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Message |
    
Daem
New member
Username: Daem
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, July 23, 2005 - 6:19 am: | 
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Hello. I am fortunate enough to own a Uniden Grant XL but need some help with it. I've owned the radio since new and it used to work great for stock. The CB band in my area took a turn for the worse (meaning no one uses it much anymore) a few years ago so I loaned the radio to my brother to use. Not caring much about CB anymore I agreed to let him fiddle with the radio's innerds and now it doesn't work at all like it used to. Still gets good reports on AM but I have yet to make a single contact on SSB now. I think he may have screwed the alignment up on it.
I need the radio aligned and worked over but all the old techs I used to know on the radio are no longer around or do not work on radios anymore. I am wondering where I could send the radio to get it aligned and back in original or better working order? I've asked around but cannot find anyone local and would rather send it to a reputable shop on the internet.
Do any of you have any suggestions on what I could do short of buying an oscilliscope and all the required test hardware to get this thing back in tip-top shape? I'm going to be moving to a new location sometime next year and will be able to throw up that 100+ft tower I've always wanted and would love to have this radio around for SSB communications again. I also wouldn't mind trading it for a 2950DX. =)
Any suggestions or directions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 6422
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, July 23, 2005 - 8:34 am: |
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Daem,
Welcome to the Copper Forum!
Try e-mailing Richard / Copper Tech8541 at Tech8541@copperelectronics.com
He is located in NC and may be able to help you.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 177
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 23, 2005 - 4:05 pm: |
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Daem,
What ever you do KEEP that XL. Go buy a 2950; BUT KEEP the XL, if you part w/ it you will end up missing it.
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Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 185
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 4:21 pm: |
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I can't seem to find any info on Q503, This is located on the rear of the chassis; What is this part? The only reason that I am asking is that mine look burnt. Next where is Q41? I can't seem to find it, I have just printed out the pcb layout so I'll study that tonite.
Thanks y'all,
sg569 |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 772
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 4:23 am: |
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Ok, I researched Sams photo facts and the factory service manual, for a half hour to get this info. Q503 a transistor # 2SD1135-C, I couldn't find any listing as to what this transistor is for.
And now for the location of Q41 the AM power regulator a transistor# 2SC1419-C. After removing the bottom cover (with speaker),lay the radio down with the knobs toward you. Q41 is almost to the back of the PC board along the right side rail and from the looks of the pictures it is right there along with Q42 also an AM power regulator, but it will be marked on the board as Q41, looks to be to the right of and in front of the power receptical the second of 2 transistors in that area. Q42 will be first and Q41 right in front of it. It's under the wiring harness on the right side rail, that's why it's hard to find.
Hope this is of some help!
Carl CEF-357 |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1137
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 2:03 pm: |
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change q41 to a NTE152... |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 188
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 9:40 am: |
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Yankee,
Thanks that does help alot, the pcb layout that I have does not list Q41 for some reason. Thank you very much.
Pat,
I already have the NTE152, just need to put it in. Could that be the reason that I can't get that Xl to swing more that 5w?
Thank you very much for the info guys, now if I can just find the time to put it to good use.
Sg569 |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 189
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 11:39 pm: |
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AM Regulator = 2SD1135 or 2SC1419
I just found this on another site while looking searching for 2sc1419. Is this true???
Thanks,
sg569/walter
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Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 793
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 1:09 am: |
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Walter, All my information has the AM regulator as the 2SC1419 and I have the factory service manual for the Grant XL and Sams Photo Facts for the Cobra 148 GTL first model. I gave you what information I could come up with. Both manuals list it as the 2SC1419.
Carl CEF-357 |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 794
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 10:41 am: |
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Walter, You must have some of the same information for Grant XL mods. I have. The Grant XL Owners Club mods. also lists the AM power regulator Q41 as a 2SC1419.
Carl CEF-357 |
Viking
Intermediate Member
Username: Viking
Post Number: 219
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 2:04 pm: |
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The 2sd1135 (NTE 291):
The NTE291 (NPN) and NTE292 (PNP) are general purpose, medium power silicon complementary transistors in a TO220 type package designed for switching and amplifier applications. These devices are especially designed for series and shunt regulators and as a driver and output stage of high-fidelity amplifiers.
The 2sc1419 (NTE 152):
The NTE152 (NPN) and NTE153 (PNP) are silicon complementary transistors is a standard TO220 type package designed for general purpose medium power switching and amplifier applications.
The 2 have close, yet different ratings (specs). I wouldn't interchange them. But my knowledge is only limited enough to be dangerous yet conservative enough to not try it. |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 190
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 5:40 pm: |
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2SD1135C
Description = Si NPN Power Bipolar Junction Transistor
Manufacturer = Hitachi Semiconductor
V(BR)CEO (V) = 80
V(BR)CBO (V) = 100
I(C) Abs.(A) Collector Current = 4.0
Absolute Max. Power Diss. (W) = 40
I(CBO) Max. (A) = 100u
h(FE) Min. Static Current Gain = 100
h(FE) Max. Current gain. = 200
@I(C) (A) (Test Condition) = 1
@V(CE) (V) (Test Condition) = 5
f(T) Min. (Hz) Transition Freq = 10M
Status = Discontinued
Package = TO-220AB
Military = N
NTE 152
Absolute Maximum Ratings: (TA = +25°C unless otherwise specified) Collector-Base Voltage, VCBO 90V
Collector-Emitter Voltage, VCEO 90V
Emitter-Base Voltage, VEBO 5V
Collector Current, IC 4A
Base Current, IB 4A
Collector Power Dissipation (TC = +25¯C), PD 40W
Operating Junction Temperature, TJ +150°C
Storage Temperature Range, Tstg -55° to +150°C
I don't know why I couldn't, Viking. The specs are different especially when looking at Nte Parts. They seem to be more powerful. THere is a big difference between the 2sc1419 and the NTE 152. Now when one looks at the NTE152 and the 2sd1135 those ratings are real close to matching.
I'll let y'all know after I swap them.
Thanks
sg569 |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 796
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 6:09 pm: |
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Joe, The question wasn't if the 2SD1135 and the 2SC1419 could be interchanged. The original question was that Q503 looked burnt to him and he wanted to know the part number of that transistor, the second part of the question was the location of Q41 the AM power regulator on the Grant XL. Then Walter saw somewhere that transistor numbers conflicted with what the stock Q41 in the Grant XL should be.
Carl CEF-357 |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 193
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 11:17 pm: |
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Well, I installed the Nte152 in place of the 2sd1135, no fires, no smoke, no sparks. No real difference in operation, still swings the same, dk is the same, and the same all around.
Now in a few weeks I might just see about getting a NTE291 and install that just to see if there is any difference. But first I gotta get paid.
Thanks all,
sg569 |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 799
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 3:45 am: |
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You know something Walter I never did find what that transistor that you said looked burnt is for. And am I correct this is the one you've changed?
Carl Cef-357 Flat lands Oklahoma |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 195
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 10:46 am: |
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Yup, carl; I changed out the 2sd1135,in it's place I put one of the NTE 152 transistors that I had. I still have NOT found that pesky Q41. I can't seem to find it on the pc board layout, schematics, or a block diagram. I did find it on an old board( all the transistors were labeled "TR" instead of "Q".
May be I can backtrack a few resistors. I don't know.
Thanks,
SG569 |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 803
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 4:41 pm: |
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For those that have showed interest, on the newer redesigned Grant XL (PB208AD) board there is no Q41 AM power regulator transistor. as mentioned as an AM power mod., where the Q41 should be is only Q42.
Carl CEF-357 |
Kid_vicious
Intermediate Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 455
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 9:17 pm: |
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hi guys, in reading through this thread i found that i might be able to help.
as far as cobra and uniden were concerned, the 1135 and the 1419 were the same. my 2000 had 1135 for TR41 and on the power supply board.
on my 148gtl, TR41 is a 1419.
bottom line, they should both be replaced by nte 152's and use the thin mica insulator if your radio has the thick plastic ones.
if you want to make the radio swing, check out adshare64's NPC-RC mod. (do a search)
also check out my recent post about my 2000gtl.
in this post i will list all the mods done to my 2000, and there are more than a few.
hope this helps.
matt |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 807
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 10:31 pm: |
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Kid, There is no Q41 on the latest Grant XL Board, so where do we go from here, anyone have any ideas. to help out with SG569s question on an AM power regulator transistor swap. |
Kid_vicious
Intermediate Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 460
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, August 07, 2005 - 1:13 am: |
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looks to me as if Q503 IS the new TR41.
sg569, if yours was burnt, then look next to it for charred resistors. sometimes when a power device goes, it will burn a few parts down the line. |
Kid_vicious
Intermediate Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 461
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, August 07, 2005 - 12:50 am: |
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yeah, i read that in one of the above posts.
there has got to be an AM power regulator doesnt there?
if i can look at a schematic, maybe i could find something.
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Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 808
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 07, 2005 - 9:31 am: |
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Kid, Q42 is listed as an AM power regulator as well as Q41 was when it was in the circuit. |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 197
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, August 07, 2005 - 1:52 pm: |
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I'll do that KV.
Thanks |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1165
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, August 07, 2005 - 5:34 pm: |
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changing the AM regulator to NTE152 will NOT show any change in performance. it just gives more 'breathing' room, or help to prevent regulator from frying.
i believe everything above as i quickly read is correct. older boards in 148, radio shack & early XL's labeled transistors TR, new XL's, LT's, 148's, cherokees, TR296's use 'Q' for transistor.
q41, 42 have shown up labeled differently in radio shack & cherokee radio. never paid attention to grant. could be 1 labled differently in different production runs. replace that 1135 with the NTE152, it's pricier, but the 1135 fried once already. if the 152 fries too, there is another problem somewhere. |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 198
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 10:16 am: |
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Pat,
Eventually I think that I will replace the nte152 (in place of 2sd1135) with the nte291.
Here is a kick in the pants( not a very nice kick either!!!) I just pulled my Xl out and put in my Pres. Grant( old 40ch. cb, not 10m) Get this; I have no alt whine w/ this radio. Lights on or off NOTHING( maybe a little popping from the wires if that). The pres. is pretty much stock(clarifier, freqs., and thats it I think(Y'all must forgive me for not knowing; I haven't played w/ this radio in many years)I was told that the finals were fried, so I got an Xl. I must say that I am very happy that I kept this pres. I plan on modding this radio too. I'm thinking, NPC-RC, NTE152, NTE107, MAYBE volt the final( not sure on this one right now; haven't had much luck volting the Xl maybe I'll try it just once on the Pres.).
But first I want to fix My Xl, I seems to want to pick up the alt whine. YES, THIS SEEMS TO BE AN INTERNAL PROBLEM. Could I have lost a cap in that Xl?? If so which is the most likely, I might just say heck with it and replace all of them w/ ones that are a step or two up.
Thanks for the help on the Q41 prob. I was looking at the old and new grant schematics the old one has Q42 leading into Q41; the new one has Q42 leading into Q503.
Thanks,
sg569 |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1179
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 11:24 am: |
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has to be something in the anl/nb circuit. mine picks up no whine but rather quite a bit of popping unless anl/nb is ON, then most is eliminated. changed plug wires, all that did was lighten my wallet.
change in antenna mount & COAXIAL CABLE eliminated MORE engine & atmospheric noise then any filters, etc. did. |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 812
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 8:53 pm: |
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I can't run my Cobra 138 XLR which is the same radio as the President Grant UPd 858 PLL in my mobile, because of all the electric stuff in my '89 Mercury Sable, the intank electric fuel pump being the worst offender and the wiper motor runs a close second for noise, and the directionals a distant third. I don't get any noise off the charging system. And my Realistic TRC-449 which is one and the same radio as the 138 XLR acts the same way in the mobile, I have 10 gauge wire direct from the battery to power the radio.
Now if I put my Grant XL in the car, the filtering in it is good enough to quiet 95% of all the noise coming from the car's electrical system.
Carl CEF-357 |
Kid_vicious
Intermediate Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 467
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 9:42 pm: |
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sg569, i emailed you back. im still interested in the schematic, but you found out what i would have told you already.
in my 2000gtl, i replaced both the 1135's with NTE152's.
one was TR41 and the other was on the power supply board. i have to say that i think my transformer gets a bit warmer than i remember.
maybe there is something to this NTE291 business.
i think we need a definitive answer here from someone much smarter than I. |
Semi
New member
Username: Semi
Post Number: 4
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 09, 2005 - 11:43 pm: |
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From personal experience if you don't have the NTE laying around, you can also use Any of the Tip 31 series transistors. Tip 31 31A 31B 31C.
The higher letters give more max voltage. But regular Tip 31 is ok rated 40W. You can get them at rat shack in a pinch.
Worked in my 148gtl.
Semi |
Kid_vicious
Intermediate Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 477
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 12:28 am: |
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thats a good "tip" semi!
hey yankee, i read above that your 138xlr has noise problems in the mobile while the pres. grant does not.
i dont own an old grant, but my 138xlr is noisy in the mobile too. my 148gtl is not.
i have heard (but have not tried) that if you remove all the disc caps to the chassis ground and replace them with jumpers, that it will correct the problem.
seems a bit dangerous to me though.
maybe old elec. caps?
who knows, not me! |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 203
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 10:35 am: |
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Well guys,
When I get the chance I plan on replacing the caps on the power plug for my Xl. I might just try the jumper idea also.
KV,
If you look up the data sheets on the NTE152 and the 2sd1135( in one of my earlier posts here) You see that they are very close in specs, however I do believe that the 2sd1135 really should be replaced with the NTE291 instead of the NTE152 for the upgrade.
BTW, NO charred resistors in the Xl.
Thanks,
sg569 |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 204
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 10:37 am: |
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One more Ques. Does one test all caps the same way? Or is it different for electrolytic, and the disc caps?
Thanks,
sg569 |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 816
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 5:12 pm: |
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John: that's the Grant XL that quiets the electrical noise. I also don't have a President Grant. |
Kid_vicious
Intermediate Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 482
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 6:05 pm: |
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yankee, so we are experiencing the same thing, my 148 should be the same raido as your XL(minus the mods).
sg569, if youre going to bother removing a cap for testing, you should just replace it and save some time and guesswork later. if it hasnt gone yet it will. you wouldnt put just three new spark plugs in your car right? in the same way, you want to know that all your elec. caps are going to go at the same rate. mouser electronics is a good cheap source for the caps you'll need.
also, i do not think anyone should do the jumper thing on MY suggestion. i have no idea what the side effects are from doing this.
COULD BE DANGEROUS!
if you're replacing caps, i would just do the electrolytics. there are enough of them to keep you busy for a good long while. the way i see it; if you get to the point where you want to replace ALL the caps, etc. you should just get another radio. (ask me in 10 years when my 2000 should be weakening, i'll bet i go back on my last statement.) HA!!! |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 818
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 4:38 pm: |
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John, Yes we are both having the same filtering problems with the older UPd-858 PLL sideband radios not doing to well in today's cars with all the electrical that wasn't thought of when those good radios from the 70s and early 80s were designed.
It's very possible I'll soon have another radio the likes of my Grant XL for the mobile.
Until the next time, Carl CEF-357 |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 819
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 5:04 pm: |
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Just a little something I've found out after the receive RF amplifier mod. to the 2SC2999. On the base and with the receiver preamp on I can run the Grant XL with the ANL/NB off, before the transistor change I had to run the ANL/NB all the time. That one transistor change made the differance between keeping the Grant XL on the base or digging into money I can't spare for one of the newer radios that might not be as good on receive as these older '90s Unidens.
Carl CEF-357 |
Kid_vicious
Intermediate Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 491
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 6:43 pm: |
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carl, i have to agree 100%. that mod is about the best bang for the buck that you can get.
and to all those wondering; YES you can easily tell a difference.
matt |
Sg569
Intermediate Member
Username: Sg569
Post Number: 220
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - 4:02 pm: |
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KV,
I have not gotten your email, don't know why either.
Used jumper from neg pole on plug to the chassis and got rid of dang near all the alt whine that was coming back; now I can drive at night and hear the people call for me on the radio.
Sg569 |
