Hi Curt -
They're a very nice transceiver. I've got four of them...... :-)
There are very few difficult parts in them, some of the ECL logic chips
are a little hard to find, but out there. Fortunately, I have seen
very, very few of them fail. There are NO "custom IC's" or other unique
parts. The closest thing is a custom PROM chip on one version of a
card, but I have NEVER seen one of those fail. Additionally, there are
several guys who act as "breakers" and disassemble working radios to
sell the cards and other parts piecemeal. I can't say that I like that,
but it DOES serve to bring many other units back to life.
All that said, 95% of the "failures" are resolved by partially
unplugging and replugging the cards and connectors. There just isn't
enough voltage or current in there to burn through the slightest spot of
corrosion on any one of the over 500 board contacts. Use of DeoxiT will
obviate much of this, but it's "just going to happen" every few years!
The only part that I have found to be a problem is the AC power switch
on the back of the AF/RF GAIN pot. I use an external power strip with
switch to control mine, as I do on just about ALL vintage gear, to avoid
"hot switching" the control mounted switches. It's hard enough to find
a dual pot these days, much less one with a DPDT power switch on the back!!
All the discrete semiconductors and all of the CMOS ICs are readily
available, and the RF semis are available from RF Parts and others at
reasonable prices. Of course cosmetic parts are a little harder, but
again the breakers have those as well.
Overall a stable, reliable transceiver that will hold it's own with
current radios, as long as you don't want 30 pushbuttons that you have
to push in a certain sequence to get to a menu to .... :-)
73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA
Drake 2-B, 4-B, C-Line& TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
<www.k4oah.com>
Curt wrote:
I really enjoy my old hollow-state Drake equipment, and a friend's
purchase of a TR-7 has me interested in perhaps owning one. Am a
little reluctant because while my 2B and 4-line equipment are readily
repaired should the need arise, imagine the TR-7/7A maybe contains lot
of components made from unobtainium. What are the experiences of
owners on this list regarding keeping a TR-7 operational.
And, what is appropriate price range for one in good operational
condition?
73, Curt KB5JO
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