The TS-520s was probably one of the most popular transceivers made in the mid 70's to the late 80's. They were hybrids meaning it was mostly solid-state but the transmitter section had a tube driver and finals. It was my first "real" radio, which I bought to celebrate my getting my general license in 1984(ish). Foolishly (and regrettably), I sold it to buy a computer in the late 80's...that computer is LONG gone but I'll bet that TS-520s is still chugging along somewhere. Before buying this radio, my novice rig was a homemade "chirpy" crystal controlled transmitter built on an old TV chassis with a cheapy receiver but hey, it worked...usually.
I have been working on it. Though physically in great shape for being 40 years old, it needed the typical cleaning switch contacts with DeOxit. I also removed the VFO subassembly and disassembled that and flushed out all the crusty grease in the bearings in the variable capacitor and re-lubed it. Acetone and white Lithium grease are my friends. I ordered new power tubes for it as the ones that it came with were pretty soft. Once those come in on Monday, I'll re-bias and neutralize them and get it on the air. It has a great receiver in it, very sensitive and very quiet. No WARC bands but I have more modern transceivers for those.
For those unfamiliar with the radio:
I have been working on it. Though physically in great shape for being 40 years old, it needed the typical cleaning switch contacts with DeOxit. I also removed the VFO subassembly and disassembled that and flushed out all the crusty grease in the bearings in the variable capacitor and re-lubed it. Acetone and white Lithium grease are my friends. I ordered new power tubes for it as the ones that it came with were pretty soft. Once those come in on Monday, I'll re-bias and neutralize them and get it on the air. It has a great receiver in it, very sensitive and very quiet. No WARC bands but I have more modern transceivers for those.
For those unfamiliar with the radio:
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