[TenTec] Orion 2 noise on some bands

[K3GHH]

I'm encountering problems on wavelengths <30m. Operation seems normal on 
160-30m. A few days ago I had no (well, maybe 4w) transmitter output on 
20m, intermittent output on 17/15/12/10m, and main-tuning encoder 
clicking (with each step) on all bands above 10 MHz. I applied Deoxit to 
the pins of all circuit boards (and out/in 10 times) and their cables, 
and the A&B front panel cables, and that seemed to do the job. I once 
again have full power on all bands.

But I also have S9+40 noise (if I'm using the S-meter correctly) on 20m 
and higher (frequency) bands. No signals can be heard under that. (With 
RF Gain = 100, "signal level" is about S=0.5 when 160-30 are selected; 
it jumps to +40 to +50 when 20m is chosen and drops to +30-+40 on 17-10m.)

As a test, I fired up the old Icom 706IIG and immediately worked a 
strong VP5 on 14.005 MHz. I put the antenna back on the Orion and heard 
the VP5 briefly, but then the noise returned and now nothing is audible 
on 20m.

Any suggestions? Wish I hadn't put all of those cabinet screws back in!

-- 
--- John, K3GHH