528E
Here we go again, Symetrix 528E mike Processors. Some noisy, some non-functional. Let’s pick one and see what we can find. […]
northwoodstech_xb0nq1
Bext
Bext LEX25. These are simple, workhorse exciters. 0-25 watts, VSWR foldback, basic remote control and metering capabilities. They are fairly good sounding units for their age and design price. This one is 2001 vintage and has no AFC lock. […]
Behringer
Behringer. No sane person repairs these. At about $200 brand new and $40-50 used, why would you? Oh why not. Let’s open it up. […]
FX30
I still occasionally get a FX30 exciter with the original snip-to-set frequency selection DIP header (pictured at top). $4 worth of DIP switches and frequency changes become much easier. This one needed a few minor repairs. Let’s dig in! […]
PC
Most of these Deathstar drives failed young. This one, installed in Aug 2006, did not. Still running when it tripped the temp alarm at 13 years service. Not bad. And that motherboard has the Bad Capacitor plague! […]
Directional
What’s more fun than getting a call at sunset, informing you that the AM directional Antenna is out of limits and transmitter has also shut down? Nothing. Nothing at all. Let’s go see what fun awaits! At […]
Armstrong
Oh boy. This is an early Armstrong Solid state FM Transmitter. Closing in on 20 years service. These units were built by RVR in Italy and badged, (and fortunately still supported) by Armstrong. A 100W exciter feeds 5- […]
2200
Orban Optimod 2200. These are still nice sounding units and work just fine in many markets. They don’t breathe fire, but it’s tough to make one sound truly bad. When they do it’s often op amp. failure. This one had […]
FX50
BE FX50 If there were awards for best overall analog FM exciter, this one will win a ribbon. Broadcast Electronics FX-50. They still sound great even by today’s standards. We’ll start by stripping this one down […]
Another FX30
This one had all sorts of bad behaviors, including a rumble on-air. First stop is a new Fan. These Papst fans are pretty well built, but eventually the bearings wear. Main filter cap is also long past […]