sides ?? ? The crystal holder in your picture looks like the one in my SX-42, btw… ? 73, Jacques, VE2JFE in Montreal
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The crystal inside the holder rattles around a little – it’s not being held in place.? I’ve opened the holder up and cleaned everything, but it looks like it was designed that way.? The motion of the crystal appears to be the cause of the changing point of resonance. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? Is the Xtal loose in the holder, or clamped from both sides ?? ? The crystal holder in your picture looks like the one in my SX-42, btw… ? 73, Jacques, VE2JFE in Montreal
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Steve … doing the same thing in the test setup or in the receiver or both? I am a curious reader at this time Don VA3DRL ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KW4H via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 2:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability? Yeah, I ordered a couple of 455 KHz crystals today.? It would be good to have another on hand.? ? FYI, I stumble onto these things because I restore boat anchors (mostly receivers) for educational and historical purposes.? I also write articles for ER magazine, and the extra information is fun and interesting.? Anyway, I’m more likely to remove a component and test it out of curiosity rather than questioning the design.? The unstable crystal caught me by surprise! ?And just for the heck of it, I pulled a similar crystal out of a SX-71 awaiting restoration and it’s doing exactly the same thing.? Still mulling that over. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1@...> wrote: I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it. -------- Original message -------- From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...> Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
|
The crystal from the SX-71 did the same thing in the test setup, with the signal generator and scope.? For now, I’ve returned the original crystal to the SX-110 and am going through the IF alignment again, but this time with more knowledge about the resonant frequency.? Want to see where I land and more about the effects of repositioning the radio (on its side, right side up, etc).? The new(er) 455 KHz crystal will be here in a few days – I’ll swap it out then and we’ll see what effect that has, following another alignment. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? Steve … doing the same thing in the test setup or in the receiver or both? I am a curious reader at this time Don VA3DRL ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KW4H via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 2:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability? Yeah, I ordered a couple of 455 KHz crystals today.? It would be good to have another on hand.? ? FYI, I stumble onto these things because I restore boat anchors (mostly receivers) for educational and historical purposes.? I also write articles for ER magazine, and the extra information is fun and interesting.? Anyway, I’m more likely to remove a component and test it out of curiosity rather than questioning the design.? The unstable crystal caught me by surprise! ?And just for the heck of it, I pulled a similar crystal out of a SX-71 awaiting restoration and it’s doing exactly the same thing.? Still mulling that over. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1@...> wrote: I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it. -------- Original message -------- From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...> Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
|
I am curious too.? Old crystals are not hermetically sealed and it looks like it would? just
un-screw.? If it was mine I would take it apart.? The old FT-243 crystals were like that and
the crystal was sort of held by a few points around the edge.? Maybe corrosion or something?
Crystals should be very stable.? Back in the day, my SX-110 worked fine.
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
On 11/02/2022 4:54 PM don Root <drootofallevil@...> wrote:
Steve … doing the same thing in the test setup or in the receiver or both?
I am a curious reader at this time
Don VA3DRL
?
Yeah, I ordered a couple of 455 KHz crystals today.? It would be good to have another on hand.?
FYI, I stumble onto these things because I restore boat anchors (mostly receivers) for educational and historical purposes.? I also write articles for ER magazine, and the extra information is fun and interesting.? Anyway, I’m more likely to remove a component and test it out of curiosity rather than questioning the design.? The unstable crystal caught me by surprise! ?And just for the heck of it, I pulled a similar crystal out of a SX-71 awaiting restoration and it’s doing exactly the same thing.? Still mulling that over.
73 – Steve, KW4H
I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS
On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1@...> wrote:
I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it.
-------- Original message --------
From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...>
Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability
Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask.
73 – Steve, KW4H
|
Steve … is your sig gen infallible .. just in case…? still a curious? situation Don VA3DRL ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KW4H via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 5:01 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability? The crystal from the SX-71 did the same thing in the test setup, with the signal generator and scope.? For now, I’ve returned the original crystal to the SX-110 and am going through the IF alignment again, but this time with more knowledge about the resonant frequency.? Want to see where I land and more about the effects of repositioning the radio (on its side, right side up, etc).? The new(er) 455 KHz crystal will be here in a few days – I’ll swap it out then and we’ll see what effect that has, following another alignment. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? Steve … doing the same thing in the test setup or in the receiver or both? I am a curious reader at this time Don VA3DRL ? ? Yeah, I ordered a couple of 455 KHz crystals today.? It would be good to have another on hand.? ? FYI, I stumble onto these things because I restore boat anchors (mostly receivers) for educational and historical purposes.? I also write articles for ER magazine, and the extra information is fun and interesting.? Anyway, I’m more likely to remove a component and test it out of curiosity rather than questioning the design.? The unstable crystal caught me by surprise! ?And just for the heck of it, I pulled a similar crystal out of a SX-71 awaiting restoration and it’s doing exactly the same thing.? Still mulling that over. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1@...> wrote: I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it. -------- Original message -------- From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...> Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
|
It’s a new Siglent – no issues and solid.? The scope also a new Siglent. ? Steve … is your sig gen infallible .. just in case…? still a curious? situation Don VA3DRL ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KW4H via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 5:01 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability? The crystal from the SX-71 did the same thing in the test setup, with the signal generator and scope.? For now, I’ve returned the original crystal to the SX-110 and am going through the IF alignment again, but this time with more knowledge about the resonant frequency.? Want to see where I land and more about the effects of repositioning the radio (on its side, right side up, etc).? The new(er) 455 KHz crystal will be here in a few days – I’ll swap it out then and we’ll see what effect that has, following another alignment. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? Steve … doing the same thing in the test setup or in the receiver or both? I am a curious reader at this time Don VA3DRL ? ? Yeah, I ordered a couple of 455 KHz crystals today.? It would be good to have another on hand.? ? FYI, I stumble onto these things because I restore boat anchors (mostly receivers) for educational and historical purposes.? I also write articles for ER magazine, and the extra information is fun and interesting.? Anyway, I’m more likely to remove a component and test it out of curiosity rather than questioning the design.? The unstable crystal caught me by surprise! ?And just for the heck of it, I pulled a similar crystal out of a SX-71 awaiting restoration and it’s doing exactly the same thing.? Still mulling that over. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1@...> wrote: I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it. -------- Original message -------- From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...> Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
|
Steve--Just double checking--? you get the same reaction from 2 different crystals with the same test setup .. I guess you meant that you ?have used these new testers on crystals before ?? is a strange coincidence!! Beats me!! Now ?a bit more curious.? De Sergeant Friday ?.. oh.. ?you might not remember Dragnet? Don VA3DRL ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KW4H via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 5:11 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability? It’s a new Siglent – no issues and solid.? The scope also a new Siglent. ? Steve … is your sig gen infallible .. just in case…? still a curious? situation Don VA3DRL ? ? The crystal from the SX-71 did the same thing in the test setup, with the signal generator and scope.? For now, I’ve returned the original crystal to the SX-110 and am going through the IF alignment again, but this time with more knowledge about the resonant frequency.? Want to see where I land and more about the effects of repositioning the radio (on its side, right side up, etc).? The new(er) 455 KHz crystal will be here in a few days – I’ll swap it out then and we’ll see what effect that has, following another alignment. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? Steve … doing the same thing in the test setup or in the receiver or both? I am a curious reader at this time Don VA3DRL ? ? Yeah, I ordered a couple of 455 KHz crystals today.? It would be good to have another on hand.? ? FYI, I stumble onto these things because I restore boat anchors (mostly receivers) for educational and historical purposes.? I also write articles for ER magazine, and the extra information is fun and interesting.? Anyway, I’m more likely to remove a component and test it out of curiosity rather than questioning the design.? The unstable crystal caught me by surprise! ?And just for the heck of it, I pulled a similar crystal out of a SX-71 awaiting restoration and it’s doing exactly the same thing.? Still mulling that over. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1@...> wrote: I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it. -------- Original message -------- From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...> Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800 KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable) crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ?
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Take this with a grain of salt, but I believe I read somewhere that someone has taken these apart and cleaned them, with good results
I was researching my SX-62? I was reading up on this, but my chrystal seemed ok, so I didn't go any further with it.
Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Tablet
On Nov 2, 2022 6:25 PM, don Root <drootofallevil@...> wrote:
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Steve--Just double checking--? you get the same reaction from 2 different crystals with the same test setup .. I guess you meant that you ?have used these new testers on crystals before ??
is a strange coincidence!! Beats me!!
Now ?a bit more curious.?
De Sergeant Friday ?.. oh.. ?you might not remember Dragnet?
Don VA3DRL
?
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It’s a new Siglent – no issues and solid.? The scope also a new Siglent.
?
Steve … is your sig gen infallible .. just in case…? still a curious? situation
Don VA3DRL
?
?
The crystal from the SX-71 did the same thing in the test setup, with the signal generator and scope.? For now, I’ve returned the original crystal to the SX-110 and am going through the IF alignment again, but this time with more knowledge about the resonant
frequency.? Want to see where I land and more about the effects of repositioning the radio (on its side, right side up, etc).? The new(er) 455 KHz crystal will be here in a few days – I’ll swap it out then and we’ll see what effect that has, following another
alignment.
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
Steve … doing the same thing in the test setup or in the receiver or both?
I am a curious reader at this time
Don VA3DRL
?
?
Yeah, I ordered a couple of 455 KHz crystals today.? It would be good to have another on hand.?
?
FYI, I stumble onto these things because I restore boat anchors (mostly receivers) for educational and historical purposes.? I also write articles for ER magazine, and the extra information is fun and interesting.? Anyway, I’m more likely to remove a component
and test it out of curiosity rather than questioning the design.? The unstable crystal caught me by surprise! ?And just for the heck of it, I pulled a similar crystal out of a SX-71 awaiting restoration and it’s doing exactly the same thing.? Still mulling
that over.
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
I've owned several SX-110's over the years, including the one I used as a Novice back in '67, that was like new I acquired from original owner. Never had any issues with xtal instability. They
all were fairly stable after initial 10-15 min. warmup. Sounds like you need a new xtal.
In a message dated 11/2/2022 1:23:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
Sent from Proton Mail for iOS
On Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 10:20 AM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1@...> wrote:
I am not an expert but think this is not normal.? ?It looks like the crystal holder comes apart.? ?Perhaps cleaning crystal and electrodes will fix it.
-------- Original message --------
From: "KW4H via groups.io" <reedsteve@...>
Date: 11/2/22 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 Crystal Instability
Attached is a photo of the crystal in my SX-110.? I pulled the crystal to test its resonant frequency using a sig gen and scope, and the darn thing is so unstable it’s driving me loopy.? The resonant frequency can vary (roughly) between 453.700 KHz and 453.800
KHz by simply moving it around, no matter how gently.? Pardon my ignorance, but is that normal for crystals of this vintage?? Is there a reason, operationally in the Hallicrafters, for a crystal to act like this?? Before I order a different (and more stable)
crystal to solder into the circuit, thought I should ask.
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
?
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The crystal should be held firmly in place. Sounds like some
thing is missing inside the holder.
On 11/2/2022 12:55 PM, KW4H via
groups.io wrote:
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The crystal inside the holder rattles
around a little – it’s not being held in place.? I’ve opened
the holder up and cleaned everything, but it looks like it was
designed that way.? The motion of the crystal appears to be
the cause of the changing point of resonance.
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
Is the Xtal loose in the holder, or clamped
from both sides ??
?
The crystal holder in your picture looks like
the one in my SX-42, btw…
?
73, Jacques, VE2JFE in Montreal
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De Sergeant Friday
I liked Dragnet better when it was on AM radio. Not many will remember this.
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Jacques_VE2JFE
don Root