Argonaut V TCXO Adjustment Procedure

From the Ten-Tec Reflector March 7, 2003

This morning, I decided to attempt a TCXO alignment on the ArgoV….it's a very simple and straightforward process. Please review these instructions in their entirety prior to proceeding with the first step below.

  1. Remove the 5 Phillips-head screws from the case (one on top, four on the sides). DO NOT remove the cover at this time.
  2. Power-up the Argo V and let it warm-up for one or two hours. While you're waiting for the unit to warm-up, locate a small jeweler's screwdriver and have it handy.
  3. While you're waiting for the warm-up, tune to WWV at 15 or 20 MHz. Try to use 20 MHz for best accuracy at all lower frequencies. If you can't get a decent 20 MHz signal, use WWV at 15 MHz.
  4. Also while waiting, go to the CW mode, and menu though the front panel keyer button until the side-tone becomes audible. You should now hear WWV beating against the Argo's internal CW side-tone. You may leave it this way during warm-up.
  5. After the warm-up period, remove the top case cover. You should have removed the top cover screws in Step 1.
  6. The TCXO module is immediately recognizable as a rectangular silver metal can on the top circuit board. It is located near the center of the circuit board…just a bit to the right. The TCXO is designated as U9.
  7. You'll see a small straight-blade screw-adjustable capacitor visible through the TCXO's metal case.
  8. Adjust the TCXO's capacitor in small increments with a jeweler's screwdriver until you have attained "zero-beat" against the sidetone oscillator. Note: the capacitor's stator appears to be at ground potential and there's no need for an insulated screwdriver. As the screwdriver is removed, zero-beat should not change.
  9. Replace the top cover using its 5 screws that were removed in Step 1.

Alignment Complete.

DISCLAIMER: PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK AND COMFORT LEVEL. No representation of warranty or fitness is offered concerning the results, accuracy, nor safety of this information and accordingly, anyone using this information agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold me harmless from any and all actual, consequential or incidental damages that may result from your reliance on this information.

-Paul, W9AC


March 7, 2003

Although it should be obvious, the TCXO alignment procedure I previously sent is only relevant to the Argo Model 516TCXO. Do not attempt this procedure with the Model 516 as there is no TCXO to align.

-Paul, W9AC


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