Radio Preppers

General Category => Radio Reviews, Questions and Comments. => Topic started by: NWARadio on April 01, 2014, 06:39:47 PM

Title: Tube radio
Post by: NWARadio on April 01, 2014, 06:39:47 PM
Hopefully soon Ill be talking to some of you on my new/old Drake radio. Its a 4 line. The antenna matching network isnt in the pic but I have it. Just need to do a little work on the mic and call a fellow ham down around OKC to help me learn the transmitter. Anybody else have a tube radio?

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Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: Archangel320420 on April 01, 2014, 06:46:24 PM
I have a TR-4C in need of a little tender lov'n care, but could have it operational in about 1/2 hour of work. I own an L4B that has never been lit up! All bought new in 1977 or so. The Drake line is wonderful equipment. I would not be ashamed to use Drake gear and be darn proud to own such gear, just like I love my Dad's Marlin 30/30 more than I do most of my other (modern)firearms.

Have fun. Terry
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: NWARadio on April 01, 2014, 06:47:06 PM
How much is that amp worth to you?

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Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: cockpitbob on April 01, 2014, 08:04:40 PM
I have a Heathkit HW101 (100W all mode, all HF) that someone gave me.  It hasn't run in so many years the rubber drive belts are rock hard.  Some day when my leisure time reappears I'm going to bring it back to life.
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: KK0G on April 01, 2014, 08:17:29 PM
What are tubes? 8)
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: cockpitbob on April 01, 2014, 08:28:05 PM
Quote from: KK0G on April 01, 2014, 08:17:29 PM
What are tubes? 8)
If you know transistors, just think of tubes as glow-FETs.  Or, instead of solid-state devices they are hollow-state devices :o
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: KK0G on April 01, 2014, 11:45:07 PM
Quote from: cockpitbob on April 01, 2014, 08:28:05 PM
Quote from: KK0G on April 01, 2014, 08:17:29 PM
What are tubes? 8)
If you know transistors, just think of tubes as glow-FETs.  Or, instead of solid-state devices they are hollow-state devices :o
Oh I see. So they're what the pioneers used for transistors? I assume they're hollow to allow the steam from the boiler to flow through them? ;D

In my experience, glowing FET's are usually accompanied by smoke.......... bad ju ju. 8)
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: Archangel320420 on April 02, 2014, 12:40:18 AM
Gosh NWAR. I have not thought of selling the L4B. Let me think on it.
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: Jim Boswell on April 02, 2014, 02:36:34 PM
Glow-Fets?  Very Funny!

I have a Yasue FT-101ZD mark3. Now that is a RADIO. Neat thing about the FT-101ZD, they used 6146 tubes instead of the old TV sweep tubes, that makes that radio the king of the FT-101's. In years past I used a Kenwood TS-830S and that is also a great radio. All of my RF amps use 572 tubes. When I convert my radio shack to solar power I will have to use the solid state amp. The system will not not have the capacity to use AC power amps. 73'S  KA5SIW
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: vwflyer on April 02, 2014, 08:43:21 PM
I've got a Collins KMW-2 that used to be my grandpa's. It was supposedly considered a mobile rig. I have an AC power supply with it but I've been looking for a DC one so I can use it after a blackout. They don't seem to be that pricy. Does anybody have any educated opinions on how these old all-tube rigs would fare in the event of an EMP assuming the rig was unplugged from antenna and power?
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: John Galt on April 02, 2014, 08:46:29 PM
I remember as a little phart living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa a bunch of the neighbors working for Collins Radio. 

Life has come full circle!
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: KK0G on April 02, 2014, 09:25:59 PM
Quote from: vwflyer on April 02, 2014, 08:43:21 PM
Does anybody have any educated opinions on how these old all-tube rigs would fare in the event of an EMP assuming the rig was unplugged from antenna and power?
I imagine they would fare pretty well being defunct of semiconductors. Now keeping them powered up with their massive appetite for electrons might be a significant problem owing to the lack of any infrastructure following an EMP.
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: gil on April 02, 2014, 09:35:45 PM
I have a Gonset Communicator III, 6m AM that needs a little TLC... And an Ameco AC-1 kit to rebuild..

Gil.
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: Archangel320420 on April 03, 2014, 03:19:34 AM
Like KK0G stated, the tube rigs will suffer nothing in an EMP event. My TR4C Drake has a couple of transistors that would fail, but if the KWM-2 has no solid state devices you will be good to go after the mushroom clouds clear. You will need serious power to operate the beastie.
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: vwflyer on April 03, 2014, 03:36:47 AM
Yes, I'd like to get the DC power supply and measure how much power it actually consumes with that. I figure it's substantial because I can use it as a heater for my office. I'm hoping that one marine battery and solar panel would be sufficient for about an hour per day, enough for a sked.
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: raybiker73 on April 05, 2014, 08:00:18 PM
I have a Heathkit HW-101 that contains approximately 4 billion tubes (or it seemed that way when I had to replace them), and heats the room up nicely.
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: NWARadio on April 06, 2014, 01:58:44 PM
I need to start saving to send mine off to be worked on. I've been advised to have the capacitors replaced and I can either attempt that myself or send it off to be done. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to do it myself.
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: raybiker73 on April 06, 2014, 02:26:35 PM
Quote from: cockpitbob on April 01, 2014, 08:04:40 PM
I have a Heathkit HW101 (100W all mode, all HF) that someone gave me.  It hasn't run in so many years the rubber drive belts are rock hard.  Some day when my leisure time reappears I'm going to bring it back to life.

Hey Bob, I have a couple extra drive belts for the 101, if you need a set, they're yours. Just send me a PM if you want them.
Title: Re: Tube radio
Post by: cockpitbob on April 06, 2014, 10:06:07 PM
Quote from: raybiker73 on April 06, 2014, 02:26:35 PM
Quote from: cockpitbob on April 01, 2014, 08:04:40 PM
I have a Heathkit HW101 (100W all mode, all HF) that someone gave me.  It hasn't run in so many years the rubber drive belts are rock hard.  Some day when my leisure time reappears I'm going to bring it back to life.

Hey Bob, I have a couple extra drive belts for the 101, if you need a set, they're yours. Just send me a PM if you want them.
Thanks for the offer Ray, but I bought a belt kit off eBay last winter when I thought I would have time for it.  I got as far as using a Variac to slowly bring up the power supply to re-form the electrolytics.  After 2 days I had it up to 100% and nothing when pow.  I haven't touched it since though :-\