Today I decided to replace the dial lamps in my FT-5200. Now, I am
virtually unable to read typed documents that pass my desk in the normal
course of my work day. Replacing the lamps can be likened to reading 1
point print!!
I managed to break 2 wires that go from the interface connector to the
inside world. Thank God for the service manual. I kinda understood where
the wires terminated on the board? Well, the service manual is kinda
vague. Besides, I can't read stuff that small.
Aw... what the heck. Just tack solder 'em on and see what works. (this is
a new, bold concept in electronic repair)
Replacing the lamps was only slightly more difficult than
micro-neurosurgery. I now understand what repairing spinal column nerve
damage must be like. I did get a one-to-one match for wire ends to solder
pads so I considered my job done.
I pondered on whether to re-assemble the whole thing or take it to the car,
plug it in, and see just how much smoke I could force from the control
head before I had to send it back to Cerritos for a smoke refill.
Considering that I only had to gess the location of 3-4 wires and really
couldn't see if I had bridged any MAJOR components when I soldered the
lamps, I opted to re-assemble.
With care and trepidation I plugged the control head into the main body and
hit the power button..
.
.
.
You know, I has been about 4-5 years since I had seen the dial lit up. I
had completely forgotten that it was a calm amber color.
Ain't science grand?
My wife has taken to calling me lucky.
Heck, I think I have real talent.
For consultation on how to approach the tack and check smoke technique,
contact
Dean, K7NO
Dean's Radio and Brain Stem Repair.
Petoskey, MI
Dean Norris, K7NO - email to: dnorris@k7no.com
James Carville - "Starr is one mistake away from losing his kneecaps"
Alec Baldwin - "We should go over to their houses and kill their families"
Susan McDougall - "I wish their kids were dead"
And Conservative Republicans are "Mean Spirited"?
--
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