[TenTec] Paragon 81338 Pll major loop board -Reply

[H. M. Motley, Jr.]

The PLL/Major loop board in the Paragon seems to be a problem area. 
Whether it was a design or construction problem is really of no
importance to the end user.  I have a 1991 vintage Paragon and have have
problems with this board on three occasions.  The first time, I cured
the problem by resoldering the connections around the troublesome VCO. 
The second time it occurred, I sent the rig to Ten Tec and they provided
a newer version of the board which required a change in the software. 
This was a pain in the neck as I then had to get an upgrade in my Giehl
chip as it would no longer function with the "upgraded" board.  The last
occurrance of the problem was about a year ago.  At Ten Tec's advice, I
completely resoldered the board. This was a tedious job for a
non-technician starting with removing all the old solder with solder
wick and a solder sucker and resoldering every connection on the board.
This cured the problem and I've had no trouble since but I would not
recommend this job to the novice solderer!
I've talked with a number of Paragon users on the air and find that many
of them have had similiar troubles with their Paragons so it appears to
be a common problem.  I still use my Paragon daily and it does
everything I need in a rig, but I would never recommend a used Paragon
to anyone unless it's history was well known and the potential buyer was
VERY HANDY WITH A SOLDERING IRON! 

73,
Puck, W4PM


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