Restoration, Caution, Misc and in progress...




 

 

This HA-14 interior looks nice and clean. There is no obvious salt air corrosion. The soldering appears at least marginally acceptable but should be carefully checked. No components appear stressed due to short leads and there are no obvious modifications.


 

INRUSH PROTECTION

If you're worried about putting AC power to the supplies there is a surge (Inrush) protector that will save the delicate components. It's made by Ameritron (MFJ) and the part number is ICP-120 or ICP-240 (depending on what A.C. power source you use). I use the ICP-240 on my Dentron MLA-2500 and it saves your tubes and power supply. It's a good investment. I've had mine for about 13 years. -WB7ESV

I'll give that a try. Had a big cap blow up here this year when I switched on a nice old Heathkit power supply that had sat for a number of years. It went off like a big firecracker complete with flame and much acrid smoke. Then had to air out the room! Worst part was it destroyed adjacent parts and a vector board. Still have not repaired it for lack of parts.  -W6OVP



ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS

The weakest electrical spot in most older equipment is the electrolytic capacitors used in their power supplies. Such capacitors built half a century ago had a reasonable life expectancy of a decade or perhaps two. But not five. Since they are such an important part of restoration of any old Heathkit it is recommended that you read this excellent article on the subject. 

I use a Heathkit IP-5220 variable and isolated AC power supply for bringing up power slowly on older radios. It usually works to reform the electrolytic capacitors, but not necessarily to their labeled values. It's important to physically examine them for leaks or damage before applying power.



SHIPPING AND HANDLING

When shipping the HA-14 and a power supply it is best to ship them in separate boxes. The difference in weight between the amplifier the power supplies is very large, especially with the HP-24.

It is not necessary to remove the amplifier tubes for shipment but however packed the HA-14 MUST be wrapped in what seems an excess of bubble pack, protecting it on all sides. If you don't feel comfortable throwing the box off the back of a moving truck, add more quality padding!

I once bought a near-mint HA-14 and HP-24. The seller tossed them both in the same box with a few newspapers for padding and shipped it off. When the box arrived it looked like it had fallen off a truck. The meter was smashed, and the HV connectors on both units were broken off. Both were badly scratched and unusable without serious repair work. A real shame.

  

 


 

 

 

 

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