Kenwood TS 520 Part 2 of 4 Start Replacing Capacitors and Remove VFO

In Part 2, I build a printed circuit board to replace the Screen Grid and Driver capacitors. I also replace the 90 volt C- supply capacitors and the 12 volts supply capacitors. I also remove the VFO to be cleaned and refurbished in an upcoming video.

[@Brenda-jf2pe]

Great job Larry, I have one of the last 520 s’ that was made 1978. I am doing all your mods! I have found higher quality caps then those on e-bay. It’s a great Radio I love the loud Audio, get flowers on it all the time! JohnBoyUtah KJ7TBR 🇺🇸😎📡🎙

[@Backtothefutureradios]

Thanks! It is my favorite radio in the shack….Take Care and 73-Larry W4PJP

[@waynethompson8416]

Great video Larry! Really appreciated the details on the capacitors and the mechanical issues.

[@Backtothefutureradios]

Thanks Wayne!

[@fibberscloset498]

Really nice cap solution, Larry.

[@Backtothefutureradios]

Thanks Martin! I just could do what some of the websites recommended…..I sent you a pic via email….I think you will agree when you see the pic! Thanks again for watching and commenting….Take Care-Larry

[@greggsvintageworkshop8974]

Wow! VERY IMPRESSIVE my friend, very impressive. Very nice work creating the special circuit board for the capacitors Larry. This work you are doing in such tight confines is just fantastic. This is a great job you are doing sir.

[@Backtothefutureradios]

Thanks Gregg! The illustrations on the web showing glueing 4 caps in the clamps wasnt doing it for me….Probably a lot easier than what I did, but I feel a lot better about it….Just cleaned the VFO, about to lube and reassemble…Take Care-Larry

[@tinkeringwithelectronics]

Cool restoration. Like the cap circuit board

[@Backtothefutureradios]

Thanks Josh!!

[@RadioFixer]

Larry, absolutely awesome job as always. I like the way you explain the process so new people with out electronic background can understand and not get overwhelmed. Excellent job! Have a great day! Regards, JZ

[@Backtothefutureradios]

Thanks Jay! Sometimes, I break it down so I can understand and REMEMBER it! I learn a great deal from others videos, even if its just one small point….KZbin can be a very positive asset! Thanks for watching and commenting! Take Care-Larry

[@johngnipper8768]

Doing the same job , liked the careful documentation . New sub .

[@Backtothefutureradios]

Thanks John, my 520 is performing very well. Had an issue last month where transmit shifted up 2.8 khz….turned out, the Aux relay, one contact was not making on transmit… a mechanical issue, I was able to spring the contact a bit and it works fine now…. Good luck with your project! Take Care-Larry W4PJP

[@johngnipper8768]

@@Backtothefutureradios That took a minute to find I bet !

[@Backtothefutureradios]

@@johngnipper8768 actually pulled the VFO and recleaned it….the key piece of info was it always shifted 2.8 kHz….checking the schematic, I checked the relay, but didn’t catch that one contact not making….the contacts were pristine, nothing….the relay contact pattern is funny if you ever have any issues….they are not laid out vertically, more in an L or Z pattern….I tested for a couple of weeks until I found it….Relays are getting harder to find….and the aux relay is different from the antenna (tx) relay….the coil resistances are different but will work for testing if you swap them….but the transmit one has a heavier contact for the RF….info you may need down the line…Take Care-Larry W4PJP

[@johngnipper8768]

@@Backtothefutureradios That is great info ,I’ll keep you posted on my progress ,after the screen and driver caps ,I start on the vfo

[@Backtothefutureradios]

@@johngnipper8768 I would be interested in hearing your progress…My email is good in QRZ…may be easier and pictures

[@z95m]

The Japanese rigs used JIS (Japanese Industry Standard) screws. They look like Phillips but are different. The heads are easily stripped if a Phillips bit is used.

[@Backtothefutureradios]

I found that out about 35 years ago….lol…I think everyone Ive seen has at least one stripped screw…Thanks for watching and the info! Take Care-Larry