Help with Veronica 12w rig....

[Polecat]

Around 6 years ago I bought an 'unused' Veronica 12w rig off Gumtree. It looked unused and came with the stereo coder and compressor/limiter too.

Plans changed at the time and I'm only testing it out today.

I set the frequency using the online chart and dip switches, used a 15v/5a power supply, set the volume levels half way and set power to about 5w. All the lights come on - PLL lock, drive power and output power - but nothing seems to be getting to the receiver.

There's not even a silent carrier on the selected wavelength.

Am I missing something simple or does this suggest component failure? Btw I have no testing equipment.

If any of you could shed some light on my predicament I'd very much appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

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[Bton-FM]

Some pictures would help

[Polecat]

Happy to oblige...

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[Bton-FM]

Have you got an aerial or dummy load attached to the output? If not you’ll have probably blown the final transistor. After that test the exciter by itself to see if that is the problem.

[Polecat]

Yes, antenna attached. I appreciate your suggestion but I'll have to take it to someone who knows what they're doing to actually test it.

The fact that everything appears to be working (at least the right lights are on), yet there's nothing coming out of the receiver is baffling.

But then there could be a component failure anywhere on the board and I wouldn't know.

Guess I'm looking for a local expert...S E London anyone?

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[Bton-FM]

Fairs mate

[sinus trouble]

I think the best thing to do is sell it to me at a very reasonable price!

Only jokes!

Firstly remember that the RF Indicator samples directly from the output! if its on? There is RF present!
If as you suggest the unit has not been used for some time? the problem could be the DIP switches?
Try switching them on and off a few times, It could be locking on a frequency other than what you expected.

[Polecat]

Haha too funny.

So the output power light shows there's RF actually going out? That's very helpful, thanks.

I did wonder if the frequency was the problem as there is absolutely nothing going on at the frequency I set. It didn't occur to me that the dip switches may be dirty. Good call.

Right. Those dip switches are about to be played like crossfaders in a battle....

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[sinus trouble]

Haha!!

It sounds to be functioning as it should? I have never owned one but im sure they are pretty much bombproof!

An antenna is perhaps not the best for tuning? but shouldn't cause damage at that power!

[Polecat]

You're right of course but no dummy load and no testing equipment means I have to switch in the frequency at low power and see if it's coming out of the receiver.

Well I rattled those switches and it made no difference. Doesn't mean you're wrong tho...I'm going to spray them with contact cleaner, give them another workout and leave overnight for a re-try tomorrow.

Thanks again for your suggestion...will report back.

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[sinus trouble]

I don't think you need to go that far, aerosols will remove mechanical grease from the switches!

Double check that you have the right PLL sequence and the oscillator trimmer is set correctly!

Even if the PA has failed which I doubt, you should get a weak response from the drive board received on your radio!

I am willing to take a look at it if you are local? If not I would recommend getting a dummy load to proceed!

[Polecat]

PM on its way in a mo....

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[nrgkits.nz]

You need to get a scope onto the various sections of the PLL, I had an NRG Pro4 fail it’s 4060 reference counter and also the 74ALS74 which was the input prescaler. If both these IC’s (and only these ones) both fail for whatever reason or perhaps have dry solder joints, the PLL lock indicator still works but the RF is on some completely different frequency and drifting.

I’d suggest getting a small radio with analogue tuning and tune right through the band slowly until you find the carrier.

[Polecat]

Thanks NRG, that's helpful. I did tune right through the FM band on my receiver and there was no trace of my carrier. I don't have any tools or for that matter knowledge. But it looks like I'll be getting some help from Sinus Trouble. He's like the A Team on this...I'll call him Mr T!

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[shorty]

When you switch the transmitter on, can you see the Unlock LED flickering then after a couple of seconds it stops and goes off when the Lock Led comes on when the pll cicuit as locked, if the unlock led carries on flickering the pll hasn't locked onto frequency, does the Lock Led stay on solid.

[Polecat]

Hi Shorty and thanks for taking an interest. The light is solid from the moment I plug in. I tried running the antenna direct from the driver board to see if that made any difference. It didn't.
Happy New Year!

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[Shedbuilt]

I see the last post was almost a week ago, so you may have moved on.
Trying to make out the switch settings. Looks (from what I can see / make out), like you're set to 88.2MHz.
Is that where you're looking for it ?

[Polecat]

Thanks for replying. I don't think Sinus Trouble has been on here since his offer to take a look at it so the rig is still here and not working. Yes 88.2 is the setting. Any thoughts?

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[radium98]

tune the vco only and slowly with a plastic tool to see if you have oscillation,if yes ,go to pll board and see if you have 5v ,3- you have to check if you have quartz clock 6.25khz pin 15 of 4060 if i remmebr correctly ...

[radium98]

do you have a layout pcb for the amplifier ?