Re: [Drakelist] First Rigs - If you could do it all over again, what would your first station be?
Garey, The IF BW was spec'd at 30 kHz. Now I know why you like the gentle slopes of the RC filtered Drakes. And the ability to hear what's around you. LOL It's all about where you grew up. :-) Being a bit younger, my window started at the end of the tube era. I had to thin the herd or I would still own a 2B. But I really do like my B twins and TR7, the movers and shakers of my Novice. 73, Ron WD8SBB --- On Sat, 6/18/11, Garey Barrell k4...@mindspring.com wrote: From: Garey Barrell k4...@mindspring.com Subject: Re: [Drakelist] First Rigs - If you could do it all over again, what would your first station be? To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Date: Saturday, June 18, 2011, 10:49 AM My first 'station' cost me all of $5.00. I received a Heath AR-3 kit for Christmas 1956, which was fun to build, and had a lot of fun listening to the SWBC and Ham signals. I had been experimenting with some old telephone equipment my Dad brought home from his company. They had completely renovated the phone system and had dozens of desk sets, patch boards, cables, etc. that all went into the dumpster.! After playing with that for a while, I managed to get a friend two houses away interested. The phone stuff wasn't much fun, since we already had phones (Gee, kinda like SSB today!) so we decided to put in a telegraph line between us. We knew just enough to be VERY dangerous, and ran a single wire from his room to mine, through a tree in the back yard of the house between us. A few hardware store items, and we had a 40W light bulb and key in each of our rooms, with the return the power ground.! Yes, the wire carried 120 VAC... Fortunately, the neighbor never trimmed his tree or we would have had a very messy situation! Anyway, that got us to learn the code, and I went on and studied the License Manual and Handbook to get my Novice license in 1957, KN4OAH. I had a lot of help from my Elmer, W4EEI, who provided much encouragement and had the neatest SX-28 / Viking II station. 'We' built a single 6L6 along the lines of the 'QSL 40' from a 1938 QST with parts from his junk box. It wasn't pretty, but sure would light up a light bulb with 600 VDC on the plates. Just don't hold the key down too long. After listening to a friend's ARC-5 receiver, and seeing how much more stable and easy to tune it was than my AR-3, I bought a brand new BC-454 for $4.95. The power transformer, rectifier tube and socket, and electrolytic cap were 'borrowed' from the AR-3 and mounted on the back deck of the BC-454. When my license finally arrived, (or perhaps 'shortly' before,) I was actually heard by a few stations on 80M. I made a LOT of contacts with that station, including one with the Grand Island Nebraska FCC monitoring station! Strangely enough, that was my best DX at the time from KY, and even stranger it was on 7440 kHz even though I was transmitting on 3720 kHz.! While the BC-454 was VERY stable and sensitive, the selectivity was great, for FM. The IF BW was spec'd at 30 kHz, meaning I could hear the entire 80M Novice band without moving the tuning knob. This was handy for spotting responses to CQ's, (most only had one or perhaps two crystals,) but made it difficult to hear just ONE, especially in the evening on 80 when the Novice band sounded like today's contest weekends. I determined that I needed an IF frequency lower than the 1415 kHz of the BC-454, and just happened to have a clock radio on hand. So I wove a piece of hookup wire into the loop antenna on the back of the clock radio, and stuck the other end down into the top of the last IF of the '454. Tuning the clock radio to 1415 kHz, I had a double conversion receiver, PLUS _Passband Tuning_ . This helped matters considerably, and then I saw a Heathkit Q-Multiplier in operation and HAD to have one. I managed to get it installed in the clock radio, with only a couple of house fuses blown before I got the grounds correct! I used this rig for a few months, and got my General license when the FCC came to town on one of its bi-annual trips. This let me stretch out to the lower part of 80M. My Dad took pity on me and 'helped' me purchase a WRL Globe Chief 90 kit and a Heathkit VF-1 kit. Looking back, I think he just wanted to prevent any further contact with the FCC, which was a pretty formidable organization in those days. About this time, a friend from school came over and decided he wanted to get a Ham license also. I showed him what I was doing, demonstrated the code, and loaned him my License Manual and Handbook. About a month later, he said that he was still studying, but was losing interest. Just can't learn the code. However, it seemed his Dad had bought him . A brand new 75A-4, AND a brand new factory wired Johnson Ranger! Yikes! My friend allowed as how his Dad wasn't too pleased that he had 'lost interest', and would I be interested in buying his gear to get
Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared
On Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:58:14 +, Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: True but Drake is still in the business of making radios and associated electronics and components are still components. Yes, but it's a different world today. Manufacturers have to stay competetive on a global scale in these days of Lean Manufacturing initiatives and everything that goes with that. The bean counters are in control, and anything that has a little dust on it, doesn't move, or isn't profitable goes into the dumpster (rubbish bin) without a second thought. 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] Drakelist Digest, Vol 36, Issue 26
Hello everyone, Happy Father's Day. All this conversation about Drake Vs Ten Tec has gotten me to thinking. I purchased an entire Ten Tec station - Omni VI Plus including 5 filters, the matching Transmatch #238 and matching power supply/speaker brand new in late 1999 - 2000. Funny thing is I sold most of my Drake equipment in 1999 in order to gain the cash to be able to buy a brand new station never used for the first time since becoming a ham in 1985. I would entertain a swap for a good 4 A,B or C line or possibly even a TR-4CW given the same excellent condition as I have for my gear, mainly just to make things simple again. I miss the hollow state days I guess. I wanted to run PSK31 back then and needed the stability in order to do so, or at least I thought so ... Please email me directly if interested. I live in NC and have all original boxes manuals, etc and could ship to anywhere in the lower 48. 73, Michael Kelly N4MAK mkell...@gmail.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared
Mike, That's really not a fair comparison, Drake having parts as opposed to Ten Tec. Drake went out of the ham business MANY years ago but carried parts until recent memory for many of their rigs and serviced them far beyond what other US manufacturers of ham gear did. On the other hand, Ten Tec advertises as still being in the ham business. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared
Most recent purchase was a mint Omni C with a broken crystal carrier. They are no longer available from any source, including the factory. So, the C won't function on 30M. The on-off switch was also broken, not really an issue because use the PS switch anyway, but those not available either. Band switches are notorious and well-known issue for the 540-546. Replacements not available. Dial light for the 509 no longer available from any source. Of course, to be fair there are surely Drake parts that aren't available anymore ( like switch decks I suppose ). But, so fa e for me personally, I've had nothing break that couldn't be replaced with readily available parts. - Original Message - From: mike bryce proso...@sssnet.com To: rhule...@comcast.net Cc: Drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2011 10:05:58 AM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared I have a bit of issue with that... with the exception of some solid state devices, RF transistors for the 444 amp comes to mind, I've never found ten tec did not stock a part, or had a working replacement for it for a radio I've have on my service bench. Sure, some parts or assemblies are long gone. I mean, when was the last time Drake sold a PTO for TR3? granted, you can't get cosmetic parts like knobs or front panels, but you can't get those from drake either. You can still get a PTO rebulid kit for a ten tec argonaut 505, built in 1973, so, I'd say, ten tec has a pretty good supply of parts for older radios, and if you have the money, they will be more than happy to install, and bring to factory specs that 505. mike bryce proso...@sssnet.com On Jun 18, 2011, at 2:27 PM, rhule...@comcast.net wrote: I own and enjoy both. Drake 4 line and 2B. Ten-Tec 509, 540, 544, 545, 546, 588. All except last purchased used of course. Only ones needing work were the Drakes and the newest Ten-Tec. The 588 recently revisited the factory for repair when 3 years old, of course Ten-Tec fixed it quickly but repair cost more than paid for any of the other rigs listed. I'm not capable of repairing the 588. If any of the old stuff breaks, I'd be forced to fix myself because the shipping would cost more than the rig is worth. One thing about the older Ten-Tec rigs, many of the failure-prone parts are unobtanium. So far, the items that have failed on the Drakes have been easily replaced. ___ 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] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared
On Jun 19, 2011, at 8:05 PM, rhule...@comcast.net wrote: Dial light for the 509 no longer available from any source. Huh? The dial light is just two grain of wheat bulbs in series that glow a dull red with 12 volts, and slightly brighter on 13.8v. You could replace them with anything including the (relatively) new 180 degree LEDs. The S meter light is just a 12 volt long/life low brightness bulb with the usual bayonet end. I replaced mine with a drop in LED white replacement. I have LEDs for the dial lights, and decided that since mine still work, it was not worth my time to replace them. Eventually I will. Geoff. -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, N3OWJ/4X1GM Making your enemy reliant on software you support is the best revenge. ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared
Sorta true. GM is still (sort of) in the car making business too, but I doubt they could come up with an inside driver's door handle for your 1965 Oldsmobile. They're still in the business of making cars, and car door handles are still car door handles! Electronic components are still components too, just 1/10 the size. One of the beauty of the Drakes, and others of the time, is that most of the parts that fail are generic and available plenty of places. I don't see a third IF can as being any different than a door handle from that standpoint. The same is mostly true of the 7- Line, with the exception of a few ECL ICs that can be gotten, but are a challenge. Also, I'm sure Drake would be happy to sell you an IC for the R-8 series receivers! 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 Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF wrote: True but Drake is still in the business of making radios and associated electronics and components are still components. On 19-Jun-11 15:20, Don Cunningham wrote: Mike, That's really not a fair comparison, Drake having parts as opposed to Ten Tec. Drake went out of the ham business MANY years ago but carried parts until recent memory for many of their rigs and serviced them far beyond what other US manufacturers of ham gear did. On the other hand, Ten Tec advertises as still being in the ham business. 73, Don, WB5HAK ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared
Nothing below (with perhaps the exception of the bandswitch) that couldn't be repaired with a suitable field expedient replacement. Crystal holder, on off switch, dial lamps (?!!) ...all easily replaced with something that'll work. Power supply switch is a common rocker switch AFAIK. Bandswitches are a problem if bad, regardless of the make of the gear. The larger ones can have contact surgery applied (I've done this) but that problem is common to all gear. Most Tentec gear up to and including the Omni VI used simple single sided PWB's that are easy to service, with spacious layouts and sensible interconnects making for easy RR. Now if only they had used good grease in their PTOs! :-) John K5MO At 01:05 PM 6/19/2011, rhule...@comcast.net wrote: Most recent purchase was a mint Omni C with a broken crystal carrier. They are no longer available from any source, including the factory. So, the C won't function on 30M. The on-off switch was also broken, not really an issue because use the PS switch anyway, but those not available either. Band switches are notorious and well-known issue for the 540-546. Replacements not available. Dial light for the 509 no longer available from any source. ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] R-4B Notch Backlash PTO movement
Just noticed two very slight anomalies with my R-4B: 1) There's a small bit of Notch control backlash; and 2) There's a very small amount of VFO knob upward movement but no side-to-side, nor downward movement. The slight upward movement does not affect frequency stability. Is this normal for the R-4B? I detect neither issue with my R-4C. Tnx! Paul, W9AC ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] R-4B Notch Backlash PTO movement
Paul - Yes, the adjuster for the NOTCH is 'springy' like the Passband Tuner slugs. The backlash is usually negligible if the cam slider surface is clean and lightly lubricated. Seems a little strange. Any 'play' in the front ball bearings is adjusted out with the hex set screw accessible from the back end, just like the C. Since it's only 'UP', I wonder if all three of the spade bolt nuts that hold the PTO in the receiver are tight?? 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 Paul Christensen wrote: Just noticed two very slight anomalies with my R-4B: 1) There's a small bit of Notch control backlash; and 2) There's a very small amount of VFO knob upward movement but no side-to-side, nor downward movement. The slight upward movement does not affect frequency stability. Is this normal for the R-4B? I detect neither issue with my R-4C. Tnx! 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
Re: [Drakelist] R-4B Notch Backlash PTO movement
Garey, Tnx for the great suggestions! Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Garey Barrell k4...@mindspring.com To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2011 4:57 PM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R-4B Notch Backlash PTO movement Paul - Yes, the adjuster for the NOTCH is 'springy' like the Passband Tuner slugs. The backlash is usually negligible if the cam slider surface is clean and lightly lubricated. Seems a little strange. Any 'play' in the front ball bearings is adjusted out with the hex set screw accessible from the back end, just like the C. Since it's only 'UP', I wonder if all three of the spade bolt nuts that hold the PTO in the receiver are tight?? 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 Paul Christensen wrote: Just noticed two very slight anomalies with my R-4B: 1) There's a small bit of Notch control backlash; and 2) There's a very small amount of VFO knob upward movement but no side-to-side, nor downward movement. The slight upward movement does not affect frequency stability. Is this normal for the R-4B? I detect neither issue with my R-4C. Tnx! 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 ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared
Well...there is a simple solution to this parts issue..at least it is a partial solutionjust look for a parts chassis. A non working or broken radio and then keep it for parts. Ones in poor cosmetic contidion go pretty cheap. 73, Lee -Original Message- From: rhulett1 rhule...@comcast.net To: mike bryce proso...@sssnet.com Cc: Drakelist Drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sun, Jun 19, 2011 1:06 pm Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared Most recent purchase was a mint Omni C with a broken crystal carrier. They are no longer available from any source, including the factory. So, the C won't function on 30M. The on-off switch was also broken, not really an issue because use the PS switch anyway, but those not available either. Band switches are notorious and well-known issue for the 540-546. Replacements not available. Dial light for the 509 no longer available from any source. Of course, to be fair there are surely Drake parts that aren't available anymore ( like switch decks I suppose ). But, so fae for me personally, I've had nothing break that couldn't be replaced with readily available parts. From: mike bryce proso...@sssnet.com To: rhule...@comcast.net Cc: Drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2011 10:05:58 AM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Ten-Tec and Drake Compared I have a bit of issue with that... with the exception of some solid state devices, RF transistors for the 444 amp comes to mind, I've never found ten tec did not stock a part, or had a working replacement for it for a radio I've have on my service bench. Sure, some parts or assemblies are long gone. I mean, when was the last time Drake sold a PTO for TR3? granted, you can't get cosmetic parts like knobs or front panels, but you can't get those from drake either. You can still get a PTO rebulid kit for a ten tec argonaut 505, built in 1973, so, I'd say, ten tec has a pretty good supply of parts for older radios, and if you have the money, they will be more than happy to install, and bring to factory specs that 505. mike bryce proso...@sssnet.com On Jun 18, 2011, at 2:27 PM, rhule...@comcast.net wrote: I own and enjoy both. Drake 4 line and 2B. Ten-Tec 509, 540, 544, 545, 546, 588. All except last purchased used of course. Only ones needing work were the Drakes and the newest Ten-Tec. The 588 recently revisited the factory for repair when 3 years old, of course Ten-Tec fixed it quickly but repair cost more than paid for any of the other rigs listed. I'm not capable of repairing the 588. If any of the old stuff breaks, I'd be forced to fix myself because the shipping would cost more than the rig is worth. One thing about the older Ten-Tec rigs, many of the failure-prone parts are unobtanium. So far, the items that have failed on the Drakes have been easily replaced. ___ 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
