Daily GLOWBUGS
Digest: V1 #118
via AB4EL Web Digests @ SunSITE
Purpose: building and operating vacuum tube-based QRP rigs
Subject: glowbugs V1 #118
glowbugs Tuesday, September 23 1997 Volume 01 : Number 118
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 12:44:25 -0500
From: ac5am@juno.com (Robert L Stolzle)
Subject: Looking for Glowbug/BA QSO's
To All Glowbuggers and BA ops,
I've been looking for some qso's with my Conar one tuber on 7050.
Did have a few good Q's with Jack, W7QQQ.
Sure would like others to jump in there. I am usually listening
if not calling or in QSO with someone.
7050 khz... 4pm to 7pm most every day. Will also be on
3579.5 khz after 7:30pm most every day except Mon and Tue
Still waiting on the 80m Crystals from group buy with CW Crystals.
See y'all on the bands, Bob AC5AM
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 13:55:07 -0500
From: Conard Murray <cfm5723@tntech.edu>
Subject: October is officially Regen Month
Hey guys and gals,
Boy am I disappointed.
I thought that I would be covered in email suggesting ideas for my proposed
'circuit of the month' idea. I got a total of four replies ... all positive
at least ... and a lot of silence.
There has been more tube talk on qrp-l than here lately.
I was hoping to spark some interest by having the gang here all work on a
common form of circuit each month and possibly end the whole thing with an
informal qso party style contest. At least I didn't get flamed!
Since there are at least a few interested, I will designate October as regen
detector month. Participants will build any sort of tube-based regen
detector and tell us all about it. Participants are encouraged to solicit
whatever help and parts from other list members. There is no limit to
however simple or complex the circuit chosen may be or what waves it covers.
Photos are encouraged and I can make some space available for show-and-tell.
Let's get going....
73 and ZUT,
de Conard WS4S
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 13:47:34 -0500
From: ac5am@juno.com (Robert L Stolzle)
Subject: Re: Looking for Glowbug/BA QSO's
Natchitoches, LA
Central Time Zone
AC5AM
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 15:43:04 -0400 (EDT)
From: EWoodman@aol.com
Subject: Re: October is officially Regen Month
Sounds like a plan to me. Maybe by Straight Key Night everyone will be on the
air with an OT station. Great way to usher in the New Year. Good excuse for
me to rebuild my regen and dust off the Hartley's!
73 Eric KA1YRV
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 17:12:35 -0500
From: "Claton Cadmus" <aplitech@spacestar.net>
Subject: Junk Box Challenge!
Ok, here we go....finally. Sorry for the delay but work comes first, at least
for now.
For those that may not have seen or remember the original message here's how it
works. I've gathered up all my excess "glowbuggy" stuff around here and I'm
challenging the list to design a useful piece of
equipment/radio/transmitter/transceiver with all or part of the stuff. I'll be
the final decision maker and of course the builder, but the designing is up to
the list. Most certainly there will be stuff I'll need to buy, but the limit
is 20 bucks. I hoping that this can be fun for everyone and an inspiration for
someone to follow with the excess when we're done. Also, the finished project
will be photographed and featured on a web page so all can see the results.
First, small story...
For Field Day we needed a 6 meter antenna. I whipped up a two element "porta"
quad of my own design(translated: "I built it out of what I could find"). I
think it cost me all of three bucks and a walk though my garage and look-see in
ye old junk box. (Which around here others call the basement!) Well darned if
the thing didn't work great, came in right on frequency and even weathered a
heck of a storm and 50 mile per hour gusts. The thing is to good not to use,
and I've even got a rotor somewhere, BUT I have no 6 meter equipment. Hint,
hint, nudge, nudge!
Here's my list:
Tubes all tested good on my newly acquired TV-7 tube tester:
Type followed by quantity,
1V2 2
6AM8A 1
6AL5 2
6AU6A 1
6AU8A 2
6AK6 1
6BA6 2
6BQ5 1
6BL8 1
6BN4 2
6C4 1
6CG8 1
6DT6 1
6EA8 3
6EJ7 2
6H6 1
6T8A 1
6X4 2
12AU7 7
12AX7 3
12AQ5 1
12CA5 1
19AU4 1 (GTA)
2050A 5
21LU8 1
5763 2
807 2 (Maybe)
Transformers:
117/6.3v 5 amps
117/48ct 8 amps (This one is huge!)
117/24vct 8 amps
117/ from an old 50's vintage TV.
I just tested this, here's the voltages all no load.
Red pair with yellow CT 600V
Green pair 5V
Enameled pair 7V
Black pair 117v primary I assume.
I seem to recall some posting that HV transformers
of this vintage followed some sort of color code on
the wires. If that's true do I have it right?
Also have a pile of smaller transformers, most 12.6v stuff.
One old tube type CB (Cobra CAM88) chassis with transformer values unknown.
Well that's the important stuff, I've got some HV caps but not a lot.
Resistors should be no problem.
OK there's the line up, what should we build!
- ----
73 de KA0GKC Claton Cadmus
E-mail cla@spacestar.net
If you live in Minnesota check out this webpage!
http://www.spacestar.net/users/aplitech/mnqrp/
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 21:14:07 -0400
From: "Brian Carling" <bry@mnsinc.com>
Subject: A pity - BA Reflector about to die for lack of use
It's amazing that people would rather pay $15.00 per year than use a
FREE BA reflector service!!
Only in America I guess....
===================
Forwarded message begins:
Date sent: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 12:33:19 -0700
Send reply to: "Kelley, Dave" <Dave_Kelley@TEMPE.GOV>
From: "Kelley, Dave" <Dave_Kelley@TEMPE.GOV>
Subject: Tempe BA List - Time to Shut Down?
To: BOATANCHORS@LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
Hi gang..
Many months ago I brought this list up as a free option to the
'pay per post' boatanchors list.... The idea was, if people
wanted to start using a free list they had a chance to here.
Looking at the activity and double postings it's obvious that
this list is not needed and in respect for the bandwidth I'd
like to shut it down. Most who are signed up just don't want to
miss anything - hence they see it twice in 90% of the cases.
Maybe I'm wrong?
If I get strong feedback to keep it, I'll leave it up. No
feedback and I'll bring it down. Give it some thought before a
reply. I'll shut it down next Monday if it's a 'don't care'
situation.
Of course the Collins and Heath lists (that we host) are healthy
and have daily postings so those will remain for as long as they
are needed regardless of the BA list here.
73 all and enjoy the glow!
Dave
AI7R
- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --
To unsubscribe from BOATANCHORS please send a message
to listserv@listserv.tempe.gov and in the body include
signoff BOATANCHORS
Archives of the BOATANCHORS list is available at
http://www.tempe.gov/archives
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 22:00:20 -0400
From: "Brian Carling" <bry@mnsinc.com>
Subject: BA fun list!!
This will probably be of interest to a number of folks here!
What is a"BOATANCHOR" ??
Note the spelling. It is NOT Boat Anchor!!
Older radio equipment. Military transmitters and receivers
particularly seem to weigh a TON!
Older amateur radio equipment is qiote often described as a "B.A." or
a boatanchor. Heaby, no one wants it! It may need repair. So the
average appliance operator will not mess with it. That UNUSUAL guy
among unusual hobbyists is the "BA OP" who loves to shine the front
panel of a GLOBE KING or a an R-390A!! There are thousands of them out
there! They lurk at hamfests and in basements!
The BAs themselves are old, dusty, and they GLOW IN THE DARK!!
Because they use tubes and heavy iron. They get the job done in a
noble way! They sound "FB on AM, OM!!" They simply SING on CW!
The people who love and collect these old beasts have a number of
haunts on the web! Among them a FREE Reflector at TEMPE jsut called
Boatanchors, or informally known to some as "Free Boatanchors."
No they don't always have FREE RADIOS, but it is a FREE list as
opposed to being a PAY list like the other one!
So, IF you would like to try the FREE LIST, here is how to subscribe:
Simply send a message to:
LISTSERV@LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
with NO SUBJECT, and the text:
subscribe boatanchors <your full name>
as in " Joe H. Smith"
Alternatively, if you want to subscribe
anonymously, send the command: "SUBSCRIBE BOATANCHORS
Anonymous". Your subscription will then be hidden
automatically.
Jump on in!!
=======================================================
Enjoy!! 73 de AF4K, Bry
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 22:21:21 -0400
From: benb27@juno.com (Ben C Bradley)
Subject: Re: A pity - BA Reflector about to die for lack of use
Ben Bradley benb27@juno.com
On Mon, 22 Sep 1997 21:14:07 -0400 "Brian Carling" <bry@mnsinc.com>
writes:
>It's amazing that people would rather pay $15.00 per year than use a
>FREE BA reflector service!!
>
>Only in America I guess....
>
>===================
>Forwarded message begins:
> {snip}
>To unsubscribe from BOATANCHORS please send a message
>to listserv@listserv.tempe.gov and in the body include
> signoff BOATANCHORS
> Archives of the BOATANCHORS list is available at
> http://www.tempe.gov/archives
So to subscribe I send a message to that address and
in the body say:
signon BOATANCHORS
? I'm already on too many mailing lists, but I'm about
to try it.
Ben Bradley benb27@juno.com
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 06:55:14 -0400
From: "Brian Carling" <bry@mnsinc.com>
Subject: New sources of CRYSTALS!
"Surplus Al" says:
I am very Big in Crystals. 100K in stock.
Getting list ready to post on my WEB pages.
http://www.qsl.net/w3ugd Home page
http://mh101.infi.net/~surplsal
73 Al W3UGD Surplus Al
Al Yascavage "SURPLUS AL" Phone number needed
P.O. Box 215
Hunlock Creek, PA 18621 Crystals for sale. Also has
xtal sockets.
For MANY other sources of crystals, see:
http://www.mnsinc.com/bry/mega/xtals.htm
ENJOY!! 73 de AF4K, Bry
****************************************************
*** 73 from Radio AF4K/G3XLQ Gaithersburg, MD USA *
** E-mail to: bry@mnsinc.com *
*** See the interesting ham radio resources at: *
** http://www.mnsinc.com/bry/ *
****************************************************
AM International #1024, TENTEN #13582. GRID FM19
Rigs: Valiant, DX-60/HG-10, Eldico TR-75, Millen 90810
FT-840, TM-261, Ameco TX-62, Gonset Communicator III
HTX-202...TEN-TEN #13582, DXCC #17,763 Bicentennial WAS
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 08:08:22 +0000
From: rwilcox <rwilcox@newton.cacky.com>
Subject: Hammarlund HQ-170
All
Would anyone be willing to copy their HQ-170 schematic
and mail to
Gary Wilcox KE4VUN
5292 Lane Road
Owensboro, Ky. 42303
Please let me know what the copy and shipping costs are and I will
gladly send money :-)
73's Gary
Gary Wilcox (KE4VUN)
Commonwealth Aluminum
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 11:54:34 -0400 (EDT)
From: leeboo@ct.net (Leon Wiltsey)
Subject: re much sadness
Hi gang
Went over to tv shop and got a handfull of electrolyits.
Hooked several up to test bench 300 volt power supply
as that is what the rec. b+ is.and checked ripple, all caps
were rated at 450v. Left them hooked up over night. Scope
showed they reduced ripple and vom showed no leakage.
Guess I will rewire circuit today using these caps. Will let you
know the outcome.73 73 73
THANK THE LORD FOR ALL YOU HAVE
68 yr old semidisabled senior
(stroke got my balance & hand to eye coordination)
ham agn as KF4RCL TECK+ (MUCH HAPPINESS)
BUILD MOST STATION EQUIP
SUB.BA & GB-- NO SOLID STATE
LEON B WILTSEY (Lee) tel. 941 471 3739
4600 Lake Haven BLVD.
Sebring, Fl. 33872 (SEBRING) WHERE THERE IS NO QRM FROM THE LOCALS
Date: 23 Sep 1997 09:37 CDT
From: "Richard Crapse" <rwcrapse@nortel.ca>
Subject: re:October is officially Regen Month
Ok, I am new to the tube scene. Been learning slowly, How about a 6L6 rig with
solid state vfo tuning? I know I have the basic circuit for the 6L6, but the
VFO is out of my technical expertise. Also, I have some 1625's (12v 807's) that
could use a project or two.
Rick
KB4TKQ
monitors in the Novice section because I onlyu have privledges there currently
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 97 8:56:00 MDT
From: "Mark Dittmar" <Mark_Dittmar@maxtor.com>
Subject: 160m conversion
I have an old AM superhet ( 455 khz IF ) that I am thinking about
converting to a CW/SSB RX for 160m instead of cannabilizing for parts.
The tube complement consists of 1A7GT, 1Q5GT, and the rest 1N5GT. My
plan is to modify the RF amp tuned circuit, disable the AGC, and add a
BFO ( probably a Colpitts circuit ), using another 1N5GT. My question is
concerning the BFO; some of the old ARRL handbooks show injection of the
BFO signal directly into the diode detector following the last IF amp.
This is what I would probably try with the superhet. In the typical
communications RX, the BFO is injected into a product detector. Has
anyone on the list tried this kind of circuit modification before ? How
well will it work ? Any other suggestions ?
Thanks...
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 12:11:23 -0400
From: "Ornitz, Barry L" <ornitz@eastman.com>
Subject: RE: 160m conversion
Mark Dittmar, Dittmar@maxtor.com, wrote:
>My question is concerning the BFO; some of the old ARRL handbooks show
>injection of the BFO signal directly into the diode detector following the
>last IF amp. This is what I would probably try with the superhet. In the
>typical communications RX, the BFO is injected into a product detector. Has
>anyone on the list tried this kind of circuit modification before ? How well
>will it work ? Any other suggestions ?
>
>
An ordinary diode detector will work fine as a product detector as long
as the BFO injection voltage is 10 to 20 times the signal voltage
applied to the detector. Your biggest problem will be with the AVC
since with SSB there is no carrier for the AVC to work with. Audio
derived AVC works fairly well with simple receivers so you might
consider this.
73, Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ
> ornitz@tricon.net
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 14:08:43 +0100
From: BOB DUCKWORTH <bob@atl.org>
Subject: Re: October is officially Regen Month
Conard-
I've been kind busy mesisng with my tower but think this is an excellent
idea.
I'll try to get a regen cranking around a single old pencil tube and
some
batteries. Maybe in one of those mint boxes they keep talking about on
qrp-l
I also want to talk to BABOB if you're around re: shifting the list to
the
mail machine here as an experiment. If you're reading, write me. I'll
stick in a
glowbugs dedicated disk and fix the mx record so the address doesn't
change.
I thought the www machine would be more reliable as it's closer to the
network core but turns out that it's use for so much www and real audio
stuff
sorta cancels that out.
- -bob
Conard Murray wrote:
>
> Hey guys and gals,
> Boy am I disappointed.
> I thought that I would be covered in email suggesting ideas for my proposed
> 'circuit of the month' idea. I got a total of four replies ... all positive
> at least ... and a lot of silence.
> There has been more tube talk on qrp-l than here lately.
> I was hoping to spark some interest by having the gang here all work on a
> common form of circuit each month and possibly end the whole thing with an
> informal qso party style contest. At least I didn't get flamed!
> Since there are at least a few interested, I will designate October as regen
> detector month. Participants will build any sort of tube-based regen
> detector and tell us all about it. Participants are encouraged to solicit
> whatever help and parts from other list members. There is no limit to
> however simple or complex the circuit chosen may be or what waves it covers.
> Photos are encouraged and I can make some space available for show-and-tell.
> Let's get going....
> 73 and ZUT,
> de Conard WS4S
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 10:42:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: Ken Gordon <keng@uidaho.edu>
Subject: RE: 160m conversion
> applied to the detector. Your biggest problem will be with the AVC
> since with SSB there is no carrier for the AVC to work with. Audio
Also because the diode detector, which in simple receivers is also the AVC
rectifier, sees the BFO signal as a good source of AVC voltage and since
the BFO signal is SO strong, the resulting AVC voltage pulls the receiver
sensitivity way down, so you must disable the AVC for CW and SSB.
Ken W7EKB
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 12:35:42 -0500
From: ges@praxis.ppco.com (Glen Stockton K5UP)
Subject: solid state vfo + 6L6
I just put together a hybrid rig with solid state vfo
and two 6L6s. The circuit is much like one I found on
the internet somewhere (6L6 osc and 6L6 amp). This
was a an article from a 1947 QST if I remember correctly.
The vfo is one I made almost a year ago and is probably
similar to the 'standard' ones found in qrp literature.
You know, mpf102 or 4416 fet plus a couple of 2n2222s.
It has a 10-15 kc offset. I replaced the crystal in the
original circuit with a tuned circuit (toroid & var cap)
with about 3 turns of primary going to the vfo output.
The first interation used only one 6L6 and the little vfo
didn't seem to have enough horsepower, so I put in the
other 6L6 to drive the first.
I have made about 15 contacts so far with good reports
as far as clicks/chirps, etc. The rig runs 5 watts on
40M. It will do more if I up the B+, but I haven't tried
more power.
I would encourage you to experiment with the hybrid setup,
although I haven't found much literature on how to interface
tubes and transistors.
- ----------------------------------
Glen Stockton K5UP K5UP@mail.com
End of glowbugs V1 #118
***********************
Created by Steve Modena, AB4EL
Comments and suggestions to modena@SunSITE.unc.edu