Thanks people, Does anyone know a replacement for the s-meter, either original or not, for my 160? I can't get mine to move except when I juggle the AVC switch in which case it deflects a hair. What is the best source for tubes? Thanks

Is the meter really bad? I would test it with an ohmmeter and at least 27k in series to see if there is any deflection.

I believe the meter movement and the meter mounting center-to center distances and the large cutout are the same as used on the HQ-170 and HQ-180 series of receivers.

Pete

If it deflects a bit it's probably not bad. Could be mechanically binding, but most likely, an issue with the S-meter sensitivity and/or zero set pots, or the cathode circuits of V5 and V6 (including the sensitivity control).

1) the s meter on my 160 stopped working a while back; turned out it was the 1st IF tube . The receiver worked OK otherwise but something was messed up enough with the tube that the s meter did not work until the tube was replaced.

2) Hopefully you have the manual for the 160, but as the manual points out the S meter only works with the AVC "ON"

3) Also, as others noted if the meter deflects at all it's likely OK. Also see the manual for the s meter pots adjustments

Andy

I don't know the tube layout of the 160, but I swapped 12AU7s in my 180A and there was a difference in S-meter behavior.

thanks guys much appreciated, will report back after replacing tube. mark

Your FIRST step should be the zero set and sensitivity adjust pots. If the meter is resting on its left peg, the zero adjust pot needs to be adjusted - you should be able to adjust it throughout its full range with that pot. The pot could be dirty or intermittent - crank it thru its range a few times and report back what happens to the meter.

That's true even though all the circuitry was there to allow AVC and S-Meter operation on SSB-CW just like the HQ-180. It was a design choice to disable it.

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Curtis Eickerman