Using the Galaxy 959 frequency counter for PLL alignment?

[SD002]

I have a Galaxy 959 which has an onboard frequency counter that I know is fairly accurate because the numbers also match another external (inline on coax between transmitter and antenna) freq. counter that I have and another radio station's report of the frequency that I'm transmitting on are all the same numbers.. My radio is transmitting and receiving on channel 1 at 26.967 MHZ instead of 26.965 MHZ.. Likewise there is a .002 MHZ difference on the rest of the AM & SSB channels as well. I'm planning on unlocking and extending the clarifier which will require a PLL alignment when completed. Either way the radio needs a PLL alignment... So.... I'm wondering if I can perform the PLL alignment using the frequency counters that I now have without having to buy another one that's capable of connecting to TP3 on the PCB?
My question is:

The 1st step:
Can I adjust the AM frequency by setting the radio to CH 1, AM, RX mode, clarifier control to center detent, and adjust L20 until I get 26.965 MHZ shown on radio's onboard freq. counter? I'll also compare these numbers to the other coaxial external frequency counter which will be in line??
The 2nd step:
I will set USB freq. by setting the radio to CH 1, USB mode, clarifier control to center detent. Whistle while transmitting on TX and adjust L21 until the frequency reads 26.965 MHZ.
The 3rd step:
Iwill set LSB freq. by setting the radio to CH 1, LSB mode, clarifier control to center detent. Whistle while transmitting on TX and adjust L22 until I get 26.965 MHZ...
Can anyone tell me if this idea will work or do I need to purchase another expensive freq. counter so I can use the numbers and test points that CB Tricks show to use?? Thanks for any help you can offer.... SD002

 

[9C1Driver]

In order to do things right there is some equipment you just need to work on radio's, a good freq counter is one of those items. You might be able to ballpark it in but by using another radio I think there is too much of a margin for error.

 

[C2]

I think what needs to happen is that you need to adjust to 26.965.000 +/- 20Hz

IOW, if you set it to 26.965.030, you would be off.

And, there are actually a couple of loops mixing together, so you need to adjust the RF and LO loops independently so they are each centered.

It's like trying to weigh out nickle bags of weed on a bathroom scale. It won't work.

 

[C2]

BTW, I bought a decent benchtop freq counter by HP for $30. Kind of old, but a good quality counter. Look for one with at least 20mv sensitivity.

 

[SD002]

Hey Thanks for the good input that you have all brought forth so far.. It appears that I need to invest in a good freq. counter to do it up right or take my chances and see what happens........ Thanks again..... SD002

 

[Moleculo]

The test procedures you outlined won't work. You need a proper frequency counter with the ability to attach test probes. You can't perform a PLL alignment while whistling into the mic. Here is the PLL alignment procedure for that radio:

Galaxy Radios DX959 Service Manual

BTW, the freq counter on that radio is more like a "frequency display" than a frequency counter. You can't rely on it to perform an alignment. If you aren't planning on performing this procedure on a bunch of radios, it might be cheaper to send it to someone that already has the proper equipment.

 

[C2]

It is an actual counter, but its resolution and accuracy is far short of being useful for anything more than a display.

 

[SD002]

Thanks for putting me on the right track.. Looks like I'll have to send it out for an alignment unless I can pick up a good freq. counter real cheap... It's not what I wanted to hear and would have liked to do this myself but I now understand the accuracy needed to accomplish this....... Thanks....

 

[bryanknapp]

this was very helpful to Aline my 959 on ssb and it aligned the reseve as well i just used another radio that i new was good at 12 oclock and had it siting nearby with out antenna it got me in the ball park and got the clarifire to reseve at 11:30 to 12:30 instead of 5 oclock ,had to pull out the little board for the freq.counter was a b to put back in

 

[Wire Weasel]

It's like trying to weigh out nickle bags of weed on a bathroom scale. It won't work.

This afternoon I got a nickle bag of weed and it was over weight on the bathroom scale...as you suggested...so I am HAPPY