Texas ranger tr-696F SSB

[Delta 1]

Recently picked up this base station in excellent condition and works properly.. my question is I notice hit has a slight hum whether it's on or off, can't really hear it unless the volume is turned down, but more so when off, sounds like it's coming from the power supply.. has anyone else encountered this issue.. like I mentioned it works a 100% .. any feedback would be appreciated.. Thanks Rick...

 

[Handy Andy]

I take it - this is an OEM radio - meaning it's stock.

When you start to hear hum, that is from the power supply as it ages. The caps that filter the hum out of the line along with the rectifiers - may indicate age as well as other hidden dangers. (Hi-Pot danger is low, but not impossible)

Might want to make some choices, both would require technical work, either to replace and repair the capacitors in the radio - starting with the power supply, or replace the power supply with a newer switching unit.

It may be safer, and easier to just use a switching unit as a drop in replacement - but due to age of the chassis itself - it will need more work.

The hidden dangers come from the potential for overheating of the original design, as well as the regulation of the unit will become more questionable - to the point of where the regulation can fail and the power supply will damage the chassis from excessive voltage, to just plain quit on you, for it no longer can control or regulate.

 

[Delta 1]

Yes it's stock.. I thank you for your time and knowledge, I'll have someone check it out and see where it goes.. Thanks again Rick..

 

[BJ radionut]

What concerns me more is you hear the HUM when the rig is turned OFF??
I don't know that rig per-say but the constant hum would concern me me, unless it has something running continuously even when the rig is off.
Some Amatuer rigs have a small Osc/crystal oven running even with power switched off this keeps the rig very stable frequency wise.
Some rigs have clocks...etc..
I have not seen that on any resent RCI/Ranger rigs I have work on???
My worthless 2 cents
All the Best
Gary

 

[Delta 1]

Most appreciated Gary.. it's more of a very faint sounding hum, I noticed if you put your hand on top of case, its almost gone (hum)..the radio works great, on frequency, no other issues at all.. I've also noticed when you plug it into the outlet it makes a high pitched sound for about 2 seconds, I'm told that's normal.. it is a older radio, so I have to take that into consideration... Will see where it goes.. Thanks for your input.. regards Rick KK6ASZ