K2 Rx or XG1 Problem?

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K2 Rx or XG1 Problem?

Brian - N5BCN
Hello all,

Per a previous post, I was having problems getting the AGC Threshold Voltage adjusted properly and the S9 on the S-meter calibrated (CAL S HI for S9 using XG1 was extremely low, at 002, compared to CAL S HI set for sensitivity, at 017).

It was suggested there could be a receiver gain problem, and the first step was to use the XG1 to perform an MDS calculation.  It should be noted that I've been able to hear signals quite well, although I have no basis of comparison, with the K2 on both 20 and 40 m.

Unfortunately, when I connected the XG1 to measure MDS, I hear no volume or signal strength difference when I switch from 50 uV to 1 uV.  I've tried listening to its harmonic on 20 m and the signal was extremely weak.  Can't hear it's third or fourth harmonic at all.

I want to hope the problem lies with my XG1 and not the K2, but I'm not sure.

Although I haven't started signal tracing the K2 (won't be able to get to that for awhile), I did do resistance checks on the XG1 and found some problems:

Resistance from the following junctions to ground:

U2, R1 = 50 k Ohms (should be 57-63 k Ohms)
C4, R3 = 50 k Ohms (should be 57-63 k Ohms)
R1, C1 = 54 k Ohms (should be 67-73 k Ohms)

Checked all component placements and solder joints, no obvious problems.  Reheated all solder joints just in case; no improvement.

What makes this situation odd for me is the K2 receiver SEEMS to be working ok as I can hear signals and the XG1 SEEMS to be working also (other than no volume difference between 1 uV and 50 uV), but clearly one or both are not functioning properly.

Well, it appears signal tracing is in my future.

73

Brian - N5BCN
 
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Re: K2 Rx or XG1 Problem?

Brian - N5BCN
It turns out it was an XG1 problem!

I took the XG1 to a local Ham Radio Outlet (nice folks) and tested it on an IC-7600.  The most we could get out of it was an S2 to S3 deflection, and no change in strength switching from 1 uV to 50 uV.  This is surely the root of my problem for calibrating the K2's S-meter for S9.

I'm posting a question on the MM section if anybody has helpful suggestions on troubleshooting the XG1.

73

Brian - N5BCN
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Re: K2 Rx or XG1 Problem?

AC7AC
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Re: K2 Rx or XG1 Problem?

Brian - N5BCN
Hello Ron,

I suspect you are right: it's appearing to be a dirty or bad switch.

The battery has been recently replaced, that was the first thing I checked.

Resistance checks suggested by Don indicate that the switch isn't removing the 1uV attenuating circuitry.

Do you have any quick and easy tips to clean the switch?

Thanks.

Brian - N5BCN

<quote author="Ron D'Eau Claire">
The first place I'd check is the attenuator switch. Mechanical switches have
a nasty habit of getting dirty.

Next, how's the battery voltage??

Ron AC7AC