[Drakelist] R4C T4 alignment
Early this week I sent this message to another list but got a very boring yawn (no replies) so I will ask here in the hopes that someone can enlighten me. I have not tried to align any of my Drake twins before but find that I have to do something to get them back to transceiving on the correct frequency. I have been looking at the R4C manual (although I don't have the exact one for my exact series. At any rate, in the manual it says: Apply signal of exactly 50khz to pin 1 of V4. and Connect signal generator to pin 1 of V2. and Set generator to exactly 5645.000khz My question is, when hooking up the counter and signal generator do I need to isolate/decouple them (and how...10pf series capacitor?) or is a direct connection ok? Thank you. Jim Pruitt WA7DUY ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C AM Filter
Tim, Check out INRAD filters, buying a used filter that’s 30 to 35 years old is a gamble, crystals age and the center frequency or shape factor can change, been there myself! 73, Gary___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C AM Filter
Now I would like to find a FL-6000 AM filter for my R4C to max it out completely. All I am seeing are SL-6000's for the TR-7 series. Not that much interested in 75M AM but for selective SW listening. The stock R4C is extremely wide in the AM mode. Any help or suggestions appreciated. -- Tim, K8TJ Trustee for WB8OGM and K8EY ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Late Serial
Hello to the group: I'm interested in finding a very nice R4C receiver with a serial number in the 29000's. If you have one and would like to sell it please email me. I'm trying to find a partner for the a lonesome TX4C. Pictures would also be a plus. Email me QRZ. Thanks very much. Gary W9VS --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. http://www.avast.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] r4c
Anyone in the group have a r4c that they would like to sell. Cosmetics, not too important,but also don't want a 2 week bench job. can do pay pal+ or USPS MO. Will consider all offers. thanks 73 dale wt4t ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Filter WTB
I have one made by Network Sciences, Inc.: 250Hz at 5695KHz. It worked in the radio I pulled it from. $80 shipped to Ohio. 73, George K4GM lane denune Sunday, April 28, 2013 3:08 PM Guess I should have phrased my post more accurately. I am looking to purchase a used 250hz CW filter for my R4C Drake Receiver. Thanks for the many replies with references to dealers and filter suppliers. 73 lane de n8aft___Drakelist mailing listDrakelist@zerobeat.nethttp://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Filter WTB
Guess I should have phrased my post more accurately. I am looking to purchase a used 250hz CW filter for my R4C Drake Receiver. Thanks for the many replies with references to dealers and filter suppliers. 73 lane de n8aft ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Filter Wanted.
Hi Guys ; Looking for a good 250hz filter for an R4C. Also would be interested in anything else for the C receiver... Thanks and 73...lane___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Capacitor Replacement
I have replaced the two can capacitors in my Drake R4C (using the Hayseed Hamfest product) which has dramatically reduced the hum in the receiver audio. There is still a little bit of hum, and I have a few more electrolytics to replace (6 or 7 ). The receiver has the regulated 12 V modification and the Sherwood audio amplifier installed. I have only had the R4C for a short time and am pretty inexperienced in radio repair/restoration. I am curious if anyone on the list knows of a pictorial of the bottom of an R4C that may point out the location of the various electrolytic capacitors? I have an R4C manual already as well as copies of schematics. You may reply to me directly, n...@aol.com Regards, Eric NM5M http://www.dfwcontest.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor
I have a very nice R4C it had a hum with bad audio distortion so I decided to investigate, whilst taking it apart I noticed that if I touched the noise blanker the hum would alter, I removed the NB board and the hum was still there, I found eventually that the audio transistor had desoldered itself, do they really run that hot? so I resolded the wires, now the radio does not work anything like as well and has a high amount of white noise, has that audio transistor died and if so where do I get a new one, is there an equivalent for that power transistor? 73, Max M0GHQ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor
Max, I'll get crucified for saying this, but that class A transistor stage was poorly designed -- and I think we can dispense with the but they didn't have cost-effective transistor technology back thirty years ago as an excuse. A two-transistor complementary-symmetry PP pair running class AB and a moderate amount of negative feedback would have sounded substantially better, and produced much less heat. As an example, look at the Marantz, Sansui, Kenwood, and other mid-fi Japanese audio amplifiers being produced during the same period. Those designs, or a variant, could easily have been leveraged into the R-4C. Eliminate the audio output transformer and tap the symmetry pair mid-point, then couple with 500+ uF of series coupling C. I don't know what Drake's cost was for the audio output transformer, but I have to believe the production cost difference between the transformer and an extra audio output transistor, and surrounding passive parts would have been reasonably minimal. I jettisoned the R-4C AF stage after the volume control and won't be going back. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Max Cotton To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 2:10 PM Subject: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor I have a very nice R4C it had a hum with bad audio distortion so I decided to investigate, whilst taking it apart I noticed that if I touched the noise blanker the hum would alter, I removed the NB board and the hum was still there, I found eventually that the audio transistor had desoldered itself, do they really run that hot? so I resolded the wires, now the radio does not work anything like as well and has a high amount of white noise, has that audio transistor died and if so where do I get a new one, is there an equivalent for that power transistor? 73, Max M0GHQ -- ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor
I tried one, but to my ears, there's too much hiss with some high-end headphones with the AF control at low settings and even full CCW. I've tried the LM383, LM380, and TDA2002. The hiss can be reduced with an in-line attenuator, then running the AF control at a higher level to compensate. I would rather just deal with the root issue and solve it. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: kc9...@aol.com To: w...@arrl.net ; drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 2:39 PM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor Why not install a Sherwood audio kit ...I have one in mine..works FB 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net To: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Wed, Oct 31, 2012 2:37 pm Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor Max, I'll get crucified for saying this, but that class A transistor stage was poorly designed -- and I think we can dispense with the but they didn't have cost-effective transistor technology back thirty years ago as an excuse. A two-transistor complementary-symmetry PP pair running class AB and a moderate amount of negative feedback would have sounded substantially better, and produced much less heat. As an example, look at the Marantz, Sansui, Kenwood, and other mid-fi Japanese audio amplifiers being produced during the same period. Those designs, or a variant, could easily have been leveraged into the R-4C. Eliminate the audio output transformer and tap the symmetry pair mid-point, then couple with 500+ uF of series coupling C. I don't know what Drake's cost was for the audio output transformer, but I have to believe the production cost difference between the transformer and an extra audio output transistor, and surrounding passive parts would have been reasonably minimal. I jettisoned the R-4C AF stage after the volume control and won't be going back. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Max Cotton To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 2:10 PM Subject: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor I have a very nice R4C it had a hum with bad audio distortion so I decided to investigate, whilst taking it apart I noticed that if I touched the noise blanker the hum would alter, I removed the NB board and the hum was still there, I found eventually that the audio transistor had desoldered itself, do they really run that hot? so I resolded the wires, now the radio does not work anything like as well and has a high amount of white noise, has that audio transistor died and if so where do I get a new one, is there an equivalent for that power transistor? 73, Max M0GHQ ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor
I must admit this receiver will probably benefit from the Sherwood audio board, however comparing both my R4C's one is perfect with no hum and very good audio whilst this one is shushy and has bad hum, maybe the main caps need replacing but when I couple another cap accross them no change so I am a little reluctant to ditch them quite yet. swapping the tubes between each made no difference either. It does do an odd thing though, gradually as it warms up the audio and signal gets worse until it is distorted and with a lot of white noise. When switched on, the hum is really bad immediately and does not go away. both receivers are 26000 serials within about 700 from each other. Ideas? 73 Max M0GHQ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C problems
It has now decided not to work anymore, I was listening to it and gradually the white noise came up, the signal died and now the preselector is in the wrong place for each band ie the 40m band livens up around the 80m mark however there is no signal present, even the cal does not work anymore. I have not put a meter or scope around the radio yet but has anyone come across this behaviour before? I am beginning to realise why this radio is absolutely mint out of the box condx and the one that works faultlessly is a bit scruffy. 73 Max M0GHQ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor
- Original Message - From: Max Cotton airra...@dsl.pipex.com To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 11:10 AM Subject: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor I have a very nice R4C it had a hum with bad audio distortion so I decided to investigate, whilst taking it apart I noticed that if I touched the noise blanker the hum would alter, I removed the NB board and the hum was still there, I found eventually that the audio transistor had desoldered itself, do they really run that hot? so I resolded the wires, now the radio does not work anything like as well and has a high amount of white noise, has that audio transistor died and if so where do I get a new one, is there an equivalent for that power transistor? 73, Max M0GHQ Which transistor desoldered itself? Its possible it was overdriven because the bias was wrong. The three transistors in the audio amp are direct coupled so a problem with any of them will affect all. Check the power supply voltages and the amount of ripple on each. While a scope is the best tool for looking at ripple any AC voltmeter capable of reading perhaps ten percent of the DC voltage will do. Distortion is likely if one or more of the transistors is bad. Check the caps around the audio amp. You will have to check them for leakage rather than ESR. You will probably have to substitute them. Unfortunately, the only schematic I have for the C is from BAMA and is so low res that I can't even read the voltages or part designators. -- Richard Knoppow Los Angeles WB6KBL dickb...@ix.netcom.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor
Hi Max, I replaced the original audio amp in the R4C with a Velleman audio kit board with an TDA2003. The Velleman kit # K4001. I believe I paid around $ 15.00. Works great. If you're interested I can send you pics. 73 Bert, VE3NR _ From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of Max Cotton Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 3:12 PM To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Hum and audio transistor I must admit this receiver will probably benefit from the Sherwood audio board, however comparing both my R4C's one is perfect with no hum and very good audio whilst this one is shushy and has bad hum, maybe the main caps need replacing but when I couple another cap accross them no change so I am a little reluctant to ditch them quite yet. swapping the tubes between each made no difference either. It does do an odd thing though, gradually as it warms up the audio and signal gets worse until it is distorted and with a lot of white noise. When switched on, the hum is really bad immediately and does not go away. both receivers are 26000 serials within about 700 from each other. Ideas? 73 Max M0GHQ ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C 160 Meters Sensitivity
On Tue, 2012-10-16 at 19:49 -0500, Bill Becky wrote: Hi Group Has anyone found a way to improve the sensitivity on the 160 Meter Band?? It seems less lively compared to the other bands even after alignment. Thanks in advance Bill KB9IV There really very few instances where any increased sensitivity is useful on 160M. If you listen to your radio without the antenna attached and note the audio output and then attach the antenna you will probably hear an increase in the audio output. If you do hear an increase, any additional sensitivity does you no good as the band noise will be amplified along with the signals by an equal amount. An undesirable, associated effect is that the Rx will be more easily overloaded. Figure 1 on the 2nd page of the following .pdf shows some of the factors that go into the type and amount of noise picked up by the average antenna. Note the residual noise level as you move downward thru the amateur bands. Factors such as proximity to your neighbors, the kind of consumer junk they have in use, above or below ground utilities and the like, tend toward more rather than less noise. http://www.support.seasonde.com/Technicians_Information_Page_for_SeaSondes/Site_Selection_files/HF_Noise2.pdf Now if you do not hear an increase, your BOG or 500' Beverage or 2' Rx loop might need some amplification. If you are using your Tx antenna and you are not hearing a noise increase when the antenna is attached, you might want to find out why. Some DeOxit might be in order. Someone with the appropriate test equipment might determine what the band by band sensitivity of their R4-C is to see if your experience is abnormal or par for the course. Some of the Drake equipment like the TR3 and TR4 run out of steam at the bottom of their lowest band due to the size of the tuning capacitor(s). You might verify that when the preselector is set at the bottom and top of the 160M segment you see the same apparent sensitivity. Joe, K9HDE ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C 160 Meters Sensitivity
Hi Group Has anyone found a way to improve the sensitivity on the 160 Meter Band?? It seems less lively compared to the other bands even after alignment. Thanks in advance Bill KB9IV___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C overall gain specification
I have the data I was seeking on R4C overall gain, thanks to Steve Wedge W1ES/4. The original 1974 QST review gives it as 0.1uV or less for 10dB S+N/N. Although my receiver can detect a 0.1uV signal it's well short of that amount of audio output, so it looks like I have some work to do to find a bit more gain. -- Alan Ibbetson a...@g3xaq.net ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C overall gain specification
- Original Message - From: Alan Ibbetson a...@g3xaq.net To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 10:49 AM Subject: [Drakelist] R4C overall gain specification I have the data I was seeking on R4C overall gain, thanks to Steve Wedge W1ES/4. The original 1974 QST review gives it as 0.1uV or less for 10dB S+N/N. Although my receiver can detect a 0.1uV signal it's well short of that amount of audio output, so it looks like I have some work to do to find a bit more gain. -- Alan Ibbetson a...@g3xaq.net Older receiver specs gave a minimum audio output level for a given input level. This is useful for seeing if the receiver is working correctly and is, I think, what you want. The spec as given above does not specify an output level so it really does not indicate gain. Its a typical old style spec for noise level and is again useful for checking a particular kind of receiver for normal function but not much else. The R4C book gives a spec of 0.7 watt of audio at the AVC threshold and a minimum power output of 2 watts at less than 5% THD. You can check the power output using a resistor load and voltmeter but monitor with a scope to keep from going into overload. 5% is just visible. Presumably, the AVC threshold is where the S meter just begins to indicate, or just a bit below that. I would do the S meter adjustment procedure before trying this measurement. If you find the receiver is really not up to snuff its worth going through the entire adjustment procedure. I think Garrey Barrell has a disc for the R4C and it may have stage gain info, contact him about this. He is _not_ on this list. www.k4oah.com -- Richard Knoppow Los Angeles WB6KBL dickb...@ix.netcom.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Interesting Find
My R4C seemed a bit poor in the sensitivity department so I had an idea to improve it. I aligned the R4C pretty well but it didn't seem very lively. So with the bottom chassis visible I took my screw driver and loosened/ tightend each screw twice on each side of the 4 rows of trimmer bracket ground. Wow.what a difference in sensitivity mainly 160-20M and in between. I estimate a 8-10 dB of more gain. I learned this method of re-establishing grounds from a metallurgist(sp)ham neighbor who showed me what happens to two surfaces create a fine film a lose bonding with time. If the two metals are much different the faster the degradation. Your mileage may vary. I recommend all accessible screws and nuts...it can cure some pretty obscure problems and takes less than 15 minutes. I had to recalibrate the S-meter because of the gain change. It should work on R4any receiveror any old boatanchor. Bill KB9IV___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Interesting Find
Bill, Interesting. Same issue with the Drake 1A. Sensitivity is affected by the quality of the antenna trimmer capacitor bonding to chassis ground. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Bill Becky To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Saturday, September 01, 2012 7:44 PM Subject: [Drakelist] R4C Interesting Find My R4C seemed a bit poor in the sensitivity department so I had an idea to improve it. I aligned the R4C pretty well but it didn't seem very lively. So with the bottom chassis visible I took my screw driver and loosened/ tightend each screw twice on each side of the 4 rows of trimmer bracket ground. Wow.what a difference in sensitivity mainly 160-20M and in between. I estimate a 8-10 dB of more gain. I learned this method of re-establishing grounds from a metallurgist(sp)ham neighbor who showed me what happens to two surfaces create a fine film a lose bonding with time. If the two metals are much different the faster the degradation. Your mileage may vary. I recommend all accessible screws and nuts...it can cure some pretty obscure problems and takes less than 15 minutes. I had to recalibrate the S-meter because of the gain change. It should work on R4any receiveror any old boatanchor. Bill KB9IV -- ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C SSB Leakage
Hi Group I have written previously about my R4C having signal leakage in the SSB mode only affecting the PBT control and S-meter levels. Someone suggested that the 4NB was causing the leakage so I removed the 4NB and put some wire jumpers as I didn't have a 4NB plug, no change. However I ordered a aftermarket socket plug to do a sanity check..guess what..it got worse!!! Instead of a S5 level leakage it then went to S9 with the shorting plug??!! I guess I've narrowed it down to something on or near the NB4 jack underneath. So much for the sanity check..bizarre. Best 73 Bill KB9IV___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C SSB Leakage
Bill, Are the levels what they ought to be through the signal chain? A poor solder joint that reduced normal signal levels could cause the relative strength of leakage to rise. Another possibility is that someone fixed something and the receiver is now miswired. 73, AD3K From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of Bill Becky Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 4:02 PM To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] R4C SSB Leakage Hi Group I have written previously about my R4C having signal leakage in the SSB mode only affecting the PBT control and S-meter levels. Someone suggested that the 4NB was causing the leakage so I removed the 4NB and put some wire jumpers as I didn't have a 4NB plug, no change. However I ordered a aftermarket socket plug to do a sanity check..guess what..it got worse!!! Instead of a S5 level leakage it then went to S9 with the shorting plug??!! I guess I've narrowed it down to something on or near the NB4 jack underneath. So much for the sanity check..bizarre. Best 73 Bill KB9IV ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Speaker Output
- Original Message - From: Bill Becky wmarv...@charter.net To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2012 8:35 PM Subject: [Drakelist] R4C Speaker Output Hi Group On the R4C speaker output which is 3.2 ohms. Can this audio be attached to a computer's microphone jack (typically 50K) using a resistor pad to prevent overload?? 73 Bill KB9IV Short answer is yes. I would make a simple pad with a 4 ohm resistor across the output and a high value resistor or pot feeding the computer line. The resistor across the output will insure the amplifier is seeing something like the right load which will give best frequency responce and minimum distortion. OTOH, the headphone jack is fed from the same place as the speaker jack and will feed phones of almost any impedance so its probably not very critical. If your computer has a line input you might try that as well. -- Richard Knoppow Los Angeles WB6KBL dickb...@ix.netcom.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Speaker Output
Hi Group On the R4C speaker output which is 3.2 ohms. Can this audio be attached to a computer's microphone jack (typically 50K) using a resistor pad to prevent overload?? 73 Bill KB9IV___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Static
I have noticed that when using narrow CW Filter's in my R4C that I hear low-moderate static bursts,like storm static. I have substituted each and all the 6EJ7's with new tubes.no change. I removed each and all 6EJ7 tubes and power it on with no change in the static. I remove the 6BA6 RF tube no change. My R4C has a SS power supply, SS Audio Brd, SS Product Det. Sounds like a electrolytic or a resistor going bad. Any suggestions?? The RF Gain being reduced lowers this static level. 73 Bill KB9IV___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C BFO Leakage
A few weeks back I wrote about PBT levels in SSB/AM modes. It would change S-Meter levels depending on adjustment of the PBT. I ruled out the 4NB board by removing it..no change. However when I removed the bottom cover almost 6 S-Units of PB feedthrough were reduced and performance was enhanced with less white noise. Interesting to know the interference is being conducted by the metal bottom cover to key area's of the bottom chassis. Next I will attempt adding metal shields to isolate internal RF from conducting to nearby by circuits that are prone. Best 73 Bill KB9IV___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C BFO Leakage
Have you been able to remove the NB-4 and bypass it with the jumper plug as yet? I have experienced this problem and I have found the NB-4 to be the culprit. You may be embarking on a process to eliminate symptoms rather than fixing the problem. JB From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of Bill Becky Sent: Thursday, 12 July 2012 9:21 AM To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] R4C BFO Leakage A few weeks back I wrote about PBT levels in SSB/AM modes. It would change S-Meter levels depending on adjustment of the PBT. I ruled out the 4NB board by removing it..no change. However when I removed the bottom cover almost 6 S-Units of PB feedthrough were reduced and performance was enhanced with less white noise. Interesting to know the interference is being conducted by the metal bottom cover to key area's of the bottom chassis. Next I will attempt adding metal shields to isolate internal RF from conducting to nearby by circuits that are prone. Best 73 Bill KB9IV ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C BFO Leakage
Check and make sure that all the shielding underneath for the 3rd mixer is intact. That circuit is very sensitive to stray signals and noise. You might also want to try a different 6EJ7 in there to see if it changes anything. 73, Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. All my computers have my signature with various pearls of wisdom appended thereto. From: Bill Becky Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 7:20 PM To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] R4C BFO Leakage A few weeks back I wrote about PBT levels in SSB/AM modes. It would change S-Meter levels depending on adjustment of the PBT. I ruled out the 4NB board by removing it..no change. However when I removed the bottom cover almost 6 S-Units of PB feedthrough were reduced and performance was enhanced with less white noise. Interesting to know the interference is being conducted by the metal bottom cover to key area's of the bottom chassis. Next I will attempt adding metal shields to isolate internal RF from conducting to nearby by circuits that are prone. Best 73 Bill KB9IV ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Questions
Is the NB-4 Noise Blanker installed? If so remove the NB from the R4-C and install the jumper socket and see if the effect remains. Chances are the NB is the issue and will need to be realigned and the NB gain reset. JB From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of Bill Becky Sent: Monday, 2 July 2012 12:24 PM To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] R4C Questions Hi Group I recently obtained a Sherwood upgraded R4C (SN 22xxx), the only Sherwood upgrade it doesn't have is the 2K Upper Lower SSB filters. It performs very well but it has one oddity. When in SSB mode and the PBT is adjusted Upper Lower end of travel it varies the S-Meter from S6 middle center PBT to S1 either PBT endpoint. On CW using the 1.5Khz, 500Hz or 250Hz it works like it should or what I'm accustom to. I've corrected many small problems by treating grounds and filter sockets, tube sockets from the topsidebottom side next. It just seems like I'm getting allot of white noise or bleed through from somewhere to cause the SSB mode oddity. Question? How can it tell if this has the T7C version xfrmer?? These Sherwood upgrades were done 20+ yrs ago and this nice condition R4C has sat unused for many years. Perhaps all is typical as I don't have another to compare to. Best 73 Bill KB9IV ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C PBT Leakage
Hi Bob I think you hit it on the head. Also I'm suspect of the NB cable harness being draped above the 3rd mixer tube area. I only regret not having a low end Spectrum Analyzer to end this design anomaly and improve this situation. As suggested I need to disconnect the NB and short some NB socket pins as I don't have the NB shorting plug. I have many years RF experience in a factory setting doing just this for 200 watt VHF-UHF repeaters. It's not for the impatient and is a fascinating. The way my R4C is operating in AM, SSB and CW receive modes.each one has different S-Meter calibration from each other. Best 73 Bill KB9IV___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Questions
Hi Group I recently obtained a Sherwood upgraded R4C (SN 22xxx), the only Sherwood upgrade it doesn't have is the 2K Upper Lower SSB filters. It performs very well but it has one oddity. When in SSB mode and the PBT is adjusted Upper Lower end of travel it varies the S-Meter from S6 middle center PBT to S1 either PBT endpoint. On CW using the 1.5Khz, 500Hz or 250Hz it works like it should or what I'm accustom to. I've corrected many small problems by treating grounds and filter sockets, tube sockets from the topsidebottom side next. It just seems like I'm getting allot of white noise or bleed through from somewhere to cause the SSB mode oddity. Question? How can it tell if this has the T7C version xfrmer?? These Sherwood upgrades were done 20+ yrs ago and this nice condition R4C has sat unused for many years. Perhaps all is typical as I don't have another to compare to. Best 73 Bill KB9IV___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Xtals
Hi Group I am looking to replace out of spec xtals in my Drake R4C receiver. One's listed are 4-9 Khz off frequency. The * xtals are for 160M 10M are more a priority. Contact me off list @ wmarv...@charter.net Wanted: 1.5 Mhz 12.6 Mhz* 3.0 Mhz 14.1 Mhz 9.5 Mhz 20.1 Mhz 10.0 Mhz 21.1 Mhz 11.5 Mhz 22.6 Mhz 28.0 Mhz 39.1 Mhz* 28.5 Mhz 39.6 Mhz* Best Bill KB9IV ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Xtals
For the most part I have found the xtals...thanks Doug! Best 4th to All Bill KB9IV___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Crystal Pack Cover and Crystal Filter restainers SOLD
___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] r4c pto drift obsevation
Larry - That is interesting I've never experienced it, as my shack has always been air conditioned. The PTO coil is pretty well sealed, and I wouldn't expect it to be susceptible to humidity. The only other sources would be the BAND oscillator, crystal controlled with a lacquered transformer, the 3rd Mixer LO, also crystal controlled, and the BFO. The BFO is just an 'IF Can' style coil, and would be the most likely suspect. Would be interesting to see which of these oscillators is actually the one(s) moving.!! 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 Larry Mccabe wrote: i've noticed some interesting drift characteristics on my r4c. i live in florida.. shack in the garage.. during the summer months , with 80-90 deg temps and high humidity, the r4c drifts approx 50 hz per hour. during the winter with 50-60 deg temps and reduced humidity the drift is reduced to 10 hz per hour . in both cases these measurements were observed after a lengthy warm-up period using a digital display counter. i have no internal fan or aux cooling in the radio. only significant change in the vacinity of the pto is the sherwood audio amp mod . temp and humidity obviously a significant factor in dealing with drift. i know this is no big revelation.. thought the differences were interesting though. Larry WA0QHF Sent from my iPhone ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] r4c pto drift obsevation
i agree re BFO..any thoughts on how to confirm which one is the culprit? was thinking a heat source ..ie hair dryer ...or small light bulb,directed independently at each might reveal some interesting results.. Larry WA0QHF Sent from my iPhone On Jan 5, 2012, at 2:59 PM, Garey Barrell k4...@mindspring.com wrote: Larry - That is interesting I've never experienced it, as my shack has always been air conditioned. The PTO coil is pretty well sealed, and I wouldn't expect it to be susceptible to humidity. The only other sources would be the BAND oscillator, crystal controlled with a lacquered transformer, the 3rd Mixer LO, also crystal controlled, and the BFO. The BFO is just an 'IF Can' style coil, and would be the most likely suspect. Would be interesting to see which of these oscillators is actually the one(s) moving.!! 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 Larry Mccabe wrote: i've noticed some interesting drift characteristics on my r4c. i live in florida.. shack in the garage.. during the summer months , with 80-90 deg temps and high humidity, the r4c drifts approx 50 hz per hour. during the winter with 50-60 deg temps and reduced humidity the drift is reduced to 10 hz per hour . in both cases these measurements were observed after a lengthy warm-up period using a digital display counter. i have no internal fan or aux cooling in the radio. only significant change in the vacinity of the pto is the sherwood audio amp mod . temp and humidity obviously a significant factor in dealing with drift. i know this is no big revelation.. thought the differences were interesting though. Larry WA0QHF Sent from my iPhone ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] r4c pto drift obsevation
Larry - First, confirm that the counter is fully warmed up and stable, preferably with a TCXO or other better quality standard. The hair dryer or bulb heat source is undesirable for just that reason. We don't want a HEAT difference, just humidity with continuous temperature. Then, turn on the receiver, wait about 5 minutes, and then measure each oscillator frequency. Then wait another 30 minutes and measure each oscillator again. I'd then wait another 30 minutes and measure again. If you have the patience, do it once more!! Try and disturb the receiver as little as possible when going from soaking to measuring. Compare for delta and direction on each oscillator and report back! :-) 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 Larry Mccabe wrote: i agree re BFO..any thoughts on how to confirm which one is the culprit? was thinking a heat source ..ie hair dryer ...or small light bulb,directed independently at each might reveal some interesting results.. Larry WA0QHF Sent from my iPhone On Jan 5, 2012, at 2:59 PM, Garey Barrellk4...@mindspring.com wrote: Larry - That is interesting I've never experienced it, as my shack has always been air conditioned. The PTO coil is pretty well sealed, and I wouldn't expect it to be susceptible to humidity. The only other sources would be the BAND oscillator, crystal controlled with a lacquered transformer, the 3rd Mixer LO, also crystal controlled, and the BFO. The BFO is just an 'IF Can' style coil, and would be the most likely suspect. Would be interesting to see which of these oscillators is actually the one(s) moving.!! 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 Larry Mccabe wrote: i've noticed some interesting drift characteristics on my r4c. i live in florida.. shack in the garage.. during the summer months , with 80-90 deg temps and high humidity, the r4c drifts approx 50 hz per hour. during the winter with 50-60 deg temps and reduced humidity the drift is reduced to 10 hz per hour . in both cases these measurements were observed after a lengthy warm-up period using a digital display counter. i have no internal fan or aux cooling in the radio. only significant change in the vacinity of the pto is the sherwood audio amp mod . temp and humidity obviously a significant factor in dealing with drift. i know this is no big revelation.. thought the differences were interesting though. Larry WA0QHF Sent from my iPhone ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] r4c pto drift obsevation
I once fed my R-4A (the 11 tube version) a premix signal from a stable modern signal source to see exactly that. I don't know which, but the BFO and/or the 5995 Kc LO was drifting at least couple of hundred Hz over the testing period. I personally do not care too much about the PTO drifting as long as it is usable after proper warm up. But carrier/LO/BFO going out of sync between T-4X and R-4A is inconvenient to say the least. I do have a color-matched pair, but they still tend to go separate ways even after hours of warm up. Even with this issue, I have no plan to upgrade to T-4XC/R-4C. hi. 73s, Kihwal, K9SUL - Original Message From: Garey Barrell k4...@mindspring.com To: Larry Mccabe lmccabe...@aol.com Cc: drakelist@zerobeat.net drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Thu, January 5, 2012 1:59:37 PM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] r4c pto drift obsevation Larry - That is interesting I've never experienced it, as my shack has always been air conditioned. The PTO coil is pretty well sealed, and I wouldn't expect it to be susceptible to humidity. The only other sources would be the BAND oscillator, crystal controlled with a lacquered transformer, the 3rd Mixer LO, also crystal controlled, and the BFO. The BFO is just an 'IF Can' style coil, and would be the most likely suspect. Would be interesting to see which of these oscillators is actually the one(s) moving.!! 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 Larry Mccabe wrote: i've noticed some interesting drift characteristics on my r4c. i live in florida.. shack in the garage.. during the summer months , with 80-90 deg temps and high humidity, the r4c drifts approx 50 hz per hour. during the winter with 50-60 deg temps and reduced humidity the drift is reduced to 10 hz per hour . in both cases these measurements were observed after a lengthy warm-up period using a digital display counter. i have no internal fan or aux cooling in the radio. only significant change in the vacinity of the pto is the sherwood audio amp mod . temp and humidity obviously a significant factor in dealing with drift. i know this is no big revelation.. thought the differences were interesting though. Larry WA0QHF Sent from my iPhone ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] r4c pto drift observation
Lee - Could be an issue specific to your rig. Either that or my set is an anomaly: I have no trouble being on-freq on SSB with my B's and I haven't touched C61 in several months. On CW, I still have trouble getting stations to hear me calling, and I'm starting to wonder if it's more than just my preference for a low beat-note. Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils. John Stark. All my computers have my signature with various pearls of wisdom appended thereto. -- From: Kihwal Lee kih...@yahoo.com Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2012 4:17 PM To: k4...@mindspring.com; Larry Mccabe lmccabe...@aol.com Cc: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] r4c pto drift obsevation I once fed my R-4A (the 11 tube version) a premix signal from a stable modern signal source to see exactly that. I don't know which, but the BFO and/or the 5995 Kc LO was drifting at least couple of hundred Hz over the testing period. I personally do not care too much about the PTO drifting as long as it is usable after proper warm up. But carrier/LO/BFO going out of sync between T-4X and R-4A is inconvenient to say the least. I do have a color-matched pair, but they still tend to go separate ways even after hours of warm up. Even with this issue, I have no plan to upgrade to T-4XC/R-4C. hi. 73s, Kihwal, K9SUL - Original Message From: Garey Barrell k4...@mindspring.com To: Larry Mccabe lmccabe...@aol.com Cc: drakelist@zerobeat.net drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Thu, January 5, 2012 1:59:37 PM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] r4c pto drift obsevation Larry - That is interesting I've never experienced it, as my shack has always been air conditioned. The PTO coil is pretty well sealed, and I wouldn't expect it to be susceptible to humidity. The only other sources would be the BAND oscillator, crystal controlled with a lacquered transformer, the 3rd Mixer LO, also crystal controlled, and the BFO. The BFO is just an 'IF Can' style coil, and would be the most likely suspect. Would be interesting to see which of these oscillators is actually the one(s) moving.!! 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 Larry Mccabe wrote: i've noticed some interesting drift characteristics on my r4c. i live in florida.. shack in the garage.. during the summer months , with 80-90 deg temps and high humidity, the r4c drifts approx 50 hz per hour. during the winter with 50-60 deg temps and reduced humidity the drift is reduced to 10 hz per hour . in both cases these measurements were observed after a lengthy warm-up period using a digital display counter. i have no internal fan or aux cooling in the radio. only significant change in the vacinity of the pto is the sherwood audio amp mod . temp and humidity obviously a significant factor in dealing with drift. i know this is no big revelation.. thought the differences were interesting though. Larry WA0QHF Sent from my iPhone ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Yeah, but Klinger had more style... Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. - Joe Walsh If the above message appears, it came from Steve's Son of Laptop! - Original Message - From: Jim Shorney jshor...@inebraska.com To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 11:58 PM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:04:07 -0500 (EST), kc9...@aol.com wrote: Why invent the wheel...but as they say...go for it if it trips your trigger. By the time you buy all the parts...you won't save much. Maybe you missed the part about FUN! And the sense of accomplishment. Parts are cheap. Especially if you went to the Radar O'Rielly school of procurement. 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
On Wed, 4 Jan 2012 21:18:49 -0500, Steve Wedge wrote: Yeah, but Klinger had more style... Ah, but Klinger stopped wearing dresses when he became company clerk. 73 -Jim (not a cross-dresser, just a modder) -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
The thread for the Sherwood modifications started with Max asking which ones would be useful. In my reply email and others tried to answer the question for Max. Hope this effort was useful to him. I was surprised, however, to see such a staunch group that insists that the Drakes stay pristine. While I do not condone hackers and butchers (have one really sad case now on the bench from some person who cared little of what the radio was), I do believe there are mods that would enhance the use of the radio. For example, would anyone not recommend the grounding braid on a PTO that obviously has lost the ability to provide its own ground? Such a modification enhances the pleasure of the use of the radio. Not doing it keeps that radio generally useless. And so it is for the Sherwood Mods. When I did mine it was on a set that was already partially modified by Sherwood. It was at a point in time where I could not afford anything else than a used set of Drakes. It was my only radio. Modifications to the radio for my purposes made the enjoyment even deeper and it is the reason while 30 years later I still have them. So, while it is purist to state that the Drakes should stay pristine, we all know and accept that those modified with a true and correct intent to fix and enhance the operation was for me, and many, a choice that would have otherwise frustrated us to another hobby. The term different strokes for different folks... How we all use and love our Drake radios is unique. There simply is not a single right or wrong way; so it is with the modifications. Enjoyed the thread. David Assaf, III W5XU -Original Message- From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of kc9...@aol.com Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2012 3:22 PM To: w...@arrl.net; drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods Paul, Absolutely true...Rob Sherwoods design is top notch...and throwing a few parts you find around will NOT get you the same result. There's a lot more to it than those that have not really looked into it or have it would realize. I think for the design, quality of parts and the kind of parts needed Rob's prices are reasonable. The PS and Audio amp...well yes you could roll your own there...but better to just get the board s from him and install it yourself...IF you have the tools abilities. 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net To: drakel...@.zerobeat.net drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sun, Jan 1, 2012 1:34 pm Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods Most of Parts for the Sherwood MODS are not cheap...the relays alone for the filter swich board are $20 each + and you need several. Also, you need to be pretty creative to get it all in there...pretty tight in places. Yes, a tight fit, put perfectly manageable. Keep in mind that the Teledyne relays used for the filter switch are designed for RF applications and hence, the high cost. The entire relay board assembly was designed to eliminate filter leakage and blow-by. Take a look at the Sherwood ultimate filter rejection spec and it's easily to see where the buyer's money is going. Paul, W9AC ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ 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: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4713 - Release Date: 12/30/11 ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Well IMHO, I think it's fine to MOD the R-4C as it has some problems (to me anyways) and a stock one while OK...is not that great compared to a good R-4B. When I had the stock R-4C...I liked it but I didn't seem to use it that much...went to the B line I had at the time. After I got the Sherwood R-4C and added one more Sherwood MOD that wasn't already on (The 2.4 KC front end filter set) I really loved the performace and have used it a bunch. One big thing...getting all that heat out of there...this think is ROCK solid after a couple minutes. I usually don't use the roofing filters unless it is weak DX near strong sigs OR a contest week end...but it's nice to have them when needed. Look at rob Sherwood's RXCVR chartyou will see the stock R-4C way down the list...the Sherwood one is still pretty high up there...considering the company it is keeping. Now I am looking for a pristine R-4A...just for nice rag chew smooth audio qso's. And everything is in therealready..or maybe a R-4B if I can't find the A. 73, Lee -Original Message- From: David w...@cox.net To: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Mon, Jan 2, 2012 7:12 pm Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods The thread for the Sherwood modifications started with Max asking which ones would be useful. In my reply email and others tried to answer the question for Max. Hope this effort was useful to him. I was surprised, however, to see such a staunch group that insists that the Drakes stay pristine. While I do not condone hackers and butchers (have one really sad case now on the bench from some person who cared little of what the radio was), I do believe there are mods that would enhance the use of the radio. For example, would anyone not recommend the grounding braid on a PTO that obviously has lost the ability to provide its own ground? Such a modification enhances the pleasure of the use of the radio. Not doing it keeps that radio generally useless. And so it is for the Sherwood Mods. When I did mine it was on a set that was already partially modified by Sherwood. It was at a point in time where I could not afford anything else than a used set of Drakes. It was my only radio. Modifications to the radio for my purposes made the enjoyment even deeper and it is the reason while 30 years later I still have them. So, while it is purist to state that the Drakes should stay pristine, we all know and accept that those modified with a true and correct intent to fix and enhance the operation was for me, and many, a choice that would have otherwise frustrated us to another hobby. The term different strokes for different folks... How we all use and love our Drake radios is unique. There simply is not a single right or wrong way; so it is with the modifications. Enjoyed the thread. David Assaf, III W5XU -Original Message- From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of kc9...@aol.com Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2012 3:22 PM To: w...@arrl.net; drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods Paul, Absolutely true...Rob Sherwoods design is top notch...and throwing a few parts you find around will NOT get you the same result. There's a lot more to it than those that have not really looked into it or have it would realize. I think for the design, quality of parts and the kind of parts needed Rob's prices are reasonable. The PS and Audio amp...well yes you could roll your own there...but better to just get the board s from him and install it yourself...IF you have the tools abilities. 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net To: drakel...@.zerobeat.net drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sun, Jan 1, 2012 1:34 pm Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods Most of Parts for the Sherwood MODS are not cheap...the relays alone for the filter swich board are $20 each + and you need several. Also, you need to be pretty creative to get it all in there...pretty tight in places. Yes, a tight fit, put perfectly manageable. Keep in mind that the Teledyne relays used for the filter switch are designed for RF applications and hence, the high cost. The entire relay board assembly was designed to eliminate filter leakage and blow-by. Take a look at the Sherwood ultimate filter rejection spec and it's easily to see where the buyer's money is going. Paul, W9AC ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ 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: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4713 - Release Date: 12/30/11 ___ Drakelist mailing list 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] R4C Sherwood mods
Thank you both for the comments and the affirmation. Yes, it is indeed the Owner of the radio that determines the best for him and for his needs. I marvel at the asking price for the Sherwood R4c radios. I do not know if they get the for that cost, but for me at my time, what money I put into my radios enhanced my dedication to them, not destroyed it. I was aware of the braid issue, yet many would say if it did not have it from the factory that it was wrong to fix a broken radio!. Thanks for your gentle reply. As I age I see the huge variety of answers to such a simple question that Max proposed. David Assaf, III W5XU -Original Message- From: Don Cunningham [mailto:d...@martineer.net] Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 7:28 PM To: David; drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4719 - Release Date: 01/02/12 ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
On Mon, 2 Jan 2012 19:28:29 -0600, Don Cunningham wrote: 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. That brings up the point that even factory mods can be poor engineering. Case in point, the Drake-published all-band transmit mod for the TR-7 that disables the PLL out-of-lock signal. I can see Drake wanting a quick and simple mod for screwdriver jockeys in the field, but it's just plain bad, and there is a better way. And speaking of bad mods, DrakeMod6 needs to be corrected to remove the advice to reverse the direction FA-7! I proved that this was a bad mod two years ago, but it's still out there and people still believe it. 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
On Sun, 1 Jan 2012 12:09:15 -0500 (EST), kc9...@aol.com wrote: Most of Parts for the Sherwood MODS are not cheap...the relays alone for the filter swich board are $20 each + and you need several. Also, you need to be pretty creative to get it all in there...pretty tight in places. I guess we need to define which mods we are talking about. The filters are a subset of the entire Sherwood legend. Personally, I'm not particularly interested in dancing roofing filters, but if I was I probably could scrounge the necessary relays and such over time. The filters themselves, yes, they are pricey. The audio amp, power supply, product detector, etc., parts are cheap. I've got most of what I need for a lot of that, and probably didn't spend over $30. It's easier for me to buy a little somethign here and there than it is to plop down a lump sum all at once. Not that I am at all opposed to Mr. Sherwood making a buck or two doing something that he enjoys. 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Most of Parts for the Sherwood MODS are not cheap...the relays alone for the filter swich board are $20 each + and you need several. Also, you need to be pretty creative to get it all in there...pretty tight in places. Yes, a tight fit, put perfectly manageable. Keep in mind that the Teledyne relays used for the filter switch are designed for RF applications and hence, the high cost. The entire relay board assembly was designed to eliminate filter leakage and blow-by. Take a look at the Sherwood ultimate filter rejection spec and it's easily to see where the buyer's money is going. Paul, W9AC ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
A vacuum tube-born radio with loads of solid state mods ? Sorry but then isn't a vacuum made receiver,transmitter, twin line ( etc ) anymore. The FUN about those boathanchors is use it as it is. If i wanna something improved...ill buy a new product. At my side, the challenging while using old stuff is fun, fun and fun. The battle against big, closed, splatters while you have to fight with the passband tuning AND rf gain...etc etc. It's like to drive a Jaguar, but with a (eg) Bentley engine inside. Do we can call that car a Jaguar ? I don't think so. So, at my side, a Drake product, with plenty of solid state things inside...isn't a Drake anymore. Obv it's only my opinion. '73 de Adrian iz3svi On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:06:30 +1100, John Brown wrote: Max, if you are inclined towards doing all of the R-4C Sherwood mods on your receiver then I would say it would be well worthwhile. The complete mods really puts the R4-C ahead of the pack. I have done 2 R4C's this way and wouldn't hesitate to do them again. In terms of individual mods, then the power supply is a must and perhaps the filter capacitors at the same time. The audio module gets rid of the class A audio amp which is a heat generator and source of PTO drift. I believe you would need to do the audio mod if the power supply is upgraded. So once you start you might as well keep going. Best of luck JB FROM: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] ON BEHALF OF AirRadio SENT: Saturday, 31 December 2011 8:28 AM TO: drakelist@zerobeat.net SUBJECT: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods I am thinking about doing the full works Sherwood mods on my R4-C. Which are the best to do? I don't mind how far I go with this, I just want the best receiver for my money, I would like it for Top band use but I know it will be good for all frequencies however 160M is where I want to go. 73 Max M0GHQ/W8BX ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
I have investigated the Sherwood Mods somewhat, but I found, like Steve mentioned, a lot of it is directed toward building a better contest radio. The mods really go after the close in IMD spec in CW. Other than a little better audio, it seems that UNLESS you truly want a contest rig, it may not do what you expect. I find it mildly amusing that so many Drake fans, who are pretty openly against just about any non-Drake modification, will embrace the Sherwood treatment. Remember, it is no longer an R4c when you are doneit is a Sherwood/Drake R4c. FWIW, Curt KU8L On 12/30/2011 8:06 PM, John Brown wrote: Max, if you are inclined towards doing all of the R-4C Sherwood mods on your receiver then I would say it would be well worthwhile. The complete mods really puts the R4-C ahead of the pack. I have done 2 R4C's this way and wouldn't hesitate to do them again. In terms of individual mods, then the power supply is a must and perhaps the filter capacitors at the same time. The audio module gets rid of the class A audio amp which is a heat generator and source of PTO drift. I believe you would need to do the audio mod if the power supply is upgraded. So once you start you might as well keep going. Best of luck JB *From:*drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] *On Behalf Of *AirRadio *Sent:* Saturday, 31 December 2011 8:28 AM *To:* drakelist@zerobeat.net *Subject:* [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods I am thinking about doing the full works Sherwood mods on my R4-C. Which are the best to do? I don't mind how far I go with this, I just want the best receiver for my money, I would like it for Top band use but I know it will be good for all frequencies however 160M is where I want to go. 73 Max M0GHQ/W8BX ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Adrian - You're not alone!! :-) 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 Adrian wrote: A vacuum tube-born radio with loads of solid state mods ? Sorry but then isn't a vacuum made receiver,transmitter, twin line ( etc ) anymore. The FUN about those boathanchors is use it as it is. If i wanna something improved...ill buy a new product. At my side, the challenging while using old stuff is fun, fun and fun. The battle against big, closed, splatters while you have to fight with the passband tuning AND rf gain...etc etc. It's like to drive a Jaguar, but with a (eg) Bentley engine inside. Do we can call that car a Jaguar ? I don't think so. So, at my side, a Drake product, with plenty of solid state things inside...isn't a Drake anymore. Obv it's only my opinion. '73 de Adrian iz3svi On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:06:30 +1100, John Brown brown...@optusnet.com.au wrote: Max, if you are inclined towards doing all of the R-4C Sherwood mods on your receiver then I would say it would be well worthwhile. The complete mods really puts the R4-C ahead of the pack. I have done 2 R4C’s this way and wouldn’t hesitate to do them again. In terms of individual mods, then the power supply is a must and perhaps the filter capacitors at the same time. The audio module gets rid of the class A audio amp which is a heat generator and source of PTO drift. I believe you would need to do the audio mod if the power supply is upgraded. So once you start you might as well keep going. Best of luck JB *From:*drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] *On Behalf Of *AirRadio *Sent:* Saturday, 31 December 2011 8:28 AM *To:* drakelist@zerobeat.net *Subject:* [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods I am thinking about doing the full works Sherwood mods on my R4-C. Which are the best to do? I don't mind how far I go with this, I just want the best receiver for my money, I would like it for Top band use but I know it will be good for all frequencies however 160M is where I want to go. 73 Max ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Gary - Amen! Happy New Year!! 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 Gary Poland wrote: Against my better judgment to comment on the Sherwood mods, I guess this time I can’t help myself HI HI. This subject is just about as opinionated as the fan sucks in, blows out debate. First I am not a serious contester, just a tinkerer, casual SSB /AM operator and not so serious DX chaser. Short of first IF filter replacements, I am personally not in favor of modifying the the R-4C. Even overlooking the fact that it is no longer as Drake designed it, good or bad, I prefer to keep them stock, just my opinion. I love them for what they are. The modifications were first published in Ham Radio and 73 magazines years ago. I have tried most of them, but later returned the R-4C back to stock. Probably the best reason I see against the mods, unless you have money to burn, they are very expensive. I personally would prefer the keep the Drakes stock and purchase a newer radio. Again I realize everyone is different, everyone has an opinion. Those that spent big bucks to “ upgrade “ their R-4C’s have a need to feel warm and fuzzy about the expense I suppose, and maybe they see a real improvement. I will just keep my non Blue LED lighted, spotted chassis, non $100 Hartzel paint job, non modded C-lines as they are ... 73, Gary ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
I'll third it. If I want something to act like a new whizbang radio, why not get a new whizbang radio? The joy of an old piece of gear is it being an old piece of gear that still works well. I suppose the ultimate update would be to remove everything in the cabinet of a R4C and install inside an Elecraft K3.. Would it still be a Drake? I don't think so, but others might. We own the radios, so we're free to do as we wish, but remember, it's only original once. John K5MO At 09:43 AM 12/31/2011, Gary Poland wrote: Against my better judgment to comment on the Sherwood mods, I guess this time I canât help myself HI HI. This subject is just about as opinionated as the fan sucks in, blows out debate. First I am not a serious contester, just a tinkerer, casual SSB /AM operator and not so serious DX chaser. Short of first IF filter replacements, I am personally not in favor of modifying the the R-4C. Even overlooking the fact that it is no longer as Drake designed it, good or bad, I prefer to keep them stock, just my opinion. I love them for what they are. The modifications were first published in Ham Radio and 73 magazines years ago. I have tried most of them, but later returned the R-4C back to stock. Probably the best reason I see against the mods, unless you have money to burn, they are very expensive. I personally would prefer the keep the Drakes stock and purchase a newer radio. Again I realize everyone is different, everyone has an opinion. Those that spent big bucks to â upgrade â their R-4Câs have a need to feel warm and fuzzy about the expense I suppose, and maybe they see a real improvement. I will just keep my non Blue LED lighted, spotted chassis, non $100 Hartzel paint job, non modded C-lines as they are ... 73, Gary ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
The R-4C (stock) is hardly a true vacuum tube radio...very much a hybrid. Even the R-4B has quite a few transisters. Early R-4a...= tube RX...and I'm looking to get one of those some day (Dayton??) 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Adrian svi...@blably.com To: John Brown brown...@optusnet.com.au Cc: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sat, Dec 31, 2011 6:50 am Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods A vacuum tube-born radio with loads of solid state mods ? Sorry but then isn't a vacuum made receiver,transmitter, twin line ( etc ) anymore. The FUN about those boathanchors is use it as it is. If i wanna something improved...ill buy a new product. At my side, the challenging while using old stuff is fun, fun and fun. The battle against big, closed, splatters while you have to fight with the passband tuning AND rf gain...etc etc. It's like to drive a Jaguar, but with a (eg) Bentley engine inside. Do we can call that car a Jaguar ? I don't think so. So, at my side, a Drake product, with plenty of solid state things inside...isn't a Drake anymore. Obv it's only my opinion. '73 de Adrian iz3svi On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:06:30 +1100, John Brown brown...@optusnet.com.au wrote: Max, if you are inclined towards doing all of the R-4C Sherwood mods on your receiver then I would say it would be well worthwhile. The complete mods really puts the R4-C ahead of the pack. I have done 2 R4C’s this way and wouldn’t hesitate to do them again. In terms of individual mods, then the power supply is a must and perhaps the filter capacitors at the same time. The audio module gets rid of the class A audio amp which is a heat generator and source of PTO drift. I believe you would need to do the audio mod if the power supply is upgraded. So once you start you might as well keep going. Best of luck JB From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of AirRadio Sent: Saturday, 31 December 2011 8:28 AM To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods I am thinking about doing the full works Sherwood mods on my R4-C. Which are the best to do? I don't mind how far I go with this, I just want the best receiver for my money, I would like it for Top band use but I know it will be good for all frequencies however 160M is where I want to go. 73 Max M0GHQ/W8BX ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
To Mod or not to Mod has been an interesting theme to close out the old year, that is for sure. Happy Old Year to all, and may the new year bring excellent propagation, low noise, and resonance on all antennas and remember, to tune is to exist. Kris KM2KM___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
The audio amp in the stock R-4C is already solid state. The Sherwood mod for the audio amp does make it sound better and removes the big heat source right below the PTO. That is the only Sherwood mod I made, but I'm considering the power supply mod. I also installed the Hayseed Hamfest cap cans. 73, Bob WW3QB The R-4C (stock) is hardly a true vacuum tube radio...very much a hybrid. Even the R-4B has quite a few transisters. Early R-4a...= tube RX...and I'm looking to get one of those some day (Dayton??) 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Adrian svi...@blably.com To: John Brown brown...@optusnet.com.au Cc: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sat, Dec 31, 2011 6:50 am Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods A vacuum tube-born radio with loads of solid state mods ? Sorry but then isn't a vacuum made receiver,transmitter, twin line ( etc ) anymore. The FUN about those boathanchors is use it as it is. If i wanna something improved...ill buy a new product. At my side, the challenging while using old stuff is fun, fun and fun. The battle against big, closed, splatters while you have to fight with the passband tuning AND rf gain...etc etc. It's like to drive a Jaguar, but with a (eg) Bentley engine inside. Do we can call that car a Jaguar ? I don't think so. So, at my side, a Drake product, with plenty of solid state things inside...isn't a Drake anymore. Obv it's only my opinion. '73 de Adrian iz3svi On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:06:30 +1100, John Brown brown...@optusnet.com.au wrote: Max, if you are inclined towards doing all of the R-4C Sherwood mods on your receiver then I would say it would be well worthwhile. The complete mods really puts the R4-C ahead of the pack. I have done 2 R4C’s this way and wouldn’t hesitate to do them again. In terms of individual mods, then the power supply is a must and perhaps the filter capacitors at the same time. The audio module gets rid of the class A audio amp which is a heat generator and source of PTO drift. I believe you would need to do the audio mod if the power supply is upgraded. So once you start you might as well keep going. Best of luck JB From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of AirRadio Sent: Saturday, 31 December 2011 8:28 AM To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods I am thinking about doing the full works Sherwood mods on my R4-C. Which are the best to do? I don't mind how far I go with this, I just want the best receiver for my money, I would like it for Top band use but I know it will be good for all frequencies however 160M is where I want to go. 73 Max M0GHQ/W8BX ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:35:11 +0100, Adrian wrote: So, at my side, a Drake product, with plenty of solid state things inside...isn't a Drake anymore. I hate to tell you this, Adrian, but your Drake already has solid state things inside. 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4c sherwood moods
Well I will say it just like my two 56 chevys one bone stock plane 235 inline six with three on the tree to my Loving hot rod with a 383 stroker and nitros injection. the best of both worlds. as to Drake I have a plane Jane B line , a plane Jane C line and a hot rod fully moded R4C (over$1800 in mods and filters) and love to play with em both. You can have your cake and eat it too. Just my 2 cents 73s Darryl WA5TOO___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4c sherwood moods
Hi Darryl: I like that approach. No question that the mods make the C a better radio. As long as a person understands what the final product is going to be, then go for it. The performance margin that the Sherwood mods offered over comparably priced SS rigs of the day is no longer valid. Whatever the bench work indicates, there is NO performance comparison, all around, to a modern $1200 radio. (Of course, anything I can hear on the 746pro or TS2000, or whatever, I surely can hear also on the R4a---but that is NOT what the mods were all about) I am one that will indeed make minor mods to help in small ways..especially heat related, for durability or availability of parts. ( The AC-4 mods as example) Mine are not museum pieces, but user rigs like Gary mentions and are mostly stock. A line, B line, TR-3,4,7. They are what they are and a pleasure to use as is. Curt KU8L On 12/31/2011 11:32 AM, dle9480...@aol.com wrote: Well I will say it just like my two 56 chevys one bone stock plane 235 inline six with three on the tree to my Loving hot rod with a 383 stroker and nitros injection. the best of both worlds. as to Drake I have a plane Jane B line , a plane Jane C line and a hot rod fully moded R4C (over$1800 in mods and filters) and love to play with em both. You can have your cake and eat it too. Just my 2 cents 73s Darryl WA5TOO ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4c sherwood moods
Curt, Well, certainly a vaild staement in general..BUT. The r-4c Sherwood is still quieter than my 746 PRO was and my TT Orion II is. Still kind of like the analog dial too...very fast to move or very slow...all without any buttin pushing. Every now then...I will ONLY use my C line and L-4B for a whole week end...Not even turn on the TT OII and Alpha amp... well..it's fun and it is VERY effective stilll today. All great radios today. 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Curt Nixon cptc...@flash.net To: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sat, Dec 31, 2011 12:03 pm Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4c sherwood moods Hi Darryl: I like that approach. No question that the mods make the C a better radio. As long as a person understands what the final product is going to be, then go for it. The performance margin that the Sherwood mods offered over comparably priced SS rigs of the day is no longer valid. Whatever the bench work indicates, there is NO performance comparison, all around, to a modern $1200 radio. (Of course, anything I can hear on the 746pro or TS2000, or whatever, I surely can hear also on the R4a---but that is NOT what the mods were all about) I am one that will indeed make minor mods to help in small ways..especially heat related, for durability or availability of parts. ( The AC-4 mods as example) Mine are not museum pieces, but user rigs like Gary mentions and are mostly stock. A line, B line, TR-3,4,7. They are what they are and a pleasure to use as is. Curt KU8L On 12/31/2011 11:32 AM, dle9480...@aol.com wrote: Well I will say it just like my two 56 chevys one bone stock plane 235 inline six with three on the tree to my Loving hot rod with a 383 stroker and nitros injection. the best of both worlds. as to Drake I have a plane Jane B line , a plane Jane C line and a hot rod fully moded R4C (over$1800 in mods and filters) and love to play with em both. You can have your cake and eat it too. Just my 2 cents 73s Darryl WA5TOO ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:43:18 -0500, Gary Poland wrote: Probably the best reason I see against the mods, unless you have money to burn, they are very expensive. I personally would prefer the keep the Drakes stock and purchase a newer radio. Again I realize everyone is different, everyone has an opinion I can see your point, and I generally stay away from feature-ism mods, but I'm not opposed to technically sound mods that address design deficiencies. Arguably that audio output stage and low voltage power supply were not state-of-the-art when the radio was manufactured, nor was the product detector and that mixer stage that picks up noise on AM, but we can assume that Drake was designing to a price point. Sherwood mods are only expensive when purchased from Sherwood, it's easy enough to roll your own for most of them if you have the skills. I don't care for most of the modern radios out there at all, and can't justify the expense - especially when I can spend a sawbuck or two now and then on some parts and make what I have the equal of anything that's out there in performance or listenablility. Just my opinons. 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4c sherwood moods
Every now then...I will ONLY use my C line and L-4B for a whole week end... Lee, That's a great idea since it gives you the opportunity to re-visit the older technology and compare notes against recent designs. I have no issues with well-designed and implemented mods that serve an overarching purpose. The Sherwood mods accomplish that. Moreover, I keep respect alive by ensuring that cosmetically, they are as perfect as possible. I have to thank the many folks who have provided those resources. At one time or another, they've been the recipient of my business. Both my R-4C and R-4B are heavily modified. The R-4B may not even be recognizable under the chassis to most folks here. But I started with a purpose and designed for it. The changes meet my operating goals and were not meant to appeal to all Drake users. Folks who have used a Sherwood-modified Drake have every right to express their opinion -- but seemingly, several users have not tried the mods and have based their opinion on perception and not reality. Another a group of users seem to resent that some owners have attained the aptitude to either install and/or design their own mods. This attitude seems even stronger among Collins owners. Now, that's *my* perception and may not be reality! Paul, W9AC ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Personally I would never consider modifying my Drakes. They work great as is. When I want 2011 technology, I use one of my modern rigs. When I turn on my Drakes, I want to experience a Drake rig, and not some cobbled up one. I no longer would consider buying any Drake rig with modifications. I've done that a few times and regretted it each and every time. (Too much working taking them out). I look at modifying a Drake rig like taking a Stanley Steamer, removing it's boiler and installing a Corvette engine in it. Doing this makes absolutely no sense to me at all. To me, if you don't like the radio as is, why not build your own design. One of my other interests are Tropical Fish. I am almost out of that hobby as today sellers are injecting dye to color living fish and breeding sports which never existed in nature. I guess there are different strokes for different people. I just look at modifying a Drake rig as showing no appreciation of years gone bye technology. If someone wants to improve something, go out and buy a new 2012 rig and modify/destroy it. Lee, w0vt ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:55:06 -0500 (EST), L L bahr wrote: I look at modifying a Drake rig like taking a Stanley Steamer, removing it's boiler and installing a Corvette engine in it. Maybe you wouldn't put a 'vette engine in it, but I'd bet a dollar that you would set a stadium cushion on the seat to soften your ride a bit ;) I just look at modifying a Drake rig as showing no appreciation of years gone bye technology. If someone wants to improve something, go out and buy a new 2012 rig and modify/destroy it. And I can still remember when is wasn't uncommon for hams to spend hours tuning, tweaking, and yes, making modifications to their gear (whether homebrew or store-bought) so they could put the best possible signal on the air. This is just an extension of that, and arguably part of the basis and purpose of Amateur Radio. And besides that, it's FUN! Aside from that, which one of us hasn't replaced a 2-wire power cord with 3-wire, or (to stray off-topic a bit) opearated an AC/DC set through an isolation transformer? Those are mods, too. If Bob Drake modded his C-Line, would it still be a Drake...? 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Jim, Huh? I don't see any of the MODS I have on my Sherwood R-4C as roll your own...I guess if you can design and build printed circuit boards and get all the parts including those neat front end filters you could. Another way to get a Sherwood r-4C is get one from someone selling thiers. They do sell the kits so you can install them yourself..(Maybe a couple at a time) I did a couple...I am a pretty good technitian and it was not all that easy to do...it's pretty tight in most of the RX. Anyways...Glad I already have it...just today I used the C line including the L-4B, and had a great timejust nice quiet and signals just pop out when you get to them. I have the 2.4 KC frony end roofing filters and it's cool to have weal signals nearby that do not de-sense the weak ones. 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Jim Shorney jshor...@inebraska.com To: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sat, Dec 31, 2011 12:26 pm Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:43:18 -0500, Gary Poland wrote: Probably the best reason I see against the mods, unless you have money to burn, they are very expensive. I personally would prefer the keep the Drakes stock and purchase a newer radio. Again I realize everyone is different, everyone has an opinion I can see your point, and I generally stay away from feature-ism mods, but I'm not opposed to technically sound mods that address design deficiencies. Arguably that audio output stage and low voltage power supply were not state-of-the-art when the radio was manufactured, nor was the product detector and that mixer stage that picks up noise on AM, but we can assume that Drake was designing to a price point. Sherwood mods are only expensive when purchased from Sherwood, it's easy enough to roll your own for most of them if you have the skills. I don't care for most of the modern radios out there at all, and can't justify the expense - especially when I can spend a sawbuck or two now and then on some parts and make what I have the equal of anything that's out there in performance or listenablility. Just my opinons. 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:32:14 -0500 (EST), kc9...@aol.com wrote: I don't see any of the MODS I have on my Sherwood R-4C as roll your own...I guess if you can design and build printed circuit boards and get all the parts including those neat front end filters you could. Sure, why not? That's what building stuff is all about! You could even make your own crystal filters if you wanted to get that deep. Most of the Sherwood stuff is pretty well documented. 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
One needs to look at these changes for what they are, in the context of their original use when they were introduced over 30 years ago. Back then, these mods did make a fairly-new radio perform much better. I can also remember ads in QST for solid-state tube replacements. I never saw any tests done on those. Back around 1980, these mods were ways to get more performance out of contemporary or recently contemporary rigs. There are folks who love them with these mods and others who hate 'em. A chacque son gout. For me and lots of others, we like the Drakes for what they represent from their now-historical period and will minimize the mods. Myself, I have an Elecraft K3 for doing contesting and heavy-duty DX'ing. It's a fantastic rig. I used to have a Model A Ford, as well as my modern car that I commuted to work with. While it was fun to take the A out on weekends and occasionally to work to show it off, it really was a lousy commuter car compared to the Saab that I was driving at the time. But the A was still enjoyable. That's the way I look at my Drake gear. BTW, stock Drake gear is usually much more useable on the current bands than 90% of the other rigs that were contemporary to any of the Drake line. My $0.02 Enjoy Those Drakes, but leave the DSP in your K3... Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. - Joe Walsh If the above message appears, it came from Steve's Son of Laptop! - Original Message - From: Gary Poland To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:43 AM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods Against my better judgment to comment on the Sherwood mods, I guess this time I can’t help myself HI HI. This subject is just about as opinionated as the fan sucks in, blows out debate. First I am not a serious contester, just a tinkerer, casual SSB /AM operator and not so serious DX chaser. Short of first IF filter replacements, I am personally not in favor of modifying the the R-4C. Even overlooking the fact that it is no longer as Drake designed it, good or bad, I prefer to keep them stock, just my opinion. I love them for what they are. The modifications were first published in Ham Radio and 73 magazines years ago. I have tried most of them, but later returned the R-4C back to stock. Probably the best reason I see against the mods, unless you have money to burn, they are very expensive. I personally would prefer the keep the Drakes stock and purchase a newer radio. Again I realize everyone is different, everyone has an opinion. Those that spent big bucks to “ upgrade “ their R-4C’s have a need to feel warm and fuzzy about the expense I suppose, and maybe they see a real improvement. I will just keep my non Blue LED lighted, spotted chassis, non $100 Hartzel paint job, non modded C-lines as they are ... 73, Gary -- ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Jim, Of course anything can be done...it takes MANY, MANY hours just to install all of Sherwoods mods even if you get the kits from him. Then there is a modified alignment procedure too. (according to Rob, I have not had to do one since he did mine) Why invent the wheel...but as they say...go for it if it trips your trigger. By the time you buy all the parts...you won't save much. 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Jim Shorney jshor...@inebraska.com To: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sat, Dec 31, 2011 8:55 pm Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:32:14 -0500 (EST), kc9...@aol.com wrote: I don't see any of the MODS I have on my Sherwood R-4C as roll your own...I guess if you can design and build printed circuit boards and get all the parts including those neat front end filters you could. Sure, why not? That's what building stuff is all about! You could even make your own crystal filters if you wanted to get that deep. Most of the Sherwood stuff is pretty well documented. 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Steve, Have you ever had/used extensively a properly done Sherwood R-4C? I have a TT Orion II right beside it.that's a pretty good comparison machine, as would the K3... I had the Sherwood before the O II...now I really don't need the Sherwood, but I love it and it's staying. Sometimes I want to run Drake and I want the performace of the Sherwood R-4C. My 2 cents is if you are into running Drake AND want the top performace it's worth the Mods. If you do the Drake for ragchew like the easy/great audio,, forget it and get a R-4A or B...better audio and very smooth. One nice thing about the Sherwood modded RX, leave the Front end filter switch at center and the regular front end isstill used...or go to 2,4 or 600 front end roofing filters as needed with heavy QRM. You don't really need anything but a Icom 718...but all this is fun. 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Steve Wedge w1es1...@earthlink.net To: Gary Poland gpola...@cinci.rr.com; drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sat, Dec 31, 2011 9:03 pm Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods One needs to look at these changes for what they are, in the context of their original use when they were introduced over 30 years ago. Back then, these mods did make a fairly-new radio perform much better. I can also remember ads in QST for solid-state tube replacements. I never saw any tests done on those. Back around 1980, these mods were ways to get more performance out of contemporary or recently contemporary rigs. There are folks who love them with these mods and others who hate 'em. A chacque son gout. For me and lots of others, we like the Drakes for what they represent from their now-historical period and will minimize the mods. Myself, I have an Elecraft K3 for doing contesting and heavy-duty DX'ing. It's a fantastic rig. I used to have a Model A Ford, as well as my modern car that I commuted to work with. While it was fun to take the A out on weekends and occasionally to work to show it off, it really was a lousy commuter car compared to the Saab that I was driving at the time. But the A was still enjoyable. That's the way I look at my Drake gear. BTW, stock Drake gear is usually much more useable on the current bands than 90% of the other rigs that were contemporary to any of the Drake line. My $0.02 Enjoy Those Drakes, but leave the DSP in your K3... Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. - Joe Walsh If the above message appears, it came from Steve's Son of Laptop! - Original Message - From: Gary Poland To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:43 AM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods Against my better judgment to comment on the Sherwood mods, I guess this time I can’t help myself HI HI. This subject is just about as opinionated as the fan sucks in, blows out debate. First I am not a serious contester, just a tinkerer, casual SSB /AM operator and not so serious DX chaser. Short of first IF filter replacements, I am personally not in favor of modifying the the R-4C. Even overlooking the fact that it is no longer as Drake designed it, good or bad, I prefer to keep them stock, just my opinion. I love them for what they are. The modifications were first published in Ham Radio and 73 magazines years ago. I have tried most of them, but later returned the R-4C back to stock. Probably the best reason I see against the mods, unless you have money to burn, they are very expensive. I personally would prefer the keep the Drakes stock and purchase a newer radio. Again I realize everyone is different, everyone has an opinion. Those that spent big bucks to “ upgrade “ their R-4C’s have a need to feel warm and fuzzy about the expense I suppose, and maybe they see a real improvement. I will just keep my non Blue LED lighted, spotted chassis, non $100 Hartzel paint job, non modded C-lines as they are ... 73, Gary ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Sartori Associates also made the kits available. The earliest ads I have for the Sherwood / Sartori kits is 1982. Most of the articles for R-4C improvement show up in 1979 issues of Ham Radio and 73. Fox Tango also made switchable 1st IF filters kits available they called GUF-1 and GUF-2. For a while in the late 90’s a fellow by the name of David McCauley I believe and sold upgrade kits as well through his online Drake Shop store. The boards were good quality and priced very reasonable. I don’t think he is in business any longer though. So you are quite correct Steve, the current improvements for the R-4C were dreamed up 30 years ago and by various individuals. 73, Gary___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
On Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:04:07 -0500 (EST), kc9...@aol.com wrote: Why invent the wheel...but as they say...go for it if it trips your trigger. By the time you buy all the parts...you won't save much. Maybe you missed the part about FUN! And the sense of accomplishment. Parts are cheap. Especially if you went to the Radar O'Rielly school of procurement. 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
I am thinking about doing the full works Sherwood mods on my R4-C. Which are the best to do? I don't mind how far I go with this, I just want the best receiver for my money, I would like it for Top band use but I know it will be good for all frequencies however 160M is where I want to go. 73 Max M0GHQ/W8BX___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Max. YES, go for it! I have the Full Sherwood mods on a very late R-4C and it is top notch. I have ALL mods except the one for the FS4. I have done extensive A/B test against my Ten-Tec Orion II and...it will hear every bit as well in most conditions (SSB) And on CW excellant as well (The OII of couse does have the DSP) Rob's guy did the MODS on mine and the work is 10+... I use it all the time... Yes...it's going to cost you, but if it's a keeper...just do it. If you wanted a regular R-4 any...then I go with the R-4B for casual operating. 73, Lee -Original Message- From: AirRadio airra...@dsl.pipex.com To: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Fri, Dec 30, 2011 4:30 pm Subject: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods I am thinking about doing the full works Sherwood mods on my R4-C. Which are the best to do? I don't mind how far I go with this, I just want the best receiver for my money, I would like it for Top band use but I know it will be good for all frequencies however 160M is where I want to go. 73 Max M0GHQ/W8BX ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
You may wish to consider the following: Solid state mixer mod: The 6EQ7 (I believe) is notoriously prone to microphonics and earlier I had purchased several spare tubes just for this reason. They were hard to get then. They did not last long, so this mod essentially solved the problem and resulted in a much quieter unit. Solid state product detector: The original product detector was a simple and poor design originating to the R blank line; this fixes the unit and makes the detection more robust and less prone to producing noise. Solid state power supply and capacitor kit (actually 2 kits here): many of the mods need a clean and regulated source of DC power. This mod replaces the original capacitors (probably in need of that any way) and PROVIDES A NEW POWER SUPPLY for the radio. Even up to the C line, when Drake needed a voltage less than 250 VDC, they inserted a (generally) big resistor in the line. This was true for the few solid state devices that were in the radio to start with. This cleans it up by providing a clean and regulated source of DC power and allows the radio to run at less DC current on the power supply. Less current, less heat and less wear on the power transformer. The best thing you can do for the radio and the modification that wakes up an otherwise lethargic radio is the 600 Cy roofing filter in the first IF. This is the first application (that I know of) of the roofing filter concept for improved CW operation. It is an amazing modification and turns an ok radio into a sprinter. By measurement, the modified R4C has a 2 KC dynamic range of in the 80 dB range. Up until 15 years ago this was a measurement not worth doing as no radio could perform in that regard. You simply accepted what the manufacturer, any, gave you . It took an otherwise good radio and made it a champ. As I work DX only, it made working a pile up or a contest a pleasure instead of a chore. It is truly amazing and essentially is what put Sherwood on the radio map. Incidentally, it was Bob's poor showing using a pair of new R4Cs on the ARRL 160M CW contest that gave birth to the first roofing filter. Since the intro of this mod, the other manufacturers have copied it and offer it in their new designs. It all began here with the R4C mod that Bob Sherwood did in the 60's. The articles in Ham Radio where they were first published are considered classics. If you do but one of the modifications, do this one. Lastly, the audio amplifier tube and circuit can be replaced with a solid state unit. It provides cleaner audio and reduces the heat and current draw even further. The radio I have has some of the home brew items of those articles as well as the modules purchased from Sherwood. I would recommend going the purchase route as all of the chore of mounting and part placement is already worked out in the radio for you. Good luck on your adventure. You will not be sorry. There are other mods that I have considered but not done that would incrementally improve the radio, but do not have them. There are also some simple mods for the T4X as well and I have used some of these as well. There are some that say that such modifications are heresy and should not be done to keep the stable pure and true. I do believe it is because of these mods that Drake is still alive in the contesting field. I would rather take the pleasure of using a modified radio than have a pristine original that I would never use. What you will end up with is a vastly improved radio, beyond what Drake could have imagined. It holds its on with any other radio I have ever used, Yaesu 1000, Orion, Omni 6+ (with the IRC roofing filter), Kenwood. You get the added smell and history and that full bodied sound that only the tube radios have. Keep in touch and go for it! I envy you for the great adventure you are about to embark on! David Assaf, III W5XU From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of Steve Wedge Sent: Friday, December 30, 2011 5:49 PM To: AirRadio; drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods Hi, Max - I'd go for the mods that improve on the solid-state circuits. Because of the period when these radios were made, many of the early solid-state circuits that were used in the C's have had significant improvements - particularly the audio chain. I owned a couple of C-Line sets (one early and one late) and both had the Sherwood audio amps - which I consider to be worthwhile. There was another mod that may not have been Sherwood that involved the third mixer and placing an RF choke there (IIRC, it was in the cathode circuit, but we're dealing with a 25-year-old memory here...) - it applied only to the late-production and got rid of much of the hiss in the audio. Bear in mind that a lot of those mods turned the C-Line into contest-ready radios, which - if you're only operating casually
Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Max, if you are inclined towards doing all of the R-4C Sherwood mods on your receiver then I would say it would be well worthwhile. The complete mods really puts the R4-C ahead of the pack. I have done 2 R4C's this way and wouldn't hesitate to do them again. In terms of individual mods, then the power supply is a must and perhaps the filter capacitors at the same time. The audio module gets rid of the class A audio amp which is a heat generator and source of PTO drift. I believe you would need to do the audio mod if the power supply is upgraded. So once you start you might as well keep going. Best of luck JB From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of AirRadio Sent: Saturday, 31 December 2011 8:28 AM To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods I am thinking about doing the full works Sherwood mods on my R4-C. Which are the best to do? I don't mind how far I go with this, I just want the best receiver for my money, I would like it for Top band use but I know it will be good for all frequencies however 160M is where I want to go. 73 Max M0GHQ/W8BX ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C PTO Brass Gears replacement
Ive had my R4C PTO rebuilt about 8 months ago and the PTO tuning felt great. Before the rebuild it would stick and would have different tightness as I tuned. I hadn't used the rig for a few months and turned it on last night and I have the same issue again. Wanted to know if anyone changed out the nylon gears for the brass set? I think the nylon gears keep swelling on me. And yes, the oil was removed during the first rebuild. Also...does anyone have a set of brass gears or an old broke PTO with a set of brass gears on it that they would like to sell. Thanks... Rich Rich N7TR ex KI3V, N3AMK, WB3JOV www.n7tr.com Telnet: dxc.n7tr.com N7TR DXCluster ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C PTO Brass Gears replacement
Rich, Based on my experience...clean those gears with soap water use a stiff brush to be sure NO old gread, dirt etc is in the very bottem of the teeth. Maybe you have already done this...if so maybe there is still oil in the plastic? 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Rich Hallman - N7TR r...@n7tr.com To: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sat, Dec 17, 2011 11:54 am Subject: [Drakelist] R4C PTO Brass Gears replacement Ive had my R4C PTO rebuilt about 8 months ago and the PTO tuning felt great. Before the rebuild it would stick and would have different tightness as I tuned. I hadn't used the rig for a few months and turned it on last night and I have the same issue again. Wanted to know if anyone changed out the nylon gears for the brass set? I think the nylon gears keep swelling on me. And yes, the oil was removed during the first rebuild. Also...does anyone have a set of brass gears or an old broke PTO with a set of brass gears on it that they would like to sell. Thanks... Rich Rich N7TR ex KI3V, N3AMK, WB3JOV www.n7tr.com Telnet: dxc.n7tr.com N7TR DXCluster ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C PTO Brass Gears replacement
Hi Rich, I agree with you that the metalNylon assemblies seem to have a smoother feeling with less sloppiness. I don't know if the all-Nylon gears degrade over time or if they came that way from Drake. I changed a set to metal/Nylon gears back last spring. I was first going to attempt a change of gears, but I decided to simply swap out entire PTO assemblies from a late C line that was in less than average cosmetic condition. That's a very easy job. Just a few wires are unsoldered, three screws removed, and the whole PTO assembly with dials comes out. No calibration, no worry about gears meshing and tracking properly, etc. After changing out one assembly and learning from it, another can be done in just a couple minutes. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Rich Hallman - N7TR r...@n7tr.com To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2011 11:53 AM Subject: [Drakelist] R4C PTO Brass Gears replacement Ive had my R4C PTO rebuilt about 8 months ago and the PTO tuning felt great. Before the rebuild it would stick and would have different tightness as I tuned. I hadn't used the rig for a few months and turned it on last night and I have the same issue again. Wanted to know if anyone changed out the nylon gears for the brass set? I think the nylon gears keep swelling on me. And yes, the oil was removed during the first rebuild. Also...does anyone have a set of brass gears or an old broke PTO with a set of brass gears on it that they would like to sell. Thanks... Rich Rich N7TR ex KI3V, N3AMK, WB3JOV www.n7tr.com Telnet: dxc.n7tr.com N7TR DXCluster ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C PTO Brass Gears replacement
Just my opinion, but I think the metal gears are way over valued. I still think they were a cost cutting measure when they ran out of nylon gears near the end of the production cycle. Nylon gears themselves are inexpensive, but the tooling to manufacture them is quite expensive. If the tooling 'wears out or is lost or broken, metal gears from stock look a lot more attractive. The metal gears have a 'grainy' feeling to me, while the nylon ones are smooth as glass. When the nylon gears are 'soaked' in oil, it sometimes becomes necessary to re-do the 'Smooth as Glass' process on 'hfn after they have swollen a bit more. Opinions are like ... well, you know. -- 73, Garey - K4OAH St Charles, IL Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs www.k4oah.com kc9...@aol.com wrote: Rich, Based on my experience...clean those gears with soap water use a stiff brush to be sure NO old gread, dirt etc is in the very bottem of the teeth. Maybe you have already done this...if so maybe there is still oil in the plastic? 73, Lee -Original Message- From: Rich Hallman - N7TR r...@n7tr.com To: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sat, Dec 17, 2011 11:54 am Subject: [Drakelist] R4C PTO Brass Gears replacement Ive had my R4C PTO rebuilt about 8 months ago and the PTO tuning felt great. Before the rebuild it would stick and would have different tightness as I tuned. I hadn't used the rig for a few months and turned it on last night and I have the same issue again. Wanted to know if anyone changed out the nylon gears for the brass set? I think the nylon gears keep swelling on me. And yes, the oil was removed during the first rebuild. Also...does anyone have a set of brass gears or an old broke PTO with a set of brass gears on it that they would like to sell. ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4c Sherwood Mod
I had questions re: the Sherwood mods. When I emailed Rob Sherwood (email address on his web site), he emailed me instructions for *all* the mods. I would include a description of the differences on your PD4. Mike ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C deaf and TR7 questions AGC, tx all band mod
Greetings from over the Pond, oddly I have had a R4C stored in a damp area, and years later when I fired up it still works..though I have only run it short periods. The 2nd R4C is rather deaf both with normal rx and with the xtal calibrater..if its not the valve and I have both 6ej7 and the uk version EF 184 to replace it with. There doesn't seem any exccessive drift, so I wouldn't think voltages are down. 2nd subjest is about the TR7 are there any mods to change the agc speed to something like fast attack with either fast or slow delay for the CW position etc .. I saw a Mod for the TR 7 which involves cutting some pcb tracks for all band tx option..it certainly would be great to operate on the 30 metre WARC band. Any thoughts over this mod is it too risky ?? I got my first R4C about 1978 it took all my college holidays working night shifts, ten tec came along and I forgot just how good Drfake euipment is, hence the recent purchase of the TR7 and A/C psu. I haven't the uers handbook fot the TR7 but a service manual..now figured out what the up/down buttons are for. 73 de ian G3YRQ..best bent wires to 1 and all.. ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C deaf and TR7 questions AGC, tx all band mod
On Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:41:03 -0400, ian parkinson wrote: I saw a Mod for the TR 7 which involves cutting some pcb tracks for all band tx option..it certainly would be great to operate on the 30 metre WARC band. Any thoughts over this mod is it too risky ?? The only real risk, per se, is that you may accidentally transmit somewhere that you shouldn't and the communications authorities will notice. However There is a right way and a wrong way to do this mod. Surprisingly, the published method from Drake is the wrong way to do it. It does give you all band allband transmit as described, but the method for doing so has the side effect of disabling the out-of-lock (OOL) transmit inhibit signal from the PLL. This could allow you to accidentally transmit out of band if the PLL happens to unlock for some reason, and also prevents G4ALG's mod to eliminate the TX spike when power is turned on from working. I have published a method that preserves the OOL signal and involves two trace cuts on the old version Digital Control board. I haven't worked it out for the newer version board yet, not having one at my disposal, and there seeming to be no interest. Most people seem to go with the bad method, despite explanations as to why it is not a good idea 73 -Jim -- Ham Radio NU0C Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.S.A. TR7/RV7/R7A/L7, TR6/RV6, T4XC/R4C/L4B, NCL2000, SB104A, R390A, GT550A/RV550A, HyGain 3750, IBM PS/2 - all vintage, all the time! Give a man a URL, and he will learn for an hour; teach him to Google, and he will learn for a lifetime. HyGain 3750 User's Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HyGain_3750/ http://incolor.inetnebr.com/jshorney http://www.nebraskaghosts.org ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C power transformer rotation
just a note if you like to try shielding the transformer or the VFO try this sight for Mu Medal shielding. try this web sight. Lessemf.com/mag-shld.html___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C
I am looking into the filters on my R4C. I have 2 Heath Dynamics filters mounted in the radio. Can anyone tell me the history of these filters and the original use?ThanksTerry ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C
Terry - The manufacturer is 'Heath Dynamics' no relation to Heathkit. They were one of several companies to make filters for the R-4C. A couple of the others were Piezo Technology and Network Sciences, plus the latest receivers had a Japanese made filter. 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 Terry Wilkin wrote: I am looking into the filters on my R4C. I have 2 Heath Dynamics filters mounted in the radio. Can anyone tell me the history of these filters and the original use? Thanks Terry ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C CW filter for sale
R4C 500khz CW filter $45 + $5 s/h. Thanks George K4MLB ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Preselector Reduction Drive Assembly?
Looking for someone who has a spare they do not need from a parts R4Cor anyone who has rebuilt one of these? Looks like the crimps that hold in the bearings has worn on the reduction drive assembly. Thanks... Rich 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] R4C HYBRID
MY R4C HYBRID #27948 HAS LOST ABOUT 20DB OF SIGNAL STRENGTH. IT SEEMS TO HEAR OK BUT THE S METER SHOWS ~20DB LOWER ALL THE TIME. IT HAS 4 SOLID STATE TUBE REPLACEMENTS FOR 6EJ6 TUBES. I HAVE SWAPPED THE TUBE REPLACEMENTS AROUND A FEW TIMES WITH NO CHANGE IN SIGNAL STRENGTH. IS THEIR A WAY TO CHECK THESE SOLID STATE REPLACEMENTS? CAN I REPLACE THE SOLID STATE TUBES WITH REGULAR TUBES? ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT ELSE WILL CAUSE A 20BD LOSS OF SIGNAL STRENGTH? TIM K9SB ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C S-meter
Here's an update to my S-meter setting woes (and oddly the list seems to have gone out for the last day or so) - I used the directions in the early serial number manual on WB4HFN's site with a little bit of changes - mostly using the s-meter control R33 and R36 to set the end points of the s-meter. I have to get back to it and make a fianl adjustment but the directions in the early manual seem to make a lot more sense. Steve KD2ED ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C Bias and S-meter setup?
Well I read the instructions in the manual but in the end it didn't seem like it was setup right: s-meter zero pot to mid range then setting the s-meter to S-3 (with a 1 micro-volt signal) and then setting the s-meter to a 30,000 micro-volt signal (60 over s-9). Before I started this the s-meter was pretty scotch and the receiver seemed a tad deaf. Clearly, setting R55 woke the receiver up but how do I get the other controls in line to get a real zero on the s-meter and correct full scale reading with s9+60? Both my R4B and TR7 seemed a little more straight forward and I'd like to get the R4C close to either of them. What am I missing? Steve KD2ED ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C unstable VFO
I bought a TR-4CW/RIT off ebay and it would jump in frequency even when just listening. I found that one of those dumbell ceramic capacitors inside the PTO had a very small crack in it. I replaced the cap and all is well. 73, Joe Pyles KC9LAD. At 05:19 PM 8/19/2010, you wrote: Hi People, I've got an R4C that is jumping frequency by +- 1 Khz, then slowly returns to the correct frequency only to repeat again, and again. I have installed the ground strap mod, and exchanged several tubes, cleaned the switching, and checked all the RCA jacks on the rear panel. At this time I don't know where else to go. Has anyone had/ corrected this problem? Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Tom ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C unstable VFO
Sorry. Zener diode in the vfo Sent from my iPhone David Assaf, III On Aug 20, 2010, at 12:28 PM, David Assaf w...@cox.net wrote: Change the 3zener diade in the CFO Sent from my iPhone David Assaf, III On Aug 19, 2010, at 4:19 PM, pony...@aol.com wrote: Hi People, I've got an R4C that is jumping frequency by +- 1 Khz, then slowly returns to the correct frequency only to repeat again, and again. I have installed the ground strap mod, and exchanged several tubes, cleaned the switching, and checked all the RCA jacks on the rear panel. At this time I don't know where else to go. Has anyone had/ corrected this problem? Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Tom ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C unstable VFO
Hi People, I've got an R4C that is jumping frequency by +- 1 Khz, then slowly returns to the correct frequency only to repeat again, and again. I have installed the ground strap mod, and exchanged several tubes, cleaned the switching, and checked all the RCA jacks on the rear panel. At this time I don't know where else to go. Has anyone had/ corrected this problem? Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Tom ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C static after Sherwood 3d mixer mod
I have obtained an R4C with many of the Sherwood mods installed including the solid state 3d mixer which is supposed to eliminate the dreaded frying crackle. Unfortunately occasionally I hear a bit of static sounding to me like what a brief solar flare might sound. It is not really a hiss but more like a strong static crash. It is definitely not simply QRN! It is infrequent and I can still copy over it. Before I open it up and start reviewing the wiring on the mixer mod, has anyone else had experience with this type of problem? Is there a known culprit such as one of the tubes going bad?? Any and all suggestions appreciated. George K4GM ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C static after Sherwood 3d mixer mod
I had this problem when a crystal filter on the back was not making a good connection with one of the pins. Wiggle each filter. The static crashes would occur out of nowhere and last a few seconds. Took me weeks to find it. 73, Bob WW3QB --- On Sat, 7/31/10, K4GM- George k...@verizon.net wrote: From: K4GM- George k...@verizon.net Subject: [Drakelist] R4C static after Sherwood 3d mixer mod To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Date: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 8:06 AM I have obtained an R4C with many of the Sherwood mods installed including the solid state 3d mixer which is supposed to eliminate the dreaded frying crackle. Unfortunately occasionally I hear a bit of static sounding to me like what a brief solar flare might sound. It is not really a hiss but more like a strong static crash. It is definitely not simply QRN! It is infrequent and I can still copy over it. Before I open it up and start reviewing the wiring on the mixer mod, has anyone else had experience with this type of problem? Is there a known culprit such as one of the tubes going bad?? Any and all suggestions appreciated. George K4GM ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C static after Sherwood 3d mixer mod
Bob, Thanks for that tip for the R4C. I think I'll just DeOxit mine while it is on the bench being re-capped!!! Isn't this list the greatest?? 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R4C static after Sherwood 3d mixer mod
Same thing on the filter selector switch. Not using the radio will usually have a switch issue. A bit od deoxit will resolve thAt issue. Good luck. The third mixer did adequately address the third mixer prob. Drake had 3 or 4 designs and Sherwood. Solved it all. A clean and functioning Sherwood receiver is a wonder. Still use mine Sent from my iPhone David Assaf, III On Jul 31, 2010, at 9:48 AM, Robert Ladden rmlad...@yahoo.com wrote: I had this problem when a crystal filter on the back was not making a good connection with one of the pins. Wiggle each filter. The static crashes would occur out of nowhere and last a few seconds. Took me weeks to find it. 73, Bob WW3QB --- On Sat, 7/31/10, K4GM- George k...@verizon.net wrote: From: K4GM- George k...@verizon.net Subject: [Drakelist] R4C static after Sherwood 3d mixer mod To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Date: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 8:06 AM I have obtained an R4C with many of the Sherwood mods installed including the solid state 3d mixer which is supposed to eliminate the dreaded frying crackle. Unfortunately occasionally I hear a bit of static sounding to me like what a brief solar flare might sound. It is not really a hiss but more like a strong static crash. It is definitely not simply QRN! It is infrequent and I can still copy over it. Before I open it up and start reviewing the wiring on the mixer mod, has anyone else had experience with this type of problem? Is there a known culprit such as one of the tubes going bad?? Any and all suggestions appreciated. George K4GM ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R4C noisy switch
Hi all, I think it's called the band pass switch; it's the AM, SSB, CW, and all the narrower CW positions. It's noisy. When slightly moving the switch it makes a lot of noise that causes the AVC to cut the received signal way down. Sometimes, in the AM position, I have to bang on the case several times to get the best connection/loudest signal. Do you think this might be something more serious than just a dirty switch? Thanks anybody. Howard, WA9RYF - Original Message - From: Garey Barrell k4...@mindspring.com To: Drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 10:47 AM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R-4C Audio Problem Bill - The Calibrator problem is almost certainly the electrolytic C179 on the Calibrator board itself. This puts a little hum modulation on the calibrator signal. It's also possible that C167 has gone up a little in ESR as well, which might also account for some of the audio hum you are hearing. Another possible contributor would be C202. Best idea is a kit from hayseedhamfest.com, but he is temporarily out of stock. He has the full kit with ALL electrolytics to drop in. One other possibility for the audio hum is just the sensitivity of your 'phones'. They're much more sensitive than your speaker and typically have a lower frequency response as well. The audio stages, like most, run wide open or maximum gain, all the time. The output level is determined by how much signal is put INTO the AF stages via the volume control. As a result, the s/n ratio is not very good at the very low levels, where you have minimum signal and maximum noise, (always maximum noise/gain,) as opposed to some signal with the same noise at the higher levels. It's best to have the AF GAIN control at 10-11 o'clock, which is normal for the speaker. One way around this is to put a series resistor either in the R-4C or in the headphone plug to drop the sensitivity of the phones to something similar to the speaker. This way you can run AF GAIN up where the s/n is better without blowing out your eardrums! I'd start with a couple hundred ohms or so and select whatever lets you set that gain control up into the good region. 73, Garey - K4OAH Glen Allen, VA Drake 2-B, 4-B, C-Line TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs www.k4oah.com Bill Jackson wrote: I have an interesting problem to present to the group. I'm in the process of restoring a later model R-4C that has a peculiar audio problem. The receiver is working fine with excellent sensitivity on all bands, except that on 80m when I turn on the crystal calibrator, I hear what appear to be weak, but very raspy spurious birdies in between the 25 KHz markers. When I vary the volume control, the birdies sweep through the passband of the receiver. Also, when listening to the audio output with a pair of headphones when the receiver is muted, I hear the usual low level hum that is typical for the R-4C, but it changes characteristics over a relatively small range around the 9 o'clock position of the volume control. The hum does not change in volume, it just sounds rather raspy over this small range, similar in characteristic to the birdies I hear in between the 25 KHz markers. Is it possible the audio output stage is self oscillating at some odd frequency and is somehow mixing with or modulating the output of the crystal calibrator? I don't have access to a scope, but I do have access to a good quality Fluke DVM and an IFR service monitor. I would appreciate any suggestions on where to start looking. This particular receiver was in storage for about 15 years, so I wouldn't be surprised if there are some electrolytic capacitor issues. Thanks in advance. 73 de Bill, K9RZ ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
