Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
My experience with the AC4R kit was very positive..excellent quality, fast delivery..etc. So I have followed this thread with some interest. Yes there were some differences between my AC-4 and the instructions. At the risk of sounding elitist, and that is not my intent, if a person can't figure this kit out using just his ac-4, the pile of parts in the kit, and (optional bonus) a schematic of the AC-4, then that person probably should not be working on this 700V supply. Give it to someone else to work on. I'm all for learning by doing, and a full-wave supply is generally one of the first things you learn in electronics, but take your first steps on one that won't kill you or explode in your face if you make a mistake. FWIW Curt KU8L ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
I plan to buy an AC4R kit for my Drake AC-4 power supply. I did not know about the color differences with the different models, but I do not see a problem as a power supply normally is not that complicated. Anyone who can read schematics should have no problem. I am just glad someone is filling this niche market as I do not like to do things from scratch if I do not need to. 73, Ron, K0IC On Sat, Feb 26, 2011 at 7:56 AM, Curt Nixon cptc...@flash.net wrote: My experience with the AC4R kit was very positive..excellent quality, fast delivery..etc. So I have followed this thread with some interest. Yes there were some differences between my AC-4 and the instructions. At the risk of sounding elitist, and that is not my intent, if a person can't figure this kit out using just his ac-4, the pile of parts in the kit, and (optional bonus) a schematic of the AC-4, then that person probably should not be working on this 700V supply. Give it to someone else to work on. I'm all for learning by doing, and a full-wave supply is generally one of the first things you learn in electronics, but take your first steps on one that won't kill you or explode in your face if you make a mistake. FWIW Curt KU8L ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist -- Ronald D. Erickson, K0IC 712-379-3614 Magic Jack # 712-587-1836 Heartland Hams Southwest Iowa Amateur Radio Club Bellevue Amateur Radio Club ARRL Local Government Liaison ARRL Public Information Officer ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio™ 563-263-3097 ronalderickson...@gmail.com 10-X #12938 :* EN20iu ARRL Lifer since 1976 3900 Club #729 Iowa QRP Club #179 QCWA Lifer #30762; Chapters, 25, 123, 210 FCC #PG-17-12556 FISTS CW Club #12484 Straight Key Century Club #2253 30 Meter Digital Group #3932 FGBMFI Life Member since 1985 Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network member Pastor license by Universal Life Church, Modesto, CA 10/09/1976 Trying to join the Shenandoah Assembly of God The Collins Collectors Association #AC07-12075 Courage HANDI-HAM System member Ex: WN0GDA, WB0GDA, AK0N, AAV7AW Ex: KMA-AM broadcast engineer 1977-1989. Ex: SBE Senior Broadcast Engineer #2308 - Radio - AM/FM IWCC -Clarinda Associate of Arts Degree - 1973 University of Nebraska at Omaha Bachelor of General Studies Degree - 1993 True Full Swedish-American k...@arrl.net www.contactify.com/c521b ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
- Original Message - From: Ronald Erickson ronalderickson...@gmail.com To: captc...@flash.net Cc: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2011 8:01 AM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit I plan to buy an AC4R kit for my Drake AC-4 power supply. I did not know about the color differences with the different models, but I do not see a problem as a power supply normally is not that complicated. Anyone who can read schematics should have no problem. I am just glad someone is filling this niche market as I do not like to do things from scratch if I do not need to. 73, The problem is the wiring in the supply. Make a drawing before you disassemble it. The instructions are not correct for at least some supplies and its more difficult to back track than simply reading the schematic. If you have a drawing showing how the original wiring was arranged you will not have a problem. The instructions for assembling the board are fine. -- Richard Knoppow Los Angeles WB6KBL dickb...@ix.netcom.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
I did two and had no confusion or problems. Worked as advertised. Jim WA8SDF Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile -Original Message- From: Richard Knoppow 1oldle...@ix.netcom.com Sender: drakelist-bounces@zerobeat.netDate: Sat, 26 Feb 2011 08:47:43 To: Ronald Ericksonronalderickson...@gmail.com Reply-To: Richard Knoppow 1oldle...@ix.netcom.com Cc: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit - Original Message - From: Ronald Erickson ronalderickson...@gmail.com To: captc...@flash.net Cc: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2011 8:01 AM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit I plan to buy an AC4R kit for my Drake AC-4 power supply. I did not know about the color differences with the different models, but I do not see a problem as a power supply normally is not that complicated. Anyone who can read schematics should have no problem. I am just glad someone is filling this niche market as I do not like to do things from scratch if I do not need to. 73, The problem is the wiring in the supply. Make a drawing before you disassemble it. The instructions are not correct for at least some supplies and its more difficult to back track than simply reading the schematic. If you have a drawing showing how the original wiring was arranged you will not have a problem. The instructions for assembling the board are fine. -- Richard Knoppow Los Angeles WB6KBL dickb...@ix.netcom.com ___ 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] AC-4R kit
Tom, Thanks for the info... about a month ago I did the upgrade. I carefully followed all his directions, studying the photos too...mine went together fine and is working FB. Wish I would have had your notes firstas it was a little confusing in places. Mostly just not good writing, not really any errors. 73, Lee Lee Simmonds Summit DCS LLC 260-799-4077 Office 260-403-6936 Cell -Original Message- From: TC Dailey daileyservi...@qwest.net To: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Fri, Feb 25, 2011 12:02 am Subject: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit If you're using HIS kit, one HUGE caveat. His instructions are not very good, and he's really not in the mood to appreciate feedback, so here ya go: Follow his instructions for REMOVAL of all of the components to be replaced + remove ALL old caps (you don't need 'em - who cares what it looks like under the METAL SHIELD?...duh NOW - install the spacers and fit the board - leave ALL fasteners loose. Take the board back out. Now skip steps - lengthen all SECONDARY windings of the transformer (except for the filament - they've not been disconnected). RECONNECT all secondary windings to their pad points on the board. At this point most of the confusion is ended. You need only to connect the bias wires (he said they're white - he sent brown wire... no biggie), and the REMAINING wires from the output cable... small orange, small yellow, etc. After it's all hooked up, and you've checked your wiring - bring it up slowly on a Variac so IF you've messed up, you won't fry anything. Once you're happy, tighten up all the hardware, and put the case on. Tom D. - WØEAJ ___ 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] AC-4R kit
Boys and girls... Well since I'm getting beat up here, I may as well defend my honor. The biggest problem with installing the ac4r is the color codes used by drake changed over production runs. Some units use a gray wire, then next a black wire and sometimes a gray wire with a white tracer. the wire that goes to the radio cable carrying the the +800 volts is really problematic. 1. orange 2. orange with white tracer 3. white with orange tracer 4. red now, pick one! I can't write instructions that cover each and every deviation of wiring codes, so I try and hit in the middle. If there is a shortage wire in the kits, I send a notice that you should use this color instead of that color. If you have a supply with the transformer pointing the opposite way, then that needs to be addressed. Ooh, no threads on the transformer? Oops, you can't mount the PCB there. I'm trying to tell someone that I don't know— if they know what end a soldering iron get hot— and trying to installing a retrofit into a piece of gear 40 years old. It's not a simple task. The number of phone calls from guys who shouldn't be working with electricity scares me. Trying to explain to the guy on the other end how to set his simpson 260 up to read voltage. He didn't know! or the guy that calls on a Sunday night because the bias voltage reads backwards. He's upset because the voltage is negative and he can't figure out way. A hour long phone call shot in the ass trying to explain that bias voltage is negative in reference to ground. How would you react to that? Most of the time, guys don't read the instructions first, and then start cutting away. Then they find out they can't find the black wire from the radio cable because it was gray instead. If anyone would like to sit down and rewrite the instructions, please do so! I'll be more than happy to use YOUR instructions. As far as being in the mood to appreciate feedback, I accept all that I get. I accept criticism as well as most people. If something is wrong, I'll fix it. I just added more instructions and installation hints a week ago. If someone tells me that such and such step is confusing. I'll be more than happy to fix it. It's just words on a computer screen. Tap-tap, they're changed! But... Don't send me emails telling me how stupid I am. How your old sergeant knew more about drakes than I do. Or how you spent 60 years in the navy and my instructions don't meet the TMA codes you're use to. OR send me a photos of two AC4s with the guts ripped out and you don't understand why one has different wires than the other one. I keep and archive all emails, and I got some that would piss off the pope. Really puts you in the mood to appreciate feed back doesn't it? I mean, how you would react if you receive an email from someone you've never met and they tell you how stupid and F**K up you are and how this and that are all wrong in the instructions. How their 12 year old son could do a better job. Tell me Tom, how you would react to that? So, if you don't like the instructions, don't feel I accept and appreciate feedback, then sit down, re-wrire the them so they cover every version of the drake AC4, every possible deviation, and all possible obstacles. Make them crystal clear for everyone on every end of the spectrum. All the old navy comm techs, all the new hams, and everyone in between. And send them to me. I'll trash the one I did and be more than happy to include your new instructions in the kits. I accept Microsoft .doc and .docx files. And... I'll be sure to forward all the emails from people that can't figure out your instructions. And... I'm going to crawl back into the woodwork. This forum is not the place to discuss this any further. mike, wb8vge Mike, WB8VGE SunLight Energy Systems The Heathkit Shop http://www.theheathkitshop.com/ J e e p o|||o If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts. Albert Einstein On Feb 25, 2011, at 1:25 AM, Richard Knoppow wrote: - Original Message - From: TC Dailey daileyservi...@qwest.net To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 9:01 PM Subject: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit If you're using HIS kit, one HUGE caveat. His instructions are not very good, and he's really not in the mood to appreciate feedback, so here ya go: Follow his instructions for REMOVAL of all of the components to be replaced + remove ALL old caps (you don't need 'em - who cares what it looks like under the METAL SHIELD?...duh NOW - install the spacers and fit the board - leave ALL fasteners loose. Take the board back out. Now skip steps - lengthen all SECONDARY windings of the transformer (except for the filament - they've not been disconnected). RECONNECT all secondary windings to their pad points on the board. At this point most of the confusion is ended. You need only to connect the bias wires (he said they're white - he sent brown wire... no
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
Exactly. This is why it used to be that to get your license you really needed to know some theory. I had to DRAW a Harley or a Colpitts oscillator, not multiple guess. 12 years old doing Heathkit stuff with my Dad, there was 250VDC running around, not 6 volts for some transistor. I learned why it was NOT a good idea to plug in a transformer from a TV that had been siting out in the rain. If you can't read a schematic and use a voltmeter and apply reasoning skills, then you really shouldn't be doing this upgrade. I had the same problems with the wire colors, but got beyond the puzzling and got two AC3's fixed up. Good project, but unlike a lot of projects, it's what I call a zero beers project. Chuck, K1OM On Fri, Feb 25, 2011 at 10:29 AM, mike bryce proso...@sssnet.com wrote: Boys and girls... Well since I'm getting beat up here, I may as well defend my honor. The biggest problem with installing the ac4r is the color codes used by drake changed over production runs. Some units use a gray wire, then next a black wire and sometimes a gray wire with a white tracer. the wire that goes to the radio cable carrying the the +800 volts is really problematic. 1. orange 2. orange with white tracer 3. white with orange tracer 4. red now, pick one! I can't write instructions that cover each and every deviation of wiring codes, so I try and hit in the middle. If there is a shortage wire in the kits, I send a notice that you should use this color instead of that color. If you have a supply with the transformer pointing the opposite way, then that needs to be addressed. Ooh, no threads on the transformer? Oops, you can't mount the PCB there. I'm trying to tell someone that I don't know— if they know what end a soldering iron get hot— and trying to installing a retrofit into a piece of gear 40 years old. It's not a simple task. The number of phone calls from guys who shouldn't be working with electricity scares me. Trying to explain to the guy on the other end how to set his simpson 260 up to read voltage. He didn't know! or the guy that calls on a Sunday night because the bias voltage reads backwards. He's upset because the voltage is negative and he can't figure out way. A hour long phone call shot in the ass trying to explain that bias voltage is negative in reference to ground. How would you react to that? Most of the time, guys don't read the instructions first, and then start cutting away. Then they find out they can't find the black wire from the radio cable because it was gray instead. If anyone would like to sit down and rewrite the instructions, please do so! I'll be more than happy to use YOUR instructions. As far as being in the mood to appreciate feedback, I accept all that I get. I accept criticism as well as most people. If something is wrong, I'll fix it. I just added more instructions and installation hints a week ago. If someone tells me that such and such step is confusing. I'll be more than happy to fix it. It's just words on a computer screen. Tap-tap, they're changed! But... Don't send me emails telling me how stupid I am. How your old sergeant knew more about drakes than I do. Or how you spent 60 years in the navy and my instructions don't meet the TMA codes you're use to. OR send me a photos of two AC4s with the guts ripped out and you don't understand why one has different wires than the other one. I keep and archive all emails, and I got some that would piss off the pope. Really puts you in the mood to appreciate feed back doesn't it? I mean, how you would react if you receive an email from someone you've never met and they tell you how stupid and F**K up you are and how this and that are all wrong in the instructions. How their 12 year old son could do a better job. Tell me Tom, how you would react to that? So, if you don't like the instructions, don't feel I accept and appreciate feedback, then sit down, re-wrire the them so they cover every version of the drake AC4, every possible deviation, and all possible obstacles. Make them crystal clear for everyone on every end of the spectrum. All the old navy comm techs, all the new hams, and everyone in between. And send them to me. I'll trash the one I did and be more than happy to include your new instructions in the kits. I accept Microsoft .doc and .docx files. And... I'll be sure to forward all the emails from people that can't figure out * your* instructions. And... I'm going to crawl back into the woodwork. This forum is not the place to discuss this any further. mike, wb8vge Mike, WB8VGE SunLight Energy Systems The Heathkit Shop http://www.theheathkitshop.com/ J e e p o|||o If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts. Albert Einstein ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
I for one appreciated the availability of the AC-4R. It provided a way to rebuild my AC-4 with confidence that the result would provide reliable power for my Drake T-4X and T-4XB. I photographed the AC-4 wiring with my digital camera from several angles and read the AC-4R instructtions several times before beginning to molest the AC-4. Personally, I found the instructions and photographs quite adequate used in conjuction with the AC-4 schematic. The result tested FB after wiring and has been in use for about a year now with no issues. 73, Curt Kb5JO___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
Mike, I too found your instructions to be adequate for me, an old retired school administrator, to rebuild one AC4 very easily. I plan to incorporate the same kit in all my AC4's as I can afford it. I found it to be a high quality board, good components, and with adequate pre-planning (pictures, tracing wiring to be sure it matched your colors and noting differences on the instructions) I had NO glitches at all. I do some blueprint checking and technical writing for a local oilfield manufacturer and find that engineers (and designers) are sometimes too close to the project to see all the ways that something can be communicated. That's why they keep calling me back, to sort out what needs to be included (after customer feedback) in future issuances of materials. I simply make suggestions, as I am NOT the designer of the gear, but we find a middle ground that the customer can understand (often in other parts of the world, not the U.S.). Guys, we have far too few vendors willing to supply us with our needs to keep the old rigs running. Mike at the Heathkit Shop, Tom at Hayseed Hamfest, Jeff at Harbach and many others have ALWAYS been courteous and helpful to me. I DO try to warn new hams of the hazards that are faced in the old gear with higher voltages to consider. I usually do it off list, as I have lost very good friends to stupid accidents that could have been prevented. Many new hams have NOT had our experiences since childhood with this stuff. Thanks again Mike, Tom, Jeff and others for making quality upgrades available for our old gear. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
I've built two AC-4R's with Mike's kits and they worked fine right away. I got stuck a couple of times, but with a quick check of the schematic and an application of a bit of common sense I got through it. It really wasn't that difficult to figure out. He provides a great product and I haven't made my last purchase from him. By the way, which end of the soldering iron does get hot? OUCH! Never mind. Bob K6GGO Boys and girls... Well since I'm getting beat up here, I may as well defend my honor. ___ 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] AC-4R kit
Mike; In today's society you never blame fault on yourself or your own ignorance! You have to blame it on others. Installing your AC-4R and the one for the Drake amps is a no brainer if you can read a schematic. You don't even need written instructions if you can read a schematic and understand how the device works. This whole discussion points out how inebt ham radio has become in general over time. I think I have purchased around 20 AC-4R boards and around 3 or 4 boards for Drake amps from you. Never a problem and you supply a great 1st class product and service. There is a discussion going on right now on another reflector over doing some simple math using Algebra. One guy needs to get a solution but doesn't know algebra. I say, go to night school and get some remeadial training. There are just too many people today wanting others to always bail them out. Lee, w0vt Houston, Texas MikeSubject: Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit Boys and girls... Well since I'm getting beat up here, I may as well defend my honor. The biggest problem with installing the ac4r is the color codes used by drake changed over production runs. Some units use a gray wire, then next a black wire and sometimes a gray wire with a white tracer. the wire that goes to the radio cable carrying the the +800 volts is really problematic. 1. orange 2. orange with white tracer 3. white with orange tracer 4. red now, pick one! ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
I agree with the gentleman that said building and installing the AR4 upgrade kit is basically a no brainer. Mike has done an excellent job designing the kit, the board layout is simple and the board is marked where all the parts are placed on the board. This reminds me of the old Heathkit building days. Personally I did not read the instructions, I just looked at a couple of pictures in the manual on how the board mounts to the transformer, assembled the board, mounted it and ran the wires to the proper connections. I then put power to it, it worked perfectly. Since them I have installed over 50 of those kits in AC4's for other hams and never had a problem with it working first time. So like I said, just like building a Heathkit. Maybe it was easy for me, I am one of those old hams that got his license well before the test questions became multiple choice. 'hi hi All this just reminded me I need to order more kit from Mike. 73, Ron / WB4HFN From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net] On Behalf Of Mike Pappas Sent: Friday, February 25, 2011 1:04 PM To: LEE BAHR Cc: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit I installed an AC-4R kit and didn't have a problem with it. Went in just fine without drama. High quality components and the instructions were just fine. I would highly recommend it. Mike Pappas W9CN advanceddigi...@mac.com On Feb 25, 2011, at 10:52 AM, LEE BAHR wrote: Mike; In today's society you never blame fault on yourself or your own ignorance! You have to blame it on others. Installing your AC-4R and the one for the Drake amps is a no brainer if you can read a schematic. You don't even need written instructions if you can read a schematic and understand how the device works. This whole discussion points out how inebt ham radio has become in general over time. I think I have purchased around 20 AC-4R boards and around 3 or 4 boards for Drake amps from you. Never a problem and you supply a great 1st class product and service. There is a discussion going on right now on another reflector over doing some simple math using Algebra. One guy needs to get a solution but doesn't know algebra. I say, go to night school and get some remeadial training. There are just too many people today wanting others to always bail them out. Lee, w0vt Houston, Texas MikeSubject: Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit Boys and girls... Well since I'm getting beat up here, I may as well defend my honor. The biggest problem with installing the ac4r is the color codes used by drake changed over production runs. Some units use a gray wire, then next a black wire and sometimes a gray wire with a white tracer. the wire that goes to the radio cable carrying the the +800 volts is really problematic. 1. orange 2. orange with white tracer 3. white with orange tracer 4. red now, pick one! ___ 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] AC-4R kit
I had the same experience as Curt. worked FB, Thanks Mike. Lee Lee Simmonds Summit DCS LLC 260-799-4077 Office 260-403-6936 Cell -Original Message- From: Curt rhule...@comcast.net To: mike bryce proso...@sssnet.com Cc: drakelist drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Fri, Feb 25, 2011 11:20 am Subject: Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit I for one appreciated the availability of the AC-4R. It provided a way to rebuild my AC-4 with confidence that the result would provide reliable power for my Drake T-4X and T-4XB. I photographed the AC-4 wiring with my digital camera from several angles and read the AC-4R instructtions several times before beginning to molest the AC-4. Personally, I found the instructions and photographs quite adequate used in conjuction with the AC-4 schematic. The result tested FB after wiring and has been in use for about a year now with no issues. 73, Curt Kb5JO ___ 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] AC-4R kit
I bought both kits, one for the AC4 and HP-23. Sure, there were a couple of things that I saw as ambiguous, but after careful inspection of the power supply, and it's schematic, I saw that it was my problem, not the instructions. No matter what, I traced everything anyway, making sure all the connections made sense. Both supplies worked perfectly. These kits are the best thing that ever happened to power supplies! 73 Mark N5KAE From: John Boyle jmbo...@ripnet.com To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Fri, February 25, 2011 10:39:26 AM Subject: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit I bought the AC-4R kit from Mike several montha ago and found the kit very easy to assemble. I think he has the right to assume that one can read a schematic and has had some experience in working with electronics. I made it a opoint to carefully trace all of the leads and compare my wiring with the schematic. The result was that it passed the smoke test with flying colors and the voltages were as advertized. Mike has done a great job that has benefitted many Drake owners. John, VE3PMA___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
I thought the kit was of excellent quality and would have bought it with *NO* instructions. Just having it available was a blessing because without it we'd all be truly on our own (read: Some of us would be totally screwed). 73/Paul, K4MSG ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
- Original Message - From: ph...@aol.com To: n5...@swbell.net; jmbo...@ripnet.com; drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Friday, February 25, 2011 5:28 PM Subject: Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit I thought the kit was of excellent quality and would have bought it with *NO* instructions. Just having it available was a blessing because without it we'd all be truly on our own (read: Some of us would be totally screwed). 73/Paul, K4MSG I had actually repaired my AC-4 which came with some bad caps in it. But, I makeshifted with mounting and was not very happy although it worked. I bought the kit because I thought the PS was folding up under load. Turned out to be something else but I am still happy I got rid of the makeshift. I think its possible that Tom at hayseed hamfest might have can caps to fit the AC-4, he certainly does for the R-4B and other Drake and Hallicrafters stuff. Still, the arrangement with everything on a single, high quality, circuit board is desirable. -- Richard Knoppow Los Angeles WB6KBL dickb...@ix.netcom.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit
- Original Message - From: TC Dailey daileyservi...@qwest.net To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 9:01 PM Subject: [Drakelist] AC-4R kit If you're using HIS kit, one HUGE caveat. His instructions are not very good, and he's really not in the mood to appreciate feedback, so here ya go: Follow his instructions for REMOVAL of all of the components to be replaced + remove ALL old caps (you don't need 'em - who cares what it looks like under the METAL SHIELD?...duh NOW - install the spacers and fit the board - leave ALL fasteners loose. Take the board back out. Now skip steps - lengthen all SECONDARY windings of the transformer (except for the filament - they've not been disconnected). RECONNECT all secondary windings to their pad points on the board. At this point most of the confusion is ended. You need only to connect the bias wires (he said they're white - he sent brown wire... no biggie), and the REMAINING wires from the output cable... small orange, small yellow, etc. After it's all hooked up, and you've checked your wiring - bring it up slowly on a Variac so IF you've messed up, you won't fry anything. Once you're happy, tighten up all the hardware, and put the case on. Tom D. - WØEAJ As the guy says! I add to make a drawing of the old wiring before starting out. The instructions for loading the board are OK but the wiring instructions are not and can be pretty confusing. I did NOT make a drawing, being too trusting, and was quite frustrated when I discovered the description of the wiring in the kit instructions made no sense. I also second removing the old caps, they are not needed and might leak later. -- Richard Knoppow Los Angeles WB6KBL dickb...@ix.netcom.com ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
