|
Vintage Test Gear and Workshop Equipment For discussions about vintage test gear and workshop equipment such as coil winders. |
|
Thread Tools |
28th Jul 2017, 4:02 pm | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Hereford, Herefordshire, UK.
Posts: 3
|
Racal-Dana 3101
I am a complete newbie on this forum and this is my first post. I hope I am doing it correctly.
I have what seems to be a very rare Racal-Dana 3101 10 KHz - 1300 MHz synthesized signal generator of 1988 vintage. I have the original Racal operator's handbook. It shows 'error 80', which means main oscillator loop is out of lock. The problem comes with getting at the right pot or trimmer to tweak. Has anyone ever taken the covers off one of these heavy pieces of kit and been able to open anything ? Underneath there is a large metal plate apparently mounting all the boards, but I cannot move this after removing its small crosshead screws. I would welcome with any advice on this magnificent sig gen. Thank you. |
28th Jul 2017, 8:38 pm | #2 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: St Helens, Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 641
|
Re: Racal-Dana 3101
You need to also remove the two aluminum "ears" or feet on the back. One or two posi-drive screws in each, deeply recessed.
Once this is done the covers will slide backwards to be removed. If you mean a panel below this, then sorry I have not got one of my 9087's open at moment to look! With an error 80 check the reference oscillator is running from ref out socket on back. Lots of other possible reasons for this error, but try this first. Service manuals virtually unobtainable, and certainly no component level documents. However very similar to 9087 generator, and limited documents available. Certainly will be a challenge to repair
__________________
SPECIALIST.....Knows everything about nothing EXPERT..........Knows nothing about everything Last edited by PETERg0rsq; 28th Jul 2017 at 8:48 pm. |
28th Jul 2017, 11:39 pm | #3 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Posts: 538
|
Re: Racal-Dana 3101
|
29th Jul 2017, 12:28 am | #4 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: St Helens, Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 641
|
Re: Racal-Dana 3101
__________________
SPECIALIST.....Knows everything about nothing EXPERT..........Knows nothing about everything |
3rd Aug 2017, 12:28 pm | #5 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Hereford, Herefordshire, UK.
Posts: 3
|
Re: Racal-Dana 3101
Thanks for that Peter
All information most gratefully received. Yes I had taken those 'ears' off and slid the side panels out. It is the next layer that is stumping me. Would it be appropriate and allowable to send a small picture of what I see next ? I don't want to offend anyone in the group. I assume I do this under 'Additional Options' below this box on the reply form. I gather there is an EMER (MoD) for this machine but mine does not have a NATO stock number label on although I know the original site (now closed down). So as you imply, unlikely ever to find any under the bonnet info. The 10.0 MHz out of the back is as spot on as my Systron counter indicates. The RF output (from rear N-type) is within a few Hz at 100 MHz but wandering so obviously not in lock. With a digital freq meter attached probably still OK for most amateur radio work, but would like to fix it ! Regards Gerry |
3rd Aug 2017, 2:06 pm | #6 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK.
Posts: 21,289
|
Re: Racal-Dana 3101
On the 9087 the trimmer is accessible through a hole in the back panel, which may be covered with a sticker. Is it possible the 3101 is similar?
__________________
Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron. |
3rd Aug 2017, 8:45 pm | #7 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: St Helens, Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 641
|
Re: Racal-Dana 3101
Pictures are allowed
Would be helpful. Additional options and manage attachments.
__________________
SPECIALIST.....Knows everything about nothing EXPERT..........Knows nothing about everything |
9th Aug 2017, 2:32 pm | #8 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Hereford, Herefordshire, UK.
Posts: 3
|
Re: Racal-Dana 3101
This is a view of my 3101 underneath with the outer cover removed, and of the front panel. The screws have been removed from the inner panel cum PCB mount but I cannot move it out at all. Gerry
|