Tube radio

Started by NWARadio, April 01, 2014, 06:39:47 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

NWARadio

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?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk

So long, and thanks for all the fish

Archangel320420

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

NWARadio

How much is that amp worth to you?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk

So long, and thanks for all the fish

cockpitbob

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.

KK0G

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin

KK0G

cockpitbob

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

KK0G

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)
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin

KK0G

Archangel320420

Gosh NWAR. I have not thought of selling the L4B. Let me think on it.

Jim Boswell

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

vwflyer

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?

John Galt

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!

KK0G

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.
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin

KK0G

gil

I have a Gonset Communicator III, 6m AM that needs a little TLC... And an Ameco AC-1 kit to rebuild..

Gil.

Archangel320420

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.

vwflyer

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.