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Re: [TenTec] 238 Tuner Mod

To: "Jack Mandelman" <modeler@bellsouth.net>, "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] 238 Tuner Mod
From: "Ron Castro" <ronc@sonic.net>
Reply-to: Ron Castro <ronc@sonic.net>, Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 09:19:18 -0800
List-post: <mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
It has been a while since I did the mod, but as I recall, I had to unsolder the variable cap and coil to get closer to the solder tabs on the main switch. I used long, thin needle-nose pliers to hook the tinned ends of the wires to the switch tabs. It does take some manual dexterity to fit everything in. It's a good idea to take some digital photos of the insides before you start unsoldering anything so you can remember where everything went.

        Ron  N6IE
     www.N6IE.com


----- Original Message ----- From: "Jack Mandelman" <modeler@bellsouth.net>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 6:55 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] 238 Tuner Mod


I made a similar mod to my 229B tuner.  However, instead of using
doorknob caps I replaced the originals with 6KV 470pF Y5P ceramics.
These capacitors are physically larger than the originals, having a
thicker dielectric for increased breakdown voltage and larger plate
surface area for increased current carrying capacity.  The drift problem
was nearly completely, but not entirely, mitigated.  Complete
disassembly of the tuner was unnecessary, since I was able to work in
the tight space around the switch with small forceps.

Now, I'm considering using the doorknob caps.  Would appreciate any
suggestions about disassembly of the tuner for easier installation of
the doorknob caps.

73,

Jack K1VT


I few months back, I modified my TT 238 tuner by changing out the disc
ceramic
caps with surplus Soviet military doorknob caps, which dramatically
improves
the power handling capability on 160 and 80 meters.  Heating used to
cause the
SWR to 'drift', even at 100 Watts in some situations on 160.  The mod
worked
well, and if anyone is interested, I have all the details and pictures
on my
website at www.n6ie.com.

73,
        Ron N6IE
     www.N6IE.com

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