[Drakelist] Virtual Drake
I have been coding some cool analog meters for SDRSharp, a SDR program. The latest features my R4C, some on the list may have an interest. http://tinyurl.com/la6na6a http://tinyurl.com/la6na6a de wb8yqj Don___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Virtual Drake
Jim, I can do a TR-7 meter but need a very high resolution, well lit photograph taken directly in front of the meter. I have C and B line but no TR7... Don wb8yqj at Yahoo dot-com Re: [Drakelist] Virtual Drake Jim Shorney Sat, 14 Mar 2015 20:49:00 -0700 Sweet! Please do a TR-7 Meter! 73 -Jim NU0C http://tinyurl.com/la6na6a http://tinyurl.com/la6na6a de wb8yqj Don___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] Virus on the list - DONT click msnbc.msn link
Guys, There is a virus going around - click this link (msnbc.msn.com-us) with your email open and all recipients in your contacts will get the virus email. As far as I can tell your computer will not be infected by clicking on this but all your friends and associates will get an email...___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] C-Line RTTY
I'm afraid to advise on RTTY anymore since I learned I am the village idiot on RTTY. Only ran in since 1968, so I'm still learning, but FSK is better, even if I'm wrong again!! 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] FS: R-4B and a T-4XB
John, Normal AM carrier can only be had with a true, plate modulated rig. The Drakes don't have enough iron or a heavy enough modulator to do much more than controlled carrier. I've seen mods, but. I sure wouldn't do it to my Drakes. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] C-Line RTTY
How could anyone possibly tell the difference between FSK and the SSB/AFSK equal? Well, let's start with being off frequency all the time because the default on MMTTY and other programs is that #$* crap they call ATC I think. Whenever anyone answers me so far off I have to use RIT, that's what they are doing. Then, there are the SEVERELY overdriven audio circuits making the audio tones splatter about 4 kc wide. Should I continue?? You WILL see it all on any contest weekend. Rant off, and back to my hole. Don___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] FS: R-4B and a T-4XB
Oh, good grief. I'm outa here. You all have a nice year and CU some other time. Opinions are worth about what you pay for them. Later, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] C-Line RTTY
Bob, On RTTY, peaks are the same as average. It is continuous duty. I wouldn't run the T4XC much over 50W, with tubes as expensive as they are today if it were me. You have to make your own choice, but there is a BIG difference in the duty cycles of SSB and sound card RTTY. For sure I wouldn't run much over 75W, and then with a LOT of fan moving hot air out!! I know, Garey, you ran T4XB's full out for years, HI HI. 6JB6's were 2 buck apiece at the TV shop too! 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (almost) completed
Good job, Mark!! Thanks for documenting that one for all of us. It does look great, and is definitely a good alternative for those that want the original look. Please do document your relay addition. I have one of those on a Collins 516F2 that I bought with an S1 Line, and it does help the switch greatly. Tom has always done a great job on all the kits he has put together for me. He will be honest and tell you that the AC4R kit is cheaper, that's just the way Tom is, but he does make a VERY good product as I have said before. He will make right problems too. I found out that there are two different can caps for the R-388 Collins, one being nearly 1 longer than the other. A quick email to Tom that I must have gotten the wrong one, and I got the right one from him right away. First rate in my book and I own NO stock in Tom's company, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Creeping plate current
That would be my first guess, John. Have you rebuilt the AC4?? If not, it's Heathkit Shop time, hi. I don't think I'd do the bias cap and leave the other time bombs in there myself. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] L4B Oddity
On the first question, I have heard of the solder melting out of the pins on the filaments of both the 3-500Z and the 3-400's. If that has happened to your tube, you might be able to just re-solder it and be okay. Some have said to silver solder it, but it seems to me that silver solder requires an awful lot of heat and I would be careful doing that. Second question: I wouldn't think that was a good idea, but then I'm no expert, so hope Evan is out there, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
David, I think you will find that in any group. One group will ONLY stay stock, even going so far as to gut and re-stuff paper caps with new poly caps, remelting beeswax back in the ends! The other group to the other side will make it a whole new radio (look at the reworked TR7 on WB4HFN's site for an example of that!! The braid mod you mentioned was a Drake factory fix to a problem found. There are many such things Drake put out to fix known engineering oversights. They remained in business for MANY years past the sales of the first rigs, and found need to do that for most of the line. That's just not the same thing as the full Monte Sherwood job. What most of us said to the original question was that it was up to how he intended to use the rig and what he expected to get out of it when he was finished with it. If using it from now on, do what you want. If fixing it to use and sell in a few months, you won't get close to your investment back. Most threads get hijacked and twisted, that's one of the problems with lists. In the end, each man (or woman's) gear is theirs, and they should do what they wish with it. If you ask, you should be ready to get ALL views, not just the ones you wanted to get, hi. 73, and enjoy those Drakes, or Frankendrakes, both, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Slightly Off-Topic: W9TO KEYER
Al, The HA-1 manual is on edebris.com for the downloading in pdf unless the original article has more info. Shame to mess up your vintage handbook if the schematic is all he needs. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] L4B Oddity
Thanks for that clarification, Garey. I had never heard of silver-bearing solder. I've told you that I never was in electronics professionally, and only had the minimal USN training for radio ops, not the Electronics Techs that did get the full, good stuff, hi. The silver solder I was referring to I used as a young lad in an electrician's shop and had something to do with an appliance I had to repair. Now, this was 1963 or 64, so forgive my loss of memory on what it was, hi. I remembered using a small torch on a small gas bottle of some sort and it got REALLY hot, much more than I would use on a tube pin. Your explanation tells me now that I was at least partially correct. That said, would you recommend silver-bearing solder in the 3-400/3-500's if we run across this problem in our amps?? I use 63/37 here nearly all the time, only use the 60/40 outside on the antenna wires in a larger size and was afraid the 63/37 would melt too easily. 73,and thanks as always, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] L-4B
Bill, I am a novice at the L4B, but many of the old T4XB's I got at hamfests in the 80's and repaired had been re-tuned for 11 meters instead of 10M. You might check the input tuning and see if that occurred to yours!! Just a thought. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] L-4B
Good thought, Dino. I didn't think of that one!!! Happy New Year to you and the wife as well. Good to see you in print. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] problem with deoxit
Ken, Thanks so much for those links. I had been looking for a source of similar brushes, and the D-100L small bottle so I could meet the minimum sales, and MCM seems to have all the things I have been looking for. I bought from them for years when I was in the school business, not sure why I don't think of them more often for my private purchases. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] A Great Source for Real HC-6/U Crystals
Lee, I'm really not understanding your posts I have seen on several venues today. There's not really a coorelation between the HC-6/U crystal and the FT-243, unless my old memory is worse than I think. Aren't those two separate types of crystals, different spacing, different pin size, etc??? As far as HC-6/U's go, you can buy them from International Crystal, in Oklahoma City for around $20 per crystal and know that they meet or exceed the original specs that Drake, Collins, etc used when these rigs were new. Why go to all the trouble of ordering overseas?? Now, if Vincent makes FT-243 type crystals, or HC-6/U types with FT-243 sized pins, then I DO understand and would be interested. I miss being able to buy C-W crystals since they went out of business. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] 5 watt levels
Ron, I would think that the only reliable way to accomplish QRP with the Drake rigs (assuming the 4 line tube rigs mostly) would be to build up a good transmitting attenuator pad and use up the wattage in that pad. Many examples can be found in old Johnson literature designed to let their many transmitters feed the kilowatt desk amp they built. I'm planning to do that to feed some of my transmitters into my Alpha amp which needs a low drive level. You do need to watch for overshoot upon initial keying, I am told in some literature. Otherwise, the old dummy load (light bulb if you want to see your keying) on the end of a coax tee, then use the small sampling used normally to see the signal on an oscilloscope, might be just enough power to suit your needs. Either way wastes the power, but could heat and briefly light your shack, hi hi. (Tongue firmly in cheek). 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Drake AC-3/AC-4 power supply rebuild kits
Mark, You are right. Tom would never violate safety for sales. He would just turn you down. I completely understand your wanting to keep it original, I would just caution folks to do this for themselves and enjoy the rigs whichever way chosen. If we are doing this for an investment in funds, I think we are fooling ourselves. The nice range of old, nice Model T's and A's that had fortunes spent on them, and are rusting away in barns now because of a lack of interest in them might be a lesson. I think the interest in tube gear may well be resting with those of us now interested, is all I was saying. Keeping original or making a good working user should be up to the individual, and either way accepted by the rest. I will admit to having both, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Drake AC-3/AC-4 power supply rebuild kits
Tom's kits are first rate,AND he is an honest gentleman. I asked about a kit for my AC4, after seeing Jeff's article in Electric Radio magazine, and he told me how much more than the Heathkit shop offering it would have to be. I have had such good luck with Mike's kits for the AC4 that I haven't changed over, but I may do just one in the future to see if I can tell any difference. I sincerely doubt it, other than the looks. You'll probably need to save the paper sleeves off a couple if you want to be truly original looking. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Overload
Neil, These old Drake rigs are communications rig, not general coverage SW rigs. Drake did make models that are, but not your R4A. There are circuits to deliberately block these strong AM stations so that they do not interfere on 160m (1.8 to 2.0) or their images on 80m even. Without defeating the input filtering, you are just stuck with what the Drake designers had to fight, AM interference from strong broadcasters on the lower ham bands. Neil, I mean this in a positive way, so don't take it any other way, but you ask an awful lot of questions and it would be helpful if we know if you are a ham or not, and some about yourself so we have an idea of your level of radio knowledge. That way we don't give dumb answers and can tailor questions better to that level. I am an old, retired educator and always did a better job knowing what my students knew. 73, Don, ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-3 vs AC-4
Steve, If I remember correctly, the finals in the TR3 are 12JB6's, not 6JB6's so not compatible with the T4(any). My memory isn't what it used to be, but that's what comes through the fog. There's also no cover over the top of the power supply. If you use the Heathkit Shop's board, download his special instructions for putting it in the AC3. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] A dumb ? maybe TR-7 case color
They all look black to me, Curt. But then, I confuse socks too, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] T4XB Question
Pete, Your question has already been answered before I got home, BUT I will say two things that the others didn't. Tom, at Hayseed Hamfest, AND his family go out of their way to be sure that you get exactly what you need, at a reasonable price and do it all in a friendly manner and QUICKLY!! I have bought MANY kits from Tom, and always get the same, fast, friendly service. I highly recommend him and have NO ties other than I consider him a friend for all his help to me. Secondly, I wouldn't begin to work on ANY of my Drakes without Garey's CD for that unit. It takes away the guesswork of the wrong schematic and shows you enough to put things back as they belong, not the way someone else wanted them to be. Garey's CD is like a Sam's photofact, but even handier because the photos are in color and closeups are given that show individual boards and parts as needed. There, now you know more than you wanted to know, but Garey isn't going to blow his own horn, nor is Tom, so I tooted away for the both of them!!! 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] Soldering Gear for Can Caps
I like the Weller D550 gun. It has 200W for low, 260 for high, and if you keep a good tip in it, and the setscrews freshly tightened, it works well and gets a lot of heat in where you need it. I tape the wires around the area away from it though, hi. The trigger is counter intuitive too, if you read the paper that comes with it (which I never had before). First click is high, all the way back is low. Seems backwards to me but you can get used to it. Solders PL connectors well too, but you need to be quick at the process. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Hayseedcaps site
Looks to me like he is still updating. He needed to, as MOST of his kits weren't even listed, hi. I've been chiding him for a while, so maybe it has had its effect and he will show more of what he has. Give him a day or so, or just email him at sa...@hayseedhamfest.com and tell him what you want and he will respond even this late. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] TR7 questions AGC
Hi Ian, There is no risk performing the all band TX mod on the TR7 and it is an easy way to get the WARC bands using the UP-DOWN buttons. I used that method before I installed the AUX7 module. Regarding the AGC. Do you want something faster than the current FAST setting via the front panel AGC switch (F/S)? Or do you want it to change with the mode selection? I haven't seen any such modification as it's kind of nice to be able to select the AGC speed independently of the mode. I would assume if you feel the current FAST isn't fast enough that we couldn't dig into the schematic and play with a resistor value that could speed it up more. I just haven't read of anyone who felt it was to slow in the FAST setting. 73 Don N9OO www.radiolabworks.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] On...or off?
I am trying a thermistor from Mouser on my 516F2 power supply for the KWM2A at the suggestion of a friend. I don't notice the thump on the transformer anymore, so it may just be enough of a delay to help protect switches, transformers, etc. Sure initially looks like cheap insurance!! I'll post something again after I've really tested this longer term. I will try one on an AC4 also. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] On...or off?
That's about what I did here, Jim. I used the GE CL40 (5a unit) and it works well. It does get warm, but not hot and does do the job. Mouser's part number is 527-CL40 and they aren't expensive new. Postage will get you if you don't need other devices, however!! I usually need other things, so that's not a problem here, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Yet Another TR7 Question
So true on the computer power strips. Okay, I will still look at my parts rig to make sure that switch is good on it. I haven't had much luck with repairing those, but may try again. It can't get much worse, hi. As I told Curt off list, my service manual isn't lost, it's just in a safe place where I can't lose it, HI. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4B PTO indicator...
Thanks, Paul, I wanted to say it was that easy, but as I said, I haven't been there so wasn't sure. It wasn't worth tearing the case off mine to see, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] Yet Another TR7 Question
Garey, Help an old man's brain remember something from the past. If the AC fan on my TR7 runs after I shut off the RCVR GAIN switch, does that tell me that the DC portion of the switch is working, but the other side, the AC side is not?? I seem to remember that the TR7 has separate sections on that switch, and thought I'd ask before I pull the panel down, OR I'll just turn it off and on with the power strip and be happy, hi. I do have a parts rig with perhaps a good switch in it. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] What would you do?
Steve, This one of those questions where you will probably end up split 50/50 and just have to make the decision yourself BUT you asked, so I'll take it on. You have to first decide what your goal is, do you want a pristine collectable that may or may not be worth squat later, OR do you want to operate with a nice sounding, well working old tube rig??? Answer that and you'll know which way to go. If eye candy is critical, by all means sell it well represented to someone that wants one that works and cares less about appearance. I can say this, as I had to decide the very same thing myself and the working rig won out. I've just spent a VERY pleasurable Labor Day afternoon working guys on 20m with my resurected TR4C that is okay, but NOT a shelf queen and NOT a prime example of a TR4C. It DOES work very well, output is nice, and everyone LOVES the audio on transmit. What more can I ask for??? I must admit that the 4 element quad at 73' out back doesn't hurt a bit, hi hi. At the same time, when I set out to find my C Line this time, I demanded the highest serial numbers and wanted pristine examples, so I have both and enjoy both. I have a shack FULL of Drakes, Collins, Heathkits, Johnson, etc, but I prefer some of the ugliest units for rag chewing, hi. Whatever you choose, just enjoy them, Steve. Operate often and use the one that sounds the best. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4B
Brian, Garey has likely already sent you the schematics you need, and he won't tell you about this, BUT I will!!! Garey sells a CD set for the B Line that will knock your socks off (shows you how old I am, huh??)!!! It has photographs, labels parts locations and ALL kinds of data you need to keep that B line running well. Check it out on his site, WWW.K4OAH.com . I have each of his CD for the Drakes I have and find them the best tool I have. There, now you know the secret, and the author is on hand to help with problems, what a bonus that is!! 73, and enjoy the B Line, I know you will, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Cooling fan
It's a VERY good idea to run fans on the tops of our tube Drakes. Tubes are getting higher and higher and harder to find. A slow moving fan, sucking air out of the cabinet will lower the temperature to cool to the touch, in my experience!! I put rubber feet on the fans or a piece of insulating foam around the rim, and let them run. Good 220v ones will run slowly on 110v, and provide plenty of cooling. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Unsubscribe to emails
Russ, You have to do this one yourself. Info is given at the bottom of each email. The unsubscribe must be done from the same email address that started the process. It behooves us all to remember that when we change email addresses (don't ask how I know this so well!!!). 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] (no subject)
Oops, you are sure right, Bud!! Man, am I wrong twice in the same evening New high for me. (or low)?? I think the rules are the same though, just follow the Drakelist link. 73, Don___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] MN2700 pushbuttons....
Fred, Some of the cheap Bic pens have a top that the upper 1/2 or 3/4 of which is a reasonable facsimile of the switch levers which seem to be unobtainium, as far as I could find, even several years ago!! The ones I find are black ink, and are really close if you can saw that upper piece off and epoxy it to the lever. Maybe someone else will have another suggestion, but that will work. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] MN2700 pushbuttons....
Fred, I should stress, use a LITTLE expxy on those lids or they are permanent, hi. Someone years ago went the trouble of somehow filling those hollow pen caps with a resin of some sorts and inserted shafts in the uncured resin and had a nice fit when they cured up. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] L4-B on AM
Thanks Tim and others for the excellent descriptions. That was what my old mind and reading and re-reading the manuals told me would work. I have a nice Johnson Viking II that I will use for plate modulated AMing, and don't plan to amplify what it can do, I also know to modify the DX-60 to control the output betterand modify for PTT before using it with the L4B. I have the information to do that right after I change the electrolytics that look original, hi. Thanks again to all, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] New Toys!
No, the panel builder quit. I guess he either felt he had made what people wanted or just had a day job and got tired of it. That burnout is what gets most of them, unfortunately. If it's a nice R4B, put a hole plug in it temporarily and keep an eye out for a unit that's parted out. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] L4-B on AM
I too would be interested in the L4B's performance/use on AM. I may use the DX-60 or T4XC as the driver, but same question, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] HC6/U
I think you have asked this before, Neil. From August 6 this year, and quoted from Garey's answer to you: Quick answer: Yes and No. Yes, the same crystals will work in both, but are (or should really be) different. The R-4 BAND oscillator is a tube, and the crystals are probably (or should be) parallel resonant, cut for a 32 pF parallel load. The R-4A BAND oscillator is a bipolar transistor and the crystals are (or should be) series resonant, series resistance less than 30 ohms. ALL T-4X(any) are bipolar transistor, series resonant. Now, that said, either will 'work' in either, but will resonate at a 'few' kHz different frequency, proportional to crystal frequency. I believe some of the band-to-band variations seem in some receivers is the result of swapping crystals from unit to unit. The original specification was +/- 0.003% of marked frequency, (+/- 210 Hz @ 7 MHz,) with modern International Crystal Mfr crystals typically much closer than that. A SET of new crystals from ICM will typically be within a few tens of Hz from band to band. Once again, more than anyone wanted to know, but . I can't help myself! :-) 73, Garey - K4OAH Glen Allen, VA Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs www.k4oah.com Neil M Califano wrote: Quick question: Do the R4 and the R4A take the same crystals? ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1391 / Virus Database: 1520/3815 - Release Date: 08/06/11 ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Tom Hammond, N0SS, silent key
Jim, That is indeed sad news. Tom was one of those special guys that knew just how to help a guy who asked. He will indeed be missed. 73, Tom, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] RV-75 For Sale
Is anyone interested in buying a Drake RV-75 for your TR7?? If you are also running the Drake R7 with your station and are interested in the RV75, please let me know as I might have another item of interest to you, hi. No fire sale, so don't expect it to be cheaper than I gave, but I don't want a fortune either. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] SW Crystals Suggestions for the R-4B?
Aaron, I notice that no one has really answered your question. For my listening enjoyment, I like the ranges 5.5 to 6.0, 6.0 to 6.5, 9.0 to 9.5, 9.5 to 10, 11.5 to 12, 15.0 to 15.5 and 17.5 to 18. If that's to many crystals, the grouping around 9 to 12 megs in the evening brings the most international broadcast in. The 6 meg ones are becoming largely shortwave evangelists, both living and dead, hi. Hope that helps!! Old time shortwave listeners on Drake gear have found a crystal frequency that gives like 5.7 or 5.8 to 500 kc up from that and solved having to have two crystals in the 6 meg range. If I run across mine in a drawer, I'll let you know what they did. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] Yet another Drake TR7 X-Lock Implementation
Recently completed installation of the Cumbria Designs X-Lock in my TR7. I'm extremely happy with the final results. Just thought I'd post a link to my webpage relating to a small twist I made relating to the tri-color status LED placement. I hope you guys find it a good alternative to using the FIXED lamp on the TR7. http://www.radiolabworks.com/labworks/tr7_xlock/tr7xlock.htm BTW, has anyone installed the X-Lock in any of the 4-Line equipment? 73 Don N9OO ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] modify subscription / email address
Alfred, Look at the bottom of any Drakelist message and find the link for mailman.zerobeat.net and go there. You must be on the computer and email address that you subscribed on. At the very bottom of the page is the option to unsubscribe or edit options. Go there and you can make changes to your account. You MUST have your password (sent to you once a month, first of the month) to do all this. Good luck!! 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] About to buy FS-4, but...
Think about it Neil, that subs in the Drake crystal formula for all 500 kc ranges of frequencies from 0.0 to 29.1 megs. What more do you need?? 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R-4A PTO, Round 1
Shh, Jim, don't tell the Feds or they will outlaw it :-) 73, Don ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Replacement of red dial readout numbers?
Hi Michael, Check out Willi DF4NW http://www.df4nw.de/ replacement displays. He has a picture of my multicolor display that he made for me. Very reasonable and excellently made. 73 Don N9OO ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4A headphone
I just HAVE to ask this one, Neil after looking at your posts. Do you read schematics?? Since the headphones jack shuts off the speaker and both outputs are both tied to the same transformer and are effected by the volume control, it would certainly appear to be amplified. If you don't have a schematic, you need one, Neil. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] First Rigs - If you could do it all over again, what would your first station be?
Well, I guess I better chime in with some verbage on this too. I wanted to get my license about 1957, but couldn't find any of the crotchety old hams in the town I grew up that would help!!! I didn't manage to get the theory and code training until the Navy decided I needed it, so I got my Novice ticket in 1972 with the help of my elmer, K6OAC. Vince gave me a DX-35 and R-390 for my first rig. I managed to fry the tranny in the DX-35, replaced that with a TV transformer and used it until I upgraded to a DX-40. Had a few 40m crystals, and a LOT of 15m ones, so I mostly worked 15m. I worked all states except Mississippi on the 15m Novice band, and got my Rag Chewer's Certificate there as well, hi. That R-390 was EXCELLENT for weak signals, but imagine cruising the 15m novice band every time you called CQ with that monster!! I bought a small Mosley 3 element beam, put that up about 35' on a homemade breakover mast, and with it came a Swan 350. I used the DX-40 and the receiver from the Swan for the last few months of my Novice career. My wife has ALWAYS been supportive of my hobby, and as a reward for passing my General class license, she let me order the SB-401/303 pair with the SB-600 and the EV-638 mic that Heathkit sold. I got it together, and with only a couple of wiring errors, I used that set over 10 years. That's when I started buying Drake 4 line twins that had been CB'ed and usually tweaked with the golden screwdriver, and turned up for pennies at hamfests. I got them going again, fixing bad or missing solder joints, re-aligning for the ham bands, and sold them to buy more, hi. Since then I have had more rigs than I like to count, ending up with a shack full. So like most of you here, I have Drake-itus. I have a full TR7 line except the L7, 2 B Lines, 2 C Lines, one L4B, 2B/2BQ and the S line and KWM2A Collins with 30L1, Heaths like I built (that need rebuilding one day) and the SB-104A line designed by our late friend on here Mr. Elliot. So you see, with the modern gear I have, I am covered up and enjoying every minute of it. Great hobby, and you meet the nicest folks on here and the bands. My new thing is trying AM. I am driving this weekend to purchase a nice Viking II for a trasmitter and have several good receivers to choose from for the AM station. One is a 75A2 (needs refurbing) that belonged to Jack Guest, designer/owner of the Hornet antennas of our youth. I knew him here in his hometown, Duncan, OK and wanted one of his rigs. 73 all, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared
Mike, That's really not a fair comparison, Drake having parts as opposed to Ten Tec. Drake went out of the ham business MANY years ago but carried parts until recent memory for many of their rigs and serviced them far beyond what other US manufacturers of ham gear did. On the other hand, Ten Tec advertises as still being in the ham business. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared
Well, I am one of the few I guess that was put off Ten Tec radios BY the so called fabulous Ten Tec service department. That must have been an old, retired by now service dept. I had nothing but grief with Paul Clinton, service manager, in specific and usually had to get sales to get any parts I needed. His cure was ALWAYS send it in and he treated me like an idiot that didn't know how to turn a knob. NEVER found that with Drake in all my years with them. Bill Frost was a comsumate gentleman, even with my very dumb questions at times. I had an Omni V, Omni 6+, Omni VII and Orion II and had the same poor service performance with all of them. The first two were bought with problems known and did need service, the last two were new radios that I tried and I met the same problem when I wanted anything. Now I feel better. I couldn't let the great Ten Tec service myth continue with this present service manager. 73, Don ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Collins and Drake Compared
Paul said This may seem like a trolling exercise to some, And in light of most of your posts, yes, it does, hi. I have several Drakes and several Collins rigs. I love different things about each and plan to keep ALL as long as I can enjoy and maintain them. I think you should have both, AND some Heathkits, some Swans oops, maybe I'm going too far there, :^)) 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Drake
It would be a help if you would give us a name and call if you have one so we can get to know you a little. Also, it would help if we knew which Drake gear in specific that interests you. There is a WIDE range of Drakes, so it helps to narrow down some. There is a WEALTH of knowledge on this reflector that is readily shared, but help us some with specifics. 73 and welcome to the group, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Drake 2B
Man, you are quick, Dino. I was typing the very same thing as I saw your message. You just can't beat Garey's CD's for answering Drake questions!!! Also, Joe, for intermittents, I would suggest checking the bandswitch on the 2B. DeOxit on the contacts, or at the very least work the bandswitch several times to clean the grime off the contacts. They play a big role in the workings of the set. A drop in each tube socket hole is a good idea as well. 73 and good luck with your find, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Inproved audio amp for R-4C
www.sherweng.com and the link for R4C kits is on the home page. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] Duplicates
Bud, It must be your mail program or something. I'm not getting duplicates. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] 2-C PS Cap replacement
I would HIGHLY recommend the Hayseed kits, and have done the under chassis trick in the past as well. The kits are clean, and looks original. I have had excellent luck with them, and you have revived the gear for another 30 to 50 years in the process! Tom's kits look and work as advertised, no problems here with SEVERAL kits and a good price to boot! 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] How much is an AC-4 power supply really worth? Somethoughts.
The worth of an AC-4 power supply is in the eye of the buyer. The serial number of an AC4 is irrelevant anymore. There is NO good, working AC4 at this stage unless it is rebuilt with one of Mike's boards (or possibly with Hayseed Hamfest's new caps). All we are really buying at this stage is the transformer, case, bias pot and looks of the pieces. ALL the caps are suspect and time bombs waiting to destroy unobtainium parts in the rigs. Sure, if we had to buy a transformer of this type, it would be VERY high indeed, but there are tens of thousands of these supplies somewhere. If I'm wrong, I have a pile of gold over in the corner awaiting rebuilds, hi. ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] T4XC Problem
Terry, Have you rebuilt the AC4?? Sounds like the infamous bias cap failure to me. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] TR-7A Shutting Down At High Power
Ed, From my limited experience, that is indeed the problem, the PS-7 is current limiting due to a need to adjust it. I think that instructions for adjustment are in the PS-7 manual. One friend's rig had a bad pass transistor and exhibited this same symptom, however. I would still try the adjustment first. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] Hayseed Caps
Hello All, I have a pair of R4C's and an R4B that will get new electrolytics. They are stock at present. First job is removing the old cans. All I have is a Weller gun at present100/140 for the removal. I have a standard iron for installation. If anyone can suggest the best way to remove this solder from the chassis and twist tab - a specific tool or method, the rest of the job should be managable at first glance. Thanks in advance, Don ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Hayseed Caps
Don, I couldn't get my 100/140 gun to do much more than move the solder around a bit on the chassis. I had the same trouble on my outside antenna wires, so I treated myself to a new 200/260 Weller, and it WILL do the job, hi. Others recommend the huge irons, but I went the bigger gun route as I didn't think the huge iron would easily handle the antenna wiring. It sure makes a lot better connections on my wire antennas, and gets PL-259's hot enough quickly to solder the shields. The only advice I might offer using the smaller Weller might be to break the old can off the tabs, making a little less heat sink??? I'm not sure how that would work, but might be worth a try. Good luck!! 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Hayseed Caps
I'll try my Weller WTCPN station on more after that remark, Dino!! However, I did try it on those can tabs in desperation, and even with an 800 degree tip, NADA, hi. Just too much good, copper heat sink. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] RV-4C
Hi all, I recently acquired an RV-4C to go with my TR-4C. The problem I am experiencing is when the RV-4C is in the RCV mode, I can still hear the station in another part of the band the TR-4C is tuned to. In other words when I switch the RV-4C on the TR-4C is not completely blocked out. I do have a good ground strap connected between the two units. Any ideas? Thanks, Don ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] TR7 refurb
Randy, I hope someone will chime in on the paint, but Mike March, K4QU,makes the plastic end caps FAR cheaper than I have seen them on Ebay. He has three sizes, as I remember, to cover the TR7, accessories and the L7 amps. Email him at mikek...@gmail.com . No connection other than a VERY satisfied customer. Google March Magnetic Paddles and see some of his handywork!! 73, Don, WB5HAKI ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] WTB: Clean - Mint C-Line
I have been keeping a mint original stock C Line stored away in reserve for some years now, can anyone say what it would fetch these days? [Drakelist] WTB: Clean - Mint C-Line Rich Hallman - N7TR Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:58:13 -0700 Looking for a clean / mint C-Line r...@n7tr.com Rich N7TR ex KI3V, N3AMK, WB3JOV www.n7tr.com http://www.n7tr.com Telnet: dxc.n7tr.com N7TR DXCluster ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] Simple R4B troubleshoot
Hey guys, The fuse blew out on my R4B today. There are 2 filter caps that I am inclined to check, one is mounted underneath the power transformer, the other is the larger silver can mounted above the chassis. Can these be tested with a simple VOM? What readings to look for - shorted? Also wondering what else to test before tossing another fuse in line. The wiring attached to the NOTCH pot also seems to be disintegrating all by itself - interesting. Thanks, Don Rasmussen Carlsbad, Ca.___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] CONVERSION OF T-4s RAISES QUESTION
I must have been on the tail end of the novice VFO ban. I was licensed in the early summer (May, I think) of 1972, and STILL had that requirement. I'm not sure when it was actually lifted. Fun times, sending CQ on 15m and hunting the entire novice segment for a reply, HI. I only had a handful of crystals, and 99% were only good on 15m. Still my favorite band to this day though, and starting to open some. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Drakelist Digest, Vol 33, Issue 12
Grant, It's a matter of personal preference, and you'll get as many yeas as nays. I subscribe to the old school, If it ain't broke, don't fix it!. I suspect some of this comes from VHF/UHF usage of coaxes, and they DO make a tremendous difference there, but under 30 megs, loss is minimal in good quality coax. When we could get Belden Coax at a decent price, most thought RG-213 was better than regular RG-8, but likely there was little different. You will have some more loss with RG-8X, but with low power, you shouldn't notice enough difference to warrant a change. Only my opinion, no more factual than any else, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] New (to me) B Line...
Bill, Welcome to the Drakelist!! Sounds like you have the Drake 4 Line fever, for sure. You will find a lot of knowledge both here and on the Yahoo list as well. I have the dial plate you are looking for, but I have put out at least once a hope that someone would take this NOS one I have and start making replacements that we can buy!! If no response on that, give me an idea what it's worth (or an interesting trade) and I'll get it to you. I bought a box full of spares a while back just to help out when someone needs replacement parts. I would still rather have someone take on making them, and this mint one would be great as a pattern. 73, Don, WB4HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] T-4XB / Heathkit SB-200 connection cable needed.
Joe, Since I don't see a dozen replies to your problem, let me take a stab at it. You hook from your AC4 power supply (the 2 pin funny looking jack) to the RCA on your SB-200 to key it. ALC on the AC4 is already an RCA. I would change the 2 pin jack to an RCA myself as the 2 pin plug, if you can find it will cost you more than John Kriner's kit for sale in his Ebay store (John is tr7dude) for about $15. You can fabricate your own plate if you are a handy man to put the RCA in the hold the 2 pin plug vacated. Then you can keep the original plug for the anal buyer later that has to have it all original. The thing to watch is to be sure you put the hot wire on the 2 pin plug to the center of the RCA. The other side of the 2 pin will go to ground, which is taken care of by the RCA ground side. Worst case if you get that backwards is your SB-200 will be keyed until you unplug it. Don't ask HOW I know that, HI. Hope that helps, 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] T-4XB / Heathkit SB-200 connection cable needed.
Poor proofreading. Fourth line down, hold should read hole. Darned 63 year old fingers, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] TR-4C Microphone
Hi group, My crysral element went bad in my old D-104. What would you recommend to replace it and have good transmit audio with my TR-4C. Thanks, Don ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] T-4XC Output Power Varies...
Two tips, First hit the switch with Deoxite. Second double check the cables you are using. I believe the INJ, CARRIER, and one other cable need to be a special low loss double shielded cable. Some of the resident experts will chime in I hope and correct any miss-information I might be spreading. Don Jones KO7i Arlington, WA Message: 8 Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:48:01 -0800 From: Jim Bo jbol...@verizon.net To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] T-4XC Output Power Varies... Message-ID: 689C305DD4144A1F8096AFDD0907740A@JDESK Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252 My T-4XC has different Pout depending on the position of the transceive switch and in the CW Mode. With transceive swith set on separate Gain is at 2:30 Plate current is 300 ma Pout is 100 watts With transceive switch set on rcvr Gain is at 2:30 Plate current is 320 ma Pout is 117 watt When transceive switch is on xmtr Gain is at 2:30 Plate current is 140 ma Pout is 19 watts When transceive switch is on xmtr Gain is at 5:00 (fully clockwise) Palte current is 320 ma Pout is 117 watts What is pecular is that Pout when seperate compared to Pout when xmtr supposedly uses the same oscillator signal for drive. I did not see anything in the manual that looks like there is an alignment step for this. Comments? Thanks Jim ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Dishwasher trick
Re: the stuff won't even clean my tea cup, let alone a radio chassis. 73 Bud W0HG Bud wins! Good one! Still laughing! You-all have read my sea story about the old Gunny and his garden hose and that Collins gear. While it is a true story, I still have some concerns. You won't see me posting a you tube video of me and my garden hose and my prized Sherwood R-4C out in the backyard this spring giving a bath. #1 the VFO grease that is used in our beloved radios. The hot rinse cycle would not do your vfo's any favors. #2 the high humidity (100%) would put power transformers at risk. I am still a chicken, about as far as I would go is to use my electric toothbrush with a suitable cleaning compound and a little water on the brush to scrub up the upper deck of a radio. The underside of a the drake rigs is too busy with point to point wiring for scrubbing with a tooth brush. Time to be real and get honest with ourselves. If you want pristine collector grade appearance hire a professional and ante up. Don Jones KO7i Arlington, WA ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
Mike, I too found your instructions to be adequate for me, an old retired school administrator, to rebuild one AC4 very easily. I plan to incorporate the same kit in all my AC4's as I can afford it. I found it to be a high quality board, good components, and with adequate pre-planning (pictures, tracing wiring to be sure it matched your colors and noting differences on the instructions) I had NO glitches at all. I do some blueprint checking and technical writing for a local oilfield manufacturer and find that engineers (and designers) are sometimes too close to the project to see all the ways that something can be communicated. That's why they keep calling me back, to sort out what needs to be included (after customer feedback) in future issuances of materials. I simply make suggestions, as I am NOT the designer of the gear, but we find a middle ground that the customer can understand (often in other parts of the world, not the U.S.). Guys, we have far too few vendors willing to supply us with our needs to keep the old rigs running. Mike at the Heathkit Shop, Tom at Hayseed Hamfest, Jeff at Harbach and many others have ALWAYS been courteous and helpful to me. I DO try to warn new hams of the hazards that are faced in the old gear with higher voltages to consider. I usually do it off list, as I have lost very good friends to stupid accidents that could have been prevented. Many new hams have NOT had our experiences since childhood with this stuff. Thanks again Mike, Tom, Jeff and others for making quality upgrades available for our old gear. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4
Jude, I too endorse highly the AC4R kit from Heathkit Shop, but would caution you as he will in the literature with the kit to be SURE that you are comfortable with working with the high voltage found in the kit. If so, it's the best!!! 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] [Drake list] Roofing filter
DITTO!! I could not agree more with this piece of advice. With a tight front end and IF strip I have found the need for a noise blanker to be nil when using the 600Hz roofing filter's and the 500 or 250 Hz drake cw filters. For SSB BW's the need for a noise blanker is nice at times and I do open my receiver up to the stock BW's in order to get the 4NB to work. One not for the good of the order - the Sherwood R-4C did outperform my OMNI 6 (with a full load of filters and the INRAD roofing filter mod) in the pile ups during the recent VP8ORK DX-pedition. We are talking 559 (R-4C) verses 229 (OMNI 6). No comparison. Don Jones KO7i Arlington, WA Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2011 22:22:50 -0500 (EST) From: kc9...@aol.com To: k4...@mindspring.com, Drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Roofing filter Message-ID: 8cd9f8dc0ddfc69-760-4d...@webmail-d112.sysops.aol.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed The ideal situation IMHO is the Full Sherwood MOD for the R-4C. It has a switch so I can keep it wide if I want (and use NB), or use SSB or CW Roofing filters to keep unwanted adjacent signals from de-sensing the RX. It works super! Almost as well as my Ten-Tec Orion II 73, Lee, KC9CDT ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Slug Tuning Club
That video is now on DVD, so much handier, and is done by Hi-Res. Also available from Electric Radio's store and is the same price. They do a LOT of Collins and receiver videos. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Drakelist Digest, Vol 32, Issue 22
My set of Drake Twins were a R-4A a T-4X, worked my first 230 countries using them between 1977 1981. That was when and where I was first exposed to the beauty of passband tuning in fighting qrm. Don Jones Arlington, WA Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2011 11:17:55 -0500 From: Lee Hiers lee.hi...@gmail.com To: Diane and Edward Swynar deswy...@xplornet.ca Cc: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] DSP Filters Message-ID: aanlktiku9eltzssmf0c7eojb4heaqjroxwwr-jfra...@mail.gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 On Sun, Feb 6, 2011 at 11:07 AM, Diane and Edward Swynar deswy...@xplornet.ca wrote: Is your R-4 the ...just-plain-ol'-original-R-4 version, with no A, B, or C suffix...? Yes Eddy, it's an R-4, no suffixactually the first one I've ever listened to...I had used a lot of C-lines in the past, but never an R-4 or R-4A...not sure about B-lines. But the sound of this old rx on cw is very nice indeed. 73 de Lee -- Lee Hiers, AA4GA ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R-4 serials
Speaking of Donnie, does ANYONE know what happened to him in relation to Drakes and Drake parts?? I really miss his participation in the reflector, and he was just starting to build a nice group of accessories that are needed. I do see him posting occasionally on QTH.com and other places, but nothing Drake related. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] My Drake/Sherwood R-4C Rules my shack!
Like some of you here, I have been working very hard to get into the log of the DX-pedition to the South Orkney Islands. My favorite band/mode has always been 40M CW. Last night I finally got my contact with them. Considering I am only running 600W to a 20M double zepp from W. WA it has been a bit of a chore. My fully loaded Sherwood R-4C smoked my Ten Tec OMNI 6+ (which has a full load to TT filters and the INRAD CW roofing filter mod) last night. On the Drake VP8ORK was only a 529 using GUF 600Hz roofing filter and the DRAKE OEM 250Hz cw filter with no ringing filters or white noise. One the OMNI VI+ VP8ORK was only 229 due to the receiver white noise and the howling DSP noise. It is absolutely amazing to hear the difference of the two receivers. I do prefer the digital control that the 6 offers, but if you can't hear 'em you ain't going to work 'em. A trip down to Fry's electronics for a 4PDT 12V relay, a 3 pos double pole rotary wafer switch, a bud box and 6 RCA jack and 3 1/8 headphone jacks is on the agenda next so I have TR switching for the R-4C, then it is good to go for the TJ8 DX-pedition coming up next. God I Love that Sherwood R-4C. Don Jones KO7i Arlington, WA ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] DSP Filters
Hunter, When you say that, is your usage mostly CW/Digital or SSB?? I am just curious, as most of the time I hear this, they really mean on CW. If that's not the case, I'm interested in trying that as I LOVE the mellow sound of my R4(X)'s but they sometimes need just a little more help, if you know what I mean. Tks, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Adding DSP to a R-4C
Thanks guys for the suggestions, duly noted ham fest season is just around the corner. My receiver does have the Sherwood audio amp mode in it and it is really surprising how clean the audio is. To be honest I might try the Timewave on my OMNI 6. Don Jones KO7i Arlington, WA Date: Sat, 05 Feb 2011 10:20:27 -0800 From: Jim Bo jbol...@verizon.net To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: My Drake/Sherwood R-4C Rules my shack! (Don Jones) IMHO, the only thing that is better than what Don describes is the R-4C as he describes BUT...use a Timewave 599ZX with a pair of noise canceling earphones (the Bose are expensive, but quite comfortable). The Timewave has a superior audio amp and I set up the filter as a bandpass with the low end at ~300 Hz and the high end at 1,500 Hz. This helps with the low end rumble and the high end atmosphere noise and makes the radio even more enjoyable. I rarely use the other features of the DSP filter, but on occasion, the Random function does help. Only on few occasions do I use the CW function of the DSP. It does help also, but for the most part, the R-4C audio into the DSP filter is clean. I have recently aligned my R-4C and used the headphone jack with out the Timewave and again realized what a huge difference it makes. The DSP filter is not low cost, but I got it 10 years ago and it is still a viable solution. I am sure that there are lower cost filters out there, but can not attest to the audio amps on them. One of the cost drivers of the 599ZX is the ability to go to 5 kHz as the upper cut off frequency. This compares to others that have a cut off at 3 kHz or so. For amateur radio, the 3 kHz is fine, but I also use the 599ZX with my Drake R-8B for BCBDX and Beacons. Jim WA9ZBV Orange, CA ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R-4C Noise Blankers, Dynamic Range roofing filter mod's
I agree, when using the 8kHz Drake Roofing filter the 4NB noise blanker will clean-up some interfering noise sources. But only some of the time. I (and many others who have e-mail me privately) have found that you get better noise reduction by reducing the IF BW's. This would include going to a 600Hz roofing filter making the 4NB ineffective - but more importantly - NOT NEEDED. I look at a hot-rod Sherwood R-4C receiver as a utilitarian tool used to dig deep down into the noise floor and root out S Unit 0 weak signal DX stations buried in the midst of QRM. I did not completely buy into the wild claims of the users of these Sherwood R-4C's until I actually used one. All I can say is, Holy Cow! I am now a convert of the writings W8JI regarding the R-4C in its un-modified state. This Holy Cow is based upon side by side comparisons to a stock Drake R-4C to a Sherwood R-4C. Basically all you get is the receiver performance from a FT101B/E, the only advantage R-4C has is the passband (IF Shift) tuning. Conversely if one is rag chewing on SSB with 3kHz wide Hi-Fi SSB (or worse yet AM), they generally are not concerned about digging out weak CW signals that are S-0 on the S meter. These users typically are happy campers with a 75M 20+dB over S-9 QSO while running 1.5kW (or more) for a in-state rag chew. They remain happy campers until someone moves in 2kHz away and is running similar power. But at least their 4NB noise blanker's work... BTW, the measured 2kHz Spacing Dynamic Range of a TR-4C is 68dB which is 10dB better than the stock R-4C. Plus the 180W output of the TR-4C will drive a GG 4-1000A amplifier with 3500Vdc B+ to 2,300W-rms out on 75M SSB. 73 es Gud DX, Don Jones KO7i Arlington, WA ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Wanted 4NB Noise Blanker
OK - I am going to stir the pot some. I have one of those 4NB noise blanker's installed in my R-4C. To be honest that noise blanker is largely ineffective and over rated. I have seen them sell for over $200 on e-bay. I scratch my head and wonder why? In My Humble Opinion they are a over rated vessel of fertilizer and none may abide by the odor there of. Would I sell my 4NB noise blanker? NO. As you might recall I have one of those Sherwood / Drake R-4C's (late production SN), the service receipt for it from Sherwood totals more than $900. Bottom line, be prepared to be disappointed if you pay high dollar for a 4NB noise blanker and it does little or nothing. Experiencing what I have with my R-4C and 4NB, I would never throw away money on buying one for my TR-4C. Be careful what you wish for. Don Jones KO7i ps - my heavily modified R-4C has been outperforming my Ten Tec OMNI VI in every way. The OMNI VI has a full load of filters. Plus the INRAD roofing filter mod. I have trying to get the VP8O logged and I have had to resort to using the R-4C to copy his very weak signal here in Western WA. Message: 1 Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:21:01 -0800 From: Kevin Nathan k...@comcast.net To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] Wanting to Buy Message-ID: mailman.599.1296569921.2744.drakel...@zerobeat.net Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi All, I went to a vintage radio even over the weekend and was able to sell some heavy metal and come back with much lighter cash. GRIN Now, I would like to find the noise blanker for my R4C. Does anyone on the list have one and what would you need for it? Thanks much and very 73. Kevin :) Amateur Radio: K7RX ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Wanted 4NB Noise Blanker
KO7I RESPONSE - The CW roofing filter is particularly bad... but the 4NB is good... SAY WHAT? I could not disagree with you more. A unmodified R-4C has a Narrow Spaced Dynamic Range of 58dB while the Sherwood modified R-4C has a dynamic range of 84dB. So in affect what you have just said is that having a noise blanker that works is more important than having your receiver blown away by adjacent QRM. I'll take the roofing filter thank you. :-) FWIW, the mod's to my Sherwood R-4C do allow you to use the standard 6kHz front end filter. The 4NB noise blanker has only been marginally successful, at best, even when I revert to the standard filters. Don Jones KO7i Message: 1 Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:26:07 -0500 From: Garey Barrell k4...@mindspring.com To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Wanted 4NB Noise Blanker Message-ID: 4d487a6f.1050...@mindspring.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed Don - You answered your own question/statement. I believe the words 'heavily modified' were tossed around! :-) The Sherwood mods essentially render the 4NB useless, as you have discovered. The CW roofing filter is particularly bad, as it narrows the noise bandwidth seen by the NB, and delays pulses through it so they no longer match up with the blanking pulses. The NB is very effective as some have stated, when used with the original receiver topology. Like so much in the world of RF and electronics in general, a receiver is a 'system'. The original design was optimized (within cost constraints) as a whole. Anything that alters that design takes the risk that it 'may' alter that basic, optimized design, 'possibly' improving one characteristic. Unfortunately the characteristic it improves almost always causes another characteristic to decline, perhaps obviously, otherwise not so much. The basic Drake NB is the same design from the R-4A through the R-7, and most find them VERY effective on high level, short duty cycle impulse noise. As soon as the noise pulses are 'stretched', either by source characteristics or group delay through filters, the effectiveness drops off quickly. 73, Garey - K4OAH Glen Allen, VA Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs www.k4oah.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] Drake TR-3
Hi All, My TR-3 does not indicate sufficient S Meter reading. I have been through the allignment procedure and changed out V 11 with no improvement. The S meter seems to read 10 to 15 db below what it should. Any Ideas? Thanks, Don K4ENE___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Question regarding TR4
Kevin, You will likely find that the schematic you have in your manual probably doesn't match the rig you have. Also, the manuals changed slowly, if at all, during the life, only the schematics changed. Garey will have all the schematics in the CD. One question though, why would you want to re-tube a whole transceiver?? More than likely most of those in the rig are good tubes, and it seems a waste to change them, plus, who can tell that your new ones are any better than the originals??? They have to be NOS or old unless they are Russian or Chinese. Also, the rig was aligned with those tubes and will require a COMPLETE alignment after re-tubing. I just think it is easier to use your new tubes as test replacements to see if they fix a particular problem. My .02 worth, probably not worth that much. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Upgrade/Maintenance On All Email Accounts.
Yeah, change the headers when you send them to Garey and maybe the spam filters won't catch them, HI HI. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Upgrade/Maintenance On All Email Accounts.
I got a WHOLE string of them. I guess Drakelist has gotten hit. Has to happen occasionally, I guess. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Kroil - it's good stuff... but for a radio?
OK this is a new one for me guys, I can personally attest to its effectiveness in cleaning firearms - but radios? This is a new for me. The stuff can be purchased at multiple high end gun shops you won't find it at Walmart. 73, Don Jones Arlington, WA ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R-4B 80 meters not working all the time
I thought I saw an email recently saying that Peterson Crystal, the original makers of the Drake crystals was still in business. I don't have contact info. Then, there is always our good old International Crystal right close to me in Oklahoma City!!! Finest crystals I know of (maybe a little pricey, but GOOD). 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] Test of New Computer Install
Hope it worked this time!! Getting old and forgetful stinks! 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Six Meter Options
Kevin, Drake made the TR-6. They are a bit hard to find, therefore very expensive. They do, however, seem to work quite well and are good receivers. Heathkit made one, but the number is escaping, but it's like an SB-110. That also seems to be a good rig. Both will be old in the tooth and need some TLC. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
