[TenTec] Omni 546-C SSB TX issue

[Carter]

Marinus Loewensteijn wrote:
>  I am looking for some input into solving a (potential) problem that I
>  have with my Omni-C.
>
>  history: I obtained this transceiver some months ago and it had been
>  sitting in a box for 28 years. Cosmetically immaculate but needed to
>  have all the 100 nF bypass capacitors replaced since these were all
>  cracked.

And I thought I was the only one having that problem.   <grin>


>  I cannot find instructions for adjusting the TX mixer - what is in
>  the circuit diagram in the manual uses a ring mixer in a IC package
>  and what I have is a discrete diode ring mixer with two adjustable
>  potentiometers.
>
>  Similarly the SSB exiter has an adjustable coil and I cannot find
>  details on adjustment of that either.
>
>  My problem is that after the rebuild the audio is distorted. I wonder
>  if this is due to some fault in the microphone or in the SSB exiter /
>  TX mixer. CW works like a charm and output is fine too. Even when
>  transmitting on CW the current nicely increases / decreases with the
>  modulation, only it is garbled.
>
>  I do use this rig mainly on CW so it is not a problem but I do like
>  to fix this part. Where do I start?

I'm not an expert on this rig, so let me give a generic answer.

How about putting the rig on a dummy load, then setting the power for 
about 10 watts out with a test tone connected to the mic input and then 
using an oscilloscope stage by stage to see where the distortion enters. 
Hopefully, others will have some info on how to adjust the 'mystery stages'.

Good luck,
Carter  K8VT