Dale, I had a somewhat similar experience. I hadn't written, as I was reluctant to badmouth the De-oxit, as that seems to be the cleaner/lubricant of choice with the Drake crowd. I just figured it must be something else, and it probably is. I got some of the tiny pink $3 tubes (D-100L) at hamvention to see what all the crowing was about. My R-4A would cut-out on 40 intermitantly, but rocking the bandswitch would restore operation. It had been ~5 years since I had cleaned and lubed it with Blue Shower cleaner and lubed with Blue Stuff for tuners. I very carefully cleaned the bandswitch with Q-tips and alcohol, then lubed very sparing with De-Oxit on a Q-tip. I was very careful to avoid leaving cotton fibers in the switch mechanism. When I powered up the next day I had lost sensitivity according to the S-meter (signals from antenna as well as calibrator were reduced from S9 or ten over 9 to S5-S7). I checked for lose tubes, etc., but found no cause. I rechecked the sensitivity adjustment, but no soap.
I had begun experiencing audio hum, so while I had the radio opened, I re-caped the three sections of the electrolytic can at the same time as I cleaned the bandswitch. The hum do go away, and I looked for any big DC changes (due to the re-cap) that might throw things off, but didn't see that. I have been unable to conclude that I have AGC problems, which is what I might first expect. One good thing, my 40mtr xtal osc. circuit works better than ever. It has always been iffy, and I usually used the FS-4 when I was on 40 for that reason. I will let you know if I figure anything out. Suggestions welcome, although I realize this isn't much to go on. My first second, and third assumptions were that I disturbed something to cause my problem. This is my first experience with De-Oxit. I am quite experienced with these types of radio repair. I've tried to imagine what I disturbed and check that, but to no avail so far. Working at a relaxed pace, KB8BKU, Darryl in Dayton _______________________________________________ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
