(This is an update from my Nov. 30, 2022 post) I have been working on this off and on the last few weeks. Got the used transformer and it was not pretty, but checked it and it worked. Lead lengths were also good, but they were very corroded. I needed to clean each up before I tried to solder them anywhere. I tried a couple of chemical solutions without much luck, so had to resort to filing them clean.
Someone had added solid state diodes and just cut two pins off the 5U4. I replaced the 5U4 socket, installed the new electrolytic cap from Hayseed Hamfest, and wired it all back together. I installed a NOS 5U4GA. I also added a 3 wire power cord and added a fuse. It looked like all voltages were OK, so eventually powered it up slowly. The radio came to life, but could not hear any stations, and overall volume was low.
Though it had kind of worked before the transformer melted down, I didn’t know if all tubes were good, or maybe were damaged. So I took an offer from Ned W2NED, to stop down by the AWA Museum and used one of their tube testers. One of the 6BE6s was definitely weak, so replaced it. Still no signals.
One thing I learned in doing this, I thought my radio was an HQ-110, as it had the older color gray paint and raised lettering name on the front. It was missing the HQ-110 badge, however, so I fabricated one. But doing some research and checking the serial number, it must be a HQ-110A.
After a bit of troubleshooting, I found one of the wires that fed B+ to the RF Preamp tube had a bad solder joint (it was hard to see). Once that was repaired, I could hear some signals. Some bands sounded better than others, so I figured since I had no idea when it was aligned last, I decided to perform one. I have not done an alignment in 45+ years, but I have a VTVM and signal generator, so might as well.
It’s a learning process again. The Hammarlund manual to not always very clear on the alignment procedure. So I have been watching some YouTube videos, though none are specific to the HQ-110. Playing around with my old Heathkit Signal Generator, VTVM, and TinySA spectrum analyzer. The TinySA has a built-in signal generator. I have used the opportunity to acquire some additional test leads, alignment tools, adaptors, an RMA Dummy antenna, and other assorted tools.
I have no time line to get this done, so I will take my time and try not to break something. When I get this one complete, I have a HQ-145 and a Heathkit GR-54 that will also need work and alignments.
