DX 949 install snags

[HamboneSlim]

Installed my new to me Factory Refurb DX 949 into the '77 Dodge this weekend.

Radio Shack website claims 102" whips in stock at the local store, that wasn't the case, but they did have a little 64" base loaded whip with a 3/8-24 mounting stud. Best I could tune that was with a SWR of 1.7 on channel 1 and 40. Not very efficient, but it can pass till I can get a proper 102" whip or a fancy coil antenna.

Interference was pretty slight; some noise from the electric fuel pump, not audible once the CB is turned up to listening volume. A good line filter, and maybe a little filter across the fuel pump should have that in good shape.

The radio picks up really well, I could hear the chatter out on the highway about twelve or fifteen miles away. I can't hear the highway from here with the radio in the '89 Dodge: a Cobra 40 plus with roof-mounted K40.

A really big problem, though. The DX 949 squelch control doesn't work. No effect on background noise whatsoever. Same on SSB as AM; no squelch.
Adjusting VR4 for AM and VR3 for SSB with the squelch control fully clockwise has absolutely no effect: background noise level remains consistent.
Of course, by background noise I'm talking about RF background noise, not interference from the trucks electrical system.
Actually, I was testing the radio without the truck running. I'm refering to the stuff you're supposed to be able to be able to filter out with the squelch control, so only louder signals will get through.

The squelch pot tests fine, and there is continuity from the pot to the main PCB. Couldn't see any obvious component failure or cold solder joints, and I was having dificulty reading the light blue on white .pdf schematic I have on my mini-laptop, so I emailed Galaxy for a return authorization number. So we'll see how that goes.

[kc4eoe]

Let us know how it goes. I was going to be cute and say that you had a full time listeners radio (no squelch needed) but I think if it were mine, I'd be a little upset about it. I do remember way back in my youth when I was just a tad bit more over enthusiastic about this hobby. I would fall asleep in front of the radio with the "white noise" on late at night just so I would not miss that way off distant station that may appear out of the electron mist.

['Doc]

I think I'd have to say that 'refurbished' radio isn't as 'refurbished' as it could be. The squelch ought'a work. I think I'd be a bit unhappy about that.
- 'Doc

[HamboneSlim]

Yea, it made me sad the new radio didn't work right, but what really ticked me off was that I couldn't fix it.

The traces are so small, I couldn't see if there was a short at the solder points. And I couldn't read the schematic I had, so that was about that. Gave it a good try though.

[HamboneSlim]

A couple minutes on the phone with Galaxy Tech Support, and problem solved.

Turns out, if the radio gets a hard knock to the bottom, the speaker magnet pushes C32 at IC1, breaking the trace to the squelch amp. A drop of solder, and a little twiddling on VR4 & VR3, and I've got my squelch set right where I like it.

Kudos to John @ Galaxy tech support for making the repair a snap.

[kc4eoe]

Kool Beans! That's one for our repair manuals. Thanks for letting us know the fix

[rbodenbender]

the few times i have had to deal with Galaxy tech support have been awesome. support for every product in the world should be done that way.