[TenTec] Failed ALC LED in Omni-D?

[barrettthompson@mindspring.com]

Request for advice on troubleshooting...

I use my Omni-D daily (CW/SSB nets).  Last week after a lightning storm the ALC LED does not light up at all  (mere coincidence? the Omni was turned off but antenna still connected...).  I can increase the drive until the power supply kicks off-- no LED.  The rest of the rig functions perfectly.

At the suggestion of a friend, I pulled out the board containing the ALC circuit and checked the 4 1N4002 diodes (lifted one leg, used DVM with diode checker) and the diodes are good.  I also checked the ALC voltage coming off of this board and it matches the specs in my service manual (12.7 volts with no drive) and the voltage drops as drive in increased.  The difference between this ALC voltage and the +13.8V bias should cause the LED to light up, yes?  Should I suspect the LED or something else?

If the LED is the place to look, how do I get to it on the Omni-D?  I fear the answer is "remove the front panel"... my service manual (actually for Omni-A and Omni-D) shows a special tool being used on the main tuning knob.  I don't have such a tool.  Is it essential to the process and what can be substituted in its place?

Thanks in advance,

Barrett / KE4R
Fayetteville, GA
KE4R@arrl.net

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