RCI 2980wx

[1 ADAM 12]

I have a RCI 2980wx connected to an Imax 2000. I have not talked on this radio in a couple months. I noticed today that the left meter, which shows SWR and watt output, does not read any type of measurement whatsoever. I adjusted the calibration knob and flipped the "calibration/SWR" switch several times to get a reading. I got nothing. I then connected a SWR meter to check the SWR. After turning the RF knob to maximum output, I attempted to check the SWR. The needle on the SWR meter would not move at all to gain a forward or relfected reading. Apparently this radio has no transmit. The radio was receiving perfectly. Do I have a blown final? If so, what caused that?

[MDYoungblood]

I would say yes to the blown final, I have read on a couple other forums of the same thing, they popped for no reason. It could have been a close lightning strike or even a static discharge to a spike in voltage when the radio was turned on. They are nice radios and worth getting fixed.

3's

Greg

[1 ADAM 12]

Thanks for the response. I have called a local technician. He agreed with the finals being the problem. He said it could also be a regulator problem. We shall see.

[MDYoungblood]

I would ask him about what he thinks of changing the driver and finals to EKL-2030's, the originals are 2SC2166 and 2SC2312's.

3's

Greg

[1 ADAM 12]

I would ask him about what he thinks of changing the driver and finals to EKL-2030's, the originals are 2SC2166 and 2SC2312's.

3's

Greg

What is the benefit of the EKL-2030 as opposed to the originals?

[MDYoungblood]

The 2030's are a tad more robust and easier to obtain, cost is about the same with the originals being slightly more.

3's

Greg

[jessejamesdallas]

Just wondering....Have you tried a different Mic?

Sometimes it's just the simple stuff...

[1 ADAM 12]

Just wondering....Have you tried a different Mic?

Sometimes it's just the simple stuff...

Local tech has the radio now. He said finals were good and mic was good. He said the problem is in one of the capacitors and he has not been able to locate it yet. Will update as soon as I hear something.

-- Nov 24th, '16, 20:43 --

I have my radio back. The problem was a bad transmit crystal.

[MDYoungblood]

Now that is not unusual but surprising. Thanks for the update.

3's

Greg

[1 ADAM 12]

Another problem has surfaced after the transmit crystal. I noticed tonight that my channels outside the "normal 40" are not in correct sequence. Channels 1-40 (26.965-27.405) are in correct sequence. The freeband channels are not even close to correct. "Upper channel 1" (27.415) actually reads 28.865. None of the other freeband channels are what they should be according to a chart that outlines a 12 band radio. Could this new transmit crystal have affected my frequencies?