Flloyd -

First, call Alpha service.  

Second, there are a handful of components on the control board (on top of the electrolytic capacitors) that can fail.  One is a resistor that really requies higher wattage value - and another is diode.  I already made these chanegs in my Alpha 76PA rebuild - but I checked with Alpha for these "updates" -- from their service department - which has seen everything out there.

w9gb

K5DVM's Weller station (EC1001 with EC1201A iron) is on my workbench.

This station (iron and base) had been opened at least a couple of times -- surplus acquired unit -- so unknown who may have been into it (obviously without the Weller Tech Notes).

1. The temperature sensor EC229 inside the iron appeared damaged - replaced - the iron now works great with my workbench EC1002 base unit.

2. Base unit had a "cracked" control board. Attempts to jumper the traces have been unsuccessful in restoring the original board. This 1980's part (with early surface mount components) is no longer available from Weller - but I am checking a couple of sources.

For the Weller "EC" (and Hakko 936) - when the control board fails - it is usually the same cost as a new station.

This is one reason I still recommend the Weller TCP series for amateurs -- very easy to repair -- parts readily available from Weller.

Greg
w9gb

BTW --- Weller Tech Notes are being scanned - and are avaiable at BAMA

You want to add 10 more radials - THEN make them the proper 1/4 wavelength for 75 meters OR 20 meters ...

gb

Some 1/2 vertical antenna basics:

1/4 wave vertical needs ... 1/4 wave ground radials.  Think of it this way:  You have a 1/2 wave dipole .. 1/2 of it is vertical and the other half is spread along the ground (got it?).

Now your radial system is currently 12 radials of 33' in length (perfect 40 meter radial length) ...
no wonder your 40 meter recpetion is great ...
now lay down the same number of radials of proper 1/4-wave length for 20 meters (that's about 5 meters - right?) - should see an improvement!

gb

Use to be a FAQ in the exam books.  

It is the difference in legal definitons and recognition by FCC of a STATION license and OPERATOR license.

An amatuer radio license is actually BOTH.

You local television or radio broadcast station is granted a STATION license -- that has to be renewed on a regualr basis (remember the PSA about renewal of your local station's license and you as a resident and citizen can file your comemnts on their renewal with the FCC?).  

Employees (engineers, technicinas and DJs using mixing board/monitoring trasnmitter) responsible for the trasnmiting equipment had to be licensed (old First, Second and Third Class Radiotelephone Operator license) at the station.

w9gb

Regarding the K5DVW remark, you do NOT have to buy the entire iron - heaters are available spearately from Welelr dealers and distributors (e.g. Wassco, Action-Electronics, ACK, Contact East, Mouser, Fry's Electroncis).  Repalcement irons are avaalbel for consumers with no DIY electronics repair background.

The 2 most common Weller heaters are the:

TC208 (wired-in heaater used in TCP-1 and TCP-201 irons as well as early EC series irons - circa 1970s)
You can identify this heater by the 4 screws holding it to the older style bakelite handle (black or blue/green).

The EC234 heater is a plug-in heatrer introduced in the last 1970s and used with the TC-201P and TC-201T irons as well as the popular EC1201A irons.
You can identify this heater by 2 screws on flange and black insulator atop the nylon handle.

These parts are sold for less than $29 from a variety of resellers (shop around for best price between $20 and $29).

BTW, Weller changed its manufacturing process in 2003 -- (partially due to no-lead retooling).  

These new heaters (after 2002) are SWAGGED at the end -- identical to the PES51 iron producton and mfg. -- this MAY require a new BA60 barrel nut - if you have an older TCP or EC series iron.

Greg
w9gb

repairing Weller TCP series stations sicne 1975.

Jim -

Look at the eHam.net product reviews under Ham Workbench, etc.
I personally have several Pace and Weller models in the shop.

The Weller WES51 and Hakko 936-12 are comparable soldering stations. I know happy and unhappy buyers/users of both products - so it is a matter of individual preferences AND local support / parts availability - where you live.

The Hakko 936 is popular with many amateurs, BUT the cost of replacement logic boards and heaters for the Hakko are higher than Weller last time I priced parts.

Weller/Cooper Tools did move their manufacturing to Mexico in 2003 and had to retool its production to meet current no Lead initiatives (Japan, Europe, California) - leading to some higher costs.  
Hakko had to meet these no lead initaitves in Japan (where mcuh of this started) much earlier than US or Europe.  The Yen/Dollar exchange rates also have not been kind to Hakko - they have also had to raise prices or cut their profits.

The PES51 replacement iron for the Weller WES51 is only $29.95 at Fry's.
The Hakko 907 iron is not sold at that price point (higher cost).

For me, I still repair and use the Weller "TCP" series (WTCPT current model) - easy to repair - requires no external calibration and in production for over 40 years now !

Greg
w9gb

Steve's (WIK) advice is good for ANY purchase or new vendture (not just Alpha's).  
Regarding Alpha, I was actually in their Boulder, CO facility Friday before Labor Day 2005 weekend (my sister lives in Denver area).  
Picked up some parts for a couple of Alpha restorations/repairs I was performing.

The Crosslink side of the building was being emptied of office furniture for a new tenant.  
The Alpha side of the facility was running normally (although some staff were getting ready for 3-day weekend).  
They had an ETO Alpha 77Dx (serial #2) in for refurbishment/refresh for its new owner.  

Parts of the 9500 prototype (control cards, etc) there in test .. the 9500 ads had not hit the magazines yet.

w9gb

INSTALLING THE OUTBACKERS OUTREACH / OUTRUNNER

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the OUTBACKER. Please take a few moments to carefully read these instructions before installing your antenna. This will ensure that your mobile setup works and works well!
Like all the OUTBACKER range, your antenna is constructed of a very tough, yet flexible, fiberglass core. This core is then helically wound with copper wire, which is hand-tuned to the various "tap" points. A coating of clear epoxy resin is then applied. Finally a layer of coloured polyurethane is applied as a protection against the elements. All fittings on the antenna are solid brass and nickel-plated. The 3/8" x 24tpi stud is made of tough, highstrength, stainless steel.

DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS
FIBERGLASS MAIN SHAFT - Location of helical coils. Base mounting stud is stainless steel with standard 3/8" x 24 threads.

BAND SOCKETS - Non-corrosive and silver-plated sockets are clearly engraved with band markings. These sockets are used for selecting a band of operation.

WANDER LEAD (W/L) - Insulated length of stranded wire with banana plug on each end. Used for 75m through to 10in operation. One end should be plugged into the WL socket and the other into the desired band socket. Must be wound (counter- clockwise) from the bottom up, with coils evenly spaced and neither taut, nor hanging loosely. Remove completely from antenna for 160m operation. NB :- See Specifications for WANDER LEAD replacement lengths.

STINGER / TIP / TUNING ROD or SPIKE - Steel rod which extends up to 47" out of antenna shaft. Used for fine tuning SWR.

KNURLED LOCKING NUT - Located at the top of the antenna shaft. Used for holding STINGER in place - ringer tighten only!

MOUNTING YOUR OUTBACKER
Correct mounting of your OUTBACKER is of utmost importance to obtain successful antenna performance. Your OUTREACH / OUTRUNNER is not recommended for use with the OUTBACKER OB360 but can be used with any standard 3/8" x 24tpi mount. We highly recommend the Alpha Delta OUTPOST- Tripod/ground coupler ground mount system for use with the OUTREACH.

Dwight -

I have an Outback Outreach .. IDENTICAL to yours, etc. for one band coverage and wattage difference.
http://www.alphadeltacom.com/pg5.htm

ALPHA-DELTA is the US Distributor, they have all the inforamtion you require (including instructions and sapre parts).  A Telephone call is the best Support and quick response!

Alpha Delta Communications
P.O. Box 620
Manchester KY 40962
Voice: (606) 598-2029
FAX: (606) 598-4413

You have got this antenna assembled incorrectly !
500 INSTRUCTIONS
http://www.alphadeltacom.com/outii.htm

Outreach Instructions
http://www.alphadeltacom.com/Inst_outrunner.html

The "WL" Wander Lead socket should ALWAYS be oriented to be at the BOTTOM of the LOWER 4' mast section.  The UPPER 4' section screws on to the threads of the lower section and then you have the adjsutable whip anetenna.  It attaches with a ferrule at the UPPER section.

The Bottom mast is a 3/8"x24 SOCKET and you require a 3/8"x 24 long stud to thread into it a standard 3/8" base mount that sits on the Outpost.

IF you are missing parts, Alpha-Delta can orer from Australia or Tower Electronics for common antenna parts.

w9gb

Did you talk to Radio Dan?
http://www.radiodan.com/

w9gb

Tom -

PLEASE bookmark these web pages, Kevin Custer, W3KKC has this inforamtion, as well as others ont eh Internet.

GOOGLE!

http://www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/matchingstubs.html

http://www.rogerhalstead.com/conn.htm

http://jonz.net/W3DHJ/catvhardline.html

http://www.n1bug.net/tech/catvline.html#conns

http://www.qsl.net/n9zia/wireless/hardline_connectors.html

http://www.qsl.net/k4pwo/making.htm


w9gb

Tom -

You might wish to post your request on Usenet newsgroup:  rec.antiques.radio+phono

Some very good restorers throughout the country - many to specialize in specific manufacturers and/or restoration parts.

Greg
w9gb

Ralph -

Remember a couple of points.

1. Sears and Montgomery Wards were large Chicago based mail order houses for a number of decades.  They sold AM / SW radio receivers from Radio Row (NY and Chicago for the first half of the 20th century) .. then AM/FM and some SW after 1950.

2. Allied Radio (Knight Kits) and Hallicrafters were 2 prominent electronics firms until early 1970s (Allied bought by Tandy/Radio/Shack - moved to Texas, old by RS in mid-1990s).

3. Sears did sell in early 1970s a black case version the Yaesu FRG-7
http://foxtango.org/frg7/foxtangofrg7.htm

4. I am not aware that Sears ever sold an amateur radio transmitter or transceiver.
Citizens Band equipment - yes in the late 1960s amd early 1970s.

w9gb

Richard -

There are a large number of dynamic microphoens (e.g. broadcast, musician/sound reinforcement) taht could be used with your Kenwood.  Alas, the market for "wired" microphones has greatly diminished with "wireless" microphones being used in many performance venues.

Spend a few minutes on Bob Heil's Heil Sound web site -- he has almost every design style.
http://www.heilsound.com/

Heil Sound Amateur Radio catalog
http://www.heilsound.com/amateur/default.htm

w9gb