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On Mar 20, 2:37 pm, "Chuck James" wrote:
I'm a VERY new Ham, so please bear with me. The instructions for the
Kenwood TS-820 say to tune the radio for a dip in the meter, as partially
described from the manual below.

PLATE TUNING
Turn the METER switch back to IP, leave the MODE switch at TUN and flip
the
stand-by switch to SEND Quickly adjust the PLATE control to dip the plate
current (a minimum meter reading) Return the stand-by switch to REC
NOTE: The TUNE position permits tuning of the final tank circuit at
reduced
power without danger to the tubes. With the MODE switch to the TUNE
position, the screen voltage of the finals is reduced to approximately 50%
and the keying circuit is shorted.

The problem is, that once I have completed all of the previous (not
listed)
steps, and finally try to adjust the Plate control for a dip in the meter,
the meter completely pegs to the left when I flip the stand-by switch to
SEND. I have installed new final tubes, and can still tune the rig so the
power shows to be putting out 100 watts. I can make contacts with this
rig,
but I'm worried about not being able to properly dip the plate current.
Has anyone else had this problem, or can anyone point me to the "cure"?
Thanks in advance!

73's
KE5GEO

I read your request and did some research on it..If the transmitter
tunes ok and is outputting normal power ,then it indicates that your
metering circuit is screwed up..When you go into transmit mode,a
relay closes,which in turn closes a couple more relays including the
meter switching relay ..Problem is most likely in the meter switching
relay itself..maybe contacts out of alignment,stuck,broken
dirty..whatever...This relay unit is # X43-1190-00 located in bottom
section near front center..I would pop the cover off the relay and
check the relay action as you key the xmtr..Spray both relays with
contact cleaner. If you plan to run the 820 and maintain it it you
will probably need a service manual.It is a good old radio ,BUT it
could be about 30 years old and may need some TLC from time to time..
Good luck Harold W4PQW

I do plan to try and use the 820 from time to time, although I will
primarily use my Yaesy 857D, but I would like to keep the 820 in top shape.
I downloaded the service manual for the 820 and along with the help from
your post I will see if I can get the meter working properly, if that is the
problem. The meter appears to be working fine at all other times, in the
other modes, but you may have hit the nail on the head with dirty/stuck
contacts. Once I get some time (and the nerves) to pop open this rig and
work on the relays as you suggested, I'll let everyone know if that was the
cure. Thank you so much for the assistance!
73
Lewis Lehman KE5GEO