[Amps] AL-80A Relay troubles

[Bill Coleman]

On Jan 12, 2006, at 8:03 AM, Joe Musto wrote:

> I own a used AL-80A and I haven't had it long but it had the same  
> problem
> when I got it.  When I unkey, the receive would be down quite a  
> bit, which
> means the relay contacts are dirty.  I tried a burnishing toll to  
> no avail
> so I finally took super fine emery cloth (800 grit I think?) and cut a
> piece 3/16" x 2" and polished the contacts.  It has worked fine  
> since.  I
> did this as a temporary measure and ordered a new relay.  It was  
> $15 from
> Ameritron.  If you order, call their parts dept.  The relay is $15 via
> phone order but $35 if you order from their website.  Not sure why the
> difference.

Thanks, Joe. I'll try the burnishing with a business card trick  
first, and then consider replacement.

I looked hard on the Ameritron site, but I was not able to find any  
quotes for the changeover relay. I'll look again.

Good to know about the prices.


Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901