What happened to IFR??? In 2002 Aeroflex Inc. (a New York-based holding company)
bought IFR for about $60 million and folded it into their other holdings as
"Aeroflex Test Solutions."
In late 2014 ATS was bought by Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions.
Their web site no longer has any info on Aeroflex or IFR.
Click here to go to the CAES web site.
And what about Marconi? Marconi was sold to IFR Systems Inc. in 1998, then
IFR was acquired by Aeroflex (in 2002), becoming Cobham (in 2014) and currently
Viavi Solutions in 2017...
However there is no longer any production of any of the Marconi or IFR products as
the current business has turned away from general instrument manufacture. Instead,
Viavi now focuses on 5G (cellular) telecommunications equipment.
IFR made a lot more models that we have listed below. What you see below
is all that we have.
If you don't see what you need here, then we weren't given it.
Donations of manual files, photos, or any other useful information are gratefully accepted.
One manual we'd really like to have is the FM/AM-1200 Super S Service Manual.
You will see references in the manuals below to the "S/A" units. There is no
actual unit called the (whatever-model-number)S/A, it's a collective abbreviation. One
manual would be for both the (for example) IFR-1200A and the IFR-1200S model. The S-model
has the spectrum analyzer and tracking generator options; the IFR-1200A does not.
And in response to several emails, no, I don't know if the A-models can be field
converted into an S-models, or where to get parts, or how to do it.
A lot of older IFRs use dark blue circuit boards. They are a form of plastic, not fiberglass.
These boards are VERY fragile. The glue holding the copper traces is weak and heat
sensitive. You must do ANY necessary soldering with great care and very quickly to avoid
de-laminating the board. Just expect that traces will come up if you have to change a part
on a blue board. This is the sad voice of experience.
Many of the older IFRs are having aging problems. Power supply and display issues are the
most visible. There is an article in the IFR1200 section below on capacitor replacement. If anyone
would like to do additional articles on troubleshooting and repair we'd be happy
to add them to this page. Likewise any articles on attenuator repair, oscilloscope tube
replacement, or any other IFR-related topic.
The original paint used on the IFR 500 / 1200 / 1500 / etc.
products (and maybe the others) was Sherwin Williams Profile Gray (Polane) which a a 2 part
paint / epoxy.
Thanks to Alex Szuski KD6VPH for this tidbit of information.
One of the companies that services IFR 500s and 1200s is KG electronics in Wichita Kansas.
Contact Kurt Graber at 316-773-0948 or kurtgraber //at// yahoo //dot// com or visit their web
site at http://kgelectronics.com (an off-site
pointer, will open in a new browser tab)
I don't know of a service company for any other model(s). Please let the page maintainer know if
you find one and he'll update this paragraph.
Some IFR models use thumbwheel switches (like those in the IFR-500 for frequency setting).
BE GENTLE WITH THEM!!!
The first symptom is that the switches will drop a bit (the bits have values of 1, 2, 4 and 8).
For example, is you set the unit to generate on 449 MHz and it generates on 448 then you've
dropped the "1" bit in that digit. If it generates on 441 then you've dropped the "8" bit. If you set
it to 446 and it shows up on 442 then you've dropped the "4" bit.
While the examples describe the MHz digit this failure can happen on any digit position.
To the best of my knowledge the switches are orphans - there were two manufacturers (IDEC
and Unimax) and both are no more.
If anyone has any information on an alternate switch or switch assembly that could replace them,
please let the page maintainer and and he will update this pragraph (please let Kurt know also).
The Option 4 battery was a sealed lead-acid unit of 12 volts at 5 Amp-Hours. These batteries have a finite life and
the case can crack and leak. If your unit has the battery installed then look up the date code on Google and label the front
of your unit with the battery date and replace the battery every two to three years. Unless you NEED the battery operation
feature I suggest you remove the battery (keep the harness with the Molex connector). The modern replacement is a
Power-Sonic PS-1250 with T2 size (one-quarter-inch) terminals. (off-site pointer, will open in a new browser tab)
The Option 5 amplifier was an external device that plugged into the front panel RF output jack and
the adjacent +12 volt DC bananna jack. They are rare and expensive when found.
Steve Dold W6KCS makes an excellent
aftermarket replacement. (off-site pointer,
will open in a new browser tab)
The Option 6 microphone was the same that was shipped with the Regency (later RELM) land mobile radios and some
of the Uniden mobile radios. The connector on the cord is a 5-pin DIN with a twist lock shell.
Two good part numbers (there are others) are Regency (or RELM) 600-699-1 and 600-699-3. Regency made some of the Radio Shack
CB radios and you might find a Radio Shack or Realistic microphone with the correct connector.
The connector on the front panel of the IFR-500A, 1200S and 1200Super is Regency / RELM part number 2105-0000-023.
Option 9: The page maintainer has been looking for a padded case for several years. Anyone know who made them for IFR? Or of a suitable alternative?
The Option 12 Tracking Generator is not a field installable option. If you evern plan on tuning a cavity or a duplexer then buy a service monitor with it.
Option 14 added the LTR Trunking protocol, and depending on the firmware may have been limited to only the first 200 channels of the 800 MHz band.
On some of the equipment below, we couldn't get the real IFR docs but were given the military docs. If anyone can provide
the real IFR docs we';; post them here. Note that the AN/GRM-114 is the military designation for the IFR 1000S and
AN/GRM-114A is a different piece of equiment - the 1100S. Note that some are TM Technical
Manuals and others are TB Technical Bulletins.
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The IFR500, 1000, 1100 and 1200 were developed in the days of wideband = 30 KHz channel spacing
and narrowband = 15 KHz channel spacing. They are still quite usable on 5 KHz and 2.5 KHz signals.
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FM / AM-500/A documentation and articles:
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FM/AM-500/A Brochhure (4 pages) 901 KB PDF
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Exterior photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Your page maintainer has a 500A that showed up without the metal cover. If anyone has an extra one he'd like to acquire it.
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Interior photos courtesy of Hans Ronchetti in Australia:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
Photo 6
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FM/AM-500/A Service Monitor
Maintenance Manual 9.3 MB PDF
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FM/AM-500/A Service Monitor
Maintenance Manual - Version 3A 16.92 MB PDF
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FM/AM-500/A Service Monitor
Operation Manual 1.8 MB PDF
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FM/AM-500/A Service Monitor
Operator's Guide 3.4 MB PDF
This PDF is courtesy of Randy Munro VE3OGB, forwarded by Bryan Boyle WB0YLE.
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FM/AM-500/A Replacing Electrolytic
Capacitors Guide 133 kB PDF by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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The optional battery pack in this unit consists of six Gates/Hawker Cyclon/Enersys
0800-0004 cells, which are sealed cells rated at 2V and 5AH each. They provided about
two hours of operation. On this model the Option 2 (the high stability option)
and Option 4 (the battery option) were mutually exclusive.
Believe it or not, replacements are available from Amazon! Look here: https://www.amazon.com/Enersys-Hawker-Cyclon-0800-0004-Battery/dp/B0002ZR6DC.
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FM / AM-1000A/S documentation:
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Photos courtesy of Charles Schmell KS3Z:
Front
Left Side
Rear
And one extra...
Inside Bottom
Inside Left Side
Inside Right side
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FM/AM-1000S Operator's Guide
(s/n 108 and above) Dated 1980 894 kB PDF
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FM/AM-1000S Operation
Manual Dated 5-29-1980 9.6 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1000A Service
Manual Manual part number 1-23-0610, dated July 1978 26.5 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1000S/A Sales
Brochure 2 MB PDF courtesy of Carl VA2CMB
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FM/AM-1000S/A Service Notes Part 1 By
John Kuivinen WB6IQS 2.5 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1000S/A Service Notes Part 2 By
John Kuivinen WB6IQS 545 kB PDF
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FM/AM-1000S Operator's and Maintenance
Manual 10 MB PDF
This is actually the military manual TM 11-6625-3016-14, dated 18-Jun-1982, for Test Set,
Radio AN/GRM-114
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FM / AM-1100A/S documentation:
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Photos courtesy of Tim Ahrens W5FN:
Front
Rear
Inside Left Side (scope side)
Inside Right Side (speaker side)
Inside Bottom
Internals: Top with Hinged Panel Closed
Underside of Hinged Panel
Internals: Hinged Panel Out of the Way
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The MM-100E is the optional SINAD meter that mounts in the hinged cover.
Top (closed)
Top (open)
Controls
Side
Circuit Board
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FM/AM-1100S/A Maintenance
Manual 49.1 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1100S/A Operator's Manual 8.3
MB PDF
This is actually the military manual TM-11-6625-3016-10-1, Radio Test Set AN/GRM-114A,
(NSN 6625-01-144-4481)
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Organizational Maintenance Manual
TM-11-6625-3016-20-1 5.5 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1100S Calibration
Procedure 1.2 MB PDF
This is actually the military bulletin TB 9-6625-2059-35, dated 24-Sep-2004, for Test Set,
Radio AN/GRM-114A
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FM / AM-1200A/S documentation and articles:
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The 1200 was the first variant, then the 1200A (Analyzer), then the 1200-S that had the spectrum analyzer and tracking generator, then the 1200-Super. The 1200-SRA, was a surveillance unit made for the various Three Letter Agencies, and does not have any signal generator functions.
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All of the 1200S's are over thirty years old. Replacing the power supply electrolytics is recommended.
See the article by KD6VPH below. While you are inside your IFR note that there
is a lithium coin cell battery on the CPU board, just like in a PC. The original coin cell is a
solder-in 3 volt BR2535 or a CR2325. You can replace it with a solder-in battery holder
for a snap-in CR2032 coin cell. A suitable and readily available one is a Keystone part 1066.
The Digikey part number is 36-1066-ND or Mouser 534-1066.
If you get a "checksum error" message on power-up take it as a warning your coin cell is about to die!
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The original IFR1200A cannot be upgraded to a 1220S (with tracking generator, etc)
and they have the infamous blue PC boards and are a real PITA to work on.
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The IFR1200 product line was developed in the days of wideband = 30 KHz channel spacing
and narrowband = 15 KHz channel spacing. It is still quite usable on 5 KHz and 2.5 KHz signals.
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FM/AM-1200S Electrolytic
Capacitors Replacement Guide 4.2 MB PDF by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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FM/AM-1200S Spare Parts
Guide 700 kB PDF by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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Photos from a Brochure: Photo 1
Photo 2
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Interior and miscellaneous photos (courtesy of Bob Vaughan AF6RR):
Image 01
Image 02
Image 03
Image 04
Image 05
Image 06
Image 07
Image 08
Image 09
Image 10
Image 11
Image 12
Image 13
Image 14
Image 15
Image 16
Image 17
Image 18
Image 19
Image 20
Image 21
Image 22
Image 23
Image 24
Image 25
Image 26
Image 27
Image 28
Image 29
Image 30
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FM/AM-1200A Data sheet 227 kB PDF
FM/AM-1200 Super S Data Sheet 145 kB PDF
"UUT" in the data sheet text = "Unit Under Test".
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FM/AM-1200S/A Operations
Manual 7.3 MB PDF
This is a scan of a Revision 8 manual last updated on September 1 of 1991.
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FM/AM-1200S/A Operations
Manual 5.7 MB PDF
A bit smaller and cleaner copy than the one above. It is the same manual.
Unfortunately neither is text serchable.
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FM/AM-1200S/A Service
Manual 10.6 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1200S/A Output and Tracking
Amplifier pages 2.1 MB PDF courtesy of Frank KA2FWC
This is the documentation for Option 5: the duplex generator 30dB / 100
milliwatt amplifier.
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FM/AM-1200 Super S Operation
Manual 4.5 MB PDF
Includes the remote operation supplement.
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T-1200SR Scanning Receiver Operation
Manual 700 kB PDF provided by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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A pointer to a youtube video
from 2014 on replacing the lithium coin cell on the CPU card By Alton "Buddy" Mclawhorn KC4UMO
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Does anybody have any other manuals available for the 1200, military or otherwise?
One manual we'd really like to have is the FM/AM-1200 Super S Service Manual.
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FM / AM-1500A/S documentation:
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Exterior photos (supplied by Andy WD4KDN):
Photo 1
Photo 2
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Interior and miscellaneous photos:
20dB Amplifier
New and Old Batteries
Battery Removed from PCB
Battery Installed on PCB
CPU and Memory PCB
Inside the Front Panel
Interior (top) View
Interior (bottom) View
Motherboard Support Bracket
New Battery Installed
Next Card Behind CPU Circuit Board
Side Shield
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FM/AM-1500 Application Notes 5.5 MB PDF
Scanned from a 1986 publication but the theory is as applicable as it was over 20 years ago.
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Another version of the IFR-1500 Application Notes...
IFR produced a spiral-bound book that was packed with each unit.
Joe Szczech K1IKE was kind enough to scan his, page by page.
Part 1 Cover and pages
1-9 2.3 MB PDF
Part 2 Pages 10-19 2.6
MB PDF
Part 3 Pages 20-29 2.8
MB PDF
Part 4 Pages 30-39 2.7
MB PDF
Part 5 Pages 40-55 4.3
MB PDF
Full IFR-1500 spiral book 4.9 MB PDF
straightened out and combined sections by Eric WB6FLY.
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FM/AM-1500 Service Monitor Maintenance Manual
16.3 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1500 Service Monitor Complete
Maintenance Manual 8 MB PDF
This manual, unlike the one above, contains revisions, schematics, and even test
fixtures and accessories. Considering the size and what's in it, this is a much
better deal.
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FM/AM-1500 Service Monitor Complete
Maintenance Manual 45 MB PDF Donated by Robin K4IDC
Robin took the above file and processed the text so this file is searchable, making it
easier to use and find things.
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FM/AM-1500 Service Monitor Operator's Guide
10.6 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1500 Service Monitor Operator's Guide
47 MB PDF Donated by Robin K4IDC
Robin took the above file and processed the text so this file is searchable, making it easier
to use and find things.
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FM / AM-1600S documentation:
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The IFR 1600s have a known problem with the small electrolytics on the audio PA module.
When (not "if") they leak the electrolyte will corrode the traces. Don't wait! Change them!
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Photos courtesy of Joe Burkleo WA7JAW:
Back
Bottom
Front on Stand
Front Left
Front Right
Front
Top (angled)
Top (down)
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FM/AM-1600S Operator's Manual Ver
1.10 13.2 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1600S Operator's Manual Ver
2.00 13.8 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1600S Operator's Manual Ver
4.00 25.3 MB PDF
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FM/AM-1600S Maintenance Manual 16.4 MB
PDF scanned by Sam Reaves W3OHM
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FM/AM-1600S Calibration Manual 8 MB
PDF scanned by Sam Reaves W3OHM
This is actually the military TS-4317-2 Radio Test Set version.
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FM/AM-1600S and FM/AM-1600CSA TMAC
Manual 25 MB PDF
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TMAC is the Test MACro (programming) language. CSA is Cellular System Analyzer.
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FM/AM-1600 General Support Maintenance
Manual 3.1 MB PDF donated by Sam Reaves W3OHM
This is actually the military TS-4317 AN/GRM-114B Radio Test Set version. Covers both the
LCD and CRT models.
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FM/AM-1600 Operator's and Unit Maintenance
Manual 3.1 MB PDF donated by Sam Reaves W3OHM
This is actually the military TS-4317 AN/GRM-114B Radio Test Set version. Covers both the
LCD and CRT models.
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IFR 1900 documentation:
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1900 Operator's Manual 21 MB PDF
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1900 CSA Option Operator's
Manual 6 MB PDF
TMAC is the Test MACro (programming) language. CSA is Cellular System Analyzer.
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1900 CSA TMAC User's Manual Vol
1 13 MB PDF
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1900 CSA TMAC User's Manual Vol
2 29 MB PDF
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IFR A-7550 documentation and articles:
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The IFR A7550 has a solder-in BR2535 or CR2325 coin cell (memory battery) on the Control Processor Board next to U12.
See the coin cell notes in the 1200 section above.
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A-7550 Spectrum Analyzer Sales
Brochure 2.5 MB PDF provided by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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A-7550 Spectrum Analyzer Operation
Manual 4.5 MB PDF
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A-7550 Spectrum
Analyzer Operation Manual Supplement 02 1.2 MB PDF provided by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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A-7550 Spectrum Analyzer
Service Manual 11.5 MB PDF
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A-7550 Spectrum Analyzer CRT
Board Capacitor Replacement Guide 923 kB PDF provided by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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A-7550 Spectrum Analyzer
Power Supply Capacitor Replacement Guide 901 kB PDF provided by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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A-7550 Spectrum Analyzer Option
10 Marketing Memo 244 kB PDF provided by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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A-7550 Spectrum Analyzer Spare Parts
Guide 429 kB PDF provided by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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A-7550 Spectrum Analyzer
Illustrated Parts Catalog 90 MB PDF provided by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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A-7550 Spectrum Analyzer Price List November
1, 1985 302 kB PDF provided by Alex Szuski KD6VPH
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COM-120 documentation:
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The COM-120A uses a no-longer-available Planar Systems, Inc. EL560.400 orange-on-black Electro-Luminescent display module.
It is a 6.9 inch diagonal 560×400 pixel device and the official data sheet is here.
If anyone has repair information or a source for them, please send it to the page maintainer.
Once the display module fails (and you are sure it's not the DC-DC converter) the only solution is to use an external VGA monitor - if you can find the VGA adapter card for the COM-120!
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COM120 Options List.
courtesy of Kurt WB6SMC - 74kB PDF.
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COM120 Timekeeper Option Restoration.
courtesy of Kurt WB6SMC - 235kB PDF.
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Click here for a photo of the COM-120A and COM-120B
courtesy of Tracy N4LGH.
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Click here for a photo of the rear panel of a
COM-120B courtesy of Tracy N4LGH.
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Click here for a 19.3 MB Zip file of COM-120A photos.
27 high-resolution pictures of a disassembled COM-120A, courtesy of Tracy N4LGH.
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Click here for a 11.6 MB Zip file of COM-120B photos.
16 high-resolution pictures of a disassembled COM-120B, courtesy of Tracy N4LGH.
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COM-120B Operation Manual 33 MB PDF
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COM-120B Calibration Manual 2.5 MB PDF
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COM-120B Schematic Diagrams 9.7 MB PDF
COM-120B Schematic Diagrams v2.0 26 MB PDF
The second download - all 202 pages - is a MUCH better scan! v2.0 is courtesy of Gerald Molenkamp VK3GM
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COM-120B Application Manual 2 MB PDF
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COM-120B Data Sheet 212 kB PDF
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COM-120B Training Powerpoint file
3.1 MB PPT
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COM-120C Operation's Manual 2.5 MB PDF
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COM-120C Maintenance Manual
Supplement 2.7 MB PDF
Supplement for the COM-120B Maintenance Manual that covers the COM-120C.
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According to a local two-way radio tech, if your Com-120 fails its self-test in the
'Dev. Modulation' or 'Dist. Meter' area you will need to change all of the electrolytic
capacitors in the baseband tray. IFR had a bad batch of them.
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This page initially created 30-March-2009 by splitting all of the IFR information away
from the Other Manufacturers page.
