Re: [Boatanchors] Knight-kit Star Roamer
Just one man's opinion: Go ahead and build it - with a decent antenna it should be fun to play with. I suggest replacing all of the old electrolytics with modern ones. Disc Ceramic caps are probably OK but I'd replace the tubular ones. I would also replace the selenium rectifier with a modern diode. I think it uses a diode for AM detection. In some circuits, doubling the diode with a second one in parallel produces better AM. I don't know if the antenna input was designed for 50 ohms or 300 ohms - that's something to consider, in order to get best performance. If you have a high SW noise level at your location, consider an antenna-on-ground. These do not pick up as much man-made noise but do hear transmissions well. I use one for my old Hammarlund and it makes a world of difference, compared to the inverted Vee or an elevated random wire. On Fri, Jun 17, 2022 at 3:17 PM SGS 126 wrote: > I was able to located an unbuild Star Roamer in the box dated Jan 1969. > Essentially the same radio I bought and assembled in June of 1969. When I > got the radio I had visions of building the radio like I did 53 years ago > but now I’m having second thoughts about it. I’m wondering if I did build > the radio I know I would need to buy a few new parts for example the > electrolytic in the power supply and I wondered about just building it with > all new capacitors and replacing any resistors out of tolerance. I also > realize the shortwave world is nothing like it was in 1969. So now I have > a kit and I’m wondering if I should just leave it in the box. It’s given > me a new perspective on trying to relive the past. > > Ben KJ4CC > ___ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
Re: [Boatanchors] ARC-5 Command Set capacitors
I have the following bathtub type caps: Quantity 16, 0.25mfd, some at 1000 volts and some at 600 volts Quantity 3, 0.1 x 0.1 x 0.1 mfd at 400 volts (3 caps in one bathtub) Quantity 2, 0.5 mfd at 400 volts Some are NOS and some are pulls. All look to be in very good condition. If some of these are useful to your restorations, let me know directly. You can have them for postal cost via PayPal. On Sat, May 21, 2022 at 8:05 AM wrote: > I am restoring several ARC-5/BC-453 sets. I know there are a variety of > fixes to swap out capacitors but I would like to retore one or two of them > to original condition and I'm looking for some capacitors from a Junker > set. If you have a box of old caps or a Junker I'd be interested. > > Thanks Ben KJ4CC > > ___ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
Re: [Boatanchors] meter shunt
If I understand correctly that the system will output 150 amps, and that this amperage must be read by the milliameter, then the shunt will have to be very robust, since nearly all the current must pass through the shunt. So it can't be a short length of small diameter wire.. What size wire will be used to handle the 150 amps and what will the voltage be? Depending on the wire size, voltage and amps, it might be possible to use the wire itself as the shunt, placing the meter plus and minus connections on a section of this wire. I normally use nichrome wire as a shunt, but not for 150 amps! On Sun, Jun 27, 2021 at 7:50 PM Michael Tortorella via Boatanchors < boatanchors@puck.nether.net> wrote: > Folks, I am holding a 150-amp DC meter whose native full scale is 50 > millivolts. If I have done my Ohm's Law correctly, the required shunt is > 0.00033 ohms. Not in the Mouser catalog :-) :-) Is this just like 8 inches > of #18 wire or something? Advice welcome. aTdHvAaNnKcSe and 73, Mike W2IY > ___ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
Re: [Boatanchors] Bud Radio Frequency Calibrator question
See this illustration: https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/budradioin_frequency_calibrator_fcc_90.html The 6SK7 in this illustration is a far different tube than the 117L7. This original FCC-90 was designed to be powered by filament and B+ voltages taken from the receiver. Later versions contained their own power supply. Perhaps the one you have was converted to be a self-powered unit? Look at the underside to see evidence of re-wiring? On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 9:07 AM Dave Hollander wrote: > I found a Bud Radio Frequency radio crystal calibrator model FCC-90 in > my junk yesterday. > > Google search only brings up the later model FCC-90A using a 35W4 and a > 50C5. > > Mine is the older model with an octal tube in it. Currently a 117L7GT. > Is this the correct tube for the older unit? > > Photo: http://n7rk.com/radiostuff9/fcc90_Bud.jpg > > Tnx es 73, > > Dave N7RK > > -- > Dave Hollander N7RK > Arizona Tube Supply > http://arizonatubesupply.com > > Ham Radio Page > http://n7rk.com > ___ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
Re: [Boatanchors] Need an old Simpson 2" round panel meter
I have a number of Simpson meters in my junque box, including some round ones. Simpson actually had a couple of different designs on their meter bezels. If we get the wrong design, the zero-centering screw (and perhaps other stuff) won't work. If you could provide a photo of the front of the old one, I will see if I have a match. All mine are used but work so far as I know. Some bezels have age-related grime on them and will have to be cleaned but that should not be a problem. On Sun, May 31, 2020 at 11:20 AM Ray LaRue wrote: > I have a good 2" Simpson 3 amp RF panel meter, which I would like to > install in my 500 watt station. However this one has a bad crack on the > bezel around it and therefore looks ugly. > > I would like to find another old 2" Simpson meter of most any value, > which I could take out the movement and reinstall my movement into. This > meter has 3 flush mounting screws on the back cowling. Other > manufacturers of 2" meters, don't typically use the same mounting config > on the back, nor will their zero adjustment on the front mate up. > > Anyone out there have an old 2" Simpson panel meter they would part with? > > Your attention and assistance is a appreciated. > Ray, W4BYG > > -- > They say a smart person learns from their mistakes. A > wise person learns from the mistakes of others. > > > > -- > This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. > https://www.avg.com > ___ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
Re: [Boatanchors] Boatanchors Used on Boats
For those who can access the Chapel Hill NC library, the book is available there in book, e-book and audio book formats. Frank W4NPN On Mon, Sep 9, 2019 at 7:09 AM Wilson Lamb wrote: > I just read the incredible bio of Elizebeth Friedman, a pioneer > cryptanalyst. > Aside from crucial contributions to WWI AND WWII crypto work, she ran the > Coast Guard's > crypto shop that chased rum runners during Prohibition. > Does anyone have info on this work, the radios or people involved? > I'm guessing there were a couple of radio wizards to whom the bootleggers > turned for their designs/installations, given the necessity for > discretion... > The book is "The Woman who Smashed Codes" and it's in some libraries or > pretty cheaply on Ebay. > Her husband, William, was also a crypto pioneer who gave heroic service, > at the expense of his health. > Wilson > W4BOH > ___ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
[Boatanchors] Changing from 2 to 3 wire power cords
This article references the "All American 5" AM Broadcast receivers so popular in the '50's but is applicable to any device with a "hot" chassis: https://antiqueradio.org/safety.htm I've replaced the power cable on my junkyard AA5 with a 2-wire cord, just like the original, but I marked both the back panel's AC connector and the plug to indicate proper polarity so that when I plug it in to a properly wired outlet the chassis side is connected to the white, or negative AC line. But I still keep my fingers out of it... On Thu, Aug 8, 2019 at 2:43 PM Hy Chantz wrote: > When I was a mere boy : )CQ Magazine had an article called "The 22 > Watt Monster". It was a low-power CW transmitter, whose schematic featured > a grounded chassis and a one-wire plug. It took me a LONG time after > pondering it to understand how it worked > > 73 > > W2HY > > - Original Message - > From: "Wilson Lamb" > To: donro...@hiwaay.net > Cc: boatanchors@puck.nether.net > Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2019 2:20:34 PM > Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Article on changing from 2 to 3 wire power cords > > And I thought I'd seen everything!!! > That's a new one. > WL > - donro...@hiwaay.net wrote: > > I recall listening to my uncle's shortwave radio and there was a > > ground wire going outside and to the metal plumbing pipe. The AC > > cord only had one blade on the plug. I think I was a teenager before > > I understood how that worked. > > Don W4DNR > > ___ > > Boatanchors mailing list > > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > > ___ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > _______ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
Re: [Boatanchors] Hadley Transformers
Will this help? https://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6=247465 It provides some resistance measurements for a Hadley xfmr. We just returned from tending to sick relatives in Florida. Time to get back to work! On Sun, Jul 14, 2019 at 5:11 PM Wilson Lamb wrote: > Does anyone have a catalog or link for data on vintage R.M. Hadley > transformers? > Wilson > W4BOH > ___ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
Re: [Boatanchors] B 813 amp?
I think the B unit was an LPA-1 On Tue, May 28, 2019 at 7:33 AM Walter - K5EST wrote: > Mike, there are several hits on Google, via searching for.. B > L-1000-A linear amp > > Plus some other hits for 813 amps. > > 73, > > Walter Dufrain - K5EST - QRPcw > . Four St@te QRP Group <http://www.4sqrp.com/index.php> > Navy Amateur Radio Club <http://www.navyamateurradioclub.org/> . > > > > > On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 10:12 PM Michael Tortorella via Boatanchors < > boatanchors@puck.nether.net> wrote: > > > Folks, I seem to recall dimly that B once made an amp that uses a pair > of > > 813s. Does anyone remember the model number? I'd like to look for > > documentation on BAMA but I don't know the model #. Any help > appreciated. > > aTdHvAaNnKcSe and 73, Mike W2IY > > > > > > ___ > > Boatanchors mailing list > > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > > > _______ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
Re: [Boatanchors] 12 volt supply question
I have used a 650 watt computer P.S. for many purposes with no real problems other than having to: 1) Filter & Shield for the RFI that it generates 2) Put a resistor load on one of the outputs so that the thing would be stable (as mentioned in an earlier email). But I think the best solution is the old-fashioned linear supply: Take a big, (say 450 watt) and free UPS transformer and apply 120 VAC to its 120v side. Rectify the output using a sturdy bridge rectifier and filter it well. The output will be about 12v x 1.414 = ~16 volts which will feed a low-dropout regulator chip. Run this ~16v output into a 12 volt regulator chip (or a variable voltage one) that is placed above ground to deliver 12 - 15 volts (adjustable, using a pot). Use pass transistors in the negative rather than the positive lead - these can be bolted right to a heavy chassis used as a heat sink. Here's a good reference for doing this: http://www.qsl.net/wb4kdi/PowerSupply/UpsideDown.html Derate the 450 (or larger) watt UPS transformer by about 1/3 as they are not intended for long periods of use. Mine powers a 100 watt Yaesu without getting hot. Add a $5 Chinese digital voltmeter from eBay - makes a very nice output indicator. Bend your own aluminum case or put it in a metal UPS case. Or a wood case with Masonite panel. Or breadboard it and keep the cat away from it. Others can make a good case for the switching supply but I find them hard to repair if a unique component fails. My linear supply is built of junk I found in recycle yards - total cost is about $15, mostly for a good can of spray paint and the voltmeter. On the other hand, computer P.S. can often be had free, are small and don't need much modification other than changing a resistor (sometimes a variable one) to raise the voltage. Lots of articles on the internet about using computer p.s. Frank W4NPN On Wed, Nov 30, 2016 at 11:03 PM, Alex [Temple Boatanchors] < temple.boatancho...@miwww.com> wrote: > ATX PC power supplies are very inexpensive ($20-$30), highly efficient and > very lightweight, and basically use the same concept as those modern > lightweight "wall-wart" wall transformers. But due to their switch-mode > nature they generate a great deal of RFI in the HF regions, specially the > lower frequencies bellow 10-15MHz or so, but should be fine for use with > gear on 6M, VHF, UHF and up. The level of RFI perceived in the receiver > much depends on how well the radio itself and coax to the antenna is > shielded and grounded, and the distance between the gear and power supply > is a factor as well. Also, the output is 12V, not the required/desired > 13.8V that most mobile DC operation gear needs to attain full output power. > But with small modifications by changing one or more resistors (varies from > model to model), in most cases one can "fool" the regulator to raise the > voltage as needed without tripping the protection circuit. Another issue is > that the power supply usually requires a minimum load on one or more of its > outputs for stable operation of the regulator circuit, as one or more of > these outputs are used as a reference voltage. A resistor or appropriate > incandescent light bulb might do the trick as a load. > > I use a 700W ATX power supply that I modified for 14.4V output to manually > charge a 150Ah lead-acid backup battery bank. It easily will charge it at > 20-25Amps and generates minimum heat as long as its internal fan is > running. Basically these power supplies can be used as very inexpensive > power sources or charger. But while charging it basically wipes out my > reception on 80 and 40 meters. Then again the internal power supply of my > nearby Apple TV does pretty much the same, only at a lesser degree than the > charger. > > Just search for "ATX power supply modification", there is quite a bit of > info out there. > > > > At 07:17 PM 11/30/2016, you wrote: > >> OK gang .. Can someone provide a definitive answer to this question? >> I see all kinds of conflicting opinions and would like to know what the >> thinking is here. Or, if someone here is using them for that purpose. >> >> >> Computer power supplies. Can they or can they not be used to power ham >> rigs such as two meter rigs, or even >> >> low power HF rigs? >> > > > ___ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
Re: [Boatanchors] Any Builders out There?
I'm 74, retired for three years now. HB stuff includes a clone of a Collins antenna tuner, a typical wire antenna tuner, a couple of regenny rcvrs, multiple power supplies, field strength meter, inverted Vee antenna, baluns. Projects awaiting some time to commence (retirement is really busy!) include resurrecting my SX-28A which has been stored the last 5 years, or selling it, possibly bringing an old National NC-57m Rcvr to life, building an 807 low power CW/AM (and maybe DSB) rig and a 3x6146B linear and power supplies for both, xtal calibrator, vfo and a DC receiver. I have all the parts for these but haven't yet had time to begin. Currently doing a total rebuild of the master bathroom & closet...not as much fun as building a DC receiver. Frank W4NPN On Tue, Nov 3, 2015 at 7:20 PM, q...@kd4e.com <q...@kd4e.com> wrote: > Seems to me the best place to find new homes for BA stuff > that's heavy and/or bulky is a Hamfest. > > No shipping cost and hassles. > > The Stone Mtn. Fest is this coming weekend. > > David KD4E > > Along with my boatanchors (Signal Shifters, 310-Bs, HROs, Drakes, >> Hammarlund, Heaths) I have some real ship anchors! Also transformers >> I can’t pick up and gobs of small transformers and chokes. >> >> Anyone with ideas about how to get rid of this stuff (when the time >> comes) so my heirs won’t have to? >> >> Is there a retro equipment builder’s/operators group or list out >> there anywhere? I could use some sympathy. >> >> Wilson W4BOH >> > > > > -- > > *David* KD4E > ARES-EC Bulloch County, Nevils, Georgia USA > > Safe & Secure Search Engine: duckduckgo.com > > Android for Hams: groups.yahoo.com/group/hamdroid > Creative Tech: groups.yahoo.com/group/ham-macguyver > Raspi Alternative: groups.yahoo.com/group/beagleboneblack/ > > Restored to design-spec at Heaven's gate 1Cor15:22 > > _______ > Boatanchors mailing list > Boatanchors@puck.nether.net > https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors > -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
[Boatanchors] Cleaning out the shop; stuff for sale
inside; the outer case has some slight scarring; never repainted. This is basically the VHF/UHF version of the LF/MF/HF BC-225 heterodyne frequency meter used during WWII and into the 1950’s by the military. *Bell Howell Labs Oscilloscope*, with manual, built about 30 years ago as part of a Bell Howell electronics training course; then stored. With construction operation manuals. Cosmetically like new but would need to be brought back to life carefully – probably needs new filters perhaps some capacitors. *Tubes – lots of them*: What do you need? *Older IBM PC Monitor*, with Windows XP – works fine; good for student or home use. *Want to buy:* 6Y6G or 6080 or 6AS7G or 6336 tubes, a good working frequency counter (LF/MF/HF range) and maybe a clean National HRO w/plug-in coil set. Please respond by email to fbw4...@gmail.com. Frank Barnes, W4NPN, Chapel Hill, NC -- Frank Barnes W4NPN Chapel Hill, NC Grid Square FM05 Cell 919.260.7955 ___ Boatanchors mailing list Boatanchors@puck.nether.net https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
