I have one of these on the way.  It is the latest "E" model.  I could not believe that you get an HT so cheap, untill I started researching the subject.  I was never much of a vhf guy but when I realized I could buy one at this price, what the heck.  How can I feel guilty when all of the "big name" equipment is also made in the Orient to.

I recently got a T-4X for cheap to go with my R-4B.  What is the difference beside the the vfo dial?  Some one said the t-4x is not good on SSB.

I am thrilled after being a General for over the past 30 years.

I too bought a radio from him a couple of years ago, no problems.  Recently he bought a radio off of me on ebay and was coupletely satisfied with his purchase.

I think I fixed it.  I replaced those two diodes, D2 and D3, and it no longer has a carrier on SSB!
I used NTE 519's.  The carrier control now works also.

I hate to admit to it, but I thought this might be the answer.
So going by that, how is it that mag mounts make the negative side of the antenna connection?  Is is the negative (ground plane) capacitively coupled?

Is there any difference in performance between a magnetic mount and a permanent mount (meaning screwing into metal) for antenna performance?

I forgot to mention this will be for HF using monoband whips.

I learned hard way that I did have to gain access that way.  Would a 1n914 or 1n4148 be a good substitue.  I can get these locally.  If I have to go inside the radio again I'll do it your way for sure.

I heard of the same thing happening with the ts-120s due to leaky diodes on the rf board.  I have found two leaky diodes on my rf board.  It was alot of work just to check them.  I had to remove the board.  Now I need to find a source for suitable replacements.  One diode is a 1s1585 and the other is a 1s2588.
I wish I had seen your reply before I went thru all this bother.  Maybe I'll get lucky and the problem is these two diodes.

I just acquired this rig.  It transmits a 10 watt carrier on ssb and cw when you enable the send switch.  The output stays at 10 watts regardless of where the carrier knob is.  The rig is in very good condition and appears unmolested.

Thanks guys.  I was just concerned that it might be bad for the meter movement.  I am aware of the Swan compendium, I just never got arount to ordering it.

Does anyone know of the mod that keeps the S meter from pegging during warm-up on all of these similar Swan tranceivers.

I also heard a while back that they will phase out the "radio" part of their name and be known only as the "Shack".

When I was about 10 yrs. old my friend built one of those hot doggers using a pair of 10 penny common nails, wood and a spare ac cord.  I think we got the plans from some school science magazine.  It worked great, its amazing no one got killed.

Thanks