Daily GLOWBUGS
Digest: V1 #58
via AB4EL Web Digests @ SunSITE
Purpose: building and operating vacuum tube-based QRP rigs
Subject: glowbugs V1 #58
glowbugs Monday, June 16 1997 Volume 01 : Number 058
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 06:49:40 +0000
From: "Brian Carling, Radio AF4K" <bry@mnsinc.com>
Subject: 6CD6GA sweepers in amp service
I have a question regarding 6CD6GA sweep tubes.
The ARRL Handbook listing for them doesn't really tell us much.
No MAXIMUM listings other than Plate Dissipation of 20 watts.
Can someone supply the data on maximum plate voltage & current
please?
I would like to build a 4 tube parallel amplifier using these,
in G-G and wanted to know what is the highest reasonable plate
voltage & current to use. I want to get about 500 watts INPUT
in CW and SSB service.
I know it has been done with 6KD6 tubes per the 1969 HANDBOOK
PP 197-200
They run that at 900V DC and get 1200 watts p.e.p. input, so
if I run these at HALF that it should work. ( 667 mA anode current)
for a 600 watt DC input, which seems reasonable for ICAS service with
these. THey have dire warnings about not leaving it "key down" for
more than 30 seconds with over 100 mA flowing!
Perhaps I should use 6 of them?!
Now, they suggest the 6LQ6 as a substitute. Let's see...
Well, these both appear to have a slightly higher plate current rating
than my 6CD6es but not by much. Heater currents are about the same if
that is any indication.
Any thoughts..... I know "Don't use sweep tubes" (grin!)
****************************************************
*** 73 from Radio AF4K/G3XLQ Gaithersburg, MD USA *
** E-mail to: bry@mnsinc.com *
*** See the interesting ham radio resources at: *
** http://www.mnsinc.com/bry/ *
****************************************************
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 08:57:28 -0500 (CDT)
From: Bob Roehrig <broehrig@admin.aurora.edu>
Subject: Re: 6CD6GA sweepers in amp service
On Sun, 15 Jun 1997, Brian Carling, Radio AF4K wrote:
> I have a question regarding 6CD6GA sweep tubes.
> The ARRL Handbook listing for them doesn't really tell us much.
> No MAXIMUM listings other than Plate Dissipation of 20 watts.
> Can someone supply the data on maximum plate voltage & current
> please?
6CD6 Max ratings:
Plate voltage 700
Plate dissipation 20W
Screen voltage 175
Screen dissipation 3W
Avg cathode current 200ma
E-mail broehrig@admin.aurora.edu 73 de Bob, K9EUI
CIS: Data / Telecom Aurora University, Aurora, IL
630-844-4898 Fax 630-844-5530
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 09:03:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: Ken Gordon <keng@uidaho.edu>
Subject: Re: 6CD6GA sweepers in amp service
> I have a question regarding 6CD6GA sweep tubes.
> The ARRL Handbook listing for them doesn't really tell us much.
> No MAXIMUM listings other than Plate Dissipation of 20 watts.
> Can someone supply the data on maximum plate voltage & current
> please?
According to Bill Orr's handbook, 19th edition, the 6DQ5, which is listed
in the ARRL handbook as having 24 watts plate dissipation, and has nearly
the same characteristics as your 6CD6, can be run at a maximum of 200
watts input per tube. Plate voltage of 800 at 250 ma. Useful power
output of 121 watts. This is for grid driven class AB1 mode.
For the 6CD6, I would run it at the next lower rating of 700 vdc 182 ma
per tube at around 125 watts/tube input.
I wouldn't hold the key down very long however!
Somewhere I have your snail mail address. I will post the data to you.
Ken W7EKB
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 15:34:49 +0000
From: "Brian Carling, Radio AF4K" <bry@mnsinc.com>
Subject: 88 mH toroids
Hi - someone was recently looking for some 88 mH toroids.
Well, I found some for you.
He doesn't have many left, but a fellow was selling these at
the Frederick, MD hamfest today:
Julius Barthelme - (717) 334-7084
I think he lives in southern PA.
I hope that helps you!
Bry
****************************************************
*** 73 from Radio AF4K/G3XLQ Gaithersburg, MD USA *
** E-mail to: bry@mnsinc.com *
*** See the interesting ham radio resources at: *
** http://www.mnsinc.com/bry/ *
****************************************************
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 21:27:27 +0000
From: Sandy W5TVW <ebjr@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: EICO dipper coils
Details about coil set for the EICO 710 Grid Dip Meter:
Coil Freq. range Inductance Remarks
================================================
A 0.4-0.7 Mhz 2.75 mHy. Slug-tuned, center-tapped
B 0.7-1.38 950 uhy. Slug tuned, center-tapped
C 1.38-2.9 225 uHy. Slug-tuned, center-tapped
D 2.5-7.5 54.5 uHy. Single layer closewound
E 7.5-18 7.9 uHy. ditto
F 18-42 1.5 uHy. ditto
G 42-100 0.3 uHy. ditto
H 100-250 ??? Hairpin loop 3/16"
diameter. Legs spaced 3/4"
center to
center, 1-5/8" long. Reduced to 1/8"
pins last
1/4" of hairpin (open end)
Inductances measured on a TS-617/U military "Q" meter, verified on D-G ranges
with Autek RF-1 Analyst. Original coils D-G wound on 3/4" polystyrene forms.
A-C coils were wound on small 1/4" formers (universal windings like an RF choke)
then cemented into 3/4" polystyrene coil forms. As I recall, I think the
Heathkit
used the same 3/4" pin spacing scheme and the coil forms were very similar.
Hope this helps those that have a 710 and no coils!
73,
E. V. Sandy Blaize, W5TVW
"Boat Anchors collected, restored, repaired, traded and used!"
417 Ridgewood Drive,
Metairie, LA., 70001
ebjr@worldnet.att.net
**Looking for: 860 tubes, WL-460 tubes**
**Butternut HF2V antenna, G-R test gear.....................***
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 19:38:55 +0000
From: Sandy W5TVW <ebjr@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: CHEAP 6AG5 tube source
Everyone wanted to know WHO had the cheapo 6AG5's I got 200
of them for $20 SHIPPED and they are military surplus (late) and in
sealed boxes. Now's your chance to stock up.
- ---------------------------------snip---------------------
JAN 6186W, equal to 6AG5WA, sharp cut-off pentodes 7 pin
miniature made by Philips in the USA 1986, NOS, individual
boxes, 5000 available, shipping in the USA: 1 - 199 $4.00,
200 or more shipping free!
$0.10 each
For a complete list of ELECTRON TUBES (both new and/or used),
various ANTIQUE RADIOCOMPONENTS or ELECTRONIC TEST
EQUIPMENT, please E-mail:
sales@emodus.com
- ----------------------------------snip--------------------------------------
- -------------------
73,
E. V. Sandy Blaize, W5TVW
"Boat Anchors collected, restored, repaired, traded and used!"
417 Ridgewood Drive,
Metairie, LA., 70001
ebjr@worldnet.att.net
**Looking for: 860 tubes, WL-460 tubes**
**Butternut HF2V antenna, G-R test gear.....................***
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 14:36:54 -0700
From: Dave <gekko95@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Extra CW question...
Hi gang,
I realize this is off topic to some degree, but I don't know
where to post it without getting flamed. This has always
been a very nice friendly bunch, and I truly feel comfortable
asking this here, and it's a serious question by no means
meant to be a troll or flame bait. Totally the opposite.
I am going for my Extra on Tuesday. CW has always been my
only mode (98%), and I normally CQ and QSO at around 20
wpm with my bug. I never have felt like I wasn't copying
100% - not always paying attention, maybe, but I figgered
I was copying 100% if I thought about it. I never miss
anything important, such as RST, city, state, name, rig
and antenna details, etc. I regularly ragchew for 45 minutes
or more. When I notice I'm lost, I chock it up to twiddling
my rigs or the kids or some other distraction.
My question? Since I am taking the 1(C) code on Tuesday, I have
been using a code tape (ARRL I believe) and I'm doing awful!
I find that I only can copy for 20 seconds to 40 seconds
of 'perfect' copy before I just lose it. This is right at
20 WPM, using the tape's random goofy words. I just block out
and it takes a couple of lost words before I get going, but
even then it's a struggle after the initial bomb-out.
So now I'm really concerned about the test. Surely a number of
the group have taken it. What's the copy typically like?
I have Gordon West's book (Extra class) and it gives a typical
sample. But what of your experiences? Anyone have the same
concerns before going who did ok? Or bombed? Any tips or
anecdotes to cheer me on?
Here I thought the written would be hard! HA! My NOVICE
test in 1974 had harder questions! For General in '75
I had to DRAW oscillators. I was shocked at the simplicity of
both the Advanced and Extra exams (ok - they throw in a couple
of tough formula questions, but you can guess those and just
know the rest and still pass). I have now passed 15 or so
different samples from the URL that gives sample tests, so I
know I have the written down pat. I score 85% or better
every time, on both Advanced and Extra.
Anyway, any commment on the CW part would be very welcome. Like
I said, if I posted this in any of the newsgroups, I would never
have a chance of getting any help through all of the anti-cw flames.
I love CW and as long as it is still legal to use and there's
some one on the other end of the QSO, I'll use it.
Thanks for any help,
100%-Boatanchors/Glowbug-shack 73's
Dave WB7AWK (hope to soon be Extra...)
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 16:33:42 -0500 (CDT)
From: Kevin Pease <hamradio@mm1001.theporch.com>
Subject: Re: EICO dipper coils
That was an interesting post. Strange thing is that I bought a set of
heathkit coils at a hamfest, and at a different fest I bought a
heathkit dip meter and antenna bridge with no coils so I ended up with
both the coils and dip meter at different times. So If one needs coils
for an Eico dipper I'll bet they could be found at a hamfest.
I normally look in the odds and ends boxes at the tables with the most old
junk. I have found manny interesting things that way.
Kevin Pease
WB0JZG
Mount Juliet, TN.
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 15:34:45 -0700
From: Dave <gekko95@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: 6AG5 questions
Hi again,
Well, Sandy, I too bought 200 6AG5's (amazing what we'll
do to get free shipping!)
Now what? I know they are a sharp-cutoff pentode, but
I am not a great designer of tube circuits.
Any good GB circuits using them?
So why did I buy them, you may ask. I have several
old rigs that have them, and at 10 cents each, I
now have spares until the end of time. Along with
the infamous 35EH5's, and 6DK6's.
Thanks.
Dave WB7AWK
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997 01:14:06 +0000
From: Sandy W5TVW <ebjr@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: CHEAP 6AG5 tube source
At 09:34 PM 6/15/97 +0000, you wrote:
>On Sun, 15 Jun 1997, Sandy W5TVW wrote:
>
>> Everyone wanted to know WHO had the cheapo 6AG5's I got 200
>> of them for $20 SHIPPED and they are military surplus (late) and in
>> sealed boxes. Now's your chance to stock up.
>> ---------------------------------snip---------------------
>>
>Could you send me the snail mail address for that company. I don't want to
>email since I don't want to get on his mailing list.
>
>
>Kevin Pease
>WB0JZG
>Mount Juliet, TN.
>
>Sorry, I no longer have it!
E. V. Sandy Blaize, W5TVW
"Boat Anchors collected, restored, repaired, traded and used!"
417 Ridgewood Drive,
Metairie, LA., 70001
ebjr@worldnet.att.net
**Looking for: 860 tubes, WL-460 tubes**
**Butternut HF2V antenna, G-R test gear.....................***
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 19:37:29 -0600
From: Doug <doug@sunrise.alpinet.net>
Subject: Re: Extra CW question...
Hi Dave and the Gang.....you've hit the same wall I did back in the mid
'60's. I was a General, worked CW all the time and felt I had at least
a tolerable command of the Mother Tongue...'til reality hit. I could
copy the standard stuff in a Qso...seemed to go "in" easily. So...I
sat down and started copying Press and Crypto groups from KPH, KFS and
NPG. It started to help a bunch, and after a couple months of off and
on practice I passed the Extra...back when it really was a harder test.
I think you're right on the brink of solid copy at 20 wpm....and will
be over the "hump" in a short time, if you can just get used to copy
at a bit higher speed for an extended length of time. One trick I got
to using was concentrating on just what I heard in the cans...and then
writing it down on the line, but looking just over the top of the line.
That allowed me to copy the letters, but kept me from trying to read
the copy. Looking over the letters helps keep them on the line and
straight, but allowed me to drop the last letter from the brain channel
and take the next one in.
Another help is to get to the point where you can copy about 5-7 letters
behind, holding the string in your head while you bump one letterout at
a time, allowing your mind to store the next one out of the "Ether".
This aids (me anyhow) in concentration, and helps keep copy running
smoothly. Running behind (and NOT in a state of Panic!) is the sign of
an experienced operator, and also one that indicates he's in command of
Morse at that speed.
What got me moving on my Morse was when I "graduated" from just watching
a Navy circuit at NPD to setting the control Op's posit...handling
traffic. I quickly became aware of my need to be able to copy at 20
or so, in a continuous string....sort of a shock to my system until I
got things rolling. Also, I was copying Landline Morse at work...not
a bunch, but just enough to really confuse me for a time.
I think you're doing well Dave....just keep at it and DONT become at
all discouraged. Not one of us just woke up one morning and found we
had the "charm" for higher speed copy....it takes time, but it does come
to anyone sufficiently dedicated to learning and self-improvement.
Search the HF bands for good, steady Morse practice...K7HLR is a truly
hard working CW practice station, and he sends some really interesting
historical plaintext....sorta like reading a book. I sometimes turn
the rig on and up a bit, and then walk around the house doing my chores
and being educated on a trip to the Antarctic Pole, from a radioman's
point of view....neat stuff.
I wish you the best on your test....keep at it, success will come.
73
Doug Dunn, K7YD
Livingston, MT
Dave wrote:
>
>
>
> Hi gang,
>
> I realize this is off topic to some degree, but I don't know
> where to post it without getting flamed. This has always
> been a very nice friendly bunch, and I truly feel comfortable
> asking this here, and it's a serious question by no means
> meant to be a troll or flame bait. Totally the opposite.
>
> I am going for my Extra on Tuesday. CW has always been my
> only mode (98%), and I normally CQ and QSO at around 20
> wpm with my bug. I never have felt like I wasn't copying
> 100% - not always paying attention, maybe, but I figgered
> I was copying 100% if I thought about it. I never miss
> anything important, such as RST, city, state, name, rig
> and antenna details, etc. I regularly ragchew for 45 minutes
> or more. When I notice I'm lost, I chock it up to twiddling
> my rigs or the kids or some other distraction.
>
> My question? Since I am taking the 1(C) code on Tuesday, I have
> been using a code tape (ARRL I believe) and I'm doing awful!
> I find that I only can copy for 20 seconds to 40 seconds
> of 'perfect' copy before I just lose it. This is right at
> 20 WPM, using the tape's random goofy words. I just block out
> and it takes a couple of lost words before I get going, but
> even then it's a struggle after the initial bomb-out.
>
> So now I'm really concerned about the test. Surely a number of
> the group have taken it. What's the copy typically like?
> I have Gordon West's book (Extra class) and it gives a typical
> sample. But what of your experiences? Anyone have the same
> concerns before going who did ok? Or bombed? Any tips or
> anecdotes to cheer me on?
>
> Here I thought the written would be hard! HA! My NOVICE
> test in 1974 had harder questions! For General in '75
> I had to DRAW oscillators. I was shocked at the simplicity of
> both the Advanced and Extra exams (ok - they throw in a couple
> of tough formula questions, but you can guess those and just
> know the rest and still pass). I have now passed 15 or so
> different samples from the URL that gives sample tests, so I
> know I have the written down pat. I score 85% or better
> every time, on both Advanced and Extra.
>
> Anyway, any commment on the CW part would be very welcome. Like
> I said, if I posted this in any of the newsgroups, I would never
> have a chance of getting any help through all of the anti-cw flames.
> I love CW and as long as it is still legal to use and there's
> some one on the other end of the QSO, I'll use it.
>
> Thanks for any help,
>
> 100%-Boatanchors/Glowbug-shack 73's
>
> Dave WB7AWK (hope to soon be Extra...)
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 1997 17:17:15 -1000
From: "Peter L. Demmer" <ampruss@hits.net>
Subject: Re: Playing with a modern spark tuner --- suprising funzies
Aloha to the GB gang;
Back from Dayton and points west. Was traveling for a month. Sorting
through some 570 e-mail items. I agree, the EO file I purchased (before
I even got my computer hooked up) is a great source of early radio and
lab tested data. I tried to postpone my mail until I got back. Glad I
didnt. 72/3 Peter KH6CTQ
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997 08:35:25 -0600
From: mack@mails.imed.com (Ray Mack)
Subject: Re[2]: EICO dipper coils
Do I have deal for you!
I have the opposite situation. I have a set of coils but no dip
meter.
I have no idea what is fair, so let's start at $15 plus shipping.
Rules of Ware apply.
Ray Mack
WD5IFS
mack@mails.imed.com
Friendswood (Houston), TX
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: EICO dipper coils
Author: Sandy W5TVW <ebjr@worldnet.att.net> at mails
Date: 6/15/97 9:27 PM
Details about coil set for the EICO 710 Grid Dip Meter:
<snip>
Hope this helps those that have a 710 and no coils!
73,
E. V. Sandy Blaize, W5TVW
End of glowbugs V1 #58
**********************
Created by Steve Modena, AB4EL
Comments and suggestions to modena@SunSITE.unc.edu