Daily GLOWBUGS
Digest: V1 #1
via AB4EL Web Digests @ SunSITE
Purpose: building and operating vacuum tube-based QRP rigs
Subject: glowbugs V1 #1
glowbugs Wednesday, April 9 1997 Volume 01 : Number 001
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 11:07:38 -0500
From: Conard Murray <ws4s@InfoAve.Net>
Subject: Who wants the list in digest form?
I know that several of you were wanting the list in digest format. We are
finally getting to setting up the digest, so send me a note if you want to
be included there. Let me know if you want the digest only or if you want
both the digest and the list.
73,
Conard
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Conard Murray WS4S Glowbugs listowner ws4s@infoave.net
217 Dyer Avenue Cookeville, TN 38501 615-526-4093
Member Arizona ScQRPions QRP-L #993 Friend to anything TCS or GRC-19
<>< Wise men still seek Him ><>
WIMPS: Qs=000 30m=0 17m=0 12m=0 States=00/00/00
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 18:18:46 +0200
From: Jan Axing <janax@li.icl.se>
Subject: Re: good pencil tube choice for regen rx?
rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu wrote:
>
> >
> > I found a pair of sockets and figure it's time for the pocket
> > SW regen on batteries.
> > Looking for tube suggestions.
> >
> > -bob
> >
>
> There is a dual triode in a submini flat bottle with wire leads or in a
> round pencil sized bottle with wire leads. It is a 6000 series tube.
> The 1AD4 would be pretty good also, and that was used by the tons in
> early Motorola FM gear, so it is still about in the vhf junk bins.
>
> Bob/NA4G
What a curious coincidence! I was just about to post a question about
tubes... one of them is 1AD4! Here is what I had written when Bob's
reply arrived.
Fellows!
I have a lot of tubes in my junk box and data on almost all. There are
a couple of tubes I can't find data on, 1AD4 and 5A6. 1AD4 is a pencil
tube and 5A6 a 9 pin mini. The 5A6 looks like a direct heated pentode
of some kind. Does anyone have any data on these?
TIA ES 73
- --
Jan, SM5GNN
Linkoeping, Sweden
janax@algonet.se
janax@li.icl.se
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 13:44:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
Subject: BA/GB QRG TEST QTR
Well, now that the dust has settled, the list is mostly up, and I have
had some time to get back on the air and test the various QRG's I opt
for the following schedule for the BA/GB Net:
1. 30M --- QRG 10110KHZ QTR 2300Z/0000Z
2. 40M --- QRG 7050KHZ QTR 0100Z/0200Z
3. 80M --- QRG 3579R545KHZ QTR 0300Z
4. 160M --- QRG 1802R500 KHZ QTR 0400Z
Let us try these over the next few days and see how it goes.
That way all hands will have a QRG to play on, and many/most of us
have rigs that will hit at least some of the QRG's. If we want to
adjust the 30M/160M QRG's that is fine, just let me know and we will
see who can get there with what, and make a final decision down the
road a bit.
If I am not there, go ahead and call a round. Don't be timid, and
shake the bushes for the fellers/gals..... We used to get a dozen
checkins, and now it is down to a few of us rusty olden pfartes.
73/ZUT DE NA4G/Bob UP
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 18:14:50 +0100
From: Steve Simpson <Steve@chubs.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Re: 160 meter QRG?
In message <970407091651_-568209807@emout16.mail.aol.com>,
EWoodman@aol.com writes
>By the way, I've got a schematic for an AM plate modulator that uses a
>couple of either 12AU7's or 12AX7's that doesn't require a choke or
>transformer for coupling. Just uses one tube section......break the B+ line
>to the final a stick it in. Will plate modulate a rig up to around 50W input.
>Would probably work well on a low power 160 rig.
Ooooooo, I would mind a copy of that CCT, can you point me in the right
direction please.
- --
Steve "Chubby" Simpson
Radio/Night Club D.J.
Steve@chubs.demon.co.uk
G-QRP Club Member 9631
Visit Radio World -
HTTP://www.chubs.demon.co.uk
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 15:05:16 +0000
From: "Brian Carling (Radio G3XLQ / AF4K)" <bry@mnsinc.com>
Subject: Re: 160 meter QRG?
Eric, that sounds like a most unusual design!
Straight through the 12AU7? Amazing. I didn't know you could do that.
I don't see how it could adequately modulate a 50 W rig to 100% mod
with a 2-3 watt tube!
I am going to look into a scheme whereby you use the primary of an
output transformer to AM modulate a final p.a. using the B+
(or HT to us Brits) to the center-tap - or to an offset tap on a
mult-match xfmr, so that the tirns ratio is 1.4:1 on either side
of the tap. One side goes to the mod & one to the p.a.
That way, the DC component in the winding cancels out and you can run
quite a bit more power than the xfmr is rated for!
This scheme, I am told by G3UUR has been used for excellent 100%
plate/anode modulation scheme using identical tubes.
Since the mod only needs to run at half the power of the p.a. RF
final, then xfmr ratio divides it up just right.
What think ye Glowbugges?
The bands are hot, the bottles they be a' glowin' brightly, an' the
regeneration be on the ragged edge! Grapples ye up yer tin cans atops
yer noggins, an readys ye yer carbon mikes at the fore!
On 7 Apr 97 at 9:16, EWoodman@aol.com spoke about Re: 160 meter QRG?
and said:
> >There ARE somewhere some rocks for 160m.
>
> >I bought 2 or 3 of them at the fest this weekend in HC6/U holders.
> Couldn't you do it with a VFO?
>
> Yes, a vfo would probably be better and building a fairly stable one
> for 160 isn't really a big problem. Just an extra stage and a few
> more parts. It's just that crystal control is simple and seeing as
> how you usually stick to pretty much one or two freqs on a band for
> AM I don't mind using a crystal. Too bad that 1.843 computer rock is
> in the wrong part of the band!
> By the way, I've got a schematic for an AM plate modulator that
> uses a
> couple of either 12AU7's or 12AX7's that doesn't require a choke or
> transformer for coupling. Just uses one tube section......break the
> B+ line to the final a stick it in. Will plate modulate a rig up to
> around 50W input. Would probably work well on a low power 160 rig.
>
> Eric KA1YRV
>
********************************************************
*** 73 from Radio AF4K / G3XLQ in Gaithersburg, MD USA *
** E-mail to: bry@mnsinc.com *
*** See the great ham radio resources at: *
** http://www.mnsinc.com/bry/ *
********************************************************
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 15:05:17 +0000
From: "Brian Carling (Radio G3XLQ / AF4K)" <bry@mnsinc.com>
Subject: Re: Rocks
Sounds mighty mighty expensive Walter.
Does anyone know what they would charge us for FT243 rocks
cut for the 160m band??
I didn't think anyone even had any quartz that thick left any more!!
Bry, AF4K
bry@mnsinc.com
On 7 Apr 97 at 10:15, Walter L. Marshall spoke about Rocks and said:
> Dear Bottle Lovers,
> Everyone's looking for rocks. I'll ask the obvious.
> Why don't you try Jan Crystals for your 180 meter rocks?
> Their phone and address is in the handbook.
> Walter
>
>
********************************************************
*** 73 from Radio AF4K / G3XLQ in Gaithersburg, MD USA *
** E-mail to: bry@mnsinc.com *
*** See the great ham radio resources at: *
** http://www.mnsinc.com/bry/ *
********************************************************
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 13:27:51 -0500
From: Conard Murray <ws4s@InfoAve.Net>
Subject: test
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 12:22:44 -0700
From: torell@sicom.com (Kent Torell)
Subject: AES tube flyer
Looking at the latest flyer from AES here in Arizona....they have a LOT of
number 30 tubes for $1.00 each. The number is 30AE3/PY88 ... so what's all
the other letters for? Number 32 tubes at $3.00.
Kent Torell torell@sicom.com 602-607-4852
SICOM 7585 E. Redfield, #202 Scottsdale, AZ 85260
AB7OA scQRPion 6,qrp-l 57,ARCI 9075 DM33xn 33.55 N 112.078 W
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 14:58:03 PDT
From: "Jeff Duntemann" <jeffd@coriolis.com>
Subject: Crystal beat box for 160m work
Hi guys--
Maybe this is just a wild idea. Maybe it could work.
I have quite a number of out-of-band FT243 crystals, anywhere from 2 Mhz up
to 9 Mhz. It seems to me that if I hunted around I could find a fair few
for which the difference would fall within 160m. What would be the
simplest approach to a one-tube "oscillator" that actually beat two rocks
against one another and peaked the difference frequency? I would guess
there's a tube somewhere containing two triodes and a pentode. Two pierce
oscillators and a mixer, then provide a peaking circuit to select the
difference frequency from the mixer output.
Is this nuts, or could it be done? I seem to recall that the very first
synthesizers started out with schemes like this, and just got more and more
elaborate.
- --73--
- --Jeff Duntemann KG7JF
Scottsdale, Arizona
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 16:32:11 -0600
From: "Deane D McIntyre" <dmcintyr@imap1.acs.ucalgary.ca>
Subject: Re: AES tube flyer
In message <v02130503af6ef9375ea6@[192.91.202.41]> Kent Torell writes:
>
> Looking at the latest flyer from AES here in Arizona....they have a LOT of
> number 30 tubes for $1.00 each. The number is 30AE3/PY88 ... so what's all
> the other letters for? Number 32 tubes at $3.00.
The 30AE3/PY88 is a 9 pin miniature tube with cathode (not plate!) cap
used as a booster diode in series string (transformerless) TV sets.
Fliament voltage, 30; filament current 300 mA. Not likely to
be of much use in GB projects I suspect. 30AE3 is the EIA designation;
PY88 the European one.
I will get my flyer in a few days I suppose....will look with
interest for oddball tubes, cheap, of potential GB interest and
will report back to the list, as I did with the previous flyer.
73, Deane D McIntyre VE6BPO
dmcintyr@acs.ucalgary.ca
Date: Tue, 08 Apr 1997 15:44:13 -0700
From: Dave <gekko95@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Email suggestion
Hi gang,
I wonder if I might make a small suggestion. When sending an email
to the list that is a reply to a previous message, try to make an
effort to update the subject line unless it is clearly a continuation
of the same thread.
I, and I'm sure others, subscribe to a number of lists and sometimes I
don't read everything I get due to the volume of activity. Thus, if
a subject got changed in the evolution and now is actually a new topic,
I'd be less likely to skip it.
An example would be the '160m QRG' thread that is now discussing VFO
construction (VERY interesting thread, I might add. I like the idea
of using oddball rocks to build a heterdyne rock-bound oscillator).
But since I don't operate any GB or BA gear on 160 at this time, I
often don't read that thread. I know I know - I should change MY ways :)
Just my .72 Indian Rupees (2 cents at current exchange rates - not responsible
for market fluctuations)
Dave WB7AWK
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 17:51:14 -0500 (CDT)
From: mjsilva@ix.netcom.com (michael silva)
Subject: Re: AES tube flyer
In message <v02130503af6ef9375ea6@[192.91.202.41]> Kent Torell writes:
>
> Looking at the latest flyer from AES here in Arizona....
Wow, two flyers already in 1997! I thought I'd have to wait 'till
summer for the next one. Must be a glut of tubes on the market!
73,
Mike, KK6GM
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 16:14:13 PDT
From: "Jeff Duntemann" <jeffd@coriolis.com>
Subject: Re: AES tube flyer
At 04:32 PM 4/7/97 -0600, you wrote:
>I will get my AES flyer in a few days I suppose....will look with
>interest for oddball tubes, cheap, of potential GB interest and
>will report back to the list, as I did with the previous flyer.
Unless I misrecall from the flyer (which is at home), the ever-useful 6T9
is on sale for $1.30. You can't even get a burger for that nowadays.
Another item worth pointing out is the 829B for $10.50. This is a great
90W tube useful up to VHF, especially in push-pull finals.
- --73--
- --Jeff Duntemann KG7JF
Scottsdale, Arizona
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 16:17:48 -0700
From: dfrancis@access.usa.net (Dexter Francis)
Subject: Re: Crystal beat box for 160m work
Jeff Dunteman writes:
>I would guess there's a tube somewhere containing two triodes and a pentode."
Right you are, the 6AS11 is a Dual Triode/Sharp Cutoff Pentode.
- -df
* CWest Tube Sales - P.O. Box 22443 SLC, UT 84122 *
* (801) 363-TUBE voice/fax, E-mail: tubes@usa.net *
* For a current listing of New and Used Tubes try *
* http://www.usa.net/~dfrancis/CWest_Tube_Sales.html *
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 14:37:27 -1000
From: Jeffrey Herman <jeffreyh@hawaii.edu>
Subject: Re: Crystal beat box for 160m work
Hey, I tried to start a thread about this last week, but no one took
the bait. I had found two xtals whose sum landed in 30m.
I agree with Bry, though - 160m is low enuf that a stable vfo could
be constructed pretty easily.
I hope you guys living near the ocean have searched your local harbor
in search for an old 2 Mc AM marine band transceiver.. These were
usually hybrids with a solid state rcvr and a couple tubes in the
xmtr. Don Mertz on BA had one for sale, as have others. I can't
think of an easier way to get on 160m AM than converting one of
those rigs.
In the mid 70s when that band went from AM to SSB, these radios
could be found by the dozens in harbor and radio shop dumpsters.
Place a want-ad in BA and .swap if you're interested in getting one.
Jeff KH2PZ
Date: Fri, 04 Apr 1997 23:26:03 -1000
From: "Peter L. Demmer" <ampruss@hits.net>
Subject: Re: test
Aloha nui ka ko Peter KH6CTQ
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 16:19:09 -1000
From: "Peter L. Demmer" <ampruss@hits.net>
Subject: Re: good pencil tube choice for regen rx?
Jan;
1AD4= Sharp-Cutoff RF/AR Pentode 1.25VDC at .100 ma Htrs, 45VDC Sg & PL
at 3 ma and .8 ma. respectivly.
PINS (as counted from right to the left of the paint dot)
1 = Plate, 3 ma RP 500k
2 = control grid,.8ma
3 = Htr & Screen grid
4 = Control Grid
5 = Htr.
Base connection diagram listed as 1AD4, outline as 2-1. Pin 1 (to the
left of the painted spot marker. Source; GE tube manual 1964 Aloha,
Peter KH6CTQ
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 22:25:02 -0500 (EST)
From: "Roberta J. Barmore" <rbarmore@indy.net>
Subject: 160m riggage
Hi!
I made some comments about 160m rigs on the BA-list & thought to
paraphrase 'em here.
In the days before WW II, 160 was a lot like 2m today--open to any
class of license and a popular band for local 'phone work. Therefore,
you can find circuits for nice 160 AM rigs in most of the prewar HBs; the
Jones/E&E one is especially good. Unlike 2m, there wasn't much commercial
market for small manufactured pipsqueak 160m transmitters--Gross sold 'em
but the big boys didn't offer much. So there was a lot of homebrew!
Looking at nice one on pg 374 of the '39 E&E HB--6C5 Pierce xtal
driving a couple of 6L6s in parallel, modulated by P-P 6L6s and a 6K7-6C5
mic amp--and AVC via a diode-connected '56 into the 6K7! Single power
supply for the whole thing. 30W out. Mod xfr is a variable-ratio job,
which can be found at hamfests--or a pair of vari-ratio plate-to-speaker
jobs can be hooked up back to back. (Just use decent-sized wire for the
low-Z interconnection!)
In the '41 E&E, there's a fine multi-band job that would simplify down
to a 6L6 tuned-plate driving an HY-69 (807 to the hoi polloi), with
provision for VFO input. Modulator's not as simple, being 6SJ7-6J5,
transformer-coupled (AES has 'em) to a pair of, oh dear, 6A3s, for which
you will have for wrestle slavering audiophiles. This one is a prime
candidate for a cathode or screen modulator, or at least something 6L6ish.
40W out, single power supply sort of: two 83s share one plate transformer,
each tube with its own filter. ...This'n's a Millen 90800 in all but
looks. (And y'know, I'm going to keep an eye peeled for an Eico HF-20
hi-fi amp--make a nice modulator with another transformer externally to get
back to plate Z).
Also in the '41 E&E, a very nice ECO. 10W out, covers 160 & 80. 6J5
Hartley, 6V6 untuned buffer, 6L6 o/p and a VR150 regulating the ocs
plate. (Nasty typo in the diagram, last time I looked VR tubes really
really wanted to see some resistance between them and the B+, and the
photos bear that desire out). 10W. Another one you could
cathode-modulate, or just use a simple Heising-type modulator. For the
latter, a plain ordinary power-supply choke of 4Hy or more will do, so
long as it'll pass the plate current of both tubes.
Was hoping to add some dope on *simple* cathode modulators--but I can't
find the article! *Thought* it was Jones (W6AJF) writing in CQ postwar;
so far all I find is some dope on screen-grid modulation, (Jan '52) which
is fine but not as low-parts. What I remember was a series-tube affair,
and could as well have been in QST; in many cathode-keyed rigs, you could
get away with plugging it in the key jack! Anybody else recall this one?
(This after an hour of scanning old mags--really otta set up a file-card
system).
73,
--Bobbi
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 10:17:38 -0400 (EDT)
From: Bjfcjf@aol.com
Subject: Re: 160m riggage
On 7 Apr. Roberta Barmore wrote:
<< Was hoping to add some dope on *simple* cathode modulators--but I can't
find the article! *Thought* it was Jones (W6AJF) writing in CQ postwar;
so far all I find is some dope on screen-grid modulation, (Jan '52) which
is fine but not as low-parts. What I remember was a series-tube affair,
and could as well have been in QST; in many cathode-keyed rigs, you could
get away with plugging it in the key jack! Anybody else recall this one?
(This after an hour of scanning old mags--really otta set up a file-card
system). >>
See QST for Sept. 1953 Gardner, "The Simplest Modulator"
also QST for Nov. 1956 Gallamore, "Economy Modulator for the Heathkit
AT-1"
I believe these articles describe the cathode modulation circuit Bobbie
is thinking of. Similar circuits were also included in several editions of
"Hints and Kinks for the radio amateur" published in the 50's and early 60's.
I haven't tried it myself, but have heard that some folks are using a
switching power mosfet in series with the final's cathode, adjusting the
positive gate bias to supply about half the normal class C cw input current
to the final, and feeding the audio through a blocking capacitor directly to
the mosfet gate -- but then that isn't pure glowbugging is it ??
In many cases the quality of the modulation acheived with screen grid or
cathode modulation leaves much to be desired unless the RF output is sampled,
detected, and the recovered audio is used to apply negative feedback to the
audio preamplifier.
With negative feedback, they can sound quite good though. A few years
ago I heard a drake 2NT modified with cathode modulation and as its owner put
it "lots and lots of negative feedback". He was on 40 meters in the AM
window during the daytime and although I don't remember his call, his signal
quality was indistinguishable from the "bigger-boys" with their higher
powered plate modulated rigs. Just my $0.02 worth. Hope this info is
helpful.
73 from Charlie / WA2YOW
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 09:34:21 -0700
From: dfrancis@access.usa.net (Dexter Francis)
Subject: Re: good pencil tube choice for regen rx?
Peter -
I have a large quantity of NOS and used 1AD4's in my inventory, if anyone
is interested.
Check out the web site for pricing. (And I *am* negotiable on pricing...!)
- -df
* CWest Tube Sales - P.O. Box 22443 SLC, UT 84122 *
* (801) 363-TUBE voice/fax, E-mail: tubes@usa.net *
* For a current listing of New and Used Tubes try *
* http://www.usa.net/~dfrancis/CWest_Tube_Sales.html *
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 09:56:23 -0700 (PDT)
From: JMcAulay <jmc@QNET.COM>
Subject: AM, cheap but clean
>On 7 Apr. Roberta Barmore wrote:
>
> << Was hoping to add some dope on *simple* cathode modulators--but I can't
>find the article! *Thought* it was Jones (W6AJF) writing in CQ postwar;
>so far all I find is some dope on screen-grid modulation, (Jan '52) which
>is fine but not as low-parts. What I remember was a series-tube affair,
>and could as well have been in QST; in many cathode-keyed rigs, you could
>get away with plugging it in the key jack! Anybody else recall this one?
>(This after an hour of scanning old mags--really otta set up a file-card
>system). >>
Following which, Charlie replied:
> See QST for Sept. 1953 Gardner, "The Simplest Modulator"
>also QST for Nov. 1956 Gallamore, "Economy Modulator for the Heathkit
>AT-1"
>
> I believe these articles describe the cathode modulation circuit Bobbie
>is thinking of. Similar circuits were also included in several editions of
>"Hints and Kinks for the radio amateur" published in the 50's and early 60's.
>
> I haven't tried it myself, but have heard that some folks are using a
>switching power mosfet in series with the final's cathode, adjusting the
>positive gate bias to supply about half the normal class C cw input current
>to the final, and feeding the audio through a blocking capacitor directly to
>the mosfet gate -- but then that isn't pure glowbugging is it ??
>
> In many cases the quality of the modulation acheived with screen grid or
>cathode modulation leaves much to be desired unless the RF output is sampled,
>detected, and the recovered audio is used to apply negative feedback to the
>audio preamplifier.
> With negative feedback, they can sound quite good though. A few years
>ago I heard a drake 2NT modified with cathode modulation and as its owner put
>it "lots and lots of negative feedback". He was on 40 meters in the AM
>window during the daytime and although I don't remember his call, his signal
>quality was indistinguishable from the "bigger-boys" with their higher
>powered plate modulated rigs. Just my $0.02 worth. Hope this info is
>helpful.
>
>73 from Charlie / WA2YOW
Hi, all:
Well, sorry this took so long, but somehow it was a chore to locate it. In
my treasure-trove of moderately-old (younger than I am) reference books, I
finally located what I wanted. It's on page 250 of the 1956 _Handbook_ and
it's called "A Simple Grid Modulator." Simple is hardly the word for it...
"almost not there" seems more appropriate. This thing has one 6SL7 speech
amp, plus one 6Y6 for each 200 ma of PA cathode current (well, the article
says "plate current," but let's be safe). It requires 6.3-volt input, but
the B+ (HT for you G folks) is all stolen from the PA cathode circuit, so no
separate B+ connection is required. And yes, it does plug right into the
cathode of any PA "up to the legal limit." Operates by varying the
cathode-to-ground voltage on the PA, thus its grid bias. Obviously, the
PEAK RF power with this thing in place will be no more than the usual CW
power of the final amp, but so what. Your final PA tube may last forever.
For that matter, the legal limit for AM was a lot more in 1956 than it is
now. Plus, I suspect this little goodie could turn out some absolutely
hygienic audio. Anybody want to try it? It's only a one-pager in the
_Handbook_, and I will be tickled pink to make some copies and forward to
anyone who sends the customary SASE. BTW, while I'll leave it to someone
else for final determination, it appears to me that there's no reason at all
to stick with a 6Y6 for the output tube... looks as if a 6L6 would be quite
okay, or maybe even a 6V6. Someone ought to take a closer look, unless a
lot more 6Y6s are around than I think.
73
John WA6QPL@amsat.org
John McAulay
10207 East Avenue R-12
Littlerock CA 93543
\l/
(o o)
-------------------------ooO-(_)-Ooo--------------------------
*******************************************************************
* *
* Old age and treachery will always triumph over youth and skill. *
* *
*******************************************************************
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 10:05:48 -0700
From: dfrancis@access.usa.net (Dexter Francis)
Subject: .... .. .... .. <Hi Hi>
I suppose I ought to introduce myself to the list, as my subscription has
obviously kicked in.
Dexter Francis, N0YLJ, here. Some of you may know me from the BA list. My
interests are varied, as my meger collection of radios would attest.
Currently it includes a Drake SPR-4 (I know, it's Solid State...) Collins
51S-1, Hallicrafters S-38D, S-53 and SX-62, Magnavox RAK-8, and a Utah
cathedral radio. Test gear includes a HP 1715 Scope, 140T, 606B and a
Hickock 752 tube checker. I also have a Collins 32S-3 and the power supply,
but don't have a decent antenna up yet, so I mostly listen these days. I've
also started a small collection of odd military stuff. I tend toward the
unusual or very well designed gear, as my professional trade is a product
designer and I'm fascinated to see how things were put together. Present
day job is heading up the mechanical piece of the wireless product design
group for U.S. Robotics Mobile Communication Division in Salt Lake.
I also have a large collection of vacuum tubes and related parts - sort of
running a small business on the side - which I'm mostly trying to just keep
available to the BA/Glowbug list members. Those of you who have tube needs
might find it useful browsing my Web site. I'm generally negotiable and
often open to trades on tubes and equipment. I can also help locate the
occasional oddball tube that isn't on the list. My pricing is generally 1/3
to 2/3 below AES. (Not flea market, but better than retail.)
The contents of the web site are being updated as I unpack and re-inventory
the collection.
So, if it's not there today, it may be there a few days later. I also have
several tube
reference books and am more than happy to provide technical data and copies
of tube specs.
I'm not as technical as Hank Van C, or as deep into the profession and
Bobbi, but really love
these old radios and am commited to preserving them and keeping them running.
So, I'm glad to be here and looking forward to the traffic.
- -df
* CWest Tube Sales - P.O. Box 22443 SLC, UT 84122 *
* (801) 363-TUBE voice/fax, E-mail: tubes@usa.net *
* For a current listing of New and Used Tubes try *
* http://www.usa.net/~dfrancis/CWest_Tube_Sales.html *
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 10:07:00 -0700
From: "Bowman, Jim" <Jim_Bowman@ATK.COM>
Subject: cathode modulator
I definitely remember such a simple cathode modulator. In fact a friend
of mine built and used one in our earlier days in the 50's. It used a
6L6 or 6K6 or something like that, I think. It seems to me it was in one
of the ARRL handbooks about that time. I would assume if such a
modulator was used, you would want to use it in the cathode circuit of
the amp only, and if the rig keyed both the osc and amp, you would want
to separate the osc cathode return. Be aware that these modulator
schemes (screen, cathode) result in reduced output from the transmitter.
Simple circuits, but that's the compromise. I think they also wanted
tight antenna coupling or loading. I do know the circuit (the Golden
Gate) I used in the mobile rig I described in an earlier post worked
like a champ.
Anyway, the cathode modulator circuit Roberta describes has been
haunting my memory for some time, during all the discussions on the
subject. I still e-mail my old buddy in Texas that built it. I will ask
him what he remembers about it. Anyway Roberta, you are not the only one
who remembers that circuit.
BTW, in the packet of circuits I sent to Brian to scan and post on the
web, there was a simple modulator circuit included in the article titled
"Two Tube Mobile Transmitter". I'm sure this circuit could be adapted to
other rigs. Brian is posting the articles (see my earlier post for list)
at http://www.chubs.demon.co.uk/valve.htm
That is Steve Simpson's page in England, according to Brian. I visited
the site and they look pretty good so far. The photos arent too good,
but that seems to be a common problem.
73 to all,
Jim W7HPK
Jim_Bowman@ATK.COM
----------
From: Roberta J. Barmore
To: glowbugs!
Subject: 160m riggage
Date: Mon, Apr 7, 1997 8:25PM
Hi!
I made some comments about 160m rigs on the BA-list & thought to
paraphrase 'em here.
I<SNIPPO>
Was hoping to add some dope on *simple* cathode modulators--but I
can't
find the article! *Thought* it was Jones (W6AJF) writing in CQ postwar;
so far all I find is some dope on screen-grid modulation, (Jan '52)
which
is fine but not as low-parts. What I remember was a series-tube affair,
and could as well have been in QST; in many cathode-keyed rigs, you
could
get away with plugging it in the key jack! Anybody else recall this
one?
(This after an hour of scanning old mags--really otta set up a file-card
system).
73,
--Bobbi
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 11:59:55 +0100
From: Steve Simpson <Steve@chubs.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Heathkit Cheyenne??
Hi all, Can anyone help?
I have been offered a Heathkit Cheyenne MT-1 shortwave transmitter and
Heathkit HP-13 power supply for $100. I don't know anything about them.
Can anyone inform me of it's weight as I have to ship it to the U.K.
Also is $100 a good price or should I forget the whole thing and look
for something a bit nearer.
Regards.
- --
Steve "Chubby" Simpson
Radio/Night Club D.J.
Steve@chubs.demon.co.uk
G-QRP Club Member 9631
Visit Radio World -
HTTP://www.chubs.demon.co.uk
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 14:26:54 -0500 (CDT)
From: mjsilva@ix.netcom.com (michael silva)
Subject: Re: Crystal beat box for 160m work
Jeff wrote:
>... What would be the
>simplest approach to a one-tube "oscillator" that actually beat two
>rocks against one another and peaked the difference frequency?
I wonder if a regular old pentagrid converter would do the trick. The
question is whether you could get the 'signal-grid' circuit to
oscillate at F2 while being fed with the F1-modulated cathode-current
stream.
BTW, I've wondered whether a similar arrangement mightn't work using a
combination of computer clock crystals (or misc. junk-box orphans) and
CB crystals. The combination would be cheap, easy to obtain and would
provide 10kHz "channel" spacing (except for the occasional skipped
slot).
73,
Mike, KK6GM
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 12:28:38 -0700 (PDT)
From: JMcAulay <jmc@QNET.COM>
Subject: Re: AM, cheap but clean
In earlier posting (Tue, 8 Apr 1997 09:56:23 -0700 (PDT), I offered:
>It's on page 250 of the 1956 _Handbook_ and
>it's called "A Simple Grid Modulator."
>It's only a one-pager in the
>_Handbook_, and I will be tickled pink to make some copies and forward to
>anyone who sends the customary SASE.
Not completely thoughtful of me, I'm afraid For those outside the US, just
send one or two IRCs (as you feel disposed to do). I'll take care of the
envelope and such.
73
John WA6QPL@amsat.org
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 12:38:00 -0700
From: "Bowman, Jim" <Jim_Bowman@ATK.COM>
Subject: Toobs
I just got a few oldies on trade, including a '01A in box, but I doubt
if it is new. I also got a couple of 471-B toobs in boxes, but I can't
seem to find them listed in my old 1939 radio handbook. The box has
information printed on it as follows:
471-B Power Amplifier
Genuine Audion
De Forest The Father of Radio
De Forest Radio Co.
Jersey City, N.J.
Fil 5V
A .25
Plate 180
(Maximum)
It is a 4-pin toob.
Does anyone have any info on pinouts? Suggestions for use? I suppose
the pair could make a regen with 1 stage audio.
Don'tcha just love this old stuff??
73,
Jim W7HPK
Jim_Bowman@ATK.COM
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 18:45:44 +0000
From: "Brian Carling (Radio G3XLQ / AF4K)" <bry@mnsinc.com>
Subject: Relay needed
Needed - mercury wetted relay for cathode keying tube rigs!
What do you have in the junque boxes out there????
Please e-mail me:
bry@mnsinc.com
Thanks & 73 de AF4K Bry
********************************************************
*** 73 from Radio AF4K / G3XLQ in Gaithersburg, MD USA *
** E-mail to: bry@mnsinc.com *
*** See the great ham radio resources at: *
** http://www.mnsinc.com/bry/ *
********************************************************
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 18:46:53 +0000
From: "Brian Carling (Radio G3XLQ / AF4K)" <bry@mnsinc.com>
Subject: Re: 6T9 and 6GW8 xmtrs!!!
Just wondering if everyone else has lost interest in making these?
On 7 Apr 97 at 8:40, Brian Carling (Radio G3XLQ / spoke about 6T9
and 6GW8 xmtrs!!! and said:
> - --- Great article Jeff, and glad to see what you came up with.
>
> I've been enjoying reading the articles on these tri-tet 1-tube xmtrs
> here.
>
> I am looking forward to building & setting up either a 6GW8 or a 6T9
> in this type of circuit. I have three different designs of the rig
> that I am postng on my web pages for everyone to see.
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 17:14:15 -0600 (MDT)
From: toyboat@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca
Subject: AM Modulators, 160 metres, etc.
Hello All,
All this talk about 160 metres, AM rigs, and simple modulators sort
of started me digging into my pile of photocopies again.
I lost track of exactly what the original goal was, but I believe it was
to get a simple modulator going with minimum unobtainables.
Someone may have discussed this circuit earlier, but it's worth a second
mention, I think. It's a 25 Watt, 160 metre, 4 tube AM rig with
Pi-output, crystal control, and simple construction.
It uses two 6C5's (or 6J5's) as crystal oscillator and 1st stage audio,
and two 6L6's as RF power amplifier stage and 2nd stage audio/modulator.
B+ is 400VDC and 200VDC.
Most interesting is the modulation transformer. It isn't. It's a
common 20H/150mA power supply filter choke. I suppose it could also be
a filament transformer primary or something along that theme.
One thing is that you need a carbon mike and carbon mike transformer.
I'm not sure what's available or what would sub for the trafo..
Any ideas?
If anyone is interested, e-mail me and I'll give you more info, or
get you to send me a SASE for the schematic.
Regards
Shane Wilcox
|\
| \
| \
| \
|____\
_______|__________
\ / \o/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shane <toyboat@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
End of glowbugs V1 #1
*********************
Created by Steve Modena, AB4EL
Comments and suggestions to modena@SunSITE.unc.edu