I did not see that any updates had been done to this IC-211.
I went through and heated every solder joint and flowed in a little new solder in with it to give all the joints a nice shine.
As noted by Scott at MTS, the big issue was the via (early double sided boards in 1970s) -- and while pins were used -- often these have to be reworked.
Hopefully you will have few problems, once your microphone cable is repaired!
It is working well and I have made a few QSO's on FM with it. It could still stand to be aligned as it is about 2kc off frequency but the hard part is done. I may even tear back into it later to figure out why it is stuck in 5kc tuning mode, even on SSB.
It could still stand to be aligned as it is about 2 kHz off frequency -- but the hard part is done.
It may not be alignment -- but a mixing crystal that has drifted "off frequency". Not uncommon for the age of these radios.
Quick way to check: Does this 2 kHz stay consistent across the entire 4 MHz (144-148 MHz) of the radio OR does it only happen in the lower 2 MHz (144-146) or the upper 2 MHz (146-148).
There are 2 differnet mixing crystals (one for lower, other for upper 2 MHz) --- if it is confined to one segment -- measure the freqeuncy of that crystal !!
Is there a tuning trimmer to bring them back into range, or do they have to be replaced?
Scott told me that replace was easiest, couldn't pad enough to address my drift issue.
My Drake R-4C had that problem 3 years ago -- no trimmers in design.
Everyone of the 5 crystals (Erie supplier in 1970s) for the mixing oscillators had significantly moved to differing degrees! Yes, it is a bit costly ~ $100 in getting new crystals -- but back to factory spec -- and happy with the receiver.
I got out my project IC-211 and have worked on it all week
It is REALLY REALLY BROKE!!!
I did get the display to light up by resoldering the bad joints on the display board.
But the PLL is a real bear!
This is an early early model where someone has gone in and made extensive update mods to it. There are parts above and below the board all over the place, and countless jumpers.
I tried comparing the schematic to the board but got thoroughly lost and befuddled.
But the radio actually works, Somewhat.
NO RX on FM, but SSB works well on RX.
HOWEVER, something is seriously FUBAR in the TS (Fast tuning) circuit.
Pushing the TS button causes the logic level at the PLL module to change, but it still is stuck on 5 Khz tuning steps. I have been up and down and all around, and can't figure it out.
I do have a 2nd IC-211 that works fine but has low TX power out. Might make a good unit to drive a transverter. Just got the mating remote control IC-RM2 for it.
These radios are HARD to fix! I am especially annoyed how they did the main board. It is virtually impossible to get at the bottom of, as there are hundreds of wires and cables all soldered to it and holding it down from being lifted up.
So, this basket case is getting worse. But it is fun to work on, if you can call agonizing HAIR TEARING fun!
I need to score another IC-211 PLL module and see what happens with it. Mine isn't dead, just sick.
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EVERY Ham should know how to properly Solder!
I do have a 2nd IC-211 that works fine but has low TX power out.
10 watt RF final likely gone. DO NOT use NTE/ECG substitutes (that was the mess in one I picked up). Use the original Japanese RF part -- works without major reworking of bias and entire circuit -- MTS has those in stock.
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stuck on 5 Khz tuning steps. I have been up and down and all around, and can't figure it out.
Tuning steps vary between FM and SSB mode.
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I picked up the IC-RM2 controller
READ THE WARNING on the MTS site in proper sequence to power ON/OFF radio and remote controller.
This remote controller connects DIRECTLY the control processor data/control lines (no buffering).
The IC-211 uProcessor is UNOBTAINIUM -- blow the IC and you have a parts radio !
We appreciate your support.
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