maratrac a-7 control head acting wierd

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kb2crk
Posts: 318
Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:48 pm
What radios do you own?: Astro Spectra Spectra Maratrac

maratrac a-7 control head acting wierd

Post by kb2crk »

as some on here know i have recently started using a maratrac vhf on the 2 meter ham band. something odd starting happening with the dim function on the backlights. it has begun to start changing it's dim settings on its own. sometimes the button works to put it back where i had it set and sometimes it doesn't work at all. any ideas? should i start looking for a head? or is there something simple i am missing?
thanks again paul
just call me dos impaired.... lol
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Bill_G
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Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 5:00 am

Re: maratrac a-7 control head acting wierd

Post by Bill_G »

Take the head apart, clean the keypad, and the buttons. It may have Pepsi syndrome, or just gunk. It happens. Soap and warm water are your friend. A little toothbrush action. A little alcohol. Maybe a little pencil eraser. Put er back together. See what happens.
kb2crk
Posts: 318
Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:48 pm
What radios do you own?: Astro Spectra Spectra Maratrac

Re: maratrac a-7 control head acting wierd

Post by kb2crk »

i will give that a try. the dim function is the only one acting up. i also have a low band maratrac now but need to get another head and cable for it.
just call me dos impaired.... lol
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kf4sqb
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Re: maratrac a-7 control head acting wierd

Post by kf4sqb »

If cleaning it doesn't help, I can send you a schematic of the head for troubleshooting purposes. Just let me know if you need it.
kf4sqb "at" wetsnet "dot" com



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kb2crk
Posts: 318
Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:48 pm
What radios do you own?: Astro Spectra Spectra Maratrac

Re: maratrac a-7 control head acting wierd

Post by kb2crk »

a different head and it is working as it should. i will pull the other head apart and do the clean up routine in a couple days when i have some more time. i want to get the low band radio up and running first.
thanks for all the help
just call me dos impaired.... lol
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smokeybehr
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What radios do you own?: Dozens. Want one? Email me.

Re: maratrac a-7 control head acting wierd

Post by smokeybehr »

My cleaning kit contains the following:

91% isopropyl alcohol
Formula 409
WD40
q-tips
cotton cosmetic rounds
red pencil erasers
paper towels

I can clean about 99% of everything I come across with those items. I recommend the 91% IsoOH, because the 70% just doesn't work as well, and takes longer to dry.
No, I will not fix your computer. Call back during NORMAL business hours.
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