It's funny that they made the case the same size when all the components are at the front of the FC393. Bob's CB has the Workman FC30 counters with red and blue displays in stock. (as of today 3-29-22)
Resurrection of a relic! Modernization of a monumental model! Parts exchanged, givin' the pains, now the proud owner, back on the air, reigns! Awesome job, Matt. Ohm...Ohm...Ohm...👍 😑🦗
Luckily this one was already working when it came in which is always nice. Restore and upgrade along the way! I've been practicing my ohm..ohm..regularly!🤣👊
Thank you for your videos! Have you concluded your base break yet by chance? I have a Washington that just needs either a audio amp chip or caps in that area replaced. Id rather someone who knows what they are doing tear into it. Radio receives well but the audio level is very low with no change from turning the volume knob. I am in Arkansas. Please let me know. Thank you!
I have a few questions, if you don't mind ... At time index 20:12, it appears that you just turned the radio on, and a test tone (that you refer to as "S9") is playing through the CBs speaker. It looks like that tone if coming from the signal generator on the bench (ok I figured that question out)... You point out the fact that the needle on the radio is at 9 ... what does that mean, exactly? What is actually happening here? is the signal that you're generating being fed into the radio through some point on the circuit board? Then you said, "Theres your nine, and we're doing that at -73" ... which looks to be an amplitude value being sent to the radio from your signal generator ... though I'm not sure what a -73 amplitude even means - what unit of measure is 73? is it decibles? Also, I'm assuming that the negative sign means that we're talking about an amplitude that is on the low side of the 0 reference point ... though I have no idea why that matters unless you're testing the circuitry that generates audio in the CB speaker, where negative values could possibly cause distortion in circuits not properly designed to handle audio voltage in both directions with the same results... but then you plug in something called a "sinad meter" which I assume is the big box on the bottom of the stack there on your bench that you are fiddling with and reading the values coming from that instrument. When you're connecting that instrument to the back of the radio, are you connecting it to the antenna output of the radio? OK, I studied the screen on the "SINAD" meter and I saw some familiar labels ... THD - Total Harmonic Distortion where we want that value to be in ranges like .001% in higher end stereo equipment ... the THD value on your meter looks extremely high in this application but it might be irrelevant in the context of CB radios. But the other value that you're pointing out which is labeled "SNAD" which is what ... Signal to Noise Amplitude Distortion? Where I am assuming a value of 10 to 12db is clearly a good value to see when your audio signal is coming in at -117 amplitude (at whatever unit that is expressed in). So I think I talked myself into realizing that what you're looking at is the ability of the CB to produce clean audio when it is given an audio signal commonly understood to produce crappy results in lower quality hardware. Is that a safe assumption? And now just some comments: I use to have this exact radio back in the 1980's when I was in high school. I have no memory of what happened to it, but I know I haven't had it in my possession since around graduation (1989) ... I do recall having a matched "foot warmer" custom built for it which I believe was a 200 Watt amplifier and I want to say I had a modification in it that either gave me more channels or it let me split the side bands? if that's even possible? I can't remember. It was an amazing radio, however, and it was bullet proof. I used that radio daily for at least 5 years or so and it was one of those devices where I truly experienced joy every time I used it - not because I was talking on the CB, but because of the clarity and reach I had with that unit specifically and in the fact that it simply worked perfectly every time I used it... very reliable and enjoyable to own... I always got compliments on how well I sounded while talking to others out there (this was of course before the Internet and chat rooms etc.). Last comment - I had to laugh when you were complaining about having to solder on SMD components ... I have a microscope with an LCD screen on it, a nice pro grade hot air solder re-work station, and a nice Weller with extremely fine tips that I often use on that iron because working with SMD components in my space which is digital circuits / PCs / laptops etc., is the norm (I don't do repair for a living, but I do it often enough to where I felt justified buying the equipment that I have) ... and hearing the frustration in your voice just made me laugh ... cause you kinda have it easy working on these devices where you'ce got these rather large components that are mainly through hole mounts on their PCBs ... I would kill for that environment. What I admire about guys like you is that you have a good comprehension of how circuitry works in environments where all it does is manage RF and the modulation within those carrier waves ... - analog in other words ... even when I took electronics back in the early 90's I did fine in those courses, but I never really felt like I truly understood electronic circuits in high frequency environments ... not like I understand them in ditigal environments where things are no where near as strange as they are in analog high frequency. On and off I get ... calculating values where a circuit is in one state or another is relatively straight forward ... but when you feed RF into components they have to be understood from a completely different context, and I think yours is a dying art - relatively speaking. Good video, thanks for posting it.
I got two Washington's one that works an one that don't. What's your thought of installing two pills inside one of these?? Also my meter will not work an the claifier knob broke. But I'd send all parts
Hopefully you will get my message soon. I was hoping to Install a SRA FC393 frequency counter on a President Washington as in your video. According to Bob's CB they are not able to be hard wired to a President Washington which surprises me because you have done just that. How do I go about finding the procedure to use this frequency counter with my President Washington, thanks
I would say 99% of shops are not interested in learning how to do the conversion so they say it can't be done. Or they don't have the skills needed to do the smd soldering. If you email me I'll get you the instructions. Theradiogarage@gmail.com
Great work, on a great radio! the Washington's have always been My favorite.
I appreciate it, yea the later versions like this one will definitely do the job! Thanks for stopping by..73s
Great job there Matt.. Lots of work but so rewarding 👍. 73s. Keep safe
That's an exemplary restoration on a truly nice radio. There should be no question why people want to own your time :)
It's funny that they made the case the same size when all the components are at the front of the FC393.
Bob's CB has the Workman FC30 counters with red and blue displays in stock. (as of today 3-29-22)
Beautiful radio and very nice work . I’m sure that was very tedious. You’re the radio surgeon Matt 👍
Resurrection of a relic! Modernization of a monumental model! Parts exchanged, givin' the pains, now the proud owner, back on the air, reigns! Awesome job, Matt.
Ohm...Ohm...Ohm...👍 😑🦗
Luckily this one was already working when it came in which is always nice. Restore and upgrade along the way! I've been practicing my ohm..ohm..regularly!🤣👊
@@rodneyball3859 No. Sorry, Rodney.
This radio was in for upgrades and modifications for Chris, a customer of Matt, at The Radio Garage. 73.
Another kick-ass repair!!
Nice radio I owned one back in the days they do have great receive and audio. Nice job on the conversion it looks great. Have a great day.
It's been a while since I've had one on the bench and I had forgotten how nice these rigs are..thanks for stopping by and take care 👋
Absolutely beautiful radio, a classic! Great work as usual!!! 😎😎
Appreciate it man..hope your doing well 👍
Nice job Matt love them washington bases for sure I have 4. Have a good day and 73s
A few different versions of the Washington were made so I guess you need one of each 🤔👍
Yes the uniden the original 8719 5 pin and the 858pll version yes have them all thank you matt for responding 73s
Once again, great work!
Very nice.
Nice !! I wish mine looked like that 😪...
That's really nice!! You ready for another one yet?
Nice rework!
Thank you
Thank you for your videos! Have you concluded your base break yet by chance? I have a Washington that just needs either a audio amp chip or caps in that area replaced. Id rather someone who knows what they are doing tear into it. Radio receives well but the audio level is very low with no change from turning the volume knob. I am in Arkansas. Please let me know. Thank you!
It would be really cool if you'd share the mod on the counter for the rest of us poor suckers who bought one!
👍🏻👍🏻
I have a few questions, if you don't mind ... At time index 20:12, it appears that you just turned the radio on, and a test tone (that you refer to as "S9") is playing through the CBs speaker. It looks like that tone if coming from the signal generator on the bench (ok I figured that question out)... You point out the fact that the needle on the radio is at 9 ... what does that mean, exactly? What is actually happening here? is the signal that you're generating being fed into the radio through some point on the circuit board?
Then you said, "Theres your nine, and we're doing that at -73" ... which looks to be an amplitude value being sent to the radio from your signal generator ... though I'm not sure what a -73 amplitude even means - what unit of measure is 73? is it decibles?
Also, I'm assuming that the negative sign means that we're talking about an amplitude that is on the low side of the 0 reference point ... though I have no idea why that matters unless you're testing the circuitry that generates audio in the CB speaker, where negative values could possibly cause distortion in circuits not properly designed to handle audio voltage in both directions with the same results... but then you plug in something called a "sinad meter" which I assume is the big box on the bottom of the stack there on your bench that you are fiddling with and reading the values coming from that instrument. When you're connecting that instrument to the back of the radio, are you connecting it to the antenna output of the radio?
OK, I studied the screen on the "SINAD" meter and I saw some familiar labels ... THD - Total Harmonic Distortion where we want that value to be in ranges like .001% in higher end stereo equipment ... the THD value on your meter looks extremely high in this application but it might be irrelevant in the context of CB radios. But the other value that you're pointing out which is labeled "SNAD" which is what ... Signal to Noise Amplitude Distortion? Where I am assuming a value of 10 to 12db is clearly a good value to see when your audio signal is coming in at -117 amplitude (at whatever unit that is expressed in).
So I think I talked myself into realizing that what you're looking at is the ability of the CB to produce clean audio when it is given an audio signal commonly understood to produce crappy results in lower quality hardware. Is that a safe assumption?
And now just some comments:
I use to have this exact radio back in the 1980's when I was in high school. I have no memory of what happened to it, but I know I haven't had it in my possession since around graduation (1989) ... I do recall having a matched "foot warmer" custom built for it which I believe was a 200 Watt amplifier and I want to say I had a modification in it that either gave me more channels or it let me split the side bands? if that's even possible? I can't remember. It was an amazing radio, however, and it was bullet proof. I used that radio daily for at least 5 years or so and it was one of those devices where I truly experienced joy every time I used it - not because I was talking on the CB, but because of the clarity and reach I had with that unit specifically and in the fact that it simply worked perfectly every time I used it... very reliable and enjoyable to own... I always got compliments on how well I sounded while talking to others out there (this was of course before the Internet and chat rooms etc.).
Last comment - I had to laugh when you were complaining about having to solder on SMD components ... I have a microscope with an LCD screen on it, a nice pro grade hot air solder re-work station, and a nice Weller with extremely fine tips that I often use on that iron because working with SMD components in my space which is digital circuits / PCs / laptops etc., is the norm (I don't do repair for a living, but I do it often enough to where I felt justified buying the equipment that I have) ... and hearing the frustration in your voice just made me laugh ... cause you kinda have it easy working on these devices where you'ce got these rather large components that are mainly through hole mounts on their PCBs ... I would kill for that environment.
What I admire about guys like you is that you have a good comprehension of how circuitry works in environments where all it does is manage RF and the modulation within those carrier waves ... - analog in other words ... even when I took electronics back in the early 90's I did fine in those courses, but I never really felt like I truly understood electronic circuits in high frequency environments ... not like I understand them in ditigal environments where things are no where near as strange as they are in analog high frequency. On and off I get ... calculating values where a circuit is in one state or another is relatively straight forward ... but when you feed RF into components they have to be understood from a completely different context, and I think yours is a dying art - relatively speaking.
Good video, thanks for posting it.
A shop in town has this old radio for sale, it seems to work but the dead key is not working, is it fixable? I really love this radio
I would like to think so
I got two Washington's one that works an one that don't. What's your thought of installing two pills inside one of these?? Also my meter will not work an the claifier knob broke. But I'd send all parts
Hopefully you will get my message soon. I was hoping to Install a SRA FC393 frequency counter on a President Washington as in your video. According to Bob's CB they are not able to be hard wired to a President Washington which surprises me because you have done just that. How do I go about finding the procedure to use this frequency counter with my President Washington, thanks
I would say 99% of shops are not interested in learning how to do the conversion so they say it can't be done. Or they don't have the skills needed to do the smd soldering. If you email me I'll get you the instructions. Theradiogarage@gmail.com
🤣🤣 guess my ears didn't catch the "base break" 🤦♂️
What is the digimax mod?
Where can I find the white face meters?
You can buy the inserts from gamma ray graphics. Then you have to build a new meter for the new insert.
What about a 2 grand in a nut shell aka 148
That base is looking great glad Hollands was willing to help you get that counter straight
Yep I was very glad he had the conversion info and was willing to share. 2 grand? Sure I could use 2k , just make sure it's cash 😆
@@TheRadioGarage I think we could all use the cash right now for sure
Ddsvfo I believe comes with 20 Roger beeps
Good to know..thanks for the input..I'll be doing one at some point..they still haven't arrived yet.
WILL IT DO 28.500
Where exactly do to you put the Cobra 29 and there if you don't mind me asking