How to Troubleshoot a Kenwood TK-790
The Kenwood TK-790 is a 160-channel, 110-watt VHF radio that is highly sought by many collectors and VHF enthusiasts for its exceptional build quality and history. While there are certain things consumers can fix and troubleshoot on a Kenwood TK-790 to keep it running smoothly, major repairs are best left to a qualified technician since the TK-790 is worth considerable money for vintage audio equipment in most used markets. Doing your own troubleshooting can also save you considerable money if you don't have to take the unit to a technician.
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Instructions
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Inspect the power cable for damage, frayed edges or burnt contacts. Test the contacts with a multimeter for continuity. Multimeters are widely available through audio supply and electronics supply shops. Consult your multimeters manual for proper use, as they do vary from model to model. Power cable damage is a common cause of intermittent power or no power at all.
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Check the fuses in the back of the unit to make sure they are not cracked or blown. A cracked fuse will have a small crack or missing piece in the filament inside the glass tube. A blown fuse will often appear black around the edges of the glass tube or on the silver contacts near the ends of the fuse. Damaged or broken fuses are often the cause of intermittent power, no power at all or only one output channel working, as well as display and light issues on the faceplate of the receiver.
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Remove any knobs that make crackling or squeaking noises when you turn them. Gently clean then with a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Use several swabs if you are removing large amounts of dirt and dust from a unit that has been uncovered or improperly stored for a long time. Allow the knobs to dry.
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Lubricate noisy knobs with switch and contact cleaner. Don't use too much switch and contact cleaner; you don't want it to drip off the knobs. Replace the knobs after approximately 20 minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
Never replace fuses with incorrect voltages. You could cause serious internal damage, which will cost much more than the cost of a proper replacement fuse.
Don't work on your receiver if you don't know how. Even basic troubleshooting can cause damage that could cost more. If you are unsure of how to do anything, don't do it to avoid damaging your receiver.
References
Resources
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