[TenTec] Paragon Keying Problem

[Michael Tope]

Yes, in fact I was already through the PLL problem about
two years ago. First it was the low frequency VCO that
started phase popping (noticed it on 75 meters). Then
later it started with mid range VCO (I think thats the one
that covers 7 MHz and up). I pulled the Major Loop PLL
board out and reflowed all the solder connections around
the VCO's. Since doing the reflow, I've had no problems
for the last two years (knock on wood). Didn't know it
was a known problem at the factory.

73 de Mike, W4EF..........................

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert & Linda McGraw K4TAX" <RMcGraw at blomand.net>



> For whatever reason, Tentec seemed to have a solder problem with the PLL
> boards. I seem to recall that one of the often offered solutions was to
> "touch up" each of the solder connections on the PLL boards.
>
> I suspect that the use of copper non-plated boards in earlier Tentec
> products allowed oxidation to occur to the traces and pads while these
> boards were in storage prior to component mounting.  Without a very
rigorous
> cleaning prior to soldering, bad connections could exist even though the
> outside solder looked quite acceptable and the boards appeared to accept
> solder.
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX