Taylor 68A alignment. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Andrew B · 17th Dec 2021, 8:04 pm

Has anyone ever done a calibration of the scale and bands on one of these?
The one I have works perfectly, the only time I have been inside it was to change out the Belling-Lee for a reliable N-type RF connector.
I noticed that the scale is a bit out on some bands, especially the low ones, is it an easy job just to tweak the coils and get the scale to read correctly?

Bazz4CQJ · 17th Dec 2021, 9:18 pm

The old workshop sig gens were not at all precision instruments, nor did they have particularly fine tuning. In % terms what is a "bit out"? Is this for your 1977kHz project?

B

Bazz4CQJ · 17th Dec 2021, 9:44 pm

My 68A, set as close as I can to 2000kHz, is actually radiating at 2010kHz, though it is still warming up. I think that's pretty good for that type of sig gen

. As for re-alignment, maintaining the tracking is the key issue and I've not tried it on this unit.

B

Andrew B · 18th Dec 2021, 11:50 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazz4CQJ

Is this for your 1977kHz project? B

Not really Bazz, I only noticed the offset when I connected up a frequency counter to set 470kHz, a quick tune around showed waverings. Thanks

OldTechFan96 · 18th Dec 2021, 12:52 pm

Calibrating your Taylor should be straightforward. I was able to calibrate my Advance E2 earlier this year with a frequency counter. I'm confident to say that it is more accurate now than when it left the factory.

You'll need to identify which capacitor/coil pair sets each band. Lining up the pointer and dial might be tricky; I have not seen the inside of a Taylor so I can't comment.

If it is anything like my E2 your Taylor might just need a long reach screwdriver to undo the pointer.

Bazz4CQJ · 18th Dec 2021, 2:14 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew B

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazz4CQJ

Is this for your 1977kHz project? B

Not really Bazz, I only noticed the offset when I connected up a frequency counter to set 470kHz, a quick tune around showed waverings. Thanks

If, by waverings you mean instability, you might think about switch cleaner first before more involved work.

I left mine on for 3 hours night and it barely moved as it warmed up on 2010kHz. They are a very good old workshop sig-gen. I have been inside, but not to change alignment.

B

Andrew B · 18th Dec 2021, 6:18 pm

I don't mean fault sort of wavering. I mean between the ranges, 470kHz was 467 on the scale, 1.8mHz was 1.9 on a different scale, same on 3.5mHz was 3.6 on another scale, just little niggles, too perfectionist

17th Dec 2021, 8:04 pm	#1
Andrew B Heptode Join Date: May 2015 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 512	Taylor 68A alignment. Has anyone ever done a calibration of the scale and bands on one of these? The one I have works perfectly, the only time I have been inside it was to change out the Belling-Lee for a reliable N-type RF connector. I noticed that the scale is a bit out on some bands, especially the low ones, is it an easy job just to tweak the coils and get the scale to read correctly? __________________ worried about the electrons entering the circuit and the smoke leaving Andrew

17th Dec 2021, 9:18 pm	#2
Bazz4CQJ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oxfordshire, UK. Posts: 4,934	Re: Taylor 68A alignment. The old workshop sig gens were not at all precision instruments, nor did they have particularly fine tuning. In % terms what is a "bit out"? Is this for your 1977kHz project? B __________________ Saturn V had 6 million pounds of fuel. It would take thirty thousand strong men to lift it an inch.

17th Dec 2021, 9:44 pm	#3
Bazz4CQJ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oxfordshire, UK. Posts: 4,934	Re: Taylor 68A alignment. My 68A, set as close as I can to 2000kHz, is actually radiating at 2010kHz, though it is still warming up. I think that's pretty good for that type of sig gen . As for re-alignment, maintaining the tracking is the key issue and I've not tried it on this unit. B __________________ Saturn V had 6 million pounds of fuel. It would take thirty thousand strong men to lift it an inch.

18th Dec 2021, 12:52 pm	#5
OldTechFan96 Octode Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK. Posts: 1,178	Re: Taylor 68A alignment. Calibrating your Taylor should be straightforward. I was able to calibrate my Advance E2 earlier this year with a frequency counter. I'm confident to say that it is more accurate now than when it left the factory. You'll need to identify which capacitor/coil pair sets each band. Lining up the pointer and dial might be tricky; I have not seen the inside of a Taylor so I can't comment. If it is anything like my E2 your Taylor might just need a long reach screwdriver to undo the pointer.

18th Dec 2021, 6:18 pm	#7
Andrew B Heptode Join Date: May 2015 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 512	Re: Taylor 68A alignment. I don't mean fault sort of wavering. I mean between the ranges, 470kHz was 467 on the scale, 1.8mHz was 1.9 on a different scale, same on 3.5mHz was 3.6 on another scale, just little niggles, too perfectionist __________________ worried about the electrons entering the circuit and the smoke leaving Andrew