[TenTec] Kudos to TenTec Service

[Kim Elmore]

I want to hand out kudos to TenTec service: I sent my O II in for 
service because of reduced power output and odd ALC behavior on 12 and 
15 m. It took about 2 weeks for it to be repaired and sent back. Total 
cost of parts was $12 and labor was $225, so it took someone about 3 h 
to do the diagnosis and perform the repair. TT also replaced the RAM 
battery. Shipping back to me was $87.53.

The repair lists "Replaced 21k pots in final amplifier," but I don;t yet 
know anything more than this. Since I don't have a schematic for the PA, 
I don't know what the 21k pots referred to do. I'll call for some 
details next week, simply because I'd like to understand better what the 
nature of the problem was.

Everything seems to be back to normal and, as an added bonus, TT 
replaced the "rubber tires" that encircle the tuning knobs.

Now I need to finish the refurbish on the AL-1200 I scored for ~$1600. I 
replaced the bleeder resistors (two were open, but both showed flaws in 
the vitreous coating), all the filter capacitors (adding one to the 
string), set the B+ to 4kV with the HV transformer tap, added an 
internal PIN diode QSK switch and the associated keying loop, and 
replaced the dial lights with LEDs. All I need now is a replacement 
meter switch (on its way) and I should be cooking with a new amp.

Kim N5OP