Heathkit sb-200 repair tech

[KB9LQA]

Can someone tell me if they are aware of a good tech to repair a Heathkit sb-200, in the Milwaukee Wisconsin area.
I think it may be time to get some help with it. Thanks, Chris.....

[W9GB]

Chris -

You can always contact Miles Cundy at AES-Milwaukee (Head of AES Service department for 40 years!)
for references of local (reliable) technicians or Elmer to help you with project.
http://www.aesham.com/milwaukee.shtml

Since this was originally a KIT, the Assembly Manual
has virtually all information you need for Build // Rebuild.
http://www.cnyara.com/_manuals/index...200_manual.pdf

Harbach Electronics carries many common restoration parts.
http://www.harbachelectronics.com/ma...00__sb201.html

[KO6WB]

Could you tell us what the problem is? There are a lot of folks that have or had a SB-200 and they may have some valuable advise on how you can do the repairs.
73
Gary

[KB9LQA]

Hello, and thanks for the response. I have hooked it up to a dummy load to test(also tryed with an antenna) It has 2300 volts of hv. When I key the amp the idle current is 60ma. When i switch the meter to grid, the meter pins full scale. That is without any power from an exciter. It was suggested to me that it sounded like a bad tube. I have tryed 3 sets of tubes, one of them I have just perchased new. No change. It does have continuity in the B+ line from the power supply board to the top of the tubes. I did replace the 33 ohm resistors on the tube sockets that were out of spec. also the caps in that area that appeared to have run hot..... I purchased it from an estate, so i dont know all the history. It did come with the manuals, and has the Harbach power board , soft start, soft key, fan, and relay, upgrades. I would like to repair it myself, just not sure if I can. Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks, CHRIS.....

[W1QJ]

60 mills idle is low, 2 tubes should idle at 90ma. The grid meter pinning, there should be no grid current at all with no drive, Since a Harbach relay was installed, should make sure it was done correctly because it is NOT a drop in relay, there must be a resistor as well. Check to see it was done properly. Grid current is read across a 1.5 ohm resistor that should be checked Check the meter switch and make sure the lower tab is not grounding to the cabinet.

[KC8VWM]

Agreed, Sounds like a meter switch problem.

[W4AFB]

Those meter switches are notorious for getting dirty and having bad contacts. Make sure you check that. Does the amp tune up and produce power?

[KB9LQA]

Thank you, for the replys, I did double check the relay, and its marked potter- brumfield, dont think thats a harbach unit, my mistake. It does have the original 2000 ohm resistor attached, but it only reads 1055ohms, when in place. When tested with an exciter, 50 watts in ,and only 10 watts out, it does tune a little, didnt try to long , to prevent any more damage. I still need to take a better look at the meter switch, thanks, CHRIS.....

[W9GB]

Did this amplifier ever work correctly, since you have owned it??

Do you have a 50 ohm dummy load??

[KB9LQA]

W1QJ and others, It turned to be the 1.5 ohm resistor. It was open. and burnt.I replaced it with a 1.5 ohm half watt resistor. (half watt is ok???) Now 90ma idle current, grid meter doesnt pin or move, till i excite it. 50 watts in 550watts out on 10 meters, in to a dummy load. I will still check the amp over ,clean switches ect. I still need to upgrade my license to put the amp on the air, I am working on that also!! THANKS, to all that took the time to respond.CHRIS.....