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REPAIR AND RESTORATION OF THE SR-2000
22
WDØGOF 3/7/20014
6. TECH NOTES
6-1 PA NEUTRALIZATION
Proper neutralization will enhance the proper operation, efficiency and life of your final tubes. Theory and
opinions on the effects of interelectrode capacitance are as numerous as the writers of such articles. So to be
very basic, we are attempting to neutralize the effects of the interelectrode capacitance of the PA final tubes.
HERE ARE A FEW SITES THAT HAVE DISCUSSIONS ON NEUTRALIZATION.
http://www.somis.org/
http://www.vias.org/basicradio/basic_radio_28_04.html
http://www.w8ji.com/neutralizing__amplifier.htm
http://www.kk5dr.com/Tuneup.htm
The neutralization process in the book is ok, but not very precise. It will work, but I prefer a more
precise process. There is nothing new or revolutionary about this process. It is a proven process that has
be in use for over 60 years. All I have done is specifically adapt it to the SR-2000. Before starting the
process you need to tune the TX as best as you can at 21.3 MHZ.
NOTE
KEEP THE DRIVE LOW.
After tuning up be careful not to move the preselector, load or plate controls throughout the rest of this
process. Power down.
1, Disconnect the plate and screen voltage by disconnecting J5.
2, Connect the transmitter output to the scope or RF voltmeter. An RF sampling ‘T’ should be used
between the TX output and dummy load to maintain a 50 ohm load on the TX output.
3, Turn on the rig and let it heat up for at least 20 minutes.
4, In the CW position key the TX.
5, Advance the RF LEVEL control until you get about 1 vpp on the scope or meter.
6, With a nonmetallic tuning wand inserted through a hole in the PA cover adjust the spacing of the
neutralizing tab located adjacent to V16 for a minimum signal on the scope or meter. A bamboo kabob
skewer works well for me. Adjust the scope sensitivity and RF LEVEL controls to maintain a good
presentation of the minimum point. Power down and let the rig cool down for an hour then power back
up. After a 30 minute warmup recheck the plate current dip and the power peak again.
THIS PROCESS OF NEUTRALIZATION HAS SERVED ME WELL. THIS PROCESS CAN BE
ADAPTED TO MOST ANY TRANSMITTER. THIS IS THE MOST PRECISE METHOD OF
NEUTRALIZATION I HAVE FOUND. IF IT DOESN'T WORK THEN YOU HAVE SOMETHING
WRONG WITHIN THE P.A.