The phone rang. My "Caller Dismay" box showed the number to
originate from a town about 20 miles away - outside my normal area. I
answered it in a relatively good mood.
"Jack Armstrong, good morning". My ears were assaulted by the sound
of a child screaming then a voice asked:
"Is that Jack Armstrong?"
"Yes, that's why I said "Jack Armstrong, good morning"
(grinning).
"Ho, my daughter's making a noise. You know what you can do. Ho, you
want to change your attitude, mate, if you want my business! Anyway,
I need some advice before you come."
I replaced the telephone handset, gently. Funny how people always
assume I'm so desperate for business that I'll accept verbal abuse,
give free advice and do a free call out. The telephone rang again.
This time the display showed "Withheld" so I ignored it. Attitude?
Who, me? (grin)
Pace Apollo 120
Alf is a CB radio enthusiast. He spends his nights on top of Carlton
Bank, broadcasting to the whole of North Yorkshire. That probably
explains why he's always tired. The Pace Apollo that he brought me
also looked tired.
"No pictures", he yawned as he handed the receiver to me.
"Hmm, get any sound?"
"Sorry, gimme a nine on that. You're a bit ten-one".
"I said do you hear any sound from it?"
"Ah, sound. Think so but the modge is a bit low, you know".
When I tested it, the power supply fired up but the 14 volt rail
measured low. My oscilloscope showed massive ripple and a quick
in-circuit check with my Genie showed that C73 ESR was far too high.
Replacing C73 (1000uF/25v) effected a cure and no other fault was
found.
Alf was impressed by the speed of repair but less impressed with the
cost.
"Bloomin' heck. The "Rig Doctor" only charges a fiver for a complete
tune up! Oh, well, here's your cash. Ten-ten good bud".