Tram Titan II help

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Ga Tubeman
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Tram Titan II help

#373065

Post by Ga Tubeman »

Hello all tube radio lovers and Tram folks,

I have a Titan II that I recently got off ebay. It has been working really well on both AM and sideband. Recently, ( Saturday about 3 weeks ago ) we had a storm blow through and it broke my A99 antenna in half, but I did not realize this. I was on the Titan talking when someone told me that I was not getting out in my usual manner...to check SWRs...I did and discovered the SWR to be over 3. Then I ran out to look at the A99 and my heart sank.

After getting another A99 and checking the other radios I connected the Titan II up and have the following issues to deal with; The single 6GK6 ( modulator) gets way too hot....it is not redplating, but the glass is getting way too hot. I checked voltages as printed on the schematic and I am not far off on any ...321 on plate ( schematic lists 290/300), 304 on grid (schematic lists 290), 8.9 on cathode bias resistor ( schematic lists 10 ). but the tube is still getting way too hot. The Sams gives resistances to measure and all of those are close, except pins 7 and 8 which the special notation says to measure from the output of X1 which is labeled as the SWR bridge. I did not note which of the 4 leads was the OP of the bridge but did not get any readings even close to what was listed. I have also checked all resistors around this tube and they all check out ok. I also replaced the 2 x 4 mf electrolytic caps in the vicinity. I have also installed new tubes ( all 3 x 6GK6s ) with no good results. SO.... I have apparently damaged something. When I attempt to calibrate the radio with the antenna before checking SWRs, the meter will just barely move ( external meter).

I have damaged something...does anyone here possibly know what it may be ?? I work on old tube guitar amps ( 30 yrs) but radios are relatively new to me . I really like this old Tram Titan II and would like to repair it or send it to someone who can. I am not opposed to shipping it to someone for repair. Any help will be greatly appreciated !! I have really been bitten by the Tram bug and have acquired several but this is my only Titan II and it transmitted and received so well...I am just heartbroken.

Thanks,

Mark
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443 Arizona
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Re: Tram Titan II help

#373075

Post by 443 Arizona »

sounds like you got er sizzled,frizzled but not fried. your on the right track, get it all in spec and then in line(aligned). you'll be rockin the free world after that.
i have a tram d-60 that has been peaked ,,, it is one of my prized units. it goes half worldwide barefoot. :rabbit:
the only tubers i have is a johnson and a kenwood(shortwave),,,years ago had a tube'er that was gold faced, 4 channel, cw capable, cant remember the name of it thou...was the size of 2 breadboxes. it was basically an unlimited,,just get the Q right and feed the monster the power.12v-16vdc :chef:
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Ga Tubeman
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Re: Tram Titan II help

#373077

Post by Ga Tubeman »

Thanks 443 Arizona...I certainly hope it can be restored...we will keep on trying.
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Re: Tram Titan II help

#373078

Post by MDYoungblood »

I would pick up a copy of the SAMs Photofact CB Radio Series (CB-**Censored**), this is all the Tram Titan models they list,
Titan...............................13
Titan II (5320).....................24
Titan IIA...........................40
Titan III...........................34
Titan IV............................49
I buy one if I can find them for every radio I plan to keep, Google or Yahoo search and the site they are on will come up.

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Re: Tram Titan II help

#373089

Post by Rabbit Ears »

I looked for my SAMS copy #40...or #13 and called my pals for ya. Thus far this "Bottlehead" no dice. Will keep rooting around like a warthog for ya... some dusty files may turn up here in Wyoming.

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Re: Tram Titan II help

#373096

Post by MDYoungblood »

The #24 copy is the one he'll need unless it is the "A" model, I found one on "you know where".

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Re: Tram Titan II help

#373104

Post by Rabbit Ears »

Google?? YUP!! :icon_e_smile:
USA FOREVER
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President HR2600 with Palomar TX-150 amp(backup base) *solar powered*
Turner Super Side Kick
RM Italy KL300P (A/B modded) in truck :twisted:
BIRD 43P
HY-GAIN SPT-500 antenna
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southwind

Re: Tram Titan II help

#373105

Post by southwind »

:bounce: Mark, I wish I had the magic answer for you, but I'm not that savy. I had a Titan ll a very long time ago, and I must say I was on top of the world. I knew when I keyed the mic I would be heard, and what wonderful ears. I certanily hope you get it going because they are a dying breed. Good luck and 3's to you/yours. :cheers:
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Ga Tubeman
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Re: Tram Titan II help

#373213

Post by Ga Tubeman »

Greg, Southwind & Rabbit ears,

Thank you for your attempts and words of wisdom. I have a photocopy of the Sams on the Titan II. But I have gotten all the other real issues on the other radios I plan to keep so I will also get #24. Even though I have worked on tube amplifiers for many years, radios are still new and foreign to me. But I am learning. I was just hoping someone on this site would say : " OH yeah, I know exactly what you burned up"...... Reportedly there is at least one "Tram Guy" who is a member here and can work on them so I was hoping that he may chime in ... I am sure that it can be fixed...
Thanks again !!
Mark

-- Tuesday, 22 September 2015, 22:08 PM --

Well guys, I am happy to say that I did get the Titan II fixed. I am still not sure that it is working up to the "pre-fried" level, but it is working....transmitting and receiving. :cheers:

I am now into ( literally) 2 D201 Trams... original VOX versions trying to figure out the mods and why SSB will not work on any of them...

Thanks for all or your thoughts and assistance !!
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