[time-nuts] troubleshooting a FE-5680A (got two; only one works)

[Azelio Boriani]

Try to re-initialize it. I think that it is possible to reset the unit. My
LPFRS, for example, has two commands (F00, C00) to reset the fine and
coarse tuning to the factory default. I have to read the FE5680A datasheet
to confirm but generally digital units have factory defaults, resets,
presets and so on.

On Wed, Nov 30, 2011 at 10:26 AM, WB6BNQ <wb6bnq at cox.net> wrote:

> John,
>
> Instead of trying to fix it you should fault the unit back to seller and
> get a refund or have him
> send another unit.  I would also attempt to get them to pay for the return
> shipping as well.  After
> all it is their fault they sent a bad one when all of them are claiming
> that they are working
> correctly.
>
> As for troubleshooting, that is way easier said then done.  These newer
> series of FE-5680's are much
> more digital in nature then the older design, which makes it much harder.
>  The company that makes
> them is not and will not give out information.
>
> Bill....WB6BNQ
>
>
> John Beale wrote:
>
> > Just yesterday I received two FE-5680A units from China.  One of them
> works
> > and one doesn't achieve lock. Both are labelled with FEI P/N
> > 217400-30352-1. Here's a photo of the one that works, the other looks
> just
> > the same but different serial number.
> >
> https://picasaweb.google.com/109928236040342205185/FE5680A#5680473663653140162
> >
> > FE-5680A Rb #1:
> > At startup, RF out (pin 7) ramps from 9.999828 to 10.000066 MHz for a few
> > minutes, then locks at 10.000000 MHz and pin 3 drops low.  The RF signal
> is
> > about 2 Vpp.  Power draw at startup about 25 W, dropping to 10 W.
> >
> > FE-5680A Rb #2:
> > RF out scans from 9.999799 to 9.999994 MHz repeatedly, and does not
> achieve
> > lock. Pin 3 remains high.  The RF signal is about 1 Vpp (half the level
> of
> > the working unit).  Power draw similar to unit #1.
> >
> > Any suggestions for what might be done to prod the 2nd unit towards
> > working?   I see some things which might be trimmer caps on the board,
> and
> > what might be a round heating element(?) soldered to a crystal can in
> this
> > photo:
> >
> https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0WRM10pGG0Kd89Ji80yoa9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
> >
> > thanks for any advice!
> >
> > John Beale
> > N8JUF
> >
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