Thread: Drake SW8
View Single Post
  #3   Report Post  
Old April 7th 04, 08:05 AM
starman
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Pete KE9OA wrote:

Hi folks,
I decided to check out my SW8 a little bit more. I measured the
wall wart voltage, and it measured 9.6VDC, so it seemed to be within limits.
Just for the heck of it, I checked the ripple voltage with a scope. 4.6V p-p
of ripple!
I opened up the supply, and discovered that the filter cap had exploded.
Just for the record, this isn't a regulated supply; it is merely a
transformer, four diodes, and a filter capacitor.
I decided to build up my own 10V supply, using a 1000uF cap and a 7810
regulator. I also decided to go with a 3-wire grounded power cord, using
single point grounding on the power supply board.
Now, all of the buzz on the low end of the MW band is gone, and the
sensitivity is much better. Also, the intermittent display backlight problem
is gone.
Still not quite as sensitive as my other receivers, but not bad. MDS is now
down below .1uV, which is pretty ok.

Pete


I got tired of keeping track of the wallwart for my SW8, which doesn't
fit in the Drake carry bag. The remedy was to cut open the wall wart and
install the parts in the radio. I had to move the battery holder about
an inch to one side to make room for the transformer. It was a tight
fit. I also added a receptacle on the back which accepts a standard
computer power cord. I probably have the only SW8 with an internal AC
power supply.


-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----