Ronin
Big Bucket Mouth
Posts: 78
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Post by Ronin on Sept 26, 2006 22:17:42 GMT -5
I have a probably simple question for someone on the forum here. What is the difference between the Golden Eagle Mark IV and the Mark IV-A version?
Since I am a new Golden Eagle mark IV owner (non-working at present), I am starting to look for information on these rigs.
Thanx in advance! 73!
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Post by 2600 on Sept 26, 2006 23:59:15 GMT -5
Er, in a nutshell, the Mark IV transmitter is a horrific abortion, and the Mark IV-A was the improved, and servicable upgrade.
The only difference in the receiver is that the original IV has an additional small circuit board that feeds a regulated negative 9 Volts DC to the PROM (no, not a "E" prom) chip in the transmitter. That chip is the focus of many discussions of "poof" problems, but it's just the tip of the iceberg. Even if you work out a bulletproof 'fix' for the PROM chip, you have a mountain of other defects remaining. At least that's what we found out. Both the channel selector and the PLL section of the original Mark IV have serious design issues that cause all manner of mischief.
Early production Mark IV radios used a square white-nylon 15-pin plug to join the transmitter to the receiver. The pins on that plug are too small, and will overheat with the first year or so of use. This turns the white plastic brown, and ruins the spring temper of the pin contacts. Bad things can happen when one or more pins fails to make contact.
The later Mark IV and all Mark IV-A radios used a bigger, more robust "Jones" type 10-pin plug, made of hard black thermoset resin, with flat blade contacts about 3/16" wide. That connector does a good job, until someone decides to "clean" it with a pocket knife, and scrapes all the bright electroplate from the surface of the flat pins. This exposes the brass base metal of the pins, and they'll tarnish in a week or three every time you clean them (properly) with solvent.
The IV-A is what the radio should have been in the first place. Trouble is, the chips used in the "A" didn't exist when they started the design process for the Mark IV. The 'IVA's channel selector is vastly simplified, and is fairly reliable. The twelve ( or so ) chips in the original Mark IV PLL are replaced by a Motorola MC145106 PLL chip, same one found in millions of Galaxy/Connex/Superstar radios. Little-known fact, a toggle switch wired to pin 17 on that chip in the 'IVA will drop the transmitter down one-half channel, or 5 kHz. Strange, but true.
If you click on the tiny "homepage" link below my avatar, go to the bottom of my home page. There's a link to the procedure we use, upgrading a IV to a radio that transmits. Sadly, the replacement synthesizer shown in the procedure is not yet available for general sale.
73
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Ronin
Big Bucket Mouth
Posts: 78
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Post by Ronin on Sept 27, 2006 7:21:47 GMT -5
Thank You very much for this wealth of information! It certainly answers alot of questions and your website is absolutely excellent as well! For starters, I must have a later version because mine has the Jones connector that you mentioned, and it appears that it was not scraped or hacked around on the connector pins, so that's a plus. I will go over mine as per your website and see what else I discover since the digital channel display is dark and there is no transmit output.
Do you have an idea of when or if the upgraded synthesizer board will become available? I will certainly be on the list of buyers. I consider my Eagle to be a work in progress and hope to get it back in working order even if there are bugs. I don't give up too easily and am not happy unless all the "I's are dotted and the T's are crossed. Since it belonged to a friend, I always wanted one, and the case and face are in very nice condition, I intend to make a valiant effort with this. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment, Right? :-)
I hope you don't mind future questions posted here. I am sure I'll have a few. :-)
Thank You again for your help! 73!
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Post by 2600 on Oct 1, 2006 2:32:42 GMT -5
Hey, questions are what this kind of message board are all about.
No date yet on the next batch of Mark IV synthesizers. First step is to come up with a wad of money to buy another set of pc boards and parts. Not to mention some expert labor to get them built and tested. Projects that require a few thousand bucks up front always take longer to gear up than they were supposed to.
Then again, we may have the "scorched earth" parts kit to replace electrolytic caps and resistors before the synthesizers are available. If those sell well, it would speed up raising the funds for another production batch of synthsizers.
No rest for the wicked.
73
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Post by pc803 on Nov 6, 2006 13:14:51 GMT -5
Run a Browning MarkIII ,with a demco modulator,Tram d201a,SBE console V,Robyn t123b,Cobra 2000 purchased when they first came out,And still have the original Avanti Sigma IV,Has been rebuilt umpteen times............................
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Post by kc8cdz on Feb 15, 2007 20:10:49 GMT -5
Browning Mark III with a Siltronix 90-3 Browning mark II with seperate Am and SSB-15 transmitters and X100 Trans adapter Demco Sattelite 5 peice 2 Tram Titan 2a's Tram Titan Tram Titan II tram D-201a Regency Range Gain. Courior 23 plus halicrafters 8 channel peirce simpson simba peirce simpson guardian 23
Yaesu ft-101ee kenwood ts-450-at
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Post by Bob, (MOTORCROSS) on Mar 16, 2007 11:12:10 GMT -5
My turn to ask for help! I have my Grandfathers old Sonar Model E and I need a transformer for it, this is the radio my Gramp's started me talking on and got me hooked with around 1963, I was 10 years old I never stoped working with radios and electronics since. My Uncle gave me this radio and I told him he would see it working soon.
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Post by 2600 on Mar 25, 2007 0:48:47 GMT -5
It's a cinch you can't buy it from Sonar. It's a custom-designed part meant to function for both 12-Volt DC mobile and 120-Volt AC power. Even if you won't ever use it mobile, that's still a part of the design.
The other approach is to total up the power required from each winding, and match up the specs to a commercially-made replacement transformer. Finding generic catalog transformers for tube stuff was easier 30 years ago, but they turn up on Ebay. Transformers meant to run tube-type guitar amplifiers are also a possibility for some radios.
The trouble with trying to match a 'generic' catalog-type transformer to a radio is making it fit inside the cabinet. A generic or "universal" type tends to be larger than the original. Mounting holes never line up.
A junk unit is probably your only hope. Finding an exact custom-designed part like that transformer is a bit like finding a transmission for a 1965 car. Nobody stocks new ones any more. The junkyard is usually the first resort, not the last.
Even if you find one, and even if it's still good, just don't wire it in and flip on the power switch for the first 'smoke' test.
Transformers almost never fail without being overloaded first. Other parts in the power supply have doubtless gone bad, shorted and cooked your transformer.
Odds are better than 50-50 that the fuse that was in line when the transformer blew was WAY larger than the original 2-Amp (I think) size. The correct-size fuse will nearly always protect the power transformer.
Untill all the 40 year-old capacitors and rectifiers (and tubes) that are bad get replaced, a new transformer ALONE wouldn't make it work, even if you could get one.
73
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Post by Bob, (MOTORCROSS) on Mar 27, 2007 0:12:46 GMT -5
It's true, I found the on of the 20 UF. filter caps shorted and a 20 amp 35 plus year old fuse. My Father purchased a RCA Mark 9 for my Grand Father when the Sonar blew but the Sonar was the first CB radio I talked on in 1963. I check E-bay all the time looking for a Sonar. I purchased all my Brownings from E-bay members and I have had good luck and fun! I have two Siltronics 1011d's and a Tempo 1 also from E-bay members. Just no luck with a Sonar.
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Post by Afterburner(OT-749) on Jan 24, 2008 9:46:52 GMT -5
Hello to everyone! New to Grumpy's site but I guess considered an ol' timer with CB. Presently running a Browning MkIII with a VCO. I have a MK IVA that I recently purchased but it needs some work. On the top side I have an IMAX 2000 for a GP that I have up on the ridge behind my property here in West "By God" Virginia. Problem I have is that I am "back in a holler" and had to run almost 700 ft of hard line to get to the top of the ridge for the stick! I also have a Moonraker 4 on a 80 Ft tower down here by the house with a Tail twister turning it but the beam is down right now as I am rebuilding it. I have an old D&A triple stage that is sitting in one of my storage buildings and maybe someday I might break it back out and get it tuned back up. Boy will the neighborhood be mad when or if I do that! Love my Brownings! Have for years. I started out back when with a R-27/S-23 that was somewhat worked. Sold that like a dummy and got an extremely modified Cobra 2000 GTL that talked any and everywhere. Got tired of that though as I missed my "ping". I have had nothing but Brownings since. Mobile though, we run a RCI 2950(modified) with TS 500V for help when needed. Glad that I was allowed to be a member and looking forward to a long friendship with fellow tube lover's. 73's and 88's!
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,247
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Post by Sandbagger on Jan 24, 2008 10:06:02 GMT -5
Hello to everyone! New to Grumpy's site but I guess considered an ol' timer with CB. Presently running a Browning MkIII with a VCO. I have a MK IVA that I recently purchased but it needs some work. On the top side I have an IMAX 2000 for a GP that I have up on the ridge behind my property here in West "By God" Virginia. Problem I have is that I am "back in a holler" and had to run almost 700 ft of hard line to get to the top of the ridge for the stick! I also have a Moonraker 4 on a 80 Ft tower down here by the house with a Tail twister turning it but the beam is down right now as I am rebuilding it. I have an old D&A triple stage that is sitting in one of my storage buildings and maybe someday I might break it back out and get it tuned back up. Boy will the neighborhood be mad when or if I do that! Love my Brownings! Have for years. I started out back when with a R-27/S-23 that was somewhat worked. Sold that like a dummy and got an extremely modified Cobra 2000 GTL that talked any and everywhere. Got tired of that though as I missed my "ping". I have had nothing but Brownings since. Mobile though, we run a RCI 2950(modified) with TS 500V for help when needed. Glad that I was allowed to be a member and looking forward to a long friendship with fellow tube lover's. 73's and 88's! Welcome to the fold. You're in good company here. Many of us also share a love for those old tube rigs, especially the Brownings and Trams. There's nothing like those old classics.
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Post by charliebrown on Feb 22, 2008 13:25:58 GMT -5
Here's my current line-up :
Browning Mark III's Tram D-201 Regency Imperial DSB Johnson 223 (2) Robyn T-123's Kris Mach 3+3 Tempo One Hammerlund HQ-145
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,247
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Post by Sandbagger on Feb 22, 2008 13:31:20 GMT -5
Here's my current line-up : Browning Mark III's Tram D-201 Regency Imperial DSB Johnson 223 (2) Robyn T-123's Kris Mach 3+3 Tempo One Hammerlund HQ-145 That's a nice list of vintage rigs. Hopefully you get a chance to play with them on the air.
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Post by "Doc"Hammer on Feb 23, 2008 14:05:00 GMT -5
Latest addition to the HAMMERSHACK (the big brown 2 piece in the middle) I have found also that Varmints and Eagles play well together! ;D
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**GRUMPY**
Administrator/The Boss
Classic Radio Operator Olde Timer 8220 [/color][/center]
"The King of Ping"
Posts: 4,342
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Post by **GRUMPY** on Feb 24, 2008 8:23:31 GMT -5
Latest addition to the HAMMERSHACK (the big brown 2 piece in the middle) I have found also that Varmints and Eagles play well together! ;D Hammer... the only amp that I ever used with any of my R27/S23's was a Varmint XL-150. They work swell on Supermod ;D
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**GRUMPY**
Administrator/The Boss
Classic Radio Operator Olde Timer 8220 [/color][/center]
"The King of Ping"
Posts: 4,342
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Post by **GRUMPY** on Feb 24, 2008 8:25:52 GMT -5
Here's my current line-up : Browning Mark III's Tram D-201 Regency Imperial DSB Johnson 223 (2) Robyn T-123's Kris Mach 3+3 Tempo One Hammerlund HQ-145 Nice classic collection there Charlie Brown By any chance are you located in PA?
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**GRUMPY**
Administrator/The Boss
Classic Radio Operator Olde Timer 8220 [/color][/center]
"The King of Ping"
Posts: 4,342
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Post by **GRUMPY** on Feb 24, 2008 8:28:37 GMT -5
Hello to everyone! New to Grumpy's site but I guess considered an ol' timer with CB. Presently running a Browning MkIII with a VCO. I have a MK IVA that I recently purchased but it needs some work. On the top side I have an IMAX 2000 for a GP that I have up on the ridge behind my property here in West "By God" Virginia. Problem I have is that I am "back in a holler" and had to run almost 700 ft of hard line to get to the top of the ridge for the stick! I also have a Moonraker 4 on a 80 Ft tower down here by the house with a Tail twister turning it but the beam is down right now as I am rebuilding it. I have an old D&A triple stage that is sitting in one of my storage buildings and maybe someday I might break it back out and get it tuned back up. Boy will the neighborhood be mad when or if I do that! Love my Brownings! Have for years. I started out back when with a R-27/S-23 that was somewhat worked. Sold that like a dummy and got an extremely modified Cobra 2000 GTL that talked any and everywhere. Got tired of that though as I missed my "ping". I have had nothing but Brownings since. Mobile though, we run a RCI 2950(modified) with TS 500V for help when needed. Glad that I was allowed to be a member and looking forward to a long friendship with fellow tube lover's. 73's and 88's! And we are glad to have you here #smilies-42767#
It sounds like you have a very nice station there!
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Post by gator7 on Mar 8, 2008 18:15:49 GMT -5
I have three pair of Mark III's, One needs a little love. A Royce 640 and a 621, A Galaxy 98 VHP mobile, And a Cobra 29 that has a mind of it's own. And a Cobra 21.
Love those eagles.
73's
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,247
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 8, 2008 21:45:50 GMT -5
I have three pair of Mark III's, One needs a little love. A Royce 640 and a 621, A Galaxy 98 VHP mobile, And a Cobra 29 that has a mind of it's own. And a Cobra 21. Love those eagles. 73's Enjoy those classics. They have a charm that seems to be glaringly missing from today's Pacific rim radios.
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Post by gator7 on Mar 9, 2008 9:21:48 GMT -5
Well said, Sandbagger. For a while I was using the Galaxy as my base, And the receive on my Eagle is so much better . Just wish I could get a bit more audio on transmit. Everyone is used to the big audio from the Galaxy export. Now they keep telling me I am not loud enough. I tell them its not going to happen with the Browning. But they still bring it up. OH well. I guess I could look for a Demco modulator???
73's
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,247
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 9, 2008 10:42:22 GMT -5
Well said, Sandbagger. For a while I was using the Galaxy as my base, And the receive on my Eagle is so much better . Just wish I could get a bit more audio on transmit. Everyone is used to the big audio from the Galaxy export. Now they keep telling me I am not loud enough. I tell them its not going to happen with the Browning. But they still bring it up. OH well. I guess I could look for a Demco modulator??? 73's Something isn't set up right then. A Browning Eagle should be every bit as loud (and still be clear) as any one of those Chinese made imports, and the warmth of the audio should be tons better (and with an unamplified mic) . I usually set mine up to run a lower dead key power (2.5 watts) to leave more headroom for audio without having to flat top.
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Post by Tombstone (R.I.P.) on Mar 10, 2008 23:24:07 GMT -5
Yeah, my Mark III and the others have no problem making 100% modulation with an un amplified D-104.
Tombstone
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Post by gator7 on Mar 12, 2008 19:59:30 GMT -5
Perhaps my dead Key is the problem. It is about 5 - 6 watts and swings to about 10 - 12 watts. So, I think I may be fighting my audio output with the high dead-key. Or flat topping, After reading some the posts, I have come to that conclusion. But I haven't checked the the modulation setting inside the transmitter as yet. It may be set low. I will try backing down the transmit a bit and should see some better audio. Thanks for the info guy's 73's
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Post by Tombstone (R.I.P.) on Mar 13, 2008 2:37:14 GMT -5
My Mark III dead keys about 4 1/2 watts with 10 to 12 swing. I might be wrong but if you detune the final for less power it will be hard on the final output tube. Best to increase the value of the power resistor(s).
Tombstone
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Post by gator7 on Mar 13, 2008 6:01:58 GMT -5
I see what you mean. I will have to look into the resistor issue to see what value they are, and what wattage.
Thanks.
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Post by gator7 on Mar 15, 2008 7:06:15 GMT -5
Anyone have a picture of the slugs and a list as to which one does what that they could post? I had something in another computer, But I switched machines. starting over is a pain. Thanks Gator 7
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Post by "Doc"Hammer on Apr 3, 2008 23:17:22 GMT -5
Acquired from an old friend who is getting out of the hobby for next to nothing and it works. He used it pretty regular up till a month or so back..Needs a LOT of cleanup and the case is getting a new coat of Black Satin paint. Got the original desk mike with it too...Talked on it tonight some...strong 3 watt carrier and lots of audio. swings around 8-9 on my meters....Has some type of mod to recieve above channel 23...havn,t experimented with it yet...It'll be fun to make it shine again. He threw in an extra set of tubes as well!
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,247
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Post by Sandbagger on Apr 4, 2008 5:58:14 GMT -5
Acquired from an old friend who is getting out of the hobby for next to nothing and it works. He used it pretty regular up till a month or so back..Needs a LOT of cleanup and the case is getting a new coat of Black Satin paint. Got the original desk mike with it too...Talked on it tonight some...strong 3 watt carrier and lots of audio. swings around 8-9 on my meters....Has some type of mod to recieve above channel 23...havn,t experimented with it yet...It'll be fun to make it shine again. He threw in an extra set of tubes as well! Nice find! Good luck with it..... I love those old Trams!
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Post by 2IR473 on Apr 4, 2008 19:29:16 GMT -5
Very cool DrHammer ;D
I know where there is a Titan II sitting in a trailer in upstate Pennsylvania that I need to go get one of these days. Hopefully I can pull it out of there and bring it back to life. I already pulled a couple of old Johnsons, a Sonar, and a Heathkit CB from there last year, and need to get back up there to get the rest of the booty.
Like the saying goes...don't crush 'em...restore 'em
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,247
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Post by Sandbagger on Apr 5, 2008 11:03:37 GMT -5
Very cool DrHammer ;D I know where there is a Titan II sitting in a trailer in upstate Pennsylvania that I need to go get one of these days. Hopefully I can pull it out of there and bring it back to life. I already pulled a couple of old Johnsons, a Sonar, and a Heathkit CB from there last year, and need to get back up there to get the rest of the booty. Like the saying goes...don't crush 'em...restore 'em Now if you could only get your new shack set up.......
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