[TenTec] Centurion problem

[Jim Brown]

On 1/4/2013 2:08 PM, Doyle wrote:
> I have been having problem with my receive not returning after transmitting.  This also happens using either a TS-590 or Omni VI.
>
>      Is it possible to clean the relay contacts in the amp?  Where is the relay located?located.

It sounds like a vacuum relay going bad. Contacts are not accessible. 
You replace the relay.  Ten Tec is VERY expensive as a source of parts, 
and as a reapir station.  If you have reasonable soldering skills, you 
can replace the relay in an hour or two. You'll need to figure out the 
manufacturer's part number.  Ten Tec used two over the years, KiloVac 
and Jennings. They are very different physically, so you need to figure 
out which you have. The Jennings is an RJ1A, and sort of looks like a 
stack of nickels with leads on top. The KiloVac is long and skinny, with 
leads along the body.

You also need to know the coil voltage. I don't know the Centurion, but 
Titans use 28Vdc, and the Hercuules II uses 12Vdc.  Look at the 
schematic to figure out what the voltage is for the low voltage power 
supply.

These relays are widely available in the $75 range, both as "pulls": 
from mdiecal electronics, and new from a company called GigaVac. Alpha 
now uses GigaVac, and I've been using them for about five years.  
GigaVac will sell them direct to hams at a discount, about $75, and you 
can also buy them from a dealer, Max Gain Systems.

73, Jim K9YC