Repair of SPE EXPERT 1k-fa, Automatic Antenna Tuner |
Aug. 2012 |
My tuner stop tuning on bands
with higher frequency than 7 MHz.
It tunes fine on 160 meter and 80 meter, with full power out.
I am a little impressed of SPE, Mr. Dante Specchioli - What a fine and express service from him!
I wrote to SPE, Rom, and
Mr. Dante Specchioli send me a description on, how to remove the ATU from the EXPERT.
This you can find here: ATU_Removal.pdf
Ones before, I had the 1k-fa in Rom, Italy for repair under the warranty, and I can see where they have done some soldering on the boards.
Because of Mr. Dante Specchioli told me, that SPE was starting holly-day until september 1. 2012, and the FIELD-DAY Contest starts at the same time, I will try to find the error my self.
These 2 boards is put
together with 9 screws. No cables between the boards. |
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The bottom of the boards. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bottom of the
CAPACITOR-BOARDS. Here you see 3 STAND-UP's in each end of the board, plus 3 STAND-UP's on the PCB. A total of 9 screws to remove for disassembling. |
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Bottom of the
INDUCTOR-BOARDS. Upper left corner the 2 ULN2003 has bin desordered and replaced with some new. |
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Her I can see, that a new relay is mounted, and NOT aligned perfectly with all the other relays. I suspect this relay to be the reason to my faulty ATU. NO, not this one, only K29, market with yellow... |
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Now I have to measure on the ATU, and finding the ERROR... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday
afternoon... Not the best weather to do the garden. Turn on the radio ? No... better try to find the ERROR in my ATU! Start the lab.power, adjust to 11,5 volt. Check all the relays on
the INDUCTOR BOARD...
Does they make a click-sound ? This one MUST be defect, K29, same as last time... the yellow marker... Some times you got lucky... |
Relay is removed and PCB
is cleaned, ready to mount the new relay.
Maybe it would be a good idea to switch off the antenna when lightning
comes... |
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Tuesday... Measuring the Capacitors:
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The local Carlo Gavazzi dealer made me a call on the telephone to day, Monday. They have these relay in stock, price 2 EU pc. + expenses, more then 30 EU for 2 pcs of relay... Hmmm..?? |
That's a lot of money for 2 pcs. of relays... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Another
local dealer CYPAX have a compatible relay: RT314-12 SCHRACK 1SK 16A 12V
360R PE=20 Not expensive to, abt. 10 EU for 5 pc. all include... That must bee the case... NOT waiting on relays anymore... |
http://www.cypax.com/vare/09.210.1012
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Thursday the 16. august 2012... The relays is arrived...
END of PROJECT!!!! |
See the pictures here. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Waiting time
goes slow... This is my LAB... My work-life ? I am retired computer administrator, Danish Customs and Duty - Age 69 years. - More at http://www.planker.dk On the picture you will find 3 HOTSPOT, with links to the description of the instruments, not all in English.
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End of Project... |
Click on the picture to see them in full size...