| Author |
Message |
    
Bendare2
New member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 5:38 pm: | 
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My 66V started doing a channel 'search'.....??
At first it was about once per day/ now it is every 20 minutes or so.....??
My freq counter just rotates freqs for a short time.....then just as quickly.......it goes back to my original channel and acts like nothing happened.
I've checked all knobs/ connections/ changed mics?/......it does it hot or cold......
Any one have an idea where to start here??
Bad solder joint?.....but where?........
Thanks much.......Ol'Ben
BTW.....it is in a Caravan/ Mobile...... |
Therealporkchop
Advanced Member
Username: Therealporkchop
Post Number: 664
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 6:04 pm: |
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Does it actually change channels or does the counter just roam?
If it's just the counter freaking(no pun intended) out then you might have a bad control board for it.
Other than that I don't know what to tell ya... |
Allan
Intermediate Member
Username: Allan
Post Number: 134
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 8:19 pm: |
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Does the counter look like a one arm bandit about to roll over triple 7's? I had an old 55v do the same thing. I'd start with X-1 or X-2 crystal solder connections. Both case sides off, slowly and gently wiggle each one while observing the counter. If one is suspect, you might even see the loose solder connection from the other side. Good luck. Allan |
Allan
Intermediate Member
Username: Allan
Post Number: 135
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 8:55 pm: |
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Here is another possibility I found on their tech. site... Should be able to find all the device locations and drawings for this rig on the internet......
As 808 sez... Hope this helps.
All 10 Meter Mobile
Chassis EPT3600-14B
Symptom No TX and no RX, frequency counter displays 24.XXXMHz
Cure Replace diode D36 located on the frequency band board. Diode D36 is a 1N4148 and should be replaced with a 1N4000 series such as 1N4003 for better stability.
Additional Comments
Category Both RX/TX
Posted By Galaxy Tech Support
 |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 2855
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 9:43 pm: |
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does it stop if you tap on the radio? most likely a bad/cold solder joint. in a galaxy, go figure. look at the freq counter connections, & even the main IC. any questions, just touch 'em all up with a tinned soldering iron. |
Therealporkchop
Advanced Member
Username: Therealporkchop
Post Number: 671
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 1:25 am: |
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Pat, you ever see that movie The Craft. The one with Neve Campbell and her pretty self in?
Remember when that girl did that binding spell on Nancy?
Well Pat..I bind you..I bind you from doing harm to yourself and others in Galaxy related post.
Now if you keep cuttin' up I'm gonna have to ban instead of bind...ha-ha.
It's either a band board...a freq counter board...or those little tiny wires tyin' the whole thing together. Check them 3 first. Betcha bite a chip! |
Bendare2
New member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 10:06 am: |
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Thanks Guys.....I have to find the time for testing.
I will check the xtals, 1 & 2, and replace D36 on the band board.....
My radio actually goes off channel with the 'slot machine' action......it always comes back to the set channel??
I will post back with my results......
Thanks again......it has been a great radio for me. Kinda like to continue the relationship, eh?
...........Ol'Ben |
Allan
Intermediate Member
Username: Allan
Post Number: 136
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 10:37 am: |
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quote:I will check the xtals, 1 & 2, and replace D36 on the band board.....
With the problem being erratic, I'm going with the cold, loose solder joint(s) like Pat00 suggested. |
Bendare2
New member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 4
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 10:01 pm: |
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But......it does act closer to the D36 problem....
No tx/ rx.....frequency counter strays, but I see more 24xxx than any other number.....
I'll wiggle the xtals/ replace D36(No biggie-cheap enuff-no harm done)..... then .....nothing gained?....I'll 'tin' some connections.
All I can reach......
After that it gets a tad more major....
One step at a time tho..........Ol'Ben |
The_bandit
Junior Member
Username: The_bandit
Post Number: 16
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 3:31 am: |
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I've seen that one hundreds of times... usually amounts to a cold solder joint either near the +8v regulator or in the VCO area. Try using a capped Sharpie marker to press on the solder side of the board... press semi-hard at first to try to get the problem going, and as you get closer to the spot you'll find that a light push gets it going/makes it stop... when you find the spot on the board that barely takes a touch to set it off, solder all the connections in that general area. The problem you're describing is VERY common to Galaxy radios. |
Bendare2
New member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 5
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 9:23 am: |
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I just opened the radio........the board(s) were loose/ the screws were not tightened down....??
Could this have any bearing on my problem?....does it need a tight connection to ground the band board?
Just thought I'd ask.......
I have to go downtown to get a diode for D36 so I'm trying the 'pressure' method this morning.....hopefully I can find it.
.....This definately is the place to get answers!
Thanks y'all.......Ol'Ben |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 9996
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 9:28 am: |
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Bendare2,
Yes, that very well could be your problem as all Connections(screws) need to make a good tight connection to complete the circuit and allow everything to operate properly.
Let us know how it work's when you are finished.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2 |
Bendare2
New member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 9:45 am: |
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Fast get back......!
Thanks.......I'll just tighten both boards and test before I get 'technical' here.......LOL!
.............Ol'Ben |
Bendare2
New member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 10:22 am: |
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Well......go figure, eh?......I tightened the mount screw on the band board.
It's been running for 30/ 40 minutes with no problems showing....
Of course that's on the base...the next test will be in the mobile, bouncing around.....??
So far I'm feeling very technical!!...Haw!
I'm gonna figure a way to make the ground a little more solid.....someone switched screws and it's kinda stripped out.
If I can get my hand under the board, I'll add a nut AND bolt with a lock washer.
Thanks all again......Ol'Ben |
Bendare2
New member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 11:14 am: |
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Hey 808...I did a search for a variable rf mod for my 148GTL...??
I'm sure it's on here?.....
Can you point me to it please?
(hijacking my own thread!!)
Didn't want to start a thread that's probably all over.......thanks......Ol'Ben |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 9998
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 1:25 pm: |
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Bendare,
Sorry I have never done a variable RF Mod on a 148 before or had anyone ask for one.
Look to the left of the Forum here and you will see Utilities
Search
CLICK on Search and type in: Cobra 148GTL
It should bring up 244 topics
Since there have been so many different model's of the 148 GTL over the years many of the mods you will find may be totally different.
Hope this help's,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2 |
Bendare2
New member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 9
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 3:19 pm: |
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Totally cool here.......running amps requires low dk/ even variable because I do swap and trade them.
I have another 148 here with the mod done, but I ain't sure I can copy from sight....??
I'm headed for utilities.......thanks......
......the 66v is purring like a sewing machine.......Ol'Ben |
The_bandit
Junior Member
Username: The_bandit
Post Number: 18
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 4:00 pm: |
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you can make your 148 variable on AM by removing the board mounted pot for the AM deadkey and mounting the a linear taper pot of the same resistance on the front or side of the radio. Simply run the wires from the pot to the corresponding spaces on the board where the pot was removed. It's crude, but it does work and I have done it many times. |
Bendare2
Junior Member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 10
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 8:53 pm: |
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Basicly just move the power pot to the outside, eh?
Makes sense to me...
(I was even trying to figure how to drill a hole for a plastic screwdriver to turn the pot.....crude?.....for sure......last resort only!!)
The length of the jumpers to the external pot won't cause any adverse effects??
I would also have to add a ground to the pot, right?
Kinda like to leave the 148s alone as much as possible.
I'll check the board and location of the internal
pot.........Ol'Ben |
The_bandit
Junior Member
Username: The_bandit
Post Number: 19
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 3:41 am: |
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Ben,
The length of wire running from the internal power pot to the external one will not be long enough that you should see any adverse effects.. I've done that mod enough times to almost be able to do it in my sleep... it works well, and allows you to adjust your dead key from nearly nothing up to about 6~8 watts, of course the 148 chassis doesn't like a 6-8 watt carrier since it is unable to modulate to full capacity from that level. |
Bendare2
Junior Member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 11
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 10:17 am: |
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I run under 1 watt most of the time.....
I suppose I'll have to adjust my swing a bit, eh?
The dk adjustment probably affects the swing some...
Thanks all.....all replies are much appreciated.
'928'---IL---28AM.......Ol'Ben |
Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 1608
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 7:14 pm: |
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ben, its VR10 that you are looking for.
towards the right hand rear of the chassis, near the audio IC.
if you've got a shielded cable with three or more wires in it, use it, and solder the shield to PC ground on both ends.
you could also wrap the wires a few times around a ferrite bead.
i have to say though, that i have done this mod with just three wires and it worked fine.
also, if you replace R194 with a 1N4003 diode, banded end towards the audio IC (your right) you can get full swing from any dead key level.
good luck,
matt |
Bullfrog13x4
Junior Member
Username: Bullfrog13x4
Post Number: 41
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 3:10 am: |
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10.240 crystal ???
bullfrog13x4 |
Bendare2
Junior Member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 12
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 10:07 am: |
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Kid........just the info I needed for sure....
VR10/ R194 to 1N4003/ wire info....good stuff.
Thanks much......Ol'Ben
(10.240 xtal???.......what would this do?...xtal 1? xtal 2?........?? thanks....) |
Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 1620
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 4:35 pm: |
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no problem ben, those are my favorite radios.
bullfrog, i too am confused by your brief post.
are we the victims of an edit perhaps?
matt |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 10018
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 6:42 pm: |
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Kid_vicious,
Nothing was EDITED or REMOVED from the post above by Bullfrog13x4.
It is Exactly as he posted it. 
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2 |
Allan
Intermediate Member
Username: Allan
Post Number: 142
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 6:55 pm: |
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What happened to the 66? Did it morf into a Cobra???? |
Bendare2
Junior Member
Username: Bendare2
Post Number: 14
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 12:50 am: |
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Allan.....
I hijacked my own thread.......
The 66v problem was the band board was loose and losing ground contact at the screw.
So far it is working fine as it should...for now.
The screw is stripped and needs a total upgrade, the screw and the small bracket.
(when I get a spare minute.....)
I didn't want to start a thread on the 148 variable rf mod because I figured there was probably already several......I just couldn't find one......
Sorry for any confusion...it was not intended.
.........Ol'Ben |
Bullfrog13x4
Junior Member
Username: Bullfrog13x4
Post Number: 42
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 7:09 am: |
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i am sorry guys i havent been myself lately, and i did not see that he had fixed the problem.
i ment to say, your freq float could be the famous 10.240 crystal failing. i have seen this in a lot of 99v's and 73v's.
agian sorry for the confusing post.
if i wernt so honest i would of said
o you were paying attention.. He he ..
butt i am honest, my mustake.
bullfrog13x4 |
