[Amps] Replacing T/R Relay in AL-1200.

[Al Kozakiewicz]

Larry,

I found the notes that accompanied the relay replacement.  I can scan and email them if you like.

They did jog my memory.  Probably what may have scared W8WWV was the low voltage power supply modification.  If you understand simple electronics, it's not difficult.  What's done is basically rewire a full wave 12V supply into both a voltage doubler & half wave so that you obtain both +12V and +24V.  It involves moving a couple of wires on the SWR meter board, and removing/adding a couple rectifier diodes and filter capacitors.

No big deal if you have any electronics experience.

Al
AB2ZY

-----Original Message-----
From: Al Kozakiewicz 
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 6:49 PM
To: 'Larry K4AB'; amps at contesting.com
Subject: RE: [Amps] Replacing T/R Relay in AL-1200.

I did it on an AL-1500.  It came with photocopied, hand-written notes by Tom W8JI. 

It was simple.  I think I may have skipped drilling any holes and mounting the PCB with just two standoffs - I don't remember.  I think I had to "stretch" a single wire.

If the process is "graduate advanced calculus", I'm a f**king nuclear rocket scientist. With a Nobel prize.

Al
AB2ZY

-----Original Message-----
From: amps-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:amps-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry K4AB
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 6:41 PM
To: amps at contesting.com
Subject: [Amps] Replacing T/R Relay in AL-1200.

I need to replace the old 3PDT relay in an Ameritron AL-1200. Luckily, Ameritron sells a PCB relay assembly which replaces the clunky old relay with a more modern, faster relay.

In looking at W8WWV's website he describes replacing the old relay with the new assembly as "graduate advanced calculus" and estimates the time to do the mod at roughly 8 hours, requiring drilling 3 holes, etc.

To further complicate matters, the tech at Ameritron I spoke with says the new assembly comes with no instructions...not even a schematic!

On the other hand, another amateur I emailed said it was easy to do, about
1 hour.

Can anyone else who's done this procedure offer any additional insights?
Anyone
make any notes when installing the mod?  Thanks!

73,
Larry K4AB
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