Heath Company SB-100 Service manual
May 23, 1974
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-1
Diode Leakage In The SB-100, SB-101, HW-100
The silicon diodes used in the SB100 & SB101 are standard power diodes rated at 500PIV & 750MA. For
each condition described, the diodes should be replaced with an equal value to maintain proper opration.
1. Diodes D902 & D903, when leaky, will have an effect on ALC indication. The ALC indication will be
normal for the first half hour to an hour. Then the meter indication will start dropping off until there is very
little indication.
2. D101, when leaky or defective, will cause slow or no receiver recovery after transmitting for any period
of time.
3. D905, under leaky conditions, will cause very slow or no receiver recovery and false meter indications.
The meter will kick up scale & slowly drift down to zero.
4. D201 will result in a decrease in VOX sensitivity to the point where the VOX circuit will not be
activated. It can also result in increasing VOX delay, causing the relay to stay in the transmit condition.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ May 23, 1974
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-2
Alternate Method of Neutralizing the Final Amplifiers
NOTE: Be sure unit is off and power supply high voltage capacitors are discharged.
1. Disconect final plates & screen grid.***
2. Turn unit on.
3. Rotate the BAND switch to 28.5.
4. Place the VTVM RF probe in the ANTENNA connector.**
5. Set the FUNCTION switch to TUNE.
6. Rotate the LEVEL control fully clockwise.
7. Adjust the PRESELECTOR control for a maximum reading on the VTVM.
8. Adjust the FINAL control for a maximum indication on the VTVM, with the LOAD control set at the
50 ohm position.
9. Using an insulated screwdriver, adjust neutralizing capacitor for a MINIMUM indication on the
VTVM.
10. Readjust the neutralizing capacitor for a minimum indication on the VTVM.
11. Turn the FUNCTION switch to the off position.
12. Discharge high voltage power supply capacitors.
13. Reconnect final plates & screen grid.
**VTVM & RF probe will be needed.
***To remove screen voltage in SB-100, SB-101, HW-100 & HW-101 disconnect R920 (100 ohm resistor)
from buss wire between pins of V8 & V9. In the SB-102 removal of accessory plug is all that's required.
To remove high voltage in SB-100, SB-101 & SB-102 disconnect red wire at lug 4 (in Sb-100 lug 3) of
terminal strip BK that goes to grommet BL. In HW100 & HW101 disconnect red wire going to lug 1 of RF
choke in final cage.
NOTE: Take adequate steps to eliminate any possible contact with B+ or B+ shorts to chassis after
disconnecting wire & resistor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 23, 1974
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-3
SB & HW Series Audio Preamplifier & VOX
Circuit Trouble Shooting Guide
It is assumed that the basic steps such as making DC voltage measurement, checking tubes & reviewing the
soldering have been completed.
The following information was compiled from the above transceivers in the 80M LSB position. The mike
level control was at the 9:00 o'clock poisition.
AC signal voltages are listed below. These voltages were measured from the microphone connector
through the VOX circuit. All measurements were made with a VTVM. A microphone or audio generator
for .1V @ 1KHZ can be used as the signal source.
Mike Connector Lug 1 .1VAC
Pin 2 of V1 .02VAC
Pin 6 of V1 10-15VAC
Pin 6 Level Control 10-15VAC
Pin 5 Level Control .5VAC
Pin 9 of V1 .2VAC
Pin 8 of V1 .1 - .3VAC
Center Arm of VOX Sensitivity Control 5-15VAC
Pin 7 of V17 5-10VAC
Pin 6 of V17 40-50VAC
Junction of C211-D201 40-50VAC
Pin 9 of V12 9-15VAC
By tracing the AC signal from stage to stage the point of trouble can be isolated & steps taken to correct it.
POSSIBLE TROUBLE AREAS
- Check each of the shielded cables for a possible open or poorly grounded shield.
- Check for continuity through each of the shielded cables.
- Check for a proper ground at the mike control level.
- If the frequency response of the audio stage is not within specifications check the values & installation of
C1, C2, C3 & C9.
- A change in VOX delay after operating for a period of time can be caused by leakage in diode D201.
The other possibility is a change in value of capacitor C213. Either component could experience a
change in operation characteristics due to heat.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 23, 1974
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-4
SB & HW Series Instability and Corrective
Information
We suggest you check for each of the following possible causes:
1. Intermittent, rosin or cold solder joints.
2. Loose hardware at the tube sockets, terminal strips, circuit boards, shields and rear panel sockets.
3. Poor lead dress at tube sockets V8 & V9. The component leads must be short as possible.
4. Check C925 (Final tune capacitor) to be sure it is isolated from the tuning shaft. This is to prevent RF
from traveling on the shaft to the front panel.
5. Check all edges of the final enclosures for proper grounding to the main chassis.
6. Check the hardware for the side rails to be sure a good ground is being provided.
7. Be sure that all the ground clips on the coil cover are making good contact with the switch shields.
8. Check the soldering of the switch shields to the center pins of tube sockets V6, V7, V10 & V11.
9. Check the ground leads from the switch board & shields, to be sure they are going to ground foil & not
to the preselector capacitor foil pods on the RF driver board.
10. Check for broken or shorted pigtails on each of the shielded cables in the unit.
11. Check RFC801 & L901 for any signs of deterioration or physical damage, (burn spots). If apparent
replace the part.
12. Improper adjustment of the Het. Osc. coils could cause improper mixing action, resulting in the final
operating at a different frequency appearing as instability.
13. Change driver & final tubes then reneutralize per manual instructions.
14. Check driver tube shield to be sure that it has a good ground contact with the socket spring clip.
15. Check for a good ground between the front panel & chassis.
16. Check the SWR of the antenna system at the frequency of opertion. Should be below 2:1.
17. Check the antenna coax for leakage, poor connectors & broken shield connections.
18. Is the transmitter properly grounded?
19. Be sure all shields & tube shields are installed.
20. Realign using a properly terminated 50 ohm non-reactive dummy load. NOTE: This does not
include a light bulb.
21. Check for normal Het. Osc. test-point voltage.
22. Check for proper LMO injection voltage 1.0-1.5 VRF.
23. Check for a high AC ripple content in the LV-B+, HV-B+ and bias voltages from the power supply.
24. Check to be sure that the shafts do not touch each other in the insulated coupling, and that the set
screws do not touch the PA shield.
25. Check to be sure that the PA tune shaft turns the variable capacitor & is not slipping in the insulated
coupling.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------December 18, 1974
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-5
Oscillations or Low Drive
Loose boards cause sporatic self oscillations & unstable RF conditions, particularly at the high [15 & 10
meter] bands. The comb brackets which ahve been used are aluminum & could not be soldered. Steel
brackets are now available [PN 204-2096] & should be used whenever encountered in the field. Both the
switch shields & the driver boards should be soldered to these brackets.
This change helps to increase grid drive as well as increase stability.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 2, 1975
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-6
Self Oscillations Occurring After Installation
of Steel Comb Brackets.
It has been found that in a number of units, self oscillations are still occurring after installation of both steel
comb brackets [Part No: 204-2096]. To correct the condition, the screws around the RF driver board must
be tightened securely. Also, the lockwashers between the circuit board & chassis must be installed,
otherwise a good ground is not assured. Retightening screws which are already snug will also cause these
oscillations to disappear in units where it is a problem.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------March 26, 1976
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-7
S-Meter Drift
To bring the meter drift to an acceptable level, install the following:
CHANGE: R107 from 100K Ohm 1/2 Watt to 100K 1 Watt
[PN 1-28-1]
This makes the voltage divider string more stable with temperature changes caused by internal heating.
This change will be made in future production runs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------September 27, 1977
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-8
Transmitter Oscillates in Transmit with the Mic Keyed
+ + + + Information not yet available + + + +
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------February 22, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-09
Tuning Erratic
Some of the earlier LMOS can be opened up for service, such as cleaning the wiper contacts on the tuning
cap when tuning becomes erratic. Some of these units have fiber washers between the frame of the tuning
capacitor and the worm gear assembly. Intermittant contact between the teeth of the gears can change the
ground path for the tuning cap and also cause erratic tuning. Simply replacing a fiber washer with a metal
washer will give good connection between the tuning cap frame and the worm gear assembly to eliminate
this problem.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------June 5, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-10
Relays Remain Energized After Transmit Condition
After keying the transceiver with PTT for thirty to forty seconds, a positive voltage in excess of 10 volts
appears at the control grid, pin 9 of V12, thus keeping the relays energized.
To correct the problem, replace V12 [PN 411-124]. IEC brand tubes have been found defective in several
cases, but other brands may also cause this problem.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------June 5, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-11
Poor AGC Action
Leakage in the 6HS6 [PN 411-247] at V10 and/or V11 has been found to cause:
- Poor AGC action
- Fast S-Meter decay,
- Poor sensitivity when RF gain control is fully clockwise.
This usually occurs after warmup of at least an hour. A positive voltage, usually over 1 volt, wil appear at
the grid, pin 1 of either one or both tubes.
Replacement of the tube with the positive voltage corrects the problem.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------June 5, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-12
100KHZ Calibrator Spurs
Strong signals may occur at other than 100 KHZ points.
Look at the calibrator output [ahead of output diode] with an oscilloscope. Use high input gain and a slow
sweep speed. If the upper portion of the sine-wave signal appears choppy or uneven, the Y201 crystal may
be at fault.
After installation of a new crystal [PN 404-43], recheck with an oscilloscope.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------July 24, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-13
LMO Drift; Intermittent Frequency Shift
Check for a dirty or corroded phono connector on the rear of the LMO. CLean if necessary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------July 24, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-14
Poor Preselector Tracking
This problem is more noticeable on the 10-meter band. It may be caused by the drive belt slipping or by
one of the variable capacitors not turning due to excessive friction in its bearings.
Check the belt for being loose or worn and replace as needed. Lubricate the bearing of the variable
capacitors.
If lubricating the capacitor bearings does not allow the rotor to turn freely, replace the capacitor [PN 26 122].
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------July 24, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-15
Carrier Nulls With IC14 Trimmer Plates Completely Meshed
If C14 nulls the carrier with its plates fully meshed toward V2 [to the right], relocate C18, 12pf capacitor, to
the other section of the null trimmer [C14].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------August 7, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-16
Relays Chatter In VOX Mode
This may occur when the VOX gain is in the near-full CW position with the MIC level advanced past the 12
o'clock position. Also, the unit will not return to receive when the operator stops talking.
Check the tube at V1. A "GE" tube will tend to oscillate, thus causing the above problem. Other 6EA8
tube brands should operate properly at V1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------August 7, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-17
Loading Capacitor Turns As Plate Capacitor Is Rotated
This problem can be caused by:
- Insufficent friction in the loading capacitor or;
- Excessive friction between the plate and load tuning shafts.
If the problem persists after freeing and lubricating the shafts, install a rubber grommet [PN 73-3] on the
loading capacitor shaft between the pulley and the RF cage. Apply slight pressure to the grommet as the
pulley set-screw is tighted. This will add enough friction to keep the loading capacitor still while tuning the
plate control. Use only as needed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------August 7, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-18
"Chirping" and Slow Receiver Recovery
If "chirping" of the audio in the receive mode and slow recovery of the receiver after long periods of
transmitting are encountered, remove the cover of RL2 and check for carbon buildup at the base, just below
the contact. Clean dirt or carbon tracks, or replace if necessary.
A dirt or carbon buildup will cause the +300 volts to be applied to adjacent contacts such as the bias or
AGC lines, adversely affecting receiver cutoff by upsetting the operation of 1) V12, receiver mixer; 2) V10,
RF amplifier; and 3) V11, first receiver mixer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------August 22, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-19
S-Meter Drift
If the S meter drops below zero and pins after 1/2 hour of operation, there may be leakage in one or more of
the following tubes: V3, V4, V10 or V11. New RCA tubes may exhibit the same problem. The following
procedure will aid in finding the leaky tube:
1. Disconnect R415 to isolate V3 and V4 from the AGC line. Monitor the control grid at P1 of
V3 for several minutes. If the voltage drifts in the positive [+] direction, V3 or V4 is leaky. Proceed to step
2. If the voltage remains stable, go to step 5.
2. Remove the white/blue wire from pin 2 of T102 and repeat the test. This will isolate V4 from
V3. If the voltage still drifts, V3 is at fault.
3. To verify, reconnect the white/blue wire and then disconnect R101. Monitor the voltage at pin
1 of V4. The voltage should remain stable.
4. Reconnect R415 and R101.
5. Disconnect R408 and check the voltage at pin 1 of V10. If voltage drifts, replace V10. If the
voltage is stable, replace V11.
6. Reconnect R415 and R408.
Straight substitution with new tubes may not work if more than one tube is causing the problem, since even
a small leakage can cause the drift. When you replace a tube, check for stable voltage at its control grid.
Replace with the tube which gives most stable voltage.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------September 26, 1978
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-20
Poor IF Sensitivity
Check C101. It may have inadvertently been wired to point 2. It should be wired to point 15. It is an
"easy-to-overlook" wiring error that would cause the transceiver to have low if sensitivity which would
result in poor receiver sensitivity and low power output.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------April 25, 1979
SB-100 Bulletin No:
SSB Transceiver SB-100-21
Low Power Output; Poor VOX Sensitivity
It has been determined that Sylvania, RCA and Westinghouse brand tubes do not function properly at
locations V3 and V4.
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