wrote in message
ups.com...

I took a preliminary look at the circuit drawings for the FT-890. It
looks like there is a relay that is activated by the power switch.
When the radio was working did you hear a "click" when you turned it
on?? If this relay is blown this is not an expensive repair.

Yes when the radio worked I indeed did hear a click. That's how I knew the
radio wasn't working without even looking at it.
That distinct click wasn't there and I looked at the rig and saw nothing was
on.
I was hoping it was the power supply but I tried to hook the rig to a new
car battery and nothing happened.
The fuses in the line are ok and there is power at the molex connector end
that plugs into the radio.
Thanks for replies and suggestions.
Steve N8NYU

Steve,

I only have the downloaded schematics to work with. I was not able to
find a free service manual download on the net so I can only make some
assumptions about circuit operation.

The schematics show the power coming in, via the molex connector, to
the PA board. There is a filter circuit consisting of some capacitors
and a large inductor. The output feeds a relay (clicks at power on)
which provides power to the rig. The relay is controlled by the front
panel switch and a transistor control circuit associated with the PTT.

One thing to try is to check the keyer switch settings on the top of
the radio. The Break In switch may be in the wrong position. Is it in
full or semi?? Try both? Is the keyer in manual?? Remove the
microphone as well in case there is a PTT problem with it.

You could try measuring voltages starting at the molex connector with
the cover off. Put the black probe to ground and trace the circuit
with the red probe. Look for loose connections, burnt traces etc.
There is a set of schematics in pdf form at http://www.kb2ljj.com


Let me know how you make out - Roger

wrote in message
ups.com...
Steve,

I only have the downloaded schematics to work with. I was not able to
find a free service manual download on the net so I can only make some
assumptions about circuit operation.



Did you look at this url for a manual

http://www.cqham.ru/sch_eng.html

Ralph,

They had a lot of manuals but no FT-890 service manuals. However,
they had the user manual and schematic.

Thanks Roger

Ralph Mowery wrote:
wrote in message
ups.com...
Steve,

I only have the downloaded schematics to work with. I was not able to
find a free service manual download on the net so I can only make some
assumptions about circuit operation.



Did you look at this url for a manual

http://www.cqham.ru/sch_eng.html

Steve,

I searched through the Yahoo Group - Amateur Repairs for similar "dead"
FT-890 problems. I found one which may be of interest.

As the unit ages oxide builds up on the connector mating surfaces and
sometimes leads to erratic operation. In one case, an FT-890 had
exactly your symptons - dead and the front panel power switch did
nothing. The solution was to disconnect all power and external
connections and remove the covers (saving the screws). Then carefully
disconnect and reconnect, one by one, all the connectors on the
various boards. The disconnect/reconnect scrapes away some of the
oxide on the connectors and restores a low resistance connection. Then
reassemble the unit and try powering up again. Make sure you have
discharged yourself for static (wear cotton clothes and no nylon
carpet!!) prior to starting the job.

If this solves your problem you may be OK for a while. In a few months
it may come back. In that case you should buy some deoxidant from a
radio repair outlet and use it on the contacts for a longer term
solution.

Hope one of these ideas works and it is not a component failure.

Regards - Roger