E1XM receiver - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / rf-microwave

author: najrao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2020, 08:41:55 am
content: Any E1XM Radio receiver enthusiasts/experts here? I have a lot to ask, and tell. The yahoogroups forum is defunct, and I cannot access files or pictures or conversations.Meanwhile, this marvel of excellence stays bricked at my home.Do get back, please.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2020, 09:22:33 am
content: I had only a vague idea about this device, so I "Googled".Several websites offered "service manuals", but on further investigation, one was running some sort of scam where you had two "spins" of a sort of "poker machine"---- nothing whatever to do with radios!Another one showed what looked like an advertising pamphlet!The only website that was honest was the following:-https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=5353&page=2&per-page=10

author: najrao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2020, 10:45:30 am
content: There is indeed a valid "service manual", well written and precise. This was downloadable from files in the rump ya*oogroup, and I do have it. But this gives only a block diagram, not circuit schematic. And goes on to describe all factory tests and checks, some even needng a test fixture. Still, I have tried to make the most of it, and checked at least some of the extraordinarily complicated switching of power feeds, and voltages. Several of the noted test points are hidden under soldered screening cans, requiring rather invasive desoldering, these are out-of-bounds till now.The PCB's, which are very well made indeed, have no legend printing, and so you cannot even identify when the manual says "Q8".I have tried the 'sweet spot' technique to see if there are any bad solder joints or connector pins. None I am afraid.The symptoms faced are: Power up starts well, all buttons work, and reception is perfect -- for some minutes. All hell breaks loose progressively, first the screen freezes, then develops lines and bands, and thereafter the microprocessor hangs up. All controls except the soft power off are dead. Just remove all the dc into the jack, wait some minutes, and you can repeat the whole rannygazoo. Rebooting by the hidden 'reset' button does make some difference, in that it holds up just a little longer.I have tried drying out at 50C, and discharging hung-up cmos inputs if any by ionized air.Now at wit's end, and seeking help. Thank you for reading my sob story.

author: najrao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2020, 11:43:24 am
content: I want to share this mail I sent to Eton customer support:"Attached is page 20 of your 'service manual' for this masterpiece, downloaded from yah*oogroups.In the absence of a proper schematic, I tried to check out the Front Panel board exactly as described in the manual. I applied 6V to P4 pin16, and had limited the current to 10mA. The result was instant failure of one or all ic's, including the MSP430.I found out a little too late that the manual is wrong. P4 pin16 would feed the 3.3V bus directly through one or other diode, bypassing the reg, raising it to severe overvoltage. The correct pin is P4 pin14.My E1 stands destroyed thanks to this faulty manual. There is no hope of finding a Front Panel board for replacement.Please issue a correction to the manual."Needless to say, it was futile. But may be another E1 user may make this horrible mistake. Here is hoping he would read thisbefore!