[Heath] My HW-101 Journey Pt. 1: Benton Harbor Blues

[David Goncalves]

In the recent discussion on the HW-101 VFO, I mentioned notes on how I had
got mine working so well. The owner of my radio was nice enough to send
back the notes.

If it is OK, I'd like to post the notes here first, so that you all can
enjoy/try them and comment. I'm certainly going to write to enjoy myself.
Anyway, here we go...

-----

As with any big project I am about to begin, I wrote down my strategy so
that I had a good chance of success, and to see if I REALLY wanted to do
this. Here was mine:

"HW-101 Restoration Strategy"

(I assumed that I'd already done a complete visual inspection and found no
major issues. Start with a good rig, it isn't worth it to do this to a
rotten one)

1. Restore 'as-built' functionality
a) Rebuild the HP-23 supply (with PCB kit).
b) Replace components for safety (two electrolytics in rig)
c) Test tubes for gross performance issues in emission tester
d) Connections and controls cleaned and lubed.
e) Follow the manual and schematics; perform all tests, checks and
alignment specified
f) While performing resistance checks, replace out-of-tolerance components
with like components
g) Perform only the most basic modifications and reworks to restore
expected performance
h) List all remaining deviations from expected performance.

2. Apply all applicable Heatkit Technical Bulletins
a) Determine which TBs are 'applicable', many are conditional.
b) Apply modifications and procedures, one at a time, oldest first (except
where an old TB has been superceded by a new one). Retest following each
modification (in scope to sections repaired and modified)
c) Repeat 1e, and list remaining deviations.

3. Apply modifications - following technical review
a) Locate all known good HW-101 modifications (I think RIT sucks).
b) Evaluate effectiveness, degree of modification, risks
c) Choose modifications, list from lowest risk/effort to highest
d) Apply modifications, one at a time, then test for effectiveness and
possible side-effects.

4. Deviations
a) List remaining deviations
b) Evaluate costs of developing modifications, limitations of rig design
c) Choose modifications of low risk/cost/effort.
d) Apply modifications, one at a time, etc.

---

So, first, I am a professional engineer, so I hope that explains why I
wrote like this. Or I'm mental - that would explain it too. In the end,
I followed the plan, and met my goals too. Notice I didn't have a stage 5 -
enjoy your new rig. That is a very important stage if you want to justify
all that work you put in, unless you are doing it for the fun of it.

What did we learn today: Start with a good looking, good working radio.
Plan your trip.

Next Part - Feng Shui of Radio Restoration

-- 
David Goncalves
W1EUJ
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