[Amps] Alpha likes to remain on

[Charles Harpole]

Aging Alpha amps with the push button pop-out switches are a bear to find and to replace.  The larger problem other than unavailable part and wear failure is that with the pop-out design, u can not just replace one of the gang.
 
On relay contacts and Morse keys, I start with a piece of clean typing/printer paper and put that between the open contacts and then push them closed trapping the paper between them.  Then, pull the paper out, wiping both upper and the lower contacts.  You can do this a number of times until the paper remains clean afterward.
 
That very gentle solution sometimes works.  If not, then u are into very very fine emery cloth from a jeweler.
 
I suspect a sick switch but relay is also possible, as you know.  73

Charles Harpole
k4vud at hotmail.com   
 
> From: Gary at ka1j.com
> To: amps at contesting.com
> Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 00:17:02 -0400
> Subject: [Amps] Alpha 77D likes to remain on
> 
> Recently this 77D converted to SX wants to remain on regardless of 
> the selection on the power switch. I found if I bump the back of the 
> chassis it resolves the problem so whatever it is, it's jarred loose 
> via a small tap to the chassis. I'm thinking one of the HV relays has 
> some pitting on the contacts and is staying closed once engaged.
> 
> Any alternate possibilities and if I'm right, how to best dress the 
> contacts so they won't stick again?
> 
> 73,
> 
> Gary
> KA1J
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