[TenTec] Re: Paragon Question - Lack of sensitivity

[Edward A. Feustel]

t

>
> Subject:
> RE: [TenTec] Paragon question
> From:
> "Scott Prather" <sdprat at worldnet.att.net>
> Date:
> Tue, 1 Feb 2005 18:45:59 -0800
> To:
> <tentec at contesting.com>
>
> To:
> <tentec at contesting.com>
>
>
>Paul-This problem is almost certainly related to the filter relays on the
>LPF board.  Early Paragons used reed relays to select the LPFs, but this was
>a pretty expensive approach.  As a result, in later units Ten-Tec started
>using inexpensive frame relays instead.  I had a Paragon that would do the
>same thing you describe only on the 80 M band, and lightly tapping the top
>of the cabinet near the PA heat sink would bring signals back to normal.
>
>The relays are available from Digikey, they only cost about $1.35 each.  If
>you decide to replace the defective relay, I highly recommend that you
>replace all 14, it's a lot of work to get the LPF board out and I can almost
>guarantee that another one will probably fail if you leave the other
>originals in place. However, check to see what type of relays you have
>first.  You wouldn't want to replace all 14 if your LPF board uses reed
>relays.
>
>Scott
>N7NB
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com
>[mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of
>ultrafixedwing at juno.com
>Sent: Tuesday, 01 February, 2005 17:00
>To: tentec at contesting.com
>Subject: [TenTec] Paragon question
>
>
>
>If I tune up from 6.000 mHz, when I hit 6.500 there is a click and the
>signal strength drops way, way off. I can hear signals very faint. I
>continue up to 10.500 and it clicks and signal strength kicks back up. Any
>ideas how to cure this?
>Thanks,
>Paul
>KS2S
>
>  
>
This problem can also be due to the front end switching diodes. I have 
had the problem twice in my Paragon II.
Check to make certain that the diodes on the 6.5-10.5 section are still 
good. If one set is burned out, it is likely that more are, so check the 
rest of the bpf diodes while you are at it. I gather they are quite 
inexpensive and you can install them yourself.  (I wound up sending my 
Paragon II back to the factory for check ups.)
Regards,
Ed, N5EI