20070501.ba v04_n046.bam.20070501 >From ???@??? Mon Apr 30 19:02:12 2007 -0500 Date: Tue, 1 May 2007 00:00:10 GMT From: Old Tube Radios To: Old Tube Radios Subject: BOATANCHORS digest 4046 Message-Id: <20070501000012.CD15047009D@srvr1.theporch.com> BOATANCHORS Digest 4046 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) Re: Interesting site: by 2) CD MSD ignitions by Buzz 3) Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) by "k4pf@juno.com" 4) Re: Large Collection of Halli Manuals on line by Al Klase 5) Re: Interesting site: by "Arden Allen" 6) Re: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) by "Arden Allen" 7) Ranger Manual by Mike 8) Collins 310A3 as 5W qrp rig? by stuck in 50s 9) Re: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) by wb3fau@att.net 10) Re: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) by "Don Reaves" 11) Anniversary by Robert Nickels 12) Re: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) by "Don Reaves" 13) Re: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) by WA5CAB@cs.com 14) 310A3 / qrp (miliwatts vs watts)- Oh Whatta Goo Siam by stuck in 50s 15) Reforming Caps by Mike 16) Re: Reforming Caps by "Arden Allen" 17) Re: Reforming Caps - nice side bene by stuck in 50s ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Content-Disposition: inline Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" MIME-Version: 1.0 From: To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Interesting site: Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:24:46 -0500 Message-Id: <20070426154903.1152D47013D@srvr1.theporch.com> =0D Hi Richard,=0D =0D thanks for sharing the site. I have one of the Trio sets and it is a prett= y nice little receiver. It looks like they were inspired =0D cosmetically by an S-38 but the circuitry/performance is that of a "real" c= ommunications receiver. It has extremely smooth =0D tuning and good sensitivity. It was also available through Lafayette under= their brand name.=0D =0D 73, Rodger WQ9E=0D =0D =0D On Thu Apr 26 9:56 , n6nae@ix.netcom.com sent:=0D =0D >Has this surfaced in the past? Sorry if it's a repeat. Lotsa stuff on Co= mmand receivers. Does the Trio radio look vaguely =0D familiar?=0D >=0D >http://www.shlrc.mq.edu.au/~robinson/museum/index.html=0D >=0D >Richard=0D >=0D >=0D =0D =0D ------------------------------ From: Buzz To: Old Tube Radios Subject: CD MSD ignitions Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:12:01 -0700 Message-ID: <6iq133hur5e86tqts8mqen6o4uc5fk2633@4ax.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I have a Sun ignition scope so a friend brought his newly souped up = Bronco over to tweak the smog settings. The car had a multiple discharge system so = it was weird to see multiple spikes at every firing. Buzz ------------------------------ Mime-Version: 1.0 From: "k4pf@juno.com" Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:12:59 GMT To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Disposition: inline Content-Type: text/plain Message-Id: <20070426.103049.3483.2921664@webmail12.lax.untd.com> Hi, Gang I recently repaired a Sprague TO-4 capacitor tester. In the process, I found that the Sprague can actually damage electolytics under test, depending on their capacitance value. The problem is that Sprague uses 85 VAC across the bridge elements on the 0.1 to 50uF "C3" range (power transformer taps 8 to 10) There is a fixed 2uF capacitor in one leg of the bridge. So, if you are testing a 1uF capacitor, it will have 2/3 of 85 VAC across it, or about 60 VAC. This is not good, especially if you are testing an electrolytic capacitor with a low volta= ge rating. Testing a 40uF capacitor would be OK, it will only have abou= t 4 VAC across it. Sprague uses 155 VAC across the bridge (transformer taps 6 to 10) = for the 45 to 2000 uF "C4" range, with the same 2 uF capacitor in one leg. A 45 uF capacitor will have about 7 VAC across it, using this range. Not too bad, but the test shou= ldn't be prolonged. The Sprague TO-4 is filled with "Black Beauty" paper capacitors, which s= hould be replaced automatically, due to their dismal reliability. Interestingly, the original power supply electrolytics (ca. 1952) tested fine. For safety's sake, change the power cord to a 3-wire cord. If your main potentiometer fails, you may have trouble finding the large Clarostat 7.5K linear wirewound, since that value is no longer manufactured. The pot carries military designation RA30NASD752A. I replaced the pot with a 20K pot, military type RA30NASD203A. (If the last letter is other than an "A", = the pot is not linear). Resistor R6 (150K) was changed to 400K in order to maintain the calibration of the "C4" range, after the value = of the main pot was changed to 20K. For future reference, here are the transformer winding voltages, none of which are included in the Sprague TO-4 manual: term. 6 to 8 70 VAC 8 to 10 85 VAC 1 to 3 440 VAC 1 to 5 665 VAC 1 to 7 715 VAC 1 to 9 850 VAC (Measured with a 125V line voltage input). 73, Ed Knobloch ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4631033C.1020900@ar88.net> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:53:32 -0400 From: Al Klase MIME-Version: 1.0 To: Old Tube Radios CC: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Large Collection of Halli Manuals on line Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit EXCELLENT!! I currently have an SX-72L on the bench, and here you are with a clean copy of the manual on line. Thank you, very much, Al John Poulton wrote: > Recently a friend loaned me a huge collection of original > Hallicrafters manuals, and I've now finished scanning them > and putting them up on my website at: > > http://jptronics.org/radios/Hallicrafters/manuals.html > ...... > -- Al Klase - N3FRQ Flemington, NJ http://www.skywaves.ar88.net/ ------------------------------ Message-ID: <004001c78849$728e5870$bfe47443@KB6NAX> From: "Arden Allen" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Interesting site: Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:07:25 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Does the Trio radio look vaguely familiar? Sure does. It's the same thing as the Lafayette HE-10, also sold as a kit under another model number of which I forget. I upgraded mine and vastly improved its receptivity. If anyone is interested I have a schematic in electronic form you are welcome to. Arden Allen KB6NAX ------------------------------ Message-ID: <004201c78849$7571f060$bfe47443@KB6NAX> From: "Arden Allen" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:25:02 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > ....For safety's sake, change the power cord to a 3-wire cord. ...... Good advice. While in there replace the two black beauty line bypass caps with 1.5KVDC or 250VAC line bypass rated ceramics. It wasn't until I opened my TO-4 for another purpose that I discovered where the smokey smell had come from the source I hadn't yet found. The line bypass cap on the hot side blew up. Good thing it had a 3 wire cord :-) Arden Allen KB6NAX ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:34:18 -0700 From: Mike Subject: Ranger Manual To: Old Tube Radios Message-id: <001801c7884a$a5607cf0$6801a8c0@m0a1da7d341114> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=original Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Does anyone have a spare construction manual for the Ranger I? (If such an animal even exists) I'm thinking about doing a ground up restoration. Mike VE7MMH ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:00:29 -0400 (EDT) From: stuck in 50s Message-Id: <200704262300.l3QN0Sbs013058@fracas.netboobie.org> To: Old Tube Radios Cc: stimber@lakemartin.net Subject: Collins 310A3 as 5W qrp rig? Has anyone attempted, nay succeeded in this? Have one running here & the output is miliwatts into a 75 ohm load - not near enuf to drive the 4-125 it was built to excite (in a 30K1). And durned if all last two 807 plate & grid currents are within mfgr.'s range in manual. Don't belong to CCA so can't post on their reflector. Durn Thanks mighty puzzled Marty ------------------------------ From: wb3fau@att.net To: Old Tube Radios Cc: "Arden Allen" Subject: Re: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:56:56 +0000 Message-Id: <042720071956.26880.46325588000817D90000690021602806519A0E00CC0D99@att.net> You gotta give Sprague credit- at least they thought "Black Beautys" were good caps. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4bc9f60a0704271936y349107bfx66e83c3e2b18367e@mail.gmail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2007 21:36:59 -0500 From: "Don Reaves" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_Part_255380_20324735.1177727819029" ------=_Part_255380_20324735.1177727819029 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline Does anyone have a TO-3 manual, in pdf format? I'll trade you a TO-1, 2, 4, 5, 6, or 6A in exchange. Don W5OR donreaves@gmail.com ------=_Part_255380_20324735.1177727819029 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---REMAINDER OF MESSAGE TRUNCATED--- * * This post contains a forbidden message format * * (such as an attached file, a v-card, HTML formatting) * * Mail Lists at theporch.com only accept PLAIN TEXT * * If your postings display this message your mail program * * is not set to send PLAIN TEXT ONLY and needs adjusting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ------=_Part_255380_20324735.1177727819029-- ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4633C97D.2010309@oneradio.net> Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:23:57 -0500 From: Robert Nickels MIME-Version: 1.0 To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Anniversary Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit It's a boatanchor anniversary of sorts today, as it was exactly 60 years ago that adventurer Thor Heyerdahl and crew launched their raft "Kon Tiki" on what turned out to be a 101-day, 4,300 mile journey through the Pacific. We know the only means of communications was ham radio - a National NC-173 was used, powered by Burgess batteries, made right here in Freeport, IL. But the transmitter was of "unknown origin" (evidently homebrew) and according to the book, ran 6 watts on 13,990 kc. Wonder if they had special authorization for LI2B to operate outside the ham band or just "went for it"? 73, Bob W9RAN ------------------------------ Message-ID: <4bc9f60a0704281915x2ab6b2eci25c4270949a456a6@mail.gmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2007 21:15:50 -0500 From: "Don Reaves" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline Hi Ed, I forgot to click the plain text box with that post. I was asking if anyone had a TO-3 manual, in pdf format, to complete my collection. If you need TO-1,2,4,5,6 or 6A digital format manuals I have them. Don On 4/28/07, k4pf@juno.com wrote: > > > Hi, Don > > Could you send a copy of your Sprague TO-4 msg to me directly? > All I got from you on the boatanchors reflector > is the note about "Remainder of message truncated" due to use of html. > > Thanks and 73, > Ed > > ------------------------------ From: WA5CAB@cs.com Message-ID: Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2007 22:30:22 EDT Subject: Re: Sprague TO-4 Capacitor Tester (warning and repair notes) To: Old Tube Radios MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="part1_c18.114457b8.33655d3e_boundary" --part1_c18.114457b8.33655d3e_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Ed, I received the whole post (along with the BS message at the bottom). If you only received the truncated post, your mail manager is improperly set up ('course now that I think about it, you won't receive this either, 'cause your mail manager is improperly set up. ). In a message dated 4/28/2007 8:16:37 PM Central Standard Time, donreaves@gmail.com writes: > Hi Ed, > I forgot to click the plain text box with that post. I was asking if > anyone had a TO-3 manual, in pdf format, to complete my collection. > If you need TO-1,2,4,5,6 or 6A digital format manuals I have them. > > Don > > > On 4/28/07, k4pf@juno.com wrote: > > > > > >Hi, Don > > > >Could you send a copy of your Sprague TO-4 msg to me directly? > >All I got from you on the boatanchors reflector > >is the note about "Remainder of message truncated" due to use of html. > > > >Thanks and 73, > >Ed Robert Downs - Houston (Web Store) MVPA 9480 (Primary email) (Backup email) --part1_c18.114457b8.33655d3e_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---REMAINDER OF MESSAGE TRUNCATED--- * * This post contains a forbidden message format * * (such as an attached file, a v-card, HTML formatting) * * Mail Lists at theporch.com only accept PLAIN TEXT * * If your postings display this message your mail program * * is not set to send PLAIN TEXT ONLY and needs adjusting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * --part1_c18.114457b8.33655d3e_boundary-- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2007 09:11:22 -0400 (EDT) From: stuck in 50s Message-Id: <200704291311.l3TDBMAc021252@fracas.netboobie.org> To: Old Tube Radios Subject: 310A3 / qrp (miliwatts vs watts)- Oh Whatta Goo Siam Remember the plea about low output on the 30K1 exciter? Here was the resolution. I had a HB 50 ohm 6W "qrp load" across which I was measuring voltage with an old B&K dvm & RF probe. Was getting ~5V rather than the wanted 15V or so. (P=E*E/R) Noticed the paralleled triplicate of 2W 150ohm resistors were warming nicely which was muy puzzling. So I puts a Bird* cum 25-60mhz 25W slug in the line on 10m. Dead nuts 5W out Something's wrong with the RF probe & nuttin' with the septagenarian 310A3... a giz that probably hasn't seen juice for a half-century. They sure cud build 'em in Cheddar Rapids. Oh & hey thanks for the many suggestions!! signed proud owner of a jurassic qrp mochene *who remembers the Kiwi Airlines theme song? ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2007 06:42:20 -0700 From: Mike Subject: Reforming Caps To: Old Tube Radios Message-id: <000601c78a64$35f0ba80$6801a8c0@m0a1da7d341114> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=original Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit When reforming some caps I've noticed that as the supply voltage reaches about 3/4 of the rated voltage occassional small abrupt fluctuations in current (In the order of .01 ma) happen. This is with a steady voltage, no voltage change in the supply or across the cap is observable on a meter. Does anyone know what's happening and if this is indicative of a problem cap? Mike VE7MMH ------------------------------ Message-ID: <001f01c78a94$745a8230$0fe47443@KB6NAX> From: "Arden Allen" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Reforming Caps Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2007 12:25:05 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > ....Does anyone know what's happening and if this is indicative of a problem > cap? I have observed this more times than I like when trying to make use of oldish 'lytics. My guess is it is due to tiny arcs occuring which are damaging to the foil separator. If over a relatively short time the current jumping stops you are probably alright. If it continues more than a half hour or so it doesn't look good for the cap. The key is for the leakage to decrease over a few hours to a day or so to new cap level. If leakage does not go down it won't be safe to use in a circuit where a rectifier tube and power tranformer could be wrecked. I usually replace electrolytics that don't reform nicely in about an hour. Arden Allen KB6NAX ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 10:57:24 -0400 (EDT) From: stuck in 50s Message-Id: <200704301457.l3UEvOSC025241@fracas.netboobie.org> To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Reforming Caps - nice side bene One guy mentioned this. If you enroll electolytics at the in-situ reform school, do see if there's bleeders & lift em off ground bleeders as in hf command rx Then do the deed. On the reform road you can check for RC coupler leakage & screen bypass shennanigans. After luck allows things to come to operating range w/o leakage, then apply current-limited juice to avc line & check for V-drop across hi-R isolating resistors. Sometimes a 5-tube table radio (aa5) can be safely/surely returned to talk-radio in under a half hour Procedure can save hours of good-practice unilateral replacement of all brown waxies. An which, in case of Industrial Capacitor Co, are usually all fine. Marty ------------------------------ End of BOATANCHORS Digest 4046 ******************************