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Spectra FAIL 001, No Change with Recapping

Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 7:52 pm
by NB2E
I've got a 110W VHF Spectra Range 2 (T83FWA7HA9AK) that I received with a FAIL 001. I've removed all of the SMT Electrolytics and replaced them with Xicon 105C rated radial electrolytics of the same values. In most areas I layed the cap horizontally and bent / trimmed the legs to reach the solder pads. No where during the recapping did I notice any leakage onto the pcb (even with a lit eye loupe), although there were a couple caps that had leaked into the plastic base of the cap.

I understand that the next likely cause of a FAIL 001 would be the 16.8MHz xtal. Does anyone have any spares of a direct replacement or a source for them? Also, are there any batlabs members out there that are set up to properly troubleshoot, repair and align a spectra. If so, PM me with basic info. (On prices, etc)

Thanks,

Ric

Re: Spectra FAIL 001, No Change with Recapping

Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 7:59 pm
by GlennD
The Saber references work fine in the Spectra. You will need to set the frequency after changing it. I always check dev but so far it has been in the ball park.

Re: Spectra FAIL 001, No Change with Recapping

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 1:53 pm
by NB2E
Didn't have a spare oscillator without pulling one from another spectra, so that's what I did.. sort of. I removed the whole RF board containing the oscillator from another Range 2 VHF and swapped it in. No change. Swapped back to the original that I recapped and swapped VCO boards. Bingo.. I don't see any damage to the VCO board but apparently the radio does. The radio that I'm using for parts came from the same fleabay seller that provided the one with a bad VCO, he mailed it out as a replacement due to the FAIL 001 and told me to keep both. Not the best outcome from fleabay (that would have been a working radio to begin with) but at least an upstanding seller.

Re: Spectra FAIL 001, No Change with Recapping

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:22 pm
by Will
NB2E wrote: Also, are there any batlabs members out there that are set up to properly troubleshoot, repair and align a spectra. If so, PM me with basic info. (On prices, etc)
Thanks,
Ric
I repair lots of Spectras professionally. I have all the test equipment and fixtures to trouble shoot and repair.
PM for further information. Special prices for BatBoard members.

Will