#80 Realistic HTX 100 diagnostic and repair

Click Show More tab below
In this video we take a donor radio sent in from a viewer and do a little troubleshooting to see just how bad a shape it is in. Since I already have one of these I will probably give this radio away to someone in need.
Discuss on my website
gokarters.com/smf/index.php?to...
Contact information
gokarters.com/smf/index.php?to...

[@n3vxy]

Hey, just wanted to say thanks for this detailed walkthrough. As it turns out I had a DOA htx100 on my bench, after watching this I looked more closely, and sure enough it had blown traces on exactly the same spots as yours and after replacing the capacitor, and fixing the trace, it came back to life!

[@mostlypostie1]

I'm doing this exact thing right now!

[@jaybats7865]

It’s so cool to see you bring back these non working rigs to their former working condition. Thanks for the fun👍

[@cuban9splat]

Nice, VERY nice. I like your attitude about passing the radio along to someone who does not have one. I cannot count the number of hams who have helped me out with advice, training or equipment over the past 57 years (First licensed in 1959) and never miss a chance to do the same. Regards, K7RMJ

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you very much. Yes I want to fix this one up and do some type of give a way. So many have helped me in the past like you. I like giving back when I can.

[@injoelsgarage3934]

Buddy, troubleshooting is an art. I thank you for your time and sharing how to get her done. I learn so much from you and Mike. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Joel

[@TheRadioShop]

Joel, had a wonderful turkey day here and hope you did. Mike is awesome I have to agree. Thanks for the kind words

[@TheRadiogeek]

Nice job on the repair! Thanks for taking us along for the step by step diagnosis. I like your DMM holder too.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks . I like doing short videos like this. Yes those DMM holders work great. Cheap too. Even made one for one of my cheap Chinese testers.

[@rollerbald]

Those are great little rigs Buddy. I used to have one and worked all over the world on 10 meters with it during a favorable sunspot cycle back in the '80's. 73, Bill.

[@TheRadioShop]

Hi Bill. Yep great rigs. I still have a 2510 and a HTX-100. They can be fun when the band opens.

[@ricardovelez300]

Most interesting video. Just gave me a boost to go ahead and troubleshoot my HTX...

[@scottcarlson6246]

Electrolytics strike again. It seems like technology has improved in all components except in electrolytic capacitors. This was relatively minor damage too compared to the amount of damage that these things can cause in some radios. Nice work like always! You have an extremely logical diagnostic approach.

[@g1fsh]

Great video buddy very nice trouble shooting and very well explained. Its nice for people to see a step by step process like this. Peter is very good at this as well he explains things very well just as u have here.

[@TheRadioShop]

Appreciate that Gary. These are the type of videos I like the best. Peter is very good at it also.

[@larryk4mu240]

Hi Buddy, nice repair, fun to watch. I got lucky and found a Sencore Z meter for a good price. Works great for caps. Glad you’re recovering from the computer failure, looks like a very good setup. 73

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Larry. Things are starting to look up for a change. Glad you like the Sencore meter. Thanks for stopping in.

[@bblod4896]

Funny, I have two of those to work on. Going to fix them up and donate through our local amateur radio club to the Bahamas for communication after Dorina. One has a similar display issue, the other seems flakey but has a good display. Thanks for the look.

[@PelDaddy]

Nice troubleshooting as usual. Lots of clues, but you have to know where to look for those clues!

[@TheRadioShop]

Very true. In this case...capacitors, get you every time. Thanks for watching.

[@kg2ix]

Thank you for the video. It was very informative, and helped me repair my rig. Thanks again, 73

[@TheRadioShop]

Very nice to hear. Glad I could help.

[@jlibertyparks8160]

You may have just saved a radio that my dad gave me that was his. He probably will not be around much longer so I want to have this rig up and running. Means a lot.

[@pierrelataillade7564]

This was great...... Glad to see someone donate a fine computer for your use, good things happen to good people. 73s..

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks, That computer saved the day

[@slaznum1]

Great job, really love these detective stories and this is a nice change from boat anchors but still love those of course

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you. Yes it is fun doing this type of mystery video. Keeps the mind alert.

[@slaznum1]

The Radio Shop BTW I've had good luck with the EVB meter from Portugal another variant of Bob Parker's design.

[@TheRadioShop]

Cool, get the time post a link to it. like to check it out.

[@slaznum1]

The Radio Shop I believe you can get these in kits also there are many variants this just happens to be the one that I have and it's done fine clientes.netvisao.pt/greenpal/evb1.htm

[@gregevans616]

Great piece of trouble shooting Buddy. Like your new computer/monitor set up looks real professional and I am certain it will help with your editing. Happy Thanksgiving from down under. VK2ZEZ.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Greg. Yes new computer was a blast to edit this video with. Very fast. I do need to upgrade the memory. Thanks for watching and hope you had a great thanksgiving.

[@Radiocruncher]

Great bit of fault finding. Fingers crossed you can find another display. All the best Graham

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Graham. I am sure I will. Or someone will send another radio I can make work lol.

[@TheRadioShop]

That would make for an interesting video Randy. I may have to give that further thought.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for the video. Nice. A HTX-100 is a good rig. But does have limitations over the 2510, No AM or FM if you want o play around on 10 meters.

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

great repair as always, nice comp setup thanks for taking time to do these videos

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Dennis, Simple ones are fun to use as a teaching point.

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

at my age I need everything easy

[@Radiowild]

Nice Job! I actually love my Chinese made tester. Best 15 bucks I've ever spent. I can remember when those radios were new. They are decent performers from what I hear but never had one to play with. I have a 2 meter HTX-242 in my truck. Still works well! RW

[@TheRadioShop]

Yes for 15 bucks you cannot beat them. Work very well for what they are. Those 242 rigs were good also. Thanks for watching.

[@dalebrooks2396]

Thanks for the very interesting video Buddy. I always enjoy watching a good logical repair job. 73, Dale kg7ssb Tucson

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you Dale Was fun to do.

[@joereeser3810]

Going to binge watch your videos over the holidays! Better than Breaking Bad. Great info!

[@TheRadioShop]

Hi Joe. Don't wear yourself out too soon. Many more to come. Thanks for stopping in.

[@joereeser3810]

The Radio Shop I have a HR2510 that won't tune with the vfo knob. Any ideas?...send it to ya?

[@TheRadioShop]

If you open it up and look at the controller board you will se a few capacitors on there. Chances are they have started leaking and damaged traces to the encoder lines. Also some of these had sony bond holding down several parts. If it has turn a dark color it has become conductive. Open it up and send me some pictures of the board. My contact info is under the show more tab.

[@joereeser3810]

The Radio Shop great thanks, will check it out and send you some pix.

[@joereeser3810]

The Radio Shop - hello, had an opportunity to open the radio up last night, didn't see any cap leakage but while I had it opened, I shot the vfo control knob with some cleaner and the darn thing started working again! Once again thanks for your videos, enjoy them very much. Exactly what I needed to get the motivation to take a look inside.

[@frankcullen-jc7on]

Good info ! Much valuable Information!

[@jonmullins8460]

Funny that you posted this today. Yesterday my brother gave me a marine radio that won't power on. So now I'm going to get it out of my trunk and open it up for a good probing and see what I can find.

[@TheRadioShop]

Cool deal Jon. Check it out and see what you can find. May be simple.

[@jonmullins8460]

It seems to be the power/volume switch. It won't even click any more. But there's lots of corrosion inside so I'm not even sure it's worth the time.

[@TheRadioShop]

I say just for the fun and experience see if you can remove the switch and take it apart. All kinds of things to learn in doing this. Be surprised.

[@jonmullins8460]

Well I traced the power and I have 13.8 all the way to the switch. Took the switch apart and it's full of rust. the rest of the radio is pretty corroded too.

[@jonmullins8460]

Turns out the switch spring was broken, so I jumped it with a piece of wire and she fired up and made some noise through the speaker!

[@Marksracingengines]

love the vid! watch all you stuff...learned a lot, Thanks! however I came across this one working on my own HTX 100 that seems to have some sort of issue when it's cold, the display lights up but no numbers, no RX or TX, after a few minutes of warm up the display comes on and it works fine. I suspect a cap as well and was going to re-cap the whole unit unless someone has had the same problem and may know of some other issue that would cause this other than a capacitor. Thanks for all of your help!

[@TheRadioShop]

That could very well be a capacitor issue. How ever don't rule out bad solder joints in this radio. Specially on the CPU board. You can verify this with some freeze spray and a hair dryer. Thanks for the comment and for watching.

[@Marksracingengines]

thanks for the tip!

[@charleschandler9195]

Look at the caps (5) of them right behind the display bulb. same issue with mine plastic is split open and some are melted down. change all of them.

[@soylentgreen6476]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for watching my friend

[@dan-jones-bassist-wb8jay]

I had the similar problem with a HTX100 someone gave me. That same 1000ufd capacitor shorted out and took out the 8 volt regulator on the PLL board. Fortunately, it did not burn any traces on the PCB. So, with about $1.50 in parts, I have a working radio.

[@TRXLab]

Great job Buddy the old realistic is back to life.. The new pc will make it all easier, great. Thanks for sharing! 73

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Peter. Have to keep old ones going my friend

[@45AMT]

Interesting. I talk to people in Raeford sometimes on the repeaters. Caps just went bad.

[@dirtydon8661]

My favorite videos....repair. Thanks!! Oh i have a Atlas cap tester and just bought a expensive capwizard that i had to repair before it worked correctly...poor assembly solder work.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks. I hear those Atlas products are pretty good.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks. I hear those Atlas products are pretty good.

[@Radiocruncher]

I have the Atlas esr meter and also the lcr meter and component tester. They are great and save a lot of time and bench space. Highly recommend them

[@TheRadioShop]

Appreciate that info. I really like to get those.

[@badass4226]

love this kind of videos. Keep them coming. kootoes!!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks very much Mike.

[@SoddingaboutSi]

Did you mean ESR tester. I have one of the Chinese testers, apart from a bit lackluster looking it seems to work great. Great video !

[@TheRadioShop]

Yep, too much running around in my mind lol. I have 5 of the Chinese testers of different flavors. Love those things and done a reprogramming video on one. Thanks for watching.

[@n1umj]

I just got one of these in a box of junk. I don't know if it works yet I'll mess with it tonight but the screws are all out of the case so it likely doesn't work, I'd love to get it going though.

[@RadioMalopolska]

I buy one week ago .. have to loud modulation ... problem is with car engine .. wind .. too sensivity mic ... Tell me please wich VR is for ( micgain inside) to short 1/3 of mic signal ..

[@aaronson2540]

Nice work shop... I really enjoyed the video, really pin points the real problem!! Thanks You Keep Up The Good Work like to see more cool videos like that.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for the kind words. This was simple but fun. More to come.

[@aaronson2540]

how do I get in touch with you may need some repairs done?

[@TheRadioShop]

Under every video there is a show more tab. Click that and you will see links to contact information.

[@bundylovess]

Nice one buddy big thumbs up

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks allan! Thumbs up to you also..

[@MrMac5150]

Wonderful job

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks. Good to see you.

[@Marmot689]

Is it possible to retune one of these to be a 20 meter radio. I still have one for 10m, but may be coming into another. Thoughts?

[@riflemaster1]

I have a Radio Shack HTX-10 could you do a video on how to check and replace the background lighting bulbs on the HTX-10 please

[@melvinmcvicar1679]

I have one of these and would like to see the display swap

[@Ronnie9710]

Great video as always,73 from Ronnie.kn4u

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you

[@daveedwards5951]

Just got this radio. It would not go in to transmit mode. Searched QRZ forums, and found someone that had the EXACT same problem several years ago. He said a cap near IC3. Sure enough, the exact cap was bad on mine. Now it works. Did these rigs have the same cap issue that some motherboards had i the early/mid '90s?? Should I change out ALL the caps? I'm thinking that is sometimes asking for trouble (If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!) Can you advise??

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

I have some catching up to do! Been captive in the lab with that last vid. Hey.... I'm being one of those bad commenter's that haven't watched the video yet :^)..... Ok, I'm back to watching.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Excellent repair once again Bud! Good on ya John!.... For building a computer, for a great cause! All ten of my thumbs are up, unfortunately, only one is accepted :^)

[@TheRadioShop]

Hi Paul. Good to see you my friend. We all know you are a busy man. I am watching your latest video myself. Pausing from time to time as I work in the shop here a bit. Loving it so far.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Hey Great!

[@TheRadioShop]

Yep your video is cool! Top Notch. BTW this new pc is smoking!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

That will sure make editing a breeze. That ram upgrade you mentioned will be the icing on the cake. Now if internet uploading speed would just improve :^) 5Mbps max here.

[@PapasDino]

Great video as usual Buddy. Was the donor radio modified for CB by any chance? Your spectrum analyzer seemed to display 27.4MHz when you keyed the rig up? 73 - Dino KL0S

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Dino. Nope it is virgin. No mods. The SA is on 27.4 but I can see the 28 MHz single fine. Was looking at both SA at once . Thanks for watching my friend.

[@matthewcole9388]

How do you go about removing the Sony Bond from around the HTX-100 toroid coils?

[@TheRadioShop]

Alcohol and acetone is pretty good.

[@Marmot689]

I have one of these wonderful radios. I also have the same problem that the LCD display has a bleed area at the top left corner. When I was in electronics school, I did a power transistor update. Mine will do 100 watts on high and 10 watts on low. I also would like to get my display repaired.

[@TheRadioShop]

They are great little radios. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheRangerDale]

Yes Buddy Rode right along with you like Tonto and LonegRanger "Me watching Kemo Sobbie lol"" , Nice job, good luck finding a Display tho, think ebay freq counter fit in nicely ? and low cost ..Must say Nice thought on Someone might needing it not having a Radio then the Effort is rewarding .. 73's GB Buddy

[@TheRadioShop]

Dale always a pleasure to have you ride along. I know you have my back. I am thinking about other possibilities on the display if I cannot find a replacement. One just may show up though. Good to see you my friend.

[@dshultz07]

Is this rig avaliable to modify for am or fm?

[@horror3874]

good stuff !!!!!!!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Interesting how the display was deteriorating! I bought the HR2510 when they first came out, I still have it, albeit I have been inactive for over 15 years, so it along with my other radios have been packed up...my ticket expires soon, I'm going to let it. How do you connect your scope to your radio to see the modulation? I just bought my first scope and dorking with it...it should be my next video. ~Jack, VEG

[@TheRadioShop]

Hate to hear you are letting it go. I would just go online and reapply incase you decide later to get back into it. Just my opinion. As far as monitoring the radio with a scope it is pretty simple. Instead of me trying to explain watch Alans video on it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2W9pZKCf71kisV8e shows how to build the simple circuit. Those displays will go bad if abused.

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Thanks Buddy, I'll check the video out. I've renewed it in the past and it just sits...it's kinda hard to justify putting up all that aluminum and knocking big holes in the wall anymore, it was a hobby I enjoyed most of my life but it's not priority anymore. I've kicked it about this past year, and I'm OK...worse case scenerio, I retake the test! :) ~Jack, VEG

[@joefrazier2297]

I have this exact radio. It now just receives but no modulation. Were should I begin looking for the trouble?

[@cmvb69]

Having the same problem any ideas was thinking it was the center pin on mic connection not getting voltage ?

[@billrenfro9798]

I have one of these HTX100 that I need a final for. On my 2510 there was a bit of adhesive holding a wire in place that ate the trace off the board that fed 13.8 v to the final. That was a fun troubleshooting exercise. Really couldn't see the problem, but there was no voltage on the output transistor.

[@TheRadioShop]

Hi Bill. Those finals are hard to find. I think the replacements are hard now also to obtain. Keep your eye open. The problem with this radio is the electrolytic capacitors. They are going bad due to age. Thanks for watching.

[@wpql638]

Are you still working on radios? If yes where are you located?

[@squirrelsrus1]

That coil says T001 TF380. I have the service manual and schematic for this. Let me know if you need anything or if you need a copy.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Bob, would love a good copy also.

[@mikesradiorepair]

The number one problem I see is bad caps. I have seen so many radios that had numerous different problems only to find it was bad caps. I have just gotten to the point I don't even bother troubleshooting most things until I have changed all the aluminum electrolytic caps first. Have wasted so much time troubleshooting problems just to find it was a bad cap that I was going to change anyhow.

[@TheRadioShop]

You are correct Mike. Those old caps cause too many problems and like you said, time wasting if not change. Heck as cheap as they are now no reason not to change them.

[@jonmullins8460]

Speaking of electroliytics ... Is there any certain values that are more common to have on hand? Right now I'm just getting what I need when I need them. As you can imagine that make for some long troubleshooting. Of course I'm just getting started and only repairing personal projects.

[@mikesradiorepair]

+Jon Mullins For most values below say 47uf you can probably stock 35 or 50 volt. The physical size starts to increase on values above 33uf. When I change caps I almost always use a larger voltage rating if size permits. Manufacturers are known for running caps close to operating voltage, a sure way to shorten its life. You will also find a lot of the time the modern replacement is smaller than the original. Modern caps tend to be smaller physically then the original older ones, technology at work. :)

[@TheDefpom]

Those might have the same issue as the hr2510/Lincoln where the side mounting screws can push into the edge of the pcb and short out the supply to the 8v regulator on the side

[@TheRadioShop]

Correct, longer mounting screws will hit the board taking the 8 volt trace out. Luckily this one still has the original screws.

[@TheDefpom]

The Radio Shop - I have repaired many 2510 and lincolns, and in 90% the pcb is damaged in those spots.

[@TheRadioShop]

Watched one of your videos on that last night. Good job on it.

[@vetterfellow]

Thank you for another video. 500 more and I'll almost be as good as you are. LOL TTFN.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you for watching sure it want take 500 more lol.

[@maninthevan53]

I think I have a display that I got at a swap meet I will take a look see ,never check to see if it work I bought it for the chip that I did use .

[@TheRadioShop]

Cool deal Danny. Let me know. Thanks for stopping in.

[@johnsimms3957]

Could you make some guitar amp repair videos too?

[@TheRadioShop]

Hi John. Yes I could most likely do that. I get amps in often. Problem is most wait while I repair them. But the first one that comes in I will video the repair. Thanks for watching.

[@Darryl603]

Is there anything wrong with the display from the one you already have?

[@TheRadioShop]

You mean my personal one? Nope, it is perfect. Bought it brand new.

[@Darryl603]

K Nice fix on the parts rig. Can't wait to see the display repair...Thanks for sharing : )

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks, will get to that soon.

[@BruceNitroxpro]

The Radio Shop, I suggest building a proper capacitor leakage tester, perhaps using the Patreon sponsored Paul Carlson design (a very sensitive unit). de KQ2E

[@AF6LJSue]

Good Deal :)

[@TheRadioShop]

Hey Sue, hope you had a great thanksgiving. Thanks for watching.

[@AF6LJSue]

I did it was great, I hope your Thanksgiving was also good.

[@TheRadioShop]

Way too much turkey and pies. Now I have to pay for it all :-)

[@1112223333111]

20:01 nobody noticed the display light dimmed on the TX test?

[@TheRadioShop]

I was wondering if anyone would noticed that.

[@1112223333111]

what was it?

[@michaelchambers7691]

Cracked LCD is 😢 😭