On Sep 12, 2017, at 6:50 PM, Mac A. Cody maccody@att.net wrote:
Also, whatever I build, I can always repair. Don't think the same can be said for a commercial rig.
I've found that ham gear is probably the most user serviceable you can get commercially.
When NJ7H was nearing the DP field in NWT my downlink 817 decided it would quit receiving. After downloading the service manual and following the schematic I found it to be a failed shift register that switches filters, TX/RX, etc. Not having the time to get a new part I removed the IC, installed a toggle switch and manually switched between VHF and UHF as I needed. It's still this way, the Franken-817. I only paid $200 for it used so I'll probably replace it before investing in a proper repair.
With a very modest amount of testing equipment and no EE degree I was still able to repair a commercial rig all while under the pressure of missing some grids that will probably never be on again. Most rewarding grids I've ever picked up.
73,
Mike Diehl AI6GS