Wavetek 3100 service monitor problems

[captainvi...@gmail.com]

I have a Waveteck model 3100 service monitor. I got this unit from a guy about 15 years ago and I think that I used it a couple of times and then put it away for awhile. I recently tried to use it and the keyboard is locked up and the LCD display reads:

"A1 Low

0 Drive"

I have the complete service manual, and although this error message is mentioned as an important one it does not elaborate on what it might be. It says to call the factory for tech assistance. I'm afraid that ship sailed long ago though. I don't know who might, or even if this unit is still supported anymore. This is admittedly an old unit but a nice one, and I'd really like to get it going. I have some old PRC77 military radios to repair and I could really use this thing. I know that there is a lithium battery inside that could be bad but the book mentions a different code for that fault. Can anyone please help me with this? Thanks, Lenny.

[N_Cook]

memory backup battery/supercap somewhere?

[captainvi...@gmail.com]

Well I guess that I should look for this lithium battery. After 30 some odd years I'm thinking that it couldn't possibly still be any good. It's just that it does mention that different error code for a battery though. I doubt that there would be anything like a super cap in this unit. It's too old for that I'm sure. Lenny

[Fred McKenzie]

In article <77445e09-9b7a-43e0...@googlegroups.com>,

captainvi...@gmail.com wrote:

> I know that there is a lithium battery inside that could be bad but the book
> mentions a different code for that fault.

Lenny-

I find that Lithium backup batteries usually last in excess of ten
years. Measure the battery Voltage. I would expect 3.6 Volts for a new
battery, but 3.0 Volts should still maintain memory.

Some equipment can retain memory contents with lower battery Voltage
than others. If it is very low, replace battery and see if the error
message changes.

If an original battery can not be obtained, you may be able to wire in
something like a Radio Shack 270-009 CR2032 Battery Holder.

Fred

[Jeff Liebermann]

On Mon, 25 May 2015 16:37:21 -0700 (PDT), captainvi...@gmail.com
wrote:

>I have a Waveteck model 3100 service monitor.

I can't even find a photo of a Wavetek (or CT Systems) 3100. Also, no
downloadable manual. Got a link to get me started?

I have a few Wavetek 3000 series service monitors.
<http://802.11junk.com/jeffl/pics/home/slides/BL-shop5.html>
If the 3100 is somewhat similar, I might be able to offer a clue. A
dead battery is a good start.

Note that the Wavetek and CT Systems service monitors were NOT made to
be tuned in the unit. Instead, there was a fixture at the factory
where all the tuning was performed. The same philosophy applies to
repair. The manual offers some basics, a circuit description, no
voltages, no waveforms, and help. When Wavetek discontinued the CT
Systems products, they threw away all the fixtures. The only way I've
been able to fix the 3000b service monitors is by comparing voltages
and waveforms with a known working (or barely working) unit.

Good luck.
--
Jeff Liebermann je...@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

[captainvi...@gmail.com]

On Monday, May 25, 2015 at 7:37:24 PM UTC-4, captainvi...@gmail.com wrote:

I can't find a picture for you either Jeff. There are places to download the nanual but no pictures anywhere. Very odd. Lenny.

[Jeff Liebermann]

On Wed, 27 May 2015 11:38:30 -0700 (PDT), captainvi...@gmail.com
wrote:

>I can't find a picture for you either Jeff. There are places to download the
>nanual but no pictures anywhere. Very odd. Lenny.

If Google can't find it, it doesn't exist.
Welcome to the 21st century.

I guess this is the manual. Notice that's it's under the CT Systems
name, not Wavetek. Which does the front panel of yours say?
<http://www.opweb.de/en/model.php?id=9197>
I'll take a look this weekend. Bizzeee with paying work for a few
daze.

[captainvi...@gmail.com]

On Monday, May 25, 2015 at 7:37:24 PM UTC-4, captainvi...@gmail.com wrote:

Jeff
I think your 3000's must be the predecessors of the 3100. On my front panel in the upper left corner above the scope is a sticker (which is most likely covering up just the name Wavetek). The sticker reads "CT Systems". Then the original number 3100, that was printed on the front panel (which was not covered)is evident.

It must have been in the time that Wavetek became CT Systems. I guess that they didn't want to change the tooling for the front panel so they opted for the cheap way out. It's hard to believe that anyone would take over a large company with a prestigious name like Wavetek, and then simply mouse a piece of equipment like this. And then that they'd just keep on selling it as though it was a name change on a toaster. But hey, what do I know anyway?

I found this picture. It is of a 5100. According to the book that I have the 5100 was a later slightly improved version of the 3100. The specs may be slightly different however overall it's a very similar piece of equipment. Thanks for looking into this further. Best regards, Lenny

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wavetek-CT-systems-radio-communication-service-monitor-test-set-5100s-/251728648419?nma=true&si=Xd4GdkoPtkK3cThql4NbcjExi3c%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557