While on the subject; just what IS the proper NPC mod for this chassis?
Schematic attached . . .
:tongue:
lol..... Its all going to depend on who you talk to!
This chassis is electronically the same as any Galaxy, Ranger, Connex, Magnum .....ect. All the NPC mods are all the same between the export chassis, If you look at the modulator section on all of the above radios there identical. There are a few odd ball radio each company has produced but the majority (%95) of them are the same.
I put a diode in series with R292 and disable the mod limiter on the AM side. Then if the modulation looks like it 359's picture I change the value of R292 to get the negative peaks to %95.
I also do a TX alignment for peak power.
If you look directly above R292 is C258, some people remove C258 and install a diode and 100 ohm resistor in series. They also reinstall the capacitor out of C258 across R292. Some people say that's the right way, but it is the same mod just with more soldering.
There also is a second mod that some people do, they install a diode in series with R290. I usually don't use this mod but it does work about the same as the mod above. Also with using R290 the R292 resistor still has the same effect on the negative peaks, so you can still adjust it if needed.
If I was 359 I would install or have someone install a 5K 15-turn trim pot in place of R292 with the diode in series, so that way its at least adjustable.
Also as 359 noticed when he lowered his carrier the negative peaks got closer to %100, thats why I think the 5K 15-turn trim pot is better. If you decide to change your carrier by more than 5 watts you can still adjust your negative peaks without picking up the soldering iron.
Im not going to tell you what mods better because there is always someone that will say otherwise!
Hope this helps Robb!
Is there a way to do this mod without being so aggressive? I'd either like to rip it out, or at least be able to run a decent sized carrier.
No, you have to remove R292 and install a non surface mount resistor and diode in series.