Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs - OT Old Stuff Comment
In a message dated 12/24/05 1:14:44 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Well, there you are! Restorable ARC-5s are expensive but junkers aren't. Most have been ham-hacked into oblivion. Today, it would be a shame to deface or modify in *any* way WWII-era military radios that have managed to avoid 60 years of ham defacement. Please, use a pre-hacked unit if you intend to actually put one on the air. I agree 100%. Keep the mint/unmodified sets as they are, and focus on the ones so hacked up they'll never be restored. The famous WWII command set (ATA/ARA, SCR-274-N, AN/ARC-5) transmitters actually perform rather well when left all original and operated in the manner which the original engineers intended. Agreed! Leave it to a ham armed with not much more real radio engineering knowledge than how to use Ohm's law to completely re-design (i.e., destroy) a set. Most of the post-WWII ham mag articles detailing the faults of the original designs are based upon pure myth and lack of knowledge by the author. I disagree! Sort of, anyway. The ARC-5 sets do work quite well in original configuration *if* you have all the required stuff like dynamotors and suitable supplies, and set them up the way they were originally used (transmitters tuned up and locked on frequency, for example). But hams didn't/couldn't use them that way. They'd get a surplus unit all by itself - no documents, no dynamotor, etc. Cars were 6 or 12 volts DC, houses were 110 AC - 24-28 VDC was a problem! In those days *anything* less than pure T9X was likely to get you an FCC notice as well as an OO card. Sure, it might be possible to get a good signal out of Command set - if a lot of ifs were met... On top of this was TVI. Even a little harmonic energy was too much back in those days when TV stations ran relatively low ERP, there was no cable, and people tried to pick up distant TV stations because so few were on the air. I have all-original AN/ARC-5 and SCR-274-N systems (radios, controls, racks, mountings, tuning shafts, cables, connectors, etc.) that took me many years to complete. The receivers and transmitters are by far the easiest components to obtain. The average ham who used Command sets in the bad old days was very economy-minded, and buying accessories wasn't part of the plan eBay is a great resource for hacked or original condition units. Those who are interested in this great old technology, both historical, operational, and technical, may want to join two other qth.net lists: [EMAIL PROTECTED][General military radios of all eras, but WWII predominates] [EMAIL PROTECTED][WWII aircraft radios, especially command sets] Traffic can sometimes be light on these lists. But beware...on either of the above lists, inquiries about modifications to all-original gear or major re-design of lightly-hacked gear, may get a somewhat cool reception. How to join? Again - my opinion is that unhacked units should be left alone! There are plenty of sets that have been hacked up so much or are in such poor shape that they're better off as parts sources/modification platforms. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs - OT Old Stuff Comment
Well, there you are! Restorable ARC-5s are expensive but junkers aren't. Most have been ham-hacked into oblivion. Today, it would be a shame to deface or modify in *any* way WWII-era military radios that have managed to avoid 60 years of ham defacement. Please, use a pre-hacked unit if you intend to actually put one on the air. The famous WWII command set (ATA/ARA, SCR-274-N, AN/ARC-5) transmitters actually perform rather well when left all original and operated in the manner which the original engineers intended. Leave it to a ham armed with not much more real radio engineering knowledge than how to use Ohm's law to completely re-design (i.e., destroy) a set. Most of the post-WWII ham mag articles detailing the faults of the original designs are based upon pure myth and lack of knowledge by the author. I have all-original AN/ARC-5 and SCR-274-N systems (radios, controls, racks, mountings, tuning shafts, cables, connectors, etc.) that took me many years to complete. The receivers and transmitters are by far the easiest components to obtain. eBay is a great resource for hacked or original condition units. Those who are interested in this great old technology, both historical, operational, and technical, may want to join two other qth.net lists: [EMAIL PROTECTED][General military radios of all eras, but WWII predominates] [EMAIL PROTECTED][WWII aircraft radios, especially command sets] Traffic can sometimes be light on these lists. But beware...on either of the above lists, inquiries about modifications to all-original gear or major re-design of lightly-hacked gear, may get a somewhat cool reception. 73, Mike / KK5F ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] SKN rigs
On STRAIGHT KEY Night, I'll be using the Drake 2-B, 2-C and 2-NT, not surprisingly with a Speed-X STRAIGHT KEY. The VFO for my 50 dollar Drake transmitter is an Elecraft K2 into a DL-1 for about 2 vrms into the FT-243 crystal socket. My apologies to boatanchor enthusiasts everywhere. I'm still looking for a real VFO. Pictures at: http://www.ke6us.com/boatanchors.htm Included is a picture of a STRAIGHT KEY for those who seem confused about the concept of STRAIGHT KEY Night. Eric KE6US www.ke6us.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] SKN rigs
Hi Eric: Your web site is excellent. It brought a lot of memories. My first rig was the Drake R4-B and the 2-NT. Later when I passed the General, I replaced the 2-NT with the T4X-B. I still have them all, but the 2-NT is in a box in my storage room. I, too, never found a suitable VFO for it, but God if we only new about VXO's in that day !! HI I was a high school sophomore in 1971 with my Novice ticket - WN4YDL - living in Memphis. I now also have built the Elecraft line - K2/100, K1, and KX1. I just may have to try this 'VFO' out ! I certainly need to get the Tarn-X out and start cleaning up these great old rigs. I saw where an outfit called Misty Hollow is developing DDS gear for the transceivers of the day, but I don't know if they have anything going back to the separates. 73 and Merry Christmas, Jamie WB4YDL -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of EricJ Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 12:17 PM To: 'Elecraft' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] SKN rigs On STRAIGHT KEY Night, I'll be using the Drake 2-B, 2-C and 2-NT, not surprisingly with a Speed-X STRAIGHT KEY. The VFO for my 50 dollar Drake transmitter is an Elecraft K2 into a DL-1 for about 2 vrms into the FT-243 crystal socket. My apologies to boatanchor enthusiasts everywhere. I'm still looking for a real VFO. Pictures at: http://www.ke6us.com/boatanchors.htm Included is a picture of a STRAIGHT KEY for those who seem confused about the concept of STRAIGHT KEY Night. Eric KE6US www.ke6us.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs
On Dec 23, 2005, at 12:48 PM, Joseph Trombino Jr wrote: I'll be using a U.S. Navy flameproof hand key...for a couple of QSO's before my wrist breaks down (grin)hope the CW is intelligible. Now, if you have that key adjusted correctly, and are using it correctly, you should be able to send CW all day on a straight key without any problems or pain. About 30 years ago, 73 magazine had an excellent article about glass arm -- how telegraph operators would get it and it would put them out of a job. It also spoke of how to avoid it -- to use a rather wide spacing, loose trunnions, pivot on your elbow and have your whole arm move when you key. If you key just with the muscles of your wrist, you'll tire out in no time. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs
In a message dated 12/23/05 1:20:02 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'm still looking for a real VFO. Build one! 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] SKN rigs
Yep, I agree, Bill. I would say use your whole forearm, but no real muscle effort should be required, of course. Keep your elbow and your wrist LOOSE. Even rubbery. Your forearm basically just gently bounces enough to flex your wrist. Your fingers do nothing but perch on the knob. If you don't tense any muscles, the keying is very fluid and it is easy to get into a rhythm which, it appears, you already know. I really miss all the interesting fists you could hear on the ham bands in the years before electronic keyers. I remember an episode of MASH where a concert pianist lost his right arm. Winchester tried to get him interested in playing, by getting him some music written for the left-hand, but the young soldier was adamant that any career in music was over. I remember Winchester telling him, I can play the notes...but I can't play the MUSIC. That's how I remember the old fists. They were individual and as recognizable as a musical style. The electronic keyers allow one to play the notes, but it isn't really music any longer. Eric KE6US www.ke6us.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Coleman Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 12:20 PM To: Joseph Trombino Jr Cc: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs On Dec 23, 2005, at 12:48 PM, Joseph Trombino Jr wrote: I'll be using a U.S. Navy flameproof hand key...for a couple of QSO's before my wrist breaks down (grin)hope the CW is intelligible. Now, if you have that key adjusted correctly, and are using it correctly, you should be able to send CW all day on a straight key without any problems or pain. About 30 years ago, 73 magazine had an excellent article about glass arm -- how telegraph operators would get it and it would put them out of a job. It also spoke of how to avoid it -- to use a rather wide spacing, loose trunnions, pivot on your elbow and have your whole arm move when you key. If you key just with the muscles of your wrist, you'll tire out in no time. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] SKN rigs
I spent my first 20 years as a ham building tube gear. All that sawing and filing and drilling no longer holds my interest. I'm toying with building one based on a DDS card and controller. In fact, I mocked up a Drake-style front panel for it which I posted on my website, but there is just something...unnatural...about the idea. hi. Eric KE6US www.ke6us.com _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, December 23, 2005 3:31 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs In a message dated 12/23/05 1:20:02 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'm still looking for a real VFO. Build one! 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] SKN rigs
In a message dated 12/23/05 10:23:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I spent my first 20 years as a ham building tube gear. All that sawing and filing and drilling no longer holds my interest. I'm toying with building one based on a DDS card and controller. In fact, I mocked up a Drake-style front panel for it which I posted on my website, but there is just something...unnatural...about the idea. hi. You don't need to do all that metalwork if you have a little imagination. Just get a Command set transmitter and use it for the VFO chassis and mechanicals. One that has been heavily modified and is beyond restoration is best, and cheapest. All you want is the chassis, variable caps and coil, and maybe a tube socket or two. Solid state, tube or hybrid, the hard work is all done for you. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
