[SBE] transmitter customer service failures

[A9xw at cs.com]

I had an intermittent in the new analog IOT where the power would jump up and 
down  ie 20% 100%. After a lot of work found the circulator was intermittent 
at drive levels below 100 watts but "OK" at drive levels over 100 watts, and 
of course the normal drive level was right at that threshold point.  Had some 
bad ground side crimps in the wiring that defied finding since the "hot" side 
of the circuits all showed OK, but the relays didn't pull in. It was a bigger 
thrill when the crowbar unit failed during a field replacement when the OEM 
engineer tested it the third time, another day off air waiting for replacement 
parts for the replacement parts.
 I feel sorry for the line guys who have to cope with apparent bad management 
decisions to have 0 inventory to look good on the books.  It seems half or 
more of the usual broadcast equipment supplies are now all build to order, and 
sit back and wait 30-60-90 days ARO. Even little stuff like SMPTE time clock 
displays, 6 weeks from order to delivery for a $400 item. Vaporware used to mean 
software, now its hardware. As a friend says, its unobtainium. 

Henry
WYIN