I don't know why, but I'm a sucker when it comes to the Yaesu FT-757GX. This HF rig was my first solid-state transceiver back in 1989, and I owned one for many years.
I sold mine just a few years ago after I replaced it with an Kenwood TS-450S/AT. The TS-450S was a great radio too, and I later sold it to fund the purchase of my Icom IC-756PROIII.
I already own two FT-757GX's both of which need some repair. On one, it needs an alignment and the front end fuse needs repair. I apparently overloaded the front end by trying to use the Yaesu to monitor my PROIII.
The “fuse” is actually a wheat lamp, but damned if I can find where its located. If I could find it I would probably just jumper it. This rig needs to have the alignment checked anyway.
The second FT-757GX doesn't transmit in CW mode. It does transmit, but something's been changed so the key input doesn't work. This rig has had the cooling fan — which operates automatically from the factory — switched by a toggle switch on the heat sink. I wouldn't want to fool with that, but perhaps the thermister died and the switch is the only way to keep the rig cool.
The one has something going on in the IF, the bandwidth seems to vary. This isn't an uncommon problem, apparently there are some diodes that fail. The solution is to replace them all, from what I've read.
But the real gem may have just arrived. Yes, I have a third FT-757GX, and this one is in the best physical condition of the three. It was for sale very cheap on eBay because the VFO quit varying the frequency.
I have done enough work on the FT-757GX encoders to know how to troubleshoot, repair and replace them, so I decided to gamble: I bought the rig.
It arrived a few days ago, and I finally unboxed it to take a look. Yep, turning the knob didn't vary the displayed frequency. I pulled the knob and did some checking, and immediately found the problem: the encoder shaft was frozen. This is a common problem on the 757. On the one I owned for so long, I had to lubricate the encoder shaft twice.
The problem hits quickly. You notice the tuning knob dragging, and before long, it won't turn at all.
A previous owner had used some WD-40 on the shaft, which allowed the knob to rotate on the shaft while the shaft stayed frozen in place.
It takes a little patience to lubricate the encoder shaft because oil doesn't wick into the bearing very quickly. I've been applying 3-in-1 oil in very small amounts along the spot where the encoder shaft enters the brass bearing built into the encoder. I finally broke the shaft loose and I've been gradually getting it to turn more freely. I don't know how freely it will wind up turning, but I'll keep at it this weekend.
This FT-757GX looks very good too. Both of my others show considerable exterior wear on the corners. This one does not. It has the original box and manual too. Even if the encoder were trash, I would consider taking one out of my other rig. I would probably part out the rest of the rig as I didn't pay a lot for either of the other ones. I'll be happy to have a FT-757GX that will perform as well as my original one. I haven't really checked the new one for function yet, but plan too once the encoder is back working.
If this new 757 works as it should, I'll definitely keep it as my library radio. I would like to fix the next best of the two Yaesu's and sell it … or perhaps fix them both??
That's all for now … 73 es GN … de KY4Z … dit dit …