Ameco TX-62 completed!

[n4joy]

I finally finished repairing my Ameco TX-62 AM transmitter and it is back on the air!  I purchased it via ePay sometime ago and it sat on my bench for many, many months.  The seller noted there was no grid current, which could mean a number of problems ranging from a bad final or oscillator to blown transformer.  I paid $30 or $40 dollars and was hopeful it could be easily repaired since the internals looked mostly original.

The transmitter received new electrolytics and some wiring was replaced from a sloppy repair.  The can capacitor was leaking and had to be removed but I can deal with the open hole in the chassis.  I checked votlages at the sockets and suspected a bad oscillator and doubler (both 6Gk6 tubes), which turned out to be correct.  I also replaced the final (7984) and driver (7868).  Input to final is around 75 watts CW/phone so I suspect she's putting out 30+ watts.  The TX-62 uses Heising modulation.  I keep the final grid current at around 2 ma.  Audio on a separate receiver is pretty good with my D-104.  

Now, if I can only find someone to talk to other than myself on 6 meter AM!  Outside a regular local sked, I'm going on almost 2 years trying to make a QSO!  
    

[Wa4bwo]

What a nice restore! And i will add it sounds very nice with the D104. Nice signal for activity. Keep calling CQ. We'll get some activity soon on 6 am.
Maybe someone will join our sked on 50.4 sun nite at 6:30. All are welcome. Central Fla. EL97go.
WA4BWO

[Ed WA4NJY]

 I will try to check 50.4 Sundays.  Running Kenwood TS-590 and Moxon at 35'.

Ed WA4NJY

Bradenton, Fl

[n4joy]

We will definitely listen for you, Ed!  The Moxon is a great antenna.  Dave and I are both running beams, which we will point in your direction.

Thanks again for your help last night, Dave.  It was helpful running the on-air tests with my Ameco and Gonset Communicator IV.  I'm guessing the Ameco is around 90% modulation.  I am pleasantly surprised with the Ameco--a very nice transmitter that was fun to repair/restore.   I have the matching VFO (VFO-621), which I need to calibrate; but my crystal for 50.4 will suffice for now.  

[Wa4bwo]

  Ed,
We'll be looking for you Sun nite. I am happy for your response.

Chris,
The D104 made all the difference in your modulation and hear ability. Thanks for persevering for the last year and I look forward to a productive 2015.

To any others reading this thread:...(this is off track for this thread but...)

Please join us on 50.4 AM Sun nite at 6:30 or persist on the calling freqs for 6 M 50.110 and 2M 144.210. I'll be listening to both all day long Starting January 5th, 2015 at 10 am.

If you want to call on other frequencies, please email me at WA4BWO@gmail.com or WA4BWO@arrl.net.

Back on topic,
I am working on the SENECA VHF today and am finding dirt (age) is the culprit. DEOxit is working but it takes numerous passes and sprays to accomplish a thorough cleaning. Patience is a virtue with this Boatachor.
ps
I find talking to the equipment while you're cleaning and polishing it and telling it that it's worthy and the abuse that it's suffered in the past will NEVER happen again works too.
      Hey, I'll try anything at this point.....