Built my kit with Rosin core solder, not Acid as required

[jjerpbak]

Ok, I didn't read everything. I completed my FM25B with Rosin Core solder, the 'Factory repair of assembled kits' requires Acid core.
as stated in a previous thread, I can't adjust my TP1 Voltage beyond 6.5 by adjusting L1. I have checked everything, can this solder choice effect the performance?
I also have the following obversations while reviewing the entire unit:
- Not all capacitor are seated all the way to the board, all of the smaller electrolytic's are not all the way to the board.
- My transistors are not seated all the way to the board, about 1/4 inch above the board, was afraid that I'd snap a lead
- Instructions state that there is only one way to install L1, actually there are 2, one 180 degrees from the 2nd.

are there debugging instructions somewhere other that checking components, cold joints and bridges?

[radio8z]

You should use Rosin Core solder for electronics and NOT acid core. Perhaps you misread your manual.

Neil

[RDEngineer]

The reference to acid core solder in the manual clearly states

"3. FACTORY REPAIR OF ASSEMBLED KITS:
To qualify for Ramsey Electronics factory repair, kits MUST
1. NOT be assembled with acid core solder or flux."

Please notice the NOT in the statement. You are OK with the solder. Use of acid core solder will void any warranty and also possibly destroy the unit.

As far as the components not being seated against the board. Good assembly procedures will place components close to the board where pratical. Transistors generally are not seated close to the board.

At any rate these items would not generally cause the problem you are seeing. I know you have stated you have checked everything over and there are no problems. However, over 95% of all problems with kits returned for repair are the result of improperly installed components or solder bridges. It might be a good idea to have someone else check over the unit and assembly steps.

If you are confident that you have checked everything then the next step should be a call to our service techs. Have the unit in front of you and a multimeter available because you will be asked to make some measurements. By talking directly to us, rather than email back and forth, you have a better chance of solving the problem quickly. Of course you can also return the unit for repair but that should be a last resort

[RDEngineer]

The problem you are having would appear to be asociated with the PLL circuit. Since you can make some adjustment of the TP1 voltage then it is probably basically working but you either have a component in the wrong place or the wrong way. You should pay close attention to all the components in the upper right corner of the schematic around TP1. This is the PLL circuit. For example C15, C20, C13, D8 C11, R20 R21, Q2, Q3, etc. Basically all the components around these components between U3 and TP1 on the schematic. You also mention that the parts are not tight to the board. The components in this area could cause problems if the leads are very long. I don't know what you mean by not tight to the board but it wouldn't hurt to make sure thay are all fairly close to the board. The transistors are not too critical but cah ve safely installed 1/4 inch or less from the board.

You don't mention what the frequency is when you are getting the 6.5 volts. Make sure you are setting the frequency to 107.9MHz for a 9 volt reading at TP1 and to 88.1MHz for the .8 volt reading. It shouldn't be actually transmitting at 107.9MHz at that voltage. Don't expect L1 to adjust the full voltage swing at any given frequency. It should only adjust around the indicated voltage at the freqeuncy indicated. Check it on a receiver. You MUST have the frequency set to 107.9MHz to adjust the 9 volts and 88.1MHz to adjust to .8 volts. The set up on page 22 of the manual explains this.

As far as L1 being installed in two ways, it is symetrical and it doesn't matter the direction it is installd. It will work either way. That's why the manual says it doesn't matter.

Again, if you still have rpoblems call our tech support. They are nice guys and won't bite.... (too hard). :-)

Happy hollidays.