Having owned several Paragon {original version} radios and experienced the
PLL UNLOCK problems and having repaired several others including my own
radio, I have always found that the soldering on the PLL board is thought to
be the source of the problems. In actuality, the PC board lands are bare
copper and were not tinned immediately after etching. The result is
oxidation forming on the lands and pads. Subsequently, the manufacturing
process did not include adequate cleaning and thus the solder flow was
inadequate, often leaving etching agents and oxidation below the solder.
This surfaced as a bad solder connection after a few years.
While many say "touch up" the solder on the PLL boards, this usually is only
a temporary fix. The contaminated etching agent and oxidation still
remains. The solution is to remove the solder with a vacuum system or
solder wick system. Clean and polish the pads with a Dremel buffing wheel
and immediately solder tin the pads. Once done, this results in a
satisfactory and long term solution to the problem.
As to the value of the Paragon, it is a joint meeting between the buyer and
the seller. FYI - The Paragon II used a different system of PLL circuits
and the boards were tinned immediately after etching. Of course the Paragon
II sell for $1000+ in most cases.
Tentec service is great. They do fast and accurate work, resulting good
turn-a-round time. While it is not a "bank buster" the service is
representative of current charges for good quality technical work. As to
asking about Tentec service, give them a call and ask the question. Their
number is 865-453-7172 and located in the Eastern Time zone.
73
Bob, K4TAX
----- Original Message -----
From: "john ferro" <foxbat426@hotmail.com>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 6:35 AM
Subject: [TenTec] paragon - is it worth it??
a friend has a paragon with the dreaded PLL lock up above 22 mhz. i can buy
the radio for $450.00. are most pll problems an easy fix? - any idea what
TT
would charge to fix something like this - do they have a minimum service
charge etc? be interested in hearing from all who have dealt with TT
service
for repair of their TT.
_________________________________________________________________
Share your special parenting moments!
http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
|