Francis - Welcome (back)!
Unfortunately, your experience just MAY be the result of the dearth of sunspots we have been suffering from......... A vertical antenna doesn't help, but in general signals are just down, down, down, both in quality and quantity.
However, there are some things you can do. First, turn on the internal calibrator. It should provide S-9+ signals every 100 kHz on just about every band. IF you find these signals, the receiver itself is in pretty good condition. That's not to say that an alignment or even a tube replacement or two won't make it better, but it's basically working.
The next thing to check is the slide switch on the left side of the cabinet. 'Exercise' it several times, and if you have or can get some DeoxiT D100L a drop or two on the contacts will keep it clean. Then locate the #12 bulb socketed under the chassis near the T/R relay. Again, 'exercise' it by unplugging the bulb (pulls straight out, just like a tube,) and re-inserting it a couple of times, again with the DexoiT if possible. Next, 'exercise' and apply DeoxiT to the BAND and other switches. Finally, unplug each tube one at a time, DeoxiT the pins (or sockets) _just a drop_ , and re-insert.
This will correct most problems encountered in a transceiver that was working when it was put away. While you're underneath the chassis, it's also a good idea to take a screwdriver to each chassis screw, tube sockets, terminal strips, PC boards, etc., and tighten them firmly. If already tight, loosen slightly then re-tighten firmly. They ARE sheet metal, self tapping screws, so don't get carried away with a giant screwdriver!! :-)
By now you should have a properly working transceiver with no annoying noises or intermittent flaky operation. IF after all the above it still seems 'hard of hearing', then further troubleshooting will be in order.
73, Garey - K4OAH Glen Allen, VA Drake 2-B, 4-B, C-Line& TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs <www.k4oah.com> Francis Surovec wrote:
Hello to the group.... I wasn't quite sure how to post with a question but that was nicely answered the other day. At any rate, I am getting back into ham radio after 35 years of idle time.... my main focus is CW and RTTY and I am in the process of trying to find some of the mechanical teletypes I played with for hours on end years ago. Seems like I have awakened from a long sleep only to find everyone has gone digital and solid state! My original Swan 350 alas is no longer, but I picked up a nice TR4C that looks great (love those tube finals!). The rig arrived and I plugged it in just to see if it would even power up, which it did. I purchased a used Cushcraft R5, got it up in the air and again powered up the TR4C. I think I heard two or three signals on all the bands and that was just about it. There was noise (of course), but I'm thinking that the vertical is responsible for that. I still need to buy a mic and a key to call a CQ! What would my first step be in determining the condition of the receiver section? Thanks for the help.... I know I'll be back for more!
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