The R302 is the latest in a series of popular receivers for demanding applications
which require exceptional sensitivity and selectivity. It is especially suited for repeaters,
audio and data links, and remote control. The
R302 was designed to provide instant setup
without lengthy waits to obtain channel crystals. It is a single-channel vhf fm receiver
available in several models for reception in
the 144 MHz ham band, the 148-174 MHz
commercial band, or 216-226 MHz.
The R302 is our 8th generation vhf fm receiver, and it packs in features you've told us
are important to you during our 40 years of
designing receivers. It's up to the difficult jobs
you've told us you have.
The R302 retains all of the popular features Hamtronics® receivers have been noted
for. It uses triple-tuned circuits in the front
end and excellent crystal and ceramic filters in
the i-f with steep skirts for close channel spacing or repeater operation. The i-f selectivity,
for instance, is down over 100dB at ±12 kHz
away from the carrier, which is 40-50 dB better than most transceivers. Low noise fet's in
the front end provide good overload resistance and excellent sensitivity.
The R302 is designed for narrow-band fm
with ±5 kHz deviation. The audio output will
drive any load as low as 8Ω with up to 1 Watt
continuous output. The receiver may be used
with either voice or fsk data up to 9600 baud
using an external data interface unit. An accessory TD-5 CTCSS Decoder unit is available
for subaudible tone control.
The R302 features a positive-acting, widerange squelch circuit and additional output
terminals for low-level squelched audio and
discriminator audio as well as COS.
There are several models, which have minor variations in parts and microcontroller
programming, to provide coverage as shown
in table 1. Channel frequency is controlled by
a synthesizer with DIP switch channel setting.
The TCXO (temperature controlled xtal oscillator) provides a temperature stability of
±2ppm over a temperature range of -30°C to
+60°C.
INSTALLATION.
Mounting.
Some form of support should be provided
under the pc board, generally mounting the
board with spacers to a chassis. 3/8-inch
holes should be provided in a front panel for
the bushings of the SQUELCH and VOLUME
controls. After sliding bushings through panel,
washers and nuts can be installed on the out-
side of the panel. Be sure to provide support
for the board; do not rely on the controls to
support the board, since that could cause a
break in the pcb solder connections.
The receiver board relies on the mounting
hardware to provide the dc and speaker
ground connections to the ground plane on
the board; so metal standoffs and screws
should be used for mounting.
Electrical Connections.
Power and input audio or data signals
should be connected to the solder pads on the
pc board with #22 solid hookup wire, which
can be attached to a connector or
feedthrough capacitors used on the cabinet in
which it is installed. Be very careful not to
route the wiring near the components on the
left hand side of the board, which contains
sensitive loop filter and vco circuits which
could pick up noise from the wiring.
Power Connections.
The receiver operates on +13.6 Vdc at
about 200 mA peak with full audio. Current
drain with no audio is only about 45 mA. A
well regulated power supply should be used.
Be sure that the power source does not
carry high voltage or reverse polarity transients on the line, since semiconductors in the
receiver can be damaged. The positive power
supply lead should be connected to the receiver at terminal E3, and the negative power
lead should be connected to the ground plane
of the board through the mounting hardware
or the shield of the coaxial cable. Be sure to
observe polarity!
Speaker.
An 8-ohm loudspeaker should be connected to E2 with ground return through the
mounting hardware. Use of lower impedance
speaker or shorting of speaker terminal can
result in ic damage. The receiver can also
drive higher impedances, such as the 1K to
20K input impedances of repeater controller
boards. There is no need to load down the
output to 8 ohms.
Note that the audio output ic is designed to be heatsunk to the pc board through
the many ground pins on the ic. When running moderately low audio levels as most applications require, it is no problem to use an ic
socket; so we have provided one for your convenience. If you will be running high audio
levels, check to see if the ic is getting hot. If
so, you should remove the ic socket, and solder the LM-386 ic directly to the board for
better heatsinking.
Antenna Connections.
The antenna connection should be made
to the pc board with an RCA plug of the lowloss type made for rf. We sell good RCA plugs
with cable clamp. See A5 plug on website.
If you want to extend the antenna connection to a panel connector, we recommend
using a short length of RG-174/u coax with the
plug and keep the pigtails very short.
We do not recommend trying to use direct coax soldered to board or another type of
connector. The method designed into the
board results in lowest loss practical. When
soldering the cable, keep the stripped ends as
short as possible.
We recommend you always use antennas with a matching network which provides a
dc ground on the driven element to avoid
static buildup damaging the input stage of the
receiver.
OPTIONS.
Repeater Use.
E5 provides a COS (carrier operated
switch) output which may be connected to a
COR module to turn a transmitter on and off.
The output level is about 8V unsquelched and
0V squelched. There is a resistor in series
with the output to limit current. Therefore,
the voltage that appears at the COR board will
depend on the load resistance at the input of
that board. For best results, be sure that the
input resistance of the COR board is at least
47K. If the input resistance is too low, no
damage to the receiver will occur; but the
squelch circuit hysteresis will be affected.
If your repeater controller uses discriminator audio, rather than the speaker output,
filtered discriminator audio is available at E4.
The level is about 2V p-p. Note that discriminator audio is not de-emphasized or
squelched. If you need audio which is
squelched, take it from Repeater Audio terminal E1.
If your controller uses low level audio and
Table 1. Quick Specification Reference
Model R302-1 138.000 - 148.235 MHz
Model R302-2 144.000 - 154.235 MHz
Model R302-3 154.200 - 164.435 MHz
Model R302-4 164.400 - 174.635 MHz
Model R302-5 216.000 - 226.235 MHz
Model R302-6 220.000 - 230.235 MHz
Sensitivity (12dB SINAD): 0.15 to 0.2µV
Squelch Sensitivity: 0.2µV
Adjacent Channel Selectivity:
±12 kHz at -100dB!
Image Rejection: 60-70dB
Modulation Acceptance: ±7.5 kHz
Frequency Stability: ±2ppm -30°C to +60°C
Audio Output: up to 1 Watt (8 ohms).
Operating Power: +13.6Vdc (+10 to +15Vdc)
at 45-200 mA, depending on audio level.
Size: 4 in. W x 2-7/8 in. D (plus pot. shafts)
has a high input impedance (20K or higher),
squelched audio can be obtained from E1 independent of the VOLUME control.
Discriminator Meter.
If you wish to use a discriminator meter
and you are handy in designing with op-amps,
you can run a sample of the dc voltage at DISCRIMINATOR output terminal E4 to one input
of an op-amp and tie the other input to a voltage divider pot set to provide a reference voltage of about +3.3Vdc.
S-Meter.
There is no s-meter function, as such,
available in i-f amplifier ic's made for professional receivers; however, a signal strength
indication is available at test point TP-4. This
voltage is a function of the noise level detected in the squelch circuit. It also varies
with SQUELCH control setting. With the
SQUELCH set to where the squelch just closes,
the dc voltage at TP-4 is about -0.5V with no
signal and +1V with full quieting signal. You
can tap off this test point with a highimpedance circuit, such as an op-amp, to drive
a meter or a computerized repeater controller.
Subaudible Tone Decoder.
To use our TD-5 Subaudible Tone Decoder
or a similar module, connect its audio input to
DISCRIMINATOR terminal E4. If you want to
use it to mute the audio (instead of inhibiting
a repeater transmitter as is normally done),
connect the mute output of the TD-5 to E1 on
the receiver.
ADJUSTMENTS.
Frequency Netting.
All crystals age a little over a long period
of time; so it is customary to tweak any receiver back onto the precise channel frequency once a year during routine
maintenance. Because modern solid state
equipment doesn’t require much routine
maintenance, many receivers don’t get their
oscillators tweaked as a matter of routine any
more, but they should.
The adjustment should be done using an
accurate service monitor or frequency
counter. Of course, make sure the test
equipment is exactly on frequency first by
checking it against WWV or another frequency standard.
The channel frequency is trimmed precisely on frequency with a small variable capacitor, which is accessible through a hole in
Table 3. My Switch Settings
Frequency: MHz
Switch Sections Turned On: (circle)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
the top of the shield can on the TCXO. The
proper tool is a plastic wand with a small
metal bit in the end.
To perform this adjustment, it is first necessary to verify that the discriminator is properly adjusted. Do this by connecting a dc
voltmeter to E4. Connect a signal generator
set for 10.700 MHz to TP3, and set the level
for a relatively strong signal so there is very
little white noise. Adjust discriminator coil T2
for 3.3Vdc. Then, reconnect the signal generator to antenna connector J1, and set it for
the precise channel frequency. You can also
use a strong signal on the air if you are sure it
is right on frequency. Adjust the TCXO capacitor for 3.3Vdc (to match the voltage obtained
with the 10.700 MHz signal).
Setting Channel Frequency.
The channel frequency is determined by
frequency synthesizer circuits, which use a dip
switch in conjunction with programming in a
microcontroller to set the channel. The microcontroller reads the dip switch information
and does mathematics, applying serial data to
the synthesizer ic whenever power is applied.
Following is a discussion of how to set the dip
switch to the desired channel frequency.
☞☞☞☞ NOTE: If the frequency is changed
more than about 1 MHz, a complete alignment of the receiver should be performed, as
described in later text. Optimum operation
only occurs if the synthesizer is adjusted to
match the frequency switch setting and all the
tuned amplifier circuits are peaked for the desired frequency.
To determine what channel frequency to
use, the microcontroller adds the frequency
information from the dip switch to a “base”
frequency stored in eprom used for microcontroller programming. Each model of the R302
Receiver has a particular base frequency. For
example, the R302-2 has a base frequency of
144.000 MHz, as shown in Table 1.
Dip switch settings are binary, which
means each switch section has a different
weighting, twice as great as the next lower
section. Sections have weights such as 5 kHz,
10 kHz, etc., all the way up to 2.56 MHz. (See
Table 2 or the schematic diagram for switch
values.)
The system sounds cumbersome, but it
really is fairly simple, and you don’t need to
do this frequently. A piece of paper or a small
calculator is handy to aid in determining
which sections of the switch to turn on. When
done, you might want to record the switch
settings in table 3 for future reference.
Begin by subtracting the base frequency,
e.g., 144.000, from the desired frequency to
determine the total value of all the switch sections required to be turned on.
If the difference is more than 5.120MHz,
solder a jumper to pads to the left of the
switch, and subtract 5.120 from the starting
frequency.
Note: The board was designed to use an
11 position dip switch, which is no longer
available. For the few times it is needed, a
jumper can be installed in place of that switch
position.
Likewise, look at the remainder frequency
and see if you can subtract 2.560 from it. If
so, turn on dip switch section 1, and subtract
2.560 from to get a new remainder. Otherwise, turn off section 1.
Do the same for each of the other sections, from highest to lowest weighting, in sequence. Each time you consider the
remainder, turn on the switch section with
the highest weighting which will fit within the
remainder without exceeding it. Each time it
is found necessary to turn on a switch section,
subtract the value of that section from the
remainder to get the new remainder.
As an example, let us consider how to set
the Receiver for 146.94 MHz. The following
discussion is broken down into steps so you
can visualize the process easier.
a. 146.940 - 144.000 base freq. = 2.940
MHz remainder. Turn on switch #1, which
represents the largest increment to fit remainder.
b. 2.940 - 2.560 value of switch #2 =
0.380 MHz. Turn on #4, which is 0.320 MHz,
the largest increment to fit the remainder.
c. 0.380 - 0.320 = .060 MHz remainder.
Turn on switch #7 and switch #8, which have
values of .040 and .020, respectively, which
adds up to the remainder of .060 MHz. Note
that when the remainder gets down into the
double digit range, it is very easy to visualize
turning on multiple switch sections to satisfy
the entire remainder, such as we just did.
d. When we finished, we had turned on
switch sections 1, 4, 7, and 8.
Note: Dip switch information is read by
the synthesizer only when power is first applied. If switch settings are changed, turn the
power off and on again.
Shortcut ---
If you have access to the internet, our
website has a long table of numbers which
gives the equivalent binary number settings
for every possible frequency. We couldn’t
print it here because it takes many printed
pages of space. Surf to our website at
www.hamtronics.com and look for Dip Switch
Freq Programming for newer R302 Receivers
under Reference Info. Look up the frequency,
and it will give you all the binary switch settings.
ALIGNMENT.
General Procedure.
A complete alignment is needed whenever the frequency is changed by more than
about 1 MHz. Alignment ensures that the frequency synthesizer is optimized at the center
Equipment needed for alignment is a sensitive dc voltmeter, a stable and accurate signal generator for the channel frequency, and
a regulated 13.6Vdc power supply with a 0200 mA meter internally or externally connected in the supply line.
The slug tuned coils in the Receiver should
be adjusted with the proper tuning tool to
avoid cracking the powdered iron slugs. Variable capacitors should be adjusted with a
plastic tool having a small metal bit. (See A1,
A28, and A2 tools on website.) All variable
capacitors should be set to the center of their
range. Turn them 90° if they have not previously been aligned (except on the optional
TCXO).
☞☞☞☞Note: Meter indications used as refer-
ences are typical but may vary widely due to
many factors not related to performance,
such as type of meter and circuit tolerances.
Typical test point indications are for the 144
MHz band unit and may differ for other
bands.
a. Set the SQUELCH pot fully counterclockwise and the VOLUME pot just a little
clockwise.
b. Connect speaker and +13.6 Vdc. You
should hear white noise.
c. Set dip switches for desired frequency.
d. Connect voltmeter to TP1. Adjust vco
coil L1 for +2.0Vdc. (Although the vco will operate over a wide range of tuning voltages
from about 0.5V to 4.5V, operation is optimum if the vco is adjusted to 2.0V.)
e. Connect voltmeter to TP2. Adjust
buffer coil L3 for a peak, typically about
+0.35V.
f. Connect stable signal generator to
TP-3. Set generator to exactly 10.7000 MHz.
Use a frequency counter or synthesized signal
generator. Set level just high enough for full
quieting. At 1 uV, you should notice some
quieting, but you need something near full
quieting for the test (about 20µV).
g. Connect dc voltmeter to Discriminator terminal E4. Adjust discriminator transformer T2 for +3.3Vdc.
Be careful not to turn the slug tight
against either the top or bottom because the
winding of the transformer can be broken.
The tuning response is an S-curve; so if you
turn the slug several turns, you may think you
are going in the proper direction even though
you are tuning further away from center frequency.
h. Connect signal generator to J1 using a
coax cable with RCA plug. Adjust signal generator to exact channel frequency, and turn
output level up fairly high (about 1000µV). Adjust frequency trimmer in TCXO to net the
crystal to channel frequency, indicated by
+3.3Vdc at E4.
Note: There are two methods of adjusting
the mixer and front end. One is to use a voltmeter with test point TP-4. The voltage at this
point is proportional to the amount of noise
detected in the squelch circuit; so it gives an
indication of the quieting of the receiver. With
SQUELCH control fully ccw, the dc voltage at
TP-4 varies from -0.5 Vdc with no signal (full
noise) to +1 Vdc with full quieting signal.
The other method is to use a regular professional SINAD meter and a tone modulated
signal.
In either case, a weak to moderate signal
is required to observe any change in noise. If
the signal is too strong, there will be no
change in the reading as tuning progresses; so
keep the signal generator turned down as receiver sensitivity increases during tuning.
If you use TP-4 with a voltmeter, the signal can be modulated or unmodulated. If you
use a SINAD meter, the standard method is a
1000 Hz tone with 3 kHz deviation.
i. Connect fet dc voltmeter to TP4. Set
signal generator for relatively weak signal, one
which shows some change in the dc voltage
indication at TP4. Alternately peak RF amplifier and mixer coils L4-L8 until no further improvement can be made.
When properly tuned, sensitivity should
be about 0.15 to 0.2µV for 12 dB SINAD.
Crystal filter trimmer coil T1 normally
should not be adjusted. It is set at the factory.
The purpose of the adjustment is to provide
proper loading for the crystal filter, and if misadjusted, ripple in the filter response will result in a little distortion of the detected audio.
If it becomes necessary to adjust T1, tune the
signal generator accurately on frequency with
about 4.5kHz fm deviation using a 1000 Hz
tone. In order of preference, use either a
SINAD meter, an oscilloscope, or just your
ears, and fine tune T1 for minimum distortion
of the detected audio.
+3.3Vdc
THEORY OF OPERATION.
The R302 is a frequency synthesized vhf
fm Receiver. Refer to the schematic diagram
for the following discussion.
Low noise dual-gate mos fet’s are used for
the RF amplifier and mixer stages. The output
of mixer Q5 passes through an 8-pole crystal
filter to get exceptional adjacent channel selectivity.
U4 provides IF amplification, a 2nd mixer
to convert to 455 kHz, a discriminator, noise
amplifier, and squelch. Ceramic filter FL5 provides additional selectivity at 455 kHz. The
noise amplifier is an op amp active filter
peaked at 10 kHz. It detects noise at frequencies normally far above the voice band. Its
output at pin 11 is rectified and combined
with a dc voltage from the SQUELCH control
to turn a squelch transistor on and off inside
the ic, which grounds the audio path when
only noise is present. Inverter Q6 provides a
dc output for use as a COS signal to repeater
controllers.
The injection frequency for the first mixer
is generated by vco (voltage controlled oscillator) Q1. The injection frequency is 10.700
MHz below the receive channel frequency.
The output of the vco is buffered by Q2 to
minimize effects of loading and voltage variations of following stages from modulating the
carrier frequency. The buffer output is applied through a double tuned circuit to gate 2
of mixer Q5.
The frequency of the vco stage is controlled by phase locked loop synthesizer U2. A
sample of the vco output is applied through
the buffer stage and R1 to a prescaler in U2.
The prescaler and other dividers in the synthesizer divide the sample down to 5kHz.
A reference frequency of 10.240 MHz is
generated by a TCXO (temperature compensated crystal oscillator). The reference is divided down to 5 kHz.
The two 5kHz signals are compared to determine what error exists between them. The
result is a varying dc tuning voltage used to
phase lock the vco precisely onto the desired
channel frequency.
The tuning voltage is applied to carrier
tune varactor diode D1, which varies its capacitance to tune the tank circuit formed by
L1/C20/C21. C16 limits the tuning range of
D1. The tuning voltage is applied to D1
through a third order low pass loop filter,
which removes the 5kHz reference frequency
from the tuning voltage to avoid whine.
In order for the synthesizer to lock, the
vco must be tuned to allow it to generate the
proper frequency within the range of voltages
the phase detector in the synthesizer can generate, roughly 0.5Vdc to 4.5Vdc.
Serial data to indicate the desired channel
frequency and other operational characteristics of the synthesizer are applied to synthesizer U2 by microcontroller U1. Everything
the synthesizer needs to know about the
band, division schemes, reference frequency,
and oscillator options is generated by the controller. Information about the base frequency
of the band the receiver is to operate on and
the channel within that band is calculated in
the controller based on information programmed in the eprom on the controller and
on channel settings done on dip switch S1.
Whenever the microcontroller boots at power
up, the microcontroller sends several bytes of
serial data to the synthesizer, using the data,
clock, and /enable lines running between the
two ic’s.
+13.6Vdc power for the Receiver is applied at E1. Audio output amplifier U5 is
powered directly by the +13.6Vdc. All the
other stages are powered through voltage
regulators for stability and to eliminate noise.
U6 is an 8Vdc regulator to power detector U4,
RF amplifier Q4, mixer Q5, and the vco and
buffer. Additional filtering for the vco and
buffer stages is provided by capacitance amplifier Q3, which uses the characteristics of an
emitter follower to provide a very stiff supply,
eliminating any possible noise on the power
supply line. Regulator U7 provides a +5Vdc
supply for the frequency synthesizer and microcontroller, which are both low current
CMOS devices.
TROUBLESHOOTING.
General.
The usual troubleshooting techniques of
checking dc voltages and signal tracing with
an RF voltmeter probe and oscilloscope will
work well in troubleshooting the R302. DC
voltage charts and a list of typical audio levels
are given to act as a guide to troubleshooting.
Although voltages may vary widely from set to
set and under various operating and measurement conditions, the indications may be helpful when used in a logical troubleshooting
procedure.
Current Drain.
Power line current drain normally is about
45 mA with volume turned down or squelched
and up to 200 mA with full audio output.
If the current drain is approximately 100
mA with no audio output, check to see if voltage regulator U6 or U7 is hot. If so, and the
voltage on the 8V or 5V line is low, there is a
short circuit on that bus somewhere and U6
or U7 is limiting the short circuit current to
100mA to protect the receiver from damage.
If you clear the short circuit, the voltage
should rise again. U6 or U7 should not be
damaged by short circuits on its output line;
however, it may be damaged by reverse voltage or high transient voltages.
Audio Output Stage.
Note that audio output ic U5 is designed
to be heatsunk to the pc board through the
many ground pins on the ic.
If audio is present at the volume control
but not at the speaker, the audio ic may have
been damaged by reverse polarity or a transient on the B+ line. This is fairly common
with lightning damage.
If no audio is present on the volume control, the squelch circuit may not be operating
properly. Check the dc voltages, and look for
noise in the 10 kHz region, which should be
present at U1-pin 11 with no input signal.
(Between pins 10 and 11 of U1 is an op-amp
active filter tuned to 10 kHz.)
RF Signal Tracing.
If the receiver is completely dead, try a
10.700 MHz signal applied to TP-3 using coax
test lead. Set level just high enough for full
quieting. At 1 µV, you should notice some
quieting, but you need something near full
quieting for the test.
You can also connect the 10.700 MHz test
lead through a blocking capacitor to various
sections of the crystal filter to see if there is a
large loss of signal across one of the filter sections. Also, check the 10.245 MHz oscillator
with a scope or by listening with an hf receiver
or service monitor.
A signal generator on the channel frequency can be injected at various points in the
front end. If the mixer is more sensitive than
the RF amplifier, the RF stage is suspect.
Check the dc voltages looking for a damaged
fet, which can occur due to transients or reverse polarity on the dc power line. Also, it is
possible to have the input gate (gate 1) of the
RF amplifier fet damaged by high static
charges or high levels of RF on the antenna
line, with no apparent change in dc voltages,
since the input gate is normally at dc ground.
Synthesizer Circuits.
Following is a checklist of things to look
for if the synthesizer is suspected of not performing properly.
a. Check the output frequency of the
vco buffer with a frequency counter.
c. Check tuning voltage at TP1. It
should be about +2.0Vdc. Actual range over
which the unit will operate is about +0.5Vdc
to about +4.5Vdc. However, for optimum results, the vco should be tuned to allow operation at about +2.0Vdc center voltage.
d. Check the operating voltage and bias
on the vco and buffer.
e. Check the TCXO at pin 1 of the synthesizer ic. A scope should show strong signal
(several volts p-p) at 10.240 MHz.
f. Check the oscillator at pin 1 of microcontroller ic U1 with a scope. There should be
a strong ac signal (several volts p-p) at the oscillator frequency.
g. The data, clock, and latch enable lines
between the microcontroller and synthesizer
ic’s should show very brief and very fast activity, sending data to the synthesizer ic shortly
after the power is first applied or a dip switch
setting is changed. Because this happens very
fast, it can be difficult to see on a scope. Use
100µSec/div, 5Vdc/div, and normal trigger.
h. Check the microcontroller to see that
its /reset line is held low momentarily when
the power is first applied. C1 works in conjunction with an internal resistor and diode in
the ic to make C1 charge relatively slowly
when the power is applied. It should take
about a second to charge up.
i. Check the switch settings to be sure
you have the correct frequency information
going to the microcontroller.
Microphonics, Hum, and Noise.
The vco and loop filter are very sensitive
to hum and noise pickup from magnetic and
electrical sources. Some designs use a
shielded compartment for vco’s. We assume
the whole board will be installed in a shielded
enclosure; so we elected to keep the size
small by not using a separate shield on the
vco. However, this means that you must use
care to keep wiring away from the vco circuit
at the right side of the board. Having the
board in a metal enclosure will shield these
sensitive circuits from florescent lights and
other strong sources of noise.
Because the frequency of a synthesizer
basically results from a free running L-C oscillator, the tank circuit, especially L1, is very
sensitive to microphonics from mechanical
noise coupled to the coil. You should minimize any sources of vibration which might be
coupled to the receiver, such as motors. In
addition, it helps greatly to prevent the
molded coil from vibrating with respect to the
shield can. Both the coil and can are soldered
to the board at the bottom, but the top of the
coil can move relative to the can and therefore cause slight changes in inductance which
show up as frequency modulation. Therefore,
the factory cements the top of the coil to the
can.
Excessive noise on the dc power supply
which operates the receiver can cause noise
to modulate the synthesizer output. Various
regulators and filters in the receiver are designed to minimize sensitivity to wiring noise.
However, in extreme cases, such as in mobile
installations with alternator whine, you may
need to add extra filtering in the power line to
prevent the noise from reaching the receiver.
Other usual practices for mobile installations are recommended, such as connecting
the + power and ground return lines directly
to the battery instead of using cigarette
lighter sockets or dash board wiring.
To varying degrees, whine from the 5kHz
reference frequency may be heard on the signal under various circumstances. If the tuning
voltage required to tune the vco on frequency
is very high or low, near one extreme, the
whine may be heard. This can also happen
even when the tuning voltage is properly near
the 2.0Vdc center if there is dc loading on the
loop filter. Any current loading, no matter
how small, on the loop filter causes the phase
detector to pump harder to maintain the tuning voltage. The result is whine on the signal.
Such loading can be caused by connecting a
voltmeter to TP1 for testing, and it can also be
caused by moisture on the loop filter components.
Typical Dc Voltages.
Tables 4-6 give dc levels measured with a
sensitive dc voltmeter on a sample unit with
13.6 Vdc B+ applied. All voltages may vary
considerably without necessarily indicating
trouble. The charts should be used with a
logical troubleshooting plan. All voltages are
positive with respect to ground except as
indicated.
Table 4. Typical Test Point Voltages
TP1 Tuning V. Normally set at 2V
TP2 Buffer approx. 0.35V
TP3 Test Input (No reading)
TP4 Sig. Level With SQUELCH control
fully ccw, varies from -0.5
Vdc with no to +1 Vdc full
quieting.
E4 Freq. Varies with frequency of
input signal. Voltage at
this point normally is adjusted for +3.3Vdc with a
signal exactly on frequency. Can vary a little
without being a problem.
Use caution when measuring voltages on
the surface mount ic. The pins are close together, and it is easy to short pins together
and damage the ic. We recommend trying to
connect meter to a nearby component connected to the pin under question. Also, some
pins are not used in this design, and you can
generally not be concerned with making
measurements on them.
Typical Audio Levels.
Table 7 gives rough measurements of audio levels. Measurements were taken using
an oscilloscope, with no input signal, just
white noise so conditions can be reproduced
easily.
REPAIRS.
If you need to unsolder and replace any
components, be careful not to damage the
plated through holes on the pc board. Do not
drill out any holes. If you need to remove solder, use a solder sucker or solder wick. A
toothpick or dental probe can be used with
care to open up a hole.
If you need to replace a surface mount ic,
first be very sure it is damaged. Then, carefully cut each lead off the case with fine nose
cutters. Once the case is removed, individual
leads can be unsoldered and the board can be
cleaned up. Carefully position the new ic, and
tack solder the two opposite corner leads before any other leads are soldered. This allows
you to melt the solder and reposition the ic if
necessary. Once you are sure, the remaining
leads can be soldered. If you get a solder
short between leads, use a solder sucker or
solder wick to remove the excess solder.
Table 7. Typical Audio Voltages
Audio Test Point Normal Level
U4-9 (Discriminator) 3V p-p audio
E4 (Disc Output) 2V p-p audio
E1 (Repeater Output) 1V p-p audio
U4-11 (noise ampl) 2.5V p-p noise
Right lug of Vol cont. 500mV p-p audio
U5-2 (af ampl input) 0 to 300mV p-p
U5-6 or E2 (speaker 0 to 7V p-p audio
ampl output)
☞ Note: Values which vary with freq. band are
shown in a table at the end of the parts list. Resistors and capacitors are 805 smt type unless noted
otherwise.
Caution: IC’s are static sensitive. Use appropriate handling precautions to avoid damage.
Note that board was designed originally for 11 position dip switch, which is no longer available. 10 position switch is
installed in positions 2-11 on board. For those rare cases requiring first position to be on, install jumper on left hand pair
of pads on board. See schematic for clarification.