Write about fixing a Drake TR4 in the style of a Raymond Chandler detective novel:
--------------- snip --------------------
It was one of those nights when the air’s so thick you could slice it with a knife, and I was nursing a glass of bourbon that’d gone flat with the sorrow of too many repairs. The city hummed outside like a broken circuit, but I wasn’t listening. I was looking at the old Drake TR4 sitting on the bench in front of me—its knobs shiny but its heart hollow. She had problems, all right, and I wasn’t sure if I had the patience for her lies.
The TR4 had a voice once, a smooth, steady hum, sending out signals like a well-dressed man at a party. But now it was sputtering, skipping like a broken record. It was the kind of problem only a desperate man would tackle—tangled wires, faulty resistors, a power supply that couldn’t keep up with its promises. She was a dame who had seen too many miles and wanted too many fixes, but she was mine for the night.
I reached for the schematic—those crumpled blueprints always looked like something out of a pulp novel, scribbled on paper that was more coffee stains than diagram. I needed to find the problem, and fast. The Drake had a nasty habit of throwing a tantrum when it wasn’t happy. And lately, she’d been spitting out signals like a jealous lover, overdriving the AGC and messing with the detector like it was a dirty secret.
I knew this rig better than I knew my own skin. I’d taken the back off her before, stared into her guts, felt the burn of her circuits as they shorted out. But tonight? Tonight was different. I could feel it in my bones. Something was off—something deep inside her. The audio was off, too. No low-end warmth, just a harsh, clipped sound that gnawed at your nerves like a cat on a tin roof.
I rolled up my sleeves and dove in. The first thing that caught my eye was R19, the resistor on the AGC/Detector board. She was supposed to be regulating the signal, keeping everything in check. But her resistance was out of whack, and that was making the whole rig run hot. The signals came in too strong, pushing Q6, the poor transistor, to its breaking point. I’ve seen radios burn out from less. This was no different.
I cracked open my toolbox and pulled out the right resistor—one with a little more resistance, a bit more subtlety. Nothing too flashy, just the kind of part that would keep Q6 from popping its top. I unsoldered the old R19, careful not to disturb any other connections, like a gentleman lifting a dame’s veil for the first time. The new one slid in smooth, just like it belonged. I put everything back together, not giving her a second thought.
I powered her up. The lights blinked on, the tubes warmed up, and the receiver hummed. But it wasn’t the same hum. It was richer, deeper, like she’d found her voice again. The signals were steady now, no more distortion, no more hiss. She was singing like a soprano in a smoky bar, smooth and clear.
The job was done. But fixing this radio wasn’t just about resistors and wiring. It was about something deeper—maybe something even I didn’t understand. She was alive again, and for tonight, that was enough. I could hear her whispering through the speakers, telling me everything was going to be all right.
But I knew better. In this town, things were never all right. You could fix a radio, but you couldn’t fix the world. Not for long, anyway.
--------------- endsnip -----------------
- Jerry, KF6VB
p.s. "R19" and "Q6" apparently crept in from an earlier question about my Signal/One...
|
PS-7 Troubleshooting Tips
Hi Drakey's I purchased an estate sale PS-7 that has no 13.8 v output. Both fuses are good, 120v on both fan plugs, no obvious burt components, transformer "thud" felt? when powered on by the TR-7 . Any hints on were to start or common failures ?
Tnx Bill KE7KK??
|
Re: TR-4C Problems with 28.0 and 28.5 bands
Dave, I had a similar problem a number of years ago with a TR-4. The crystal oscillator will "free wheel" when the tuning is not exactly at the frequency of the crystal. The result was the same or similar to what you hear.?
Try adjusting the proper coil (I don't remember which one) for the 10M band until the oscillator "locks" to the crystal.
GL ES 73, Bob Loving K9JU
Maryville, TN
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 03:24:19 PM EST, Dave KD5FX via groups.io <land.dave@...> wrote:
OK, more work done today! I did check and double check all the contacts on the band switch, especially those around the Xtal area. They are all good and tested good for continuity. There's a big contest going on today and I was able to hear some signals on the 28.5 band and the 28.0 band too! BUT they are very distorted, you can tell it's SSB but can't understand a thing (and yes, I tried both LSB and USB). Even the CAL signal is distorted. Not a pure tone, almost a buzz sound. All the other bands are working OK including the 29.1 band, I can hear the CAL signal fine there. Oh yeah,? I swapped another 6EA in there for V1, no change.?
Thanks for everyone's help so far, any other ideas??
73, Dave KD5FX
?
|
Re: TR-4C Problems with 28.0 and 28.5 bands
OK, more work done today! I did check and double check all the contacts on the band switch, especially those around the Xtal area. They are all good and tested good for continuity. There's a big contest going on today and I was able to hear some signals on the 28.5 band and the 28.0 band too! BUT they are very distorted, you can tell it's SSB but can't understand a thing (and yes, I tried both LSB and USB). Even the CAL signal is distorted. Not a pure tone, almost a buzz sound. All the other bands are working OK including the 29.1 band, I can hear the CAL signal fine there. Oh yeah,? I swapped another 6EA in there for V1, no change.?
Thanks for everyone's help so far, any other ideas??
73, Dave KD5FX
?
|
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 18, 2025, at 12:56?PM, amfone via groups.io <amfone20000@...> wrote:
Thanks Gary I fixed my L7 that had an issue but for future reference do you repair the L7 and L4B?
I have an original Orion, I really think the problem from what I am experiencing and reading on The Internet the issue is the A9 board, but not sure of course.
Thanks Gary
Tim
WB8UHZ
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 01:41:21 PM EST, Gary Follett via groups.io <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
I do repairs on Omni V., VI, Orion’s and most Drake items.
Gary
WDVN On Jan 18, 2025, at 12:17?PM, amfone via groups.io <amfone20000@...> wrote:
Gary do you repair TT Orions? Do you repair Drake gear as well?
Tim
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 01:01:25 PM EST, Gary Follett via groups.io <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
Jim!
I hope you are not talking about ME! I have NEVER told anyone an item was not repairable and then offered to take it from them for next-to-nothing.
In the case of SOME Ten Tec Orions and Omni’s with bad CPU’s I have bought radios for parts, but only because the CPU parts are not available for them. As of today, there are no unobtanium parts for Drake radios other than ones for which I do have spares.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 1:26?PM, W0DVN <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
I can surely fix your 2NT.
Estimate is $100 plus any shipping.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 12:45?PM, Peter K8PT via groups.io <k8pt@...> wrote:
I'm in need of a vintage repair service that is familiar with Drake radio's. I have a Drake 2-NT that has lost it's output. I have changed all the tubes but no joy. Looking for recommendations.
Thanks in advance.
|
Thanks Gary I fixed my L7 that had an issue but for future reference do you repair the L7 and L4B?
I have an original Orion, I really think the problem from what I am experiencing and reading on The Internet the issue is the A9 board, but not sure of course.
Thanks Gary
Tim
WB8UHZ
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 01:41:21 PM EST, Gary Follett via groups.io <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
I do repairs on Omni V., VI, Orion’s and most Drake items.
Gary
On Jan 18, 2025, at 12:17?PM, amfone via groups.io <amfone20000@...> wrote:
Gary do you repair TT Orions? Do you repair Drake gear as well?
Tim
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 01:01:25 PM EST, Gary Follett via groups.io <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
Jim!
I hope you are not talking about ME! I have NEVER told anyone an item was not repairable and then offered to take it from them for next-to-nothing.
In the case of SOME Ten Tec Orions and Omni’s with bad CPU’s I have bought radios for parts, but only because the CPU parts are not available for them. As of today, there are no unobtanium parts for Drake radios other than ones for which I do have spares.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 1:26?PM, W0DVN <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
I can surely fix your 2NT.
Estimate is $100 plus any shipping.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 12:45?PM, Peter K8PT via groups.io <k8pt@...> wrote:
I'm in need of a vintage repair service that is familiar with Drake radio's. I have a Drake 2-NT that has lost it's output. I have changed all the tubes but no joy. Looking for recommendations.
Thanks in advance.
|
I do repairs on Omni V., VI, Orion’s and most Drake items.
Gary
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 18, 2025, at 12:17?PM, amfone via groups.io <amfone20000@...> wrote:
Gary do you repair TT Orions? Do you repair Drake gear as well?
Tim
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 01:01:25 PM EST, Gary Follett via groups.io <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
Jim!
I hope you are not talking about ME! I have NEVER told anyone an item was not repairable and then offered to take it from them for next-to-nothing.
In the case of SOME Ten Tec Orions and Omni’s with bad CPU’s I have bought radios for parts, but only because the CPU parts are not available for them. As of today, there are no unobtanium parts for Drake radios other than ones for which I do have spares.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 1:26?PM, W0DVN <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
I can surely fix your 2NT.
Estimate is $100 plus any shipping.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 12:45?PM, Peter K8PT via groups.io <k8pt@...> wrote:
I'm in need of a vintage repair service that is familiar with Drake radio's. I have a Drake 2-NT that has lost it's output. I have changed all the tubes but no joy. Looking for recommendations.
Thanks in advance.
|
Re: Mn2000 broken insulator
I ordered from DigiKey. ?Ceramic 5/8 in threaded 8-32. ?About 5$ each. ?
? I expect mine were broken in shipping; as this tuner had been shipped several times. They toss boxes, don’t they??
? bTW. I noticed photos in later MN2000 thread that those front standoffs had been replaced with something using a through the tube bolt. I think the proper standoff is likely needed for the high voltages even if there is no continuity shown on the vom.?
|
Jim Where did you read the negative reviews for Ron Baker?
Tim
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 01:17:35 PM EST, amfone via groups.io <amfone20000@...> wrote:
Gary do you repair TT Orions? Do you repair Drake gear as well?
Tim
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 01:01:25 PM EST, Gary Follett via groups.io <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
Jim!
I hope you are not talking about ME! I have NEVER told anyone an item was not repairable and then offered to take it from them for next-to-nothing.
In the case of SOME Ten Tec Orions and Omni’s with bad CPU’s I have bought radios for parts, but only because the CPU parts are not available for them. As of today, there are no unobtanium parts for Drake radios other than ones for which I do have spares.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 1:26?PM, W0DVN <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
I can surely fix your 2NT.
Estimate is $100 plus any shipping.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 12:45?PM, Peter K8PT via groups.io <k8pt@...> wrote:
I'm in need of a vintage repair service that is familiar with Drake radio's. I have a Drake 2-NT that has lost it's output. I have changed all the tubes but no joy. Looking for recommendations.
Thanks in advance.
|
Gary do you repair TT Orions? Do you repair Drake gear as well?
Tim
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 01:01:25 PM EST, Gary Follett via groups.io <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
Jim!
I hope you are not talking about ME! I have NEVER told anyone an item was not repairable and then offered to take it from them for next-to-nothing.
In the case of SOME Ten Tec Orions and Omni’s with bad CPU’s I have bought radios for parts, but only because the CPU parts are not available for them. As of today, there are no unobtanium parts for Drake radios other than ones for which I do have spares.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 1:26?PM, W0DVN <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
I can surely fix your 2NT.
Estimate is $100 plus any shipping.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 12:45?PM, Peter K8PT via groups.io <k8pt@...> wrote:
I'm in need of a vintage repair service that is familiar with Drake radio's. I have a Drake 2-NT that has lost it's output. I have changed all the tubes but no joy. Looking for recommendations.
Thanks in advance.
|
Tho’ I know not how they sent eths and thorns on CW…
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Sat, Jan 18, 2025 at 11:14 AM, n4buq < n4buq@...> wrote:
Chaucer was a ham?
Barry - N4BUQ
From: "Frank Barnes via groups.io" <fbw4npn@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2025 9:49:02 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] TR4 Poem
Chaucer is turning over in his grave.? Nice!
Aimless amusements....
I asked Chatgpt to write a poem about fixing a TR4.? In the style of
Geoffrey Chaucer, please:
----------- snip ------------
A Tale of Drake TR4, Wrought with Care
Whan once upon a winter’s night so cold,
A ham with solder’s skill in hand so bold,
Did sit before his TR4, so old,
A transceiver, once so pure, now grown dull,
Its circuits twisted, tangled like a thread,
Its signals weak, its lights were dimly spread.
“Alas!” quoth he, “this rig, so much I prize,
Now dead as stone beneath these weary skies.
What fate hath wrought this cruel, forsaken plight?
O broken Drake, restore to life thy light!”
So, to the workbench he did swift repair,
With gentle touch and steady hands, aware
That circuits fine did oft require great care.
First came the screws, which slow did he unscrew,
And open wide the casing, to review
The insides dark, where many parts did lay,
A tangled mess, a sight most foul and gray.
A glance upon the capacitors old,
The solder joints, now cracked and turning cold,
The weak and weary resistors did he find,
Each test and check did humble heart and mind.
But lo! A faulty diode made its mark,
A silent culprit, hiding in the dark.
With steady hands, he swapped and soldered tight,
Till all was fixed, and signals came to light.
The hum, the crackle, oh! It pleased him so,
As voices came through clearer, steady flow.
The meter danced, the frequency was clear,
A TR4, revived, was now sincere.
“O blessed rig!” he cried with joy and pride,
“The power of the air, no longer tied!
Thy call shall travel far, through hills and dales,
And through the ether’s vast, mysterious veils.
No more shall I be vexed with faulty ways—
Thou art reborn, in ham’s most gleaming praise!”
So thus, the ham did leave the shop behind,
His TR4 now humbly redefined.
And in the night, 'neath stars that gleamed so bright,
His voice did echo far, a wondrous sight.
----------- endsnip ---------
? ? ? ? ? ? - Jerry, KF6VB
--
Frank Barnes
W4NPN
Chapel Hill, NC
Grid Square FM05
Cell 919.260.7955
|
Brilliant.?
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Sat, Jan 18, 2025 at 10:31 AM, jerry-KF6VB < jerry@...> wrote: Aimless amusements....
I asked Chatgpt to write a poem about fixing a TR4. In the style of
Geoffrey Chaucer, please:
----------- snip ------------
A Tale of Drake TR4, Wrought with Care
Whan once upon a winter’s night so cold,
A ham with solder’s skill in hand so bold,
Did sit before his TR4, so old,
A transceiver, once so pure, now grown dull,
Its circuits twisted, tangled like a thread,
Its signals weak, its lights were dimly spread.
“Alas!” quoth he, “this rig, so much I prize,
Now dead as stone beneath these weary skies.
What fate hath wrought this cruel, forsaken plight?
O broken Drake, restore to life thy light!”
So, to the workbench he did swift repair,
With gentle touch and steady hands, aware
That circuits fine did oft require great care.
First came the screws, which slow did he unscrew,
And open wide the casing, to review
The insides dark, where many parts did lay,
A tangled mess, a sight most foul and gray.
A glance upon the capacitors old,
The solder joints, now cracked and turning cold,
The weak and weary resistors did he find,
Each test and check did humble heart and mind.
But lo! A faulty diode made its mark,
A silent culprit, hiding in the dark.
With steady hands, he swapped and soldered tight,
Till all was fixed, and signals came to light.
The hum, the crackle, oh! It pleased him so,
As voices came through clearer, steady flow.
The meter danced, the frequency was clear,
A TR4, revived, was now sincere.
“O blessed rig!” he cried with joy and pride,
“The power of the air, no longer tied!
Thy call shall travel far, through hills and dales,
And through the ether’s vast, mysterious veils.
No more shall I be vexed with faulty ways—
Thou art reborn, in ham’s most gleaming praise!”
So thus, the ham did leave the shop behind,
His TR4 now humbly redefined.
And in the night, 'neath stars that gleamed so bright,
His voice did echo far, a wondrous sight.
----------- endsnip ---------
- Jerry, KF6VB
|
Jim!
I hope you are not talking about ME! I have NEVER told anyone an item was not repairable and then offered to take it from them for next-to-nothing.
In the case of SOME Ten Tec Orions and Omni’s with bad CPU’s I have bought radios for parts, but only because the CPU parts are not available for them. As of today, there are no unobtanium parts for Drake radios other than ones for which I do have spares.
Gary
W0DVN
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 17, 2025, at 1:26?PM, W0DVN <xntrick1948@...> wrote:
I can surely fix your 2NT.
Estimate is $100 plus any shipping.
Gary
W0DVN On Jan 17, 2025, at 12:45?PM, Peter K8PT via groups.io <k8pt@...> wrote:
I'm in need of a vintage repair service that is familiar with Drake radio's. I have a Drake 2-NT that has lost it's output. I have changed all the tubes but no joy. Looking for recommendations.
Thanks in advance.
|
On Fri, Jan 17, 2025 at 08:34 PM, Jay W6CJ wrote:
>Might try Ron Baker, WB4HFN.
Be careful.? His last bunch of reviews were horrid.? ?And there is more on top of that....like very recently.? ?He takes stuff in, sez it can't be fixed, then wants to keep it.? ?
|
This is all wonderful and smile inducing!
All of you, take a bow! John K5MO
On 2025-01-18 08:22, Richard Knoppow via wrote:
> A Chaucer quote:
> There's no workman, whatsoever he be, That may both work well and
> hastily.
*** I repeated the request, asking it to mention the copper plated
chassis -
The copper-coated chassis, gleamin’ bright,
Did glint and sparkle in the mornin’ light,
But now it lay, with tarnish thick and deep,
A relic worn, in silence it did sleep.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?- Jerry, KF6VB
|
On 2025-01-18 08:22, Richard Knoppow via groups.io wrote: A Chaucer quote:
There's no workman, whatsoever he be, That may both work well and hastily. *** I repeated the request, asking it to mention the copper plated chassis - The copper-coated chassis, gleamin’ bright, Did glint and sparkle in the mornin’ light, But now it lay, with tarnish thick and deep, A relic worn, in silence it did sleep. - Jerry, KF6VB
|
Sorry replied to wrong post
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 18, 2025, at 10:27?AM, Ronnie Hull - W5SUM via groups.io <w5sum@...> wrote:
? Steve I do HEAR the relay pulling in and can feel it with my hand in the cover With amp turned off but connected the SWR is 1.05:1 at the xcvr.
R On Jan 18, 2025, at 10:14?AM, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:
? Chaucer was a ham?
Barry - N4BUQ
From: "Frank Barnes via groups.io" <fbw4npn@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2025 9:49:02 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] TR4 Poem
Chaucer is turning over in his grave.? Nice!
Aimless amusements....
I asked Chatgpt to write a poem about fixing a TR4.? In the style of
Geoffrey Chaucer, please:
----------- snip ------------
A Tale of Drake TR4, Wrought with Care
Whan once upon a winter’s night so cold,
A ham with solder’s skill in hand so bold,
Did sit before his TR4, so old,
A transceiver, once so pure, now grown dull,
Its circuits twisted, tangled like a thread,
Its signals weak, its lights were dimly spread.
“Alas!” quoth he, “this rig, so much I prize,
Now dead as stone beneath these weary skies.
What fate hath wrought this cruel, forsaken plight?
O broken Drake, restore to life thy light!”
So, to the workbench he did swift repair,
With gentle touch and steady hands, aware
That circuits fine did oft require great care.
First came the screws, which slow did he unscrew,
And open wide the casing, to review
The insides dark, where many parts did lay,
A tangled mess, a sight most foul and gray.
A glance upon the capacitors old,
The solder joints, now cracked and turning cold,
The weak and weary resistors did he find,
Each test and check did humble heart and mind.
But lo! A faulty diode made its mark,
A silent culprit, hiding in the dark.
With steady hands, he swapped and soldered tight,
Till all was fixed, and signals came to light.
The hum, the crackle, oh! It pleased him so,
As voices came through clearer, steady flow.
The meter danced, the frequency was clear,
A TR4, revived, was now sincere.
“O blessed rig!” he cried with joy and pride,
“The power of the air, no longer tied!
Thy call shall travel far, through hills and dales,
And through the ether’s vast, mysterious veils.
No more shall I be vexed with faulty ways—
Thou art reborn, in ham’s most gleaming praise!”
So thus, the ham did leave the shop behind,
His TR4 now humbly redefined.
And in the night, 'neath stars that gleamed so bright,
His voice did echo far, a wondrous sight.
----------- endsnip ---------
? ? ? ? ? ? - Jerry, KF6VB
--
Frank Barnes
W4NPN
Chapel Hill, NC
Grid Square FM05
Cell 919.260.7955
|
Steve I do HEAR the relay pulling in and can feel it with my hand in the cover With amp turned off but connected the SWR is 1.05:1 at the xcvr.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 18, 2025, at 10:14?AM, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:
? Chaucer was a ham?
Barry - N4BUQ
From: "Frank Barnes via groups.io" <fbw4npn@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2025 9:49:02 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] TR4 Poem
Chaucer is turning over in his grave.? Nice!
Aimless amusements....
I asked Chatgpt to write a poem about fixing a TR4.? In the style of
Geoffrey Chaucer, please:
----------- snip ------------
A Tale of Drake TR4, Wrought with Care
Whan once upon a winter’s night so cold,
A ham with solder’s skill in hand so bold,
Did sit before his TR4, so old,
A transceiver, once so pure, now grown dull,
Its circuits twisted, tangled like a thread,
Its signals weak, its lights were dimly spread.
“Alas!” quoth he, “this rig, so much I prize,
Now dead as stone beneath these weary skies.
What fate hath wrought this cruel, forsaken plight?
O broken Drake, restore to life thy light!”
So, to the workbench he did swift repair,
With gentle touch and steady hands, aware
That circuits fine did oft require great care.
First came the screws, which slow did he unscrew,
And open wide the casing, to review
The insides dark, where many parts did lay,
A tangled mess, a sight most foul and gray.
A glance upon the capacitors old,
The solder joints, now cracked and turning cold,
The weak and weary resistors did he find,
Each test and check did humble heart and mind.
But lo! A faulty diode made its mark,
A silent culprit, hiding in the dark.
With steady hands, he swapped and soldered tight,
Till all was fixed, and signals came to light.
The hum, the crackle, oh! It pleased him so,
As voices came through clearer, steady flow.
The meter danced, the frequency was clear,
A TR4, revived, was now sincere.
“O blessed rig!” he cried with joy and pride,
“The power of the air, no longer tied!
Thy call shall travel far, through hills and dales,
And through the ether’s vast, mysterious veils.
No more shall I be vexed with faulty ways—
Thou art reborn, in ham’s most gleaming praise!”
So thus, the ham did leave the shop behind,
His TR4 now humbly redefined.
And in the night, 'neath stars that gleamed so bright,
His voice did echo far, a wondrous sight.
----------- endsnip ---------
? ? ? ? ? ? - Jerry, KF6VB
--
Frank Barnes
W4NPN
Chapel Hill, NC
Grid Square FM05
Cell 919.260.7955
|
A Chaucer quote:
There's no workman, whatsoever he be, That may both work well and hastily.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 1/18/2025 7:31 AM, jerry-KF6VB wrote: Aimless amusements....
I asked Chatgpt to write a poem about fixing a TR4.? In the style of Geoffrey Chaucer, please:
--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
SKCC 19998
|
Steve I would have to measure at the exciter. But the exciter goes
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 18, 2025, at 9:31?AM, jerry-KF6VB <jerry@...> wrote:
?Aimless amusements....
I asked Chatgpt to write a poem about fixing a TR4. In the style of Geoffrey Chaucer, please:
----------- snip ------------
A Tale of Drake TR4, Wrought with Care
Whan once upon a winter’s night so cold,
A ham with solder’s skill in hand so bold,
Did sit before his TR4, so old,
A transceiver, once so pure, now grown dull,
Its circuits twisted, tangled like a thread,
Its signals weak, its lights were dimly spread.
“Alas!” quoth he, “this rig, so much I prize,
Now dead as stone beneath these weary skies.
What fate hath wrought this cruel, forsaken plight?
O broken Drake, restore to life thy light!”
So, to the workbench he did swift repair,
With gentle touch and steady hands, aware
That circuits fine did oft require great care.
First came the screws, which slow did he unscrew,
And open wide the casing, to review
The insides dark, where many parts did lay,
A tangled mess, a sight most foul and gray.
A glance upon the capacitors old,
The solder joints, now cracked and turning cold,
The weak and weary resistors did he find,
Each test and check did humble heart and mind.
But lo! A faulty diode made its mark,
A silent culprit, hiding in the dark.
With steady hands, he swapped and soldered tight,
Till all was fixed, and signals came to light.
The hum, the crackle, oh! It pleased him so,
As voices came through clearer, steady flow.
The meter danced, the frequency was clear,
A TR4, revived, was now sincere.
“O blessed rig!” he cried with joy and pride,
“The power of the air, no longer tied!
Thy call shall travel far, through hills and dales,
And through the ether’s vast, mysterious veils.
No more shall I be vexed with faulty ways—
Thou art reborn, in ham’s most gleaming praise!”
So thus, the ham did leave the shop behind,
His TR4 now humbly redefined.
And in the night, 'neath stars that gleamed so bright,
His voice did echo far, a wondrous sight.
----------- endsnip ---------
- Jerry, KF6VB
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Ronnie Hull - W5SUM