Hi Curt,
I'd look inside and see what's there. If it's been done (or not), then
I'd check the ESR of each cap, cuz I do have an ESR meter. If it's been
done and looks like it'd been a while ago, by the appearance of the caps, I
might replace the bias caps, particularly if I couldn't ck ESR. If any
suspicions, replace the bias caps. I've got a cupla AC-4's that haven't had
any attn, exc. maybe bias caps, and I don't worry as much as I oughta, but
have an AC-4R kit available for when I get a round tuit.
But don't wait for a failure. If it's bias caps that go you'll lose the
finals almost instantly, even if you're sitting there, and it can happen any
time the rig is powered up, whether on the air or not, and usually wahen
you're not in the room.
If the guy lied to you & it hasn't been done, then the AC-4R is an easy
fix, to last many yrs.
There's no easy/fits all answer, except to use the AC-4R kit. You pays
your money & takes your choice.
73,
Al, W8UT
New Bern, NC
www.boatanchors.org
www.hammarlund.info
"there is nothing -absolutely nothing- half as much worth doing as simply
messing about in boats."
Ratty, to Mole
----- Original Message -----
From: "Curt" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 27, 2009 6:46 PM
Subject: [Drakelist] AC-4 Advice Please
I bought my AC-4 from a ham who claimed to have recapped it. I've never
opened it, so have no idea whether this actually happened. It seems to
function fine, but the "loss of bias" catastrophe continues to nag at me.
Are there any warning signs of imminent failure? What is preferred
preventative? Replace all of the caps ( perhaps again ) or install an
AC-4R module? Or just wait until a failure, then clean up the resulting
mess?
Advice appreciated,
73 Curt KB5JO
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