Re: [RE][drakelist] Trade ameritron al-80a for Drake L4b
thanks for the input Joe. i have been having trouble making my mind up. i think your right.. Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.kc5gtt.com On Jan 17, 2008, at 7:20 PM, Joe Roth wrote: "Joe Roth" made an utterance to the drakelist gang -- You would be best off to sell the AL80 for $800+ and turn around and find an L4B for near that amount. Dollar for dollar, I would take the L4B. I had an AL80A and while I loved the amp and still recommend it, the L4B is superior. Joe-WC4R -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [drakelist] Trade ameritron al-80a for Drake L4b Date : Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:42:04 -0600 From : Carey Lockhart <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To : Drake List <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> i am looking to trade my al-80a for a l4b. i have seen that they are going for the same price in the different markets. i ! listed it on qth.com and have had a couple of offers for 850.00 cash. my question is would that be enough to get a l4b in good shape. or better yet, do any of yall have one that you want to sell. Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.kc5gtt.com www.wc4r.com www.rothweb.net www.williamsburgwx.com -- Submissions: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - unsubscribe drakelist in body Hopelessly Lost: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - help in body of message Zerobeat Web Page: www.zerobeat.net - sponsored by www.tlchost.net --
[drakelist] L4B Amp
"Don Cunningham" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> made an utterance to the drakelist gang -- Gentlemen, I am in the market for a nice Drake L4B. First I would like to find one in reasonable driving distance of Southwestern Oklahoma, but if that isn't possible, I may have to consider shipping. Any sellers out there??? Tks, Don, WB5HAK -- Submissions:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - unsubscribe drakelist in body Hopelessly Lost:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - help in body of message Zerobeat Web Page: www.zerobeat.net - sponsored by www.tlchost.net --
Re: [drakelist] WeakTR-3 transmit on 40, 15, and 10 meters
[EMAIL PROTECTED] made an utterance to the drakelist gang -- Thanks Byron I'm expecting to have to replace some crystals. Can anyone recommend a source for crystals at a decent price? -- Rich Carter -- Original message -- From: "Byron Tatum" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > "Byron Tatum" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> made an utterance to the drakelist gang > -- > Rich- > Sounds like crystal osc not working, as TR-3 works without the premixer > (VFO beating against crystal osc) on 80 and 20. Bad crystals are my #1 > suspicion. > Use a VTVM or high impedance voltmeter and check for oscillation (as > described in manual): connect meter to Test Point and check for negative > voltage (about -5 volts or so). > If the crystals are oscillating then I would check voltages around > premixer tube. If OK there I would adjust the injection coupler transformer > for one of the bands just to see if someone diddled with it, but that is > pretty remote there. > I like to use the 6GH8A in place of 6U8 or 6EA8 for a little more "kick" > in both mixer and premixer. > CUL, Byron WA5THJ. > - Original Message - > From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 10:32 AM > Subject: [drakelist] WeakTR-3 transmit on 40, 15, and 10 meters > > > > I'm restoring a TR-3 transceiver. I've cleaned it up, tested the tubes, > > and carefully cleaned the switch and relay contacts. I find that I'm able > > to get about 100 watts CW on both the 80 and 20 meter band. The receiver > > seems to work fine for these two bands. The other bands are very weak. > > In fact, I get nothing out on 40 meters and only about 1 watt max on the > > other bands. I suspect the crystal oscillator. I replaced the 6EA8 tube, > > things improved very slightly on 15 and 10, but still no power out on 40. > > There is a test point available on tube V1a. I put a scope probe on the > > test point, but I don't see a signal. Well, I see just some 60 cycle > > ripple on 40 meters. On the other bands, there may be a very small > > oscillation superimposed on that, but I can't tell. If I put the probe > > near the tube, I pick up what looks like an HF oscillation on 10 and 15 > > meters. > > > > Does anyone know what the signal on this test point should look like? > > > > On receive, the 80 and 20 meter bands appear good. I can receive strong > > stations on the 40 and 15 meter bands, but I think the receiver is > > partially deaf. I don't know how good the 10 meter band is. There isn't > > much activity on that and these days. I suspect the 40m crystal, but if > > it were bad, I would expect it to be totally deaf on 40m. I thought > > perhaps something might be wrong with the band switch, but I've cleaned it > > up pretty well. > > > > Any suggestions on how to proceed troubleshooting the transmitter? > > > > The rig came with a Collins hand mic. I find that I get poor audio when > > transmitting SSB (on the two good bands). I get a only a few watts out in > > SSB. I suspect that the mic impedance is wrong. There's a transformer in > > the mic. The element measures 4 ohms. I could possibly change the > > transformer or increase the mic gain. I'm reluctant to change the mic > > gain, but I think I could lower R94 to boost the signal. Anyone know > > what they put in these things for a transformer? > > > > Rich KE1EV > > > > > > > -- > Submissions:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Unsubscribe:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - unsubscribe drakelist in body > Hopelessly Lost:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - help in body of message > Zerobeat Web Page: www.zerobeat.net - sponsored by www.tlchost.net > -- -- Submissions:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - unsubscribe drakelist in body Hopelessly Lost:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - help in body of message Zerobeat Web Page: www.zerobeat.net - sponsored by www.tlchost.net --
Re: [drakelist] TR-3 alignment question
In a message dated 1/18/2008 1:45:55 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'd like to align my TR-3. By crystal calibrator signal, do they mean to use the internal calibrator to tune the rig to precise frequencies? That's the way my TR4 manual reads to me, using a general coverage receiver to verify. Carl WD8NHK **Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489
Re: [drakelist] Need on-off switch R4B
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Also, could use suggestions on best ways to clean the chassis. Thanks-73 Lew K1NDV Hi, Can't help with the switch. By cleaning do you mean dust & dirt removal ? If so rubbing alcohol, or denatured alcohol and Q-tips. Others recommend Windex on paper towels. Keeping the tube lettering on is a job. I you are referring to rust coming through the very thin copper plating and ergo the steel rusting, have only seen one done (in pictures) and that was massively taped off, primed and painted with a copper paint. 73's & good luck Carl WD8NHK **Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489
[drakelist] TR-3 alignment question
[EMAIL PROTECTED] made an utterance to the drakelist gang -- I'd like to align my TR-3. I don't understand the alignment instructions in the manual and would appreciate a little help.Instructions list a few simple items needed for alignment including a test lead, voltmeter, WWV receiver, and RF output indicator. I assume an RF power meter is what they mean by an RF output indicator. There is no reference to any expensive calibration equipment. Instructions then the use of a crystal calibrator signal. What is thing thing? I have an HP function/sweep generator, but I don't think this is stable enough to use for calibrating something like this. By crystal calibrator signal, do they mean to use the internal calibrator to tune the rig to precise frequencies? Rich Carter - KE1EV -- Submissions:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - unsubscribe drakelist in body Hopelessly Lost:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - help in body of message Zerobeat Web Page: www.zerobeat.net - sponsored by www.tlchost.net --
[drakelist] Need on-off switch R4B
I'm still looking for the on-off switch wafer section for an R4B. Can paypal or postal check. My R4B had the on-off switch removed but prior owner took out the mounting wafer too!! Also, could use suggestions on best ways to clean the chassis. Thanks-73 Lew K1NDV
Re: [drakelist] WeakTR-3 transmit on 40, 15, and 10 meters
"Byron Tatum" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> made an utterance to the drakelist gang -- Rich- Sounds like crystal osc not working, as TR-3 works without the premixer (VFO beating against crystal osc) on 80 and 20. Bad crystals are my #1 suspicion. Use a VTVM or high impedance voltmeter and check for oscillation (as described in manual): connect meter to Test Point and check for negative voltage (about -5 volts or so). If the crystals are oscillating then I would check voltages around premixer tube. If OK there I would adjust the injection coupler transformer for one of the bands just to see if someone diddled with it, but that is pretty remote there. I like to use the 6GH8A in place of 6U8 or 6EA8 for a little more "kick" in both mixer and premixer. CUL, Byron WA5THJ. - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 10:32 AM Subject: [drakelist] WeakTR-3 transmit on 40, 15, and 10 meters I'm restoring a TR-3 transceiver. I've cleaned it up, tested the tubes, and carefully cleaned the switch and relay contacts. I find that I'm able to get about 100 watts CW on both the 80 and 20 meter band. The receiver seems to work fine for these two bands. The other bands are very weak. In fact, I get nothing out on 40 meters and only about 1 watt max on the other bands. I suspect the crystal oscillator. I replaced the 6EA8 tube, things improved very slightly on 15 and 10, but still no power out on 40. There is a test point available on tube V1a. I put a scope probe on the test point, but I don't see a signal. Well, I see just some 60 cycle ripple on 40 meters. On the other bands, there may be a very small oscillation superimposed on that, but I can't tell. If I put the probe near the tube, I pick up what looks like an HF oscillation on 10 and 15 meters. Does anyone know what the signal on this test point should look like? On receive, the 80 and 20 meter bands appear good. I can receive strong stations on the 40 and 15 meter bands, but I think the receiver is partially deaf. I don't know how good the 10 meter band is. There isn't much activity on that and these days. I suspect the 40m crystal, but if it were bad, I would expect it to be totally deaf on 40m. I thought perhaps something might be wrong with the band switch, but I've cleaned it up pretty well. Any suggestions on how to proceed troubleshooting the transmitter? The rig came with a Collins hand mic. I find that I get poor audio when transmitting SSB (on the two good bands). I get a only a few watts out in SSB. I suspect that the mic impedance is wrong. There's a transformer in the mic. The element measures 4 ohms. I could possibly change the transformer or increase the mic gain. I'm reluctant to change the mic gain, but I think I could lower R94 to boost the signal. Anyone know what they put in these things for a transformer? Rich KE1EV -- Submissions:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - unsubscribe drakelist in body Hopelessly Lost:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - help in body of message Zerobeat Web Page: www.zerobeat.net - sponsored by www.tlchost.net --
Re: [drakelist] Replacing "Soup Can" IF filter
OK Carl- Thank you. I should have posted an article but on my old dial-up connection it woulf take hours to send. This upgrade would be really great on the TR-4. I sure like the performance of the TR-3 after doing it. Another thing I do is dis-assemble PTO's and clean the parts. I really enjoy Drake tube gear, I used to have all of the different mfgr's gear but got rid of everything except Drake. CUL, Byron. - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 7:51 AM Subject: Re: [drakelist] Replacing "Soup Can" IF filter [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Drake TR-3 soup can Hi Byron, Tis a good write up and I will be sorely tempted if my soup can breaks down (TR4 early) Would make a great article with pictures, perhaps posted on something like N9BOR's sight Fame if not fortune. Carl WD8NHK -- Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.
[drakelist] WeakTR-3 transmit on 40, 15, and 10 meters
I'm restoring a TR-3 transceiver. I've cleaned it up, tested the tubes, and
carefully cleaned the switch and relay contacts. I find that I'm able to get
about 100 watts CW on both the 80 and 20 meter band. The receiver seems to
work fine for these two bands. The other bands are very weak. In fact, I get
nothing out on 40 meters and only about 1 watt max on the other bands. I
suspect the crystal oscillator. I replaced the 6EA8 tube, things improved very
slightly on 15 and 10, but still no power out on 40. There is a test point
available on tube V1a. I put a scope probe on the test point, but I don't see
a signal. Well, I see just some 60 cycle ripple on 40 meters. On the other
bands, there may be a very small oscillation superimposed on that, but I can't
tell. If I put the probe near the tube, I pick up what looks like an HF
oscillation on 10 and 15 meters.
Does anyone know what the signal on this test point should look like?
On receive, the 80 and 20 meter bands appear good. I can receive strong
stations on the 40 and 15 meter bands, but I think the receiver is partially
deaf. I don't know how good the 10 meter band is. There isn't much activity
on that and these days. I suspect the 40m crystal, but if it were bad, I would
expect it to be totally deaf on 40m. I thought perhaps something might be
wrong with the band switch, but I've cleaned it up pretty well.
Any suggestions on how to proceed troubleshooting the transmitter?
The rig came with a Collins hand mic. I find that I get poor audio when
transmitting SSB (on the two good bands). I get a only a few watts out in SSB.
I suspect that the mic impedance is wrong. There's a transformer in the mic.
The element measures 4 ohms. I could possibly change the transformer or
increase the mic gain. I'm reluctant to change the mic gain, but I think I
could lower R94 to boost the signal. Anyone know what they put in these
things for a transformer?
Rich KE1EV
--- Begin Message ---
Hello-
Just a report on an experiment
tried on a Drake TR-3. I restored an early TR-3 that had the "Soup Can" 9.0 Mhz
IF filter pair. The TR-3 was in very nice condition and I plan on actively using
it. I like the higher quality 8 pole filters and had found a LSB / USB pair that
came out of a Harris military transceiver.There were 2.8 Khz. wide, 8 pole, 400
ohm impedance compact PC mount filters.
There will be plenty of room for
this assembly, the only thing that is tight is there is just barely enough
height for the 1-3/4" perf board.
Here is how I installed them in
the TR-3:
1. I removed
the "Soup Can" filter assembly, unsoldered the case, opened case so that I
could unsolder the two pilot lamp switching wires from switch assembly. Note
where these two wires go, they will be re-soldered later.
2. Unsolder
the 3 cond wire going to each filter matching transformer.
3. I used the
existing switch the "Soup Can" filter was built upon. The LSB filter is the
bottom four crystals, top four crystals are USB filter when you have the
assembly laying on bench with shaft towards you and the longer 3-cond cable
to the left, just as it would be in the radio when radio is laying on bench
upside down with front panel toward you.
4. On
the rear switch deck note the switch terminals {they are across drom each other
180 degrees} the red wire in each 3 cond pair is soldered to - this is the
in / out hot connection for the assembly ( I call "red wire terminal"). Unsolder
the red, black and shield (bare) wires of
each 3 cond. cable.
5. On the
rear switch deck note the switch contacts above / below the ones the red
wire were soldered to. (These are the contacts that will be used to wire the new
filters to.) There will be crystals soldered to them. There will be
crystals soldered to the inner switch deck. Unsolder all crystals and
capacitors, but do not disturb switch in any other way.
6. Use a
1-3/4" square piece of perf board with copper PC pads on .1" centers, such as
the Radio Shack #276-148 PC board. Place Harris filters on side of board without
copper pads, the filters terminals will line up and go through perf board.
Place LSB filter on bottom. The two filters will take up nearly all of the perf
board. Note the two ground pins of each filter. I soldered a ground bus
wire across board for each filters ground pin pair.
7. Using
short pieces of bus wire solder one to each filter hot pin (4 total). Bend these
bus wires so that this perf board assembly can be brought up within about 1/2"
of rear switch deck.
8. Solder the
two leads for LSB filter to
the rear switch section contacts : One filter lead goes to switch
contact under the red wire terminal on one side and to same terminal on other
side of switch.
9. Solder the
two leads for USB filter to the rear switch contacts : One filter lead goes
to switch contact above the
Re: [drakelist] Replacing "Soup Can" IF filter
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Drake TR-3 soup can Hi Byron, Tis a good write up and I will be sorely tempted if my soup can breaks down (TR4 early) Would make a great article with pictures, perhaps posted on something like N9BOR's sight Fame if not fortune. Carl WD8NHK **Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489
