>This is being sent with the hopes that maybe someone can enlighten me...
>
>Greetings!
>
>I'm a newly licensed Ham looking into purchasing the FM 2M Transceiver model
>1220. However, I need to know some things about the construction aspect of
>the kit.
I completed the kit in less than a week working at it every night. Your
construction time will probably be longer as I was going at it about 6 to 8
hors nightly. The kit is 'modular' in that discrete sections are put
together and tested (Display, audio, IF, RF). This give you a sence of
accomplishment and confidence that every thing is going well. Each stage
marks another step in the progression towards your finished kit.
>
>What type of equipment is needed to maintain and the initial tune-up
>required?
The Initial test equipment needed for tune up are a frequency counter,
signal source and a watt meter. The signal source can be off the air signal
and the 'watt meter' could be as simple as an SWR meter as you are just
tuning for maximum output power.
>
>It's is difficult to assemble? As in - what type of tools are needed besides
>the obvious - Soldering iron, pliers, Phillips and standard screwdrivers and
>perhaps a wrench or two --- ;-).
That's pretty much all you will need with the exception of some non metalic
'tweaking' tools to turn the ferrite slugs during tune up.
>
>If this has been a repetitive question - can someone guide me to the area this
>information can be found?
This reflector is a pretty good place!
>
>Some questions about tune-up and adjustments that need to be properly done is
>a strong concern of mine - no need to go into the details - I'm sure many
>people out here understand this issue. I'd just like to know more, and being
>new to this, I just don't want to make a costly mistake. I'd like to know
>your opinions about the requirements of the individual before they invest the
>time and effort.
The tune up is pretty straight forward with two exceptions. When testing the
IF and squelch circuits in a partial assembly test the squelch will not open
if the 455 discriminator coil is way off tune, as it was in my kit. The
ferrite slugs in the rf coils need to be worked out and in several time
progressively to avoid getting them stuck as I did. The slugs come partially
screwed in. Take them all the way out and then screw them in until they get
snug. screw them out all the way and repeat until you can run the slugs down
all the way. This may take quite a few times to get the forms loosened up.
Ten Tec was kind enough to replace the coils that I screwed up. Pun intended!
>
>If any of you can help, it would be greatly appreciated!
With some perseverance and patience, Andy, you can put together a fine radio
that you will have pride of ownership in. If I can be of any help just let
me know. Mine went together and tuned up as advertised with the two above
exceptions noted.
>
>:+> Andy <+:
>KC8FQE
>CodysPC@aol.com
>
73 and happy T-Kit building!
George
PS. The 1220 represents good value for money as well!
George Arthur Talbot V73GT/AH8H ex WB6VPS/ZD8GT
Raytheon Engineering Services Support
United States Army Kwajalein Atoll
Marshall Islands
Mailing address.
Box 8358
APO,AP 96557-8358
United States of America
PHONE NUMBERS:
Commercial 805-355-6473
FAX 805-355-6377
Pacific DSN 480-6473
CONUS DSN 254-6473
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