Chin up, Damien: power supplies are fairly easy - if a bit dangerous - to work on. As long as you make sure you're unplugged and all terminals have zero volts on them, you should be fine.
Check the diodes first with a DMM with a diode check function. These usually have a schematic symbol for a diode somewhere (Flukes usually have them in the 2k resistance range). Anything that's shorted or open needs replacement. If there are any bad ones, I'd just replace them all. Just mind the polarity. It's the same song with the electrolytics. If they're original, consider replacing all of them. There are a couple of kits available in the US (Heathkit Shop and Hayseed Hamfest) but not sure if the prices and shipping would be prohibitive to you. Check them out - they're both small outfits where you're talking with the owner. Those kits have the advantage of having instructions. If you go your own way, keep in mind that new electrolytics are quite a bit smaller than the 40-something ones you're replacing. I've been able to sneak most of them on the underside of the chassis and leave the old caps up top for appearance. Remember to completely disconnect the old caps if you do that. Good luck... Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. All my computers have my signature with various pearls of wisdom appended thereto. From: Damien Mannix Sent: Friday, August 24, 2012 12:03 PM To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Exploding cap's ??? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wow, thank you so much to all for the most useful information. Yes the AC4 is wired for 240 v. Hoped to string up some sort of temporary antenna this weekend and get on the air but I now know I will be busy doing something else! Just hope I have the technical abilty to sort it out. Years ago I built a Heathkit scope but that is about my only experience with components, soldering etc. I do not suppose any Drake enthusiast will have any doubt as to why a TR4 but in case anybody has, in the late 60's and early 70's when I was active I had three receivers in a row, the last being a R4A. I thought it was magnificent and way ahead of any receiver I had tried at the time. Wish I still had it today. It is only natural that I want to return to Drake. Thanks again everyone. Damien G3XER -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
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