On May 9, 2023, at 9:25 PM, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:

?

Now that I think about it, I should have rewritten the FS-4A code to generate the alignment signals.? Easy enough and I may still do that.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

---

From: "n4buq" <n4buq@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 3:45:49 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] 2-B 50kHz Alignment Question

Apparently this was in my setup.? I was using an HP-8640B signal generator with an HP-11710B down converter to get me to 50kHz.? That was somewhat "touchy" so I switched to my HP-3310B function generator with an HP-5384A counter.? That worked a lot better and I can get a zero-beat at/near the center of the slug's travel.

While the HP-3310B is not nearly as stable as the HP-8640B, I think that got me "good enough".

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

---

From: "Barry" <n4buq@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 9:21:23 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] 2-B 50kHz Alignment Question

Cranking up the output of the generator helped and I can hear it better on any/all band settings (was only hearing it well on one of the AUX positions but can hear it now regardless of the bandswitch which makes better sense). Also, moving the VFO doesn't affect the zero-beat now.

The problem I'm having now, though, is that I cannot zero-beat a 50.000kHz signal by adjusting T7's slug.? It is quite a bit off frequency and not sure what would cause that.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

---

From: "Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io" <w1es@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 6:54:54 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] 2-B 50kHz Alignment Question

Make sure that you have it on the right pin. I used about a 1V signal and had no trouble.?

73,

Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Sent from Proton Mail for iOS

On Mon, May 8, 2023 at 23:53, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:

Following the manual, with the BFO and PRODUCT DETECTOR on, I've connected a 50kHz unmodulated signal through a blocking capacitor to V5, Pin 1. While I can hear the signal, if I turn the tuning knob, it changes the zero-beat and that doesn't seem correct to me.

The manual doesn't give any "initial settings" for the alignment so I'm curious how one is to zero beat that oscillator. Is there something wrong with my 2-B such that tuning the VFO changes the zero-beat for this step? If not, I'm unclear how to go about this adjustment and am asking for any advice regarding that.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

From: "n4buq" <n4buq@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 3:45:49 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] 2-B 50kHz Alignment Question

Apparently this was in my setup.? I was using an HP-8640B signal generator with an HP-11710B down converter to get me to 50kHz.? That was somewhat "touchy" so I switched to my HP-3310B function generator with an HP-5384A counter.? That worked a lot better and I can get a zero-beat at/near the center of the slug's travel.

While the HP-3310B is not nearly as stable as the HP-8640B, I think that got me "good enough".

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

---

From: "Barry" <n4buq@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 9:21:23 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] 2-B 50kHz Alignment Question

Cranking up the output of the generator helped and I can hear it better on any/all band settings (was only hearing it well on one of the AUX positions but can hear it now regardless of the bandswitch which makes better sense). Also, moving the VFO doesn't affect the zero-beat now.

The problem I'm having now, though, is that I cannot zero-beat a 50.000kHz signal by adjusting T7's slug.? It is quite a bit off frequency and not sure what would cause that.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

---

From: "Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io" <w1es@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 6:54:54 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] 2-B 50kHz Alignment Question

Make sure that you have it on the right pin. I used about a 1V signal and had no trouble.?

73,

Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Sent from Proton Mail for iOS

On Mon, May 8, 2023 at 23:53, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:

Following the manual, with the BFO and PRODUCT DETECTOR on, I've connected a 50kHz unmodulated signal through a blocking capacitor to V5, Pin 1. While I can hear the signal, if I turn the tuning knob, it changes the zero-beat and that doesn't seem correct to me.

The manual doesn't give any "initial settings" for the alignment so I'm curious how one is to zero beat that oscillator. Is there something wrong with my 2-B such that tuning the VFO changes the zero-beat for this step? If not, I'm unclear how to go about this adjustment and am asking for any advice regarding that.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

From: "Barry" <n4buq@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 9:21:23 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] 2-B 50kHz Alignment Question

From: "jerry-KF6VB" <jerry@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Cc: "Dan" <pitfit@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 2:32:08 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Drake 2-B Tuning Shaft Bent???

On 2023-05-09 12:24, Dan wrote:

You know, the shaft itself is common enough 1/4"/.250 stock. The
machined waist around which the dial string is wrapped, is turned down
to ~.11 inch.

Seems I could remove my current shaft and take it in to a local
machine shop and just have it duplicated.

How no idea what that would cost. Couldn't be much. A few minutes on a
lathe? I wonder.

If you bought a lathe, it would be a good beginner project. A cheap
Sieg lathe would do fine. Harbor freight sells 'em.

Back in the 80's, I broke my beloved Mini-Quad. Needed a special
brass
ring. Bought a Sherline lathe to make me a new one. Still have it.

- Jerry, KF6VB

Dan
WB4GRA

On May 9, 2023, at 2:22 PM, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:

?I meant "much less likely to break."

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----

From: "n4buq" <n4buq@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 1:19:41 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Drake 2-B Tuning Shaft Bent???

I guess I was thinking of case hardened which would be much likely to
break if
bent.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----

From: "Michael McCarthy" <lists@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 1:03:57 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Drake 2-B Tuning Shaft Bent???

I have two good 2B's and a parts unit. Only the parts unit is bent
but
that was the result of being dropped hard (which is why it's for
parts).

If the shaft was hardened it would probably shatter or shear off if
bent. Could the tension of the dial string cause a bend if it sat
for a
very long time without being used?

Mike, W1NR

On 5/9/2023 1:45 PM, n4buq wrote:

Seems like a part that might be made on a small engine lathe. Not
sure
if that shaft is hardened and/or ground but maybe not.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

On May 9, 2023, at 2:22 PM, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:

?I meant "much less likely to break."

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----

From: "n4buq" <n4buq@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 1:19:41 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Drake 2-B Tuning Shaft Bent???

I guess I was thinking of case hardened which would be much likely to break if
bent.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----

From: "Michael McCarthy" <lists@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 1:03:57 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Drake 2-B Tuning Shaft Bent???

I have two good 2B's and a parts unit. Only the parts unit is bent but
that was the result of being dropped hard (which is why it's for parts).

If the shaft was hardened it would probably shatter or shear off if
bent. Could the tension of the dial string cause a bend if it sat for a
very long time without being used?

Mike, W1NR

On 5/9/2023 1:45 PM, n4buq wrote:

Seems like a part that might be made on a small engine lathe. Not sure
if that shaft is hardened and/or ground but maybe not.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

From: "n4buq" <n4buq@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 1:19:41 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Drake 2-B Tuning Shaft Bent???

I guess I was thinking of case hardened which would be much likely to break if
bent.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----

From: "Michael McCarthy" <lists@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 1:03:57 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Drake 2-B Tuning Shaft Bent???

I have two good 2B's and a parts unit. Only the parts unit is bent but
that was the result of being dropped hard (which is why it's for parts).

If the shaft was hardened it would probably shatter or shear off if
bent. Could the tension of the dial string cause a bend if it sat for a
very long time without being used?

Mike, W1NR

On 5/9/2023 1:45 PM, n4buq wrote:

Seems like a part that might be made on a small engine lathe.? Not sure
if that shaft is hardened and/or ground but maybe not.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

From: "Michael McCarthy" <lists@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 1:03:57 PM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Drake 2-B Tuning Shaft Bent???

I have two good 2B's and a parts unit. Only the parts unit is bent but
that was the result of being dropped hard (which is why it's for parts).

If the shaft was hardened it would probably shatter or shear off if
bent. Could the tension of the dial string cause a bend if it sat for a
very long time without being used?

Mike, W1NR

On 5/9/2023 1:45 PM, n4buq wrote:

Seems like a part that might be made on a small engine lathe.? Not sure
if that shaft is hardened and/or ground but maybe not.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

Seems like a part that might be made on a small engine lathe.? Not sure if that shaft is hardened and/or ground but maybe not.
Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

From: "Dan" <pitfit@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 7:45:14 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Drake 2-B Tuning Shaft Bent???

When your ONE job is to deliver a 4" long 1/4" steel shaft without bending it..... :-)

I agree, tt's hard to picture it being bent after being installed.

John

On Tue, May 9, 2023 at 8:45?AM Dan <pitfit@...> wrote:

?I, too, suspect a slightly bent 2-B tuning shaft may be a factory installation of a defective part, occurring at some tiny percentage of production output.

I cannot imagine any kind of damage or force applied in situ - shipping damage, bench top abuse, dropping the radio, etc. - that could cause a steel shaft to go out-of-true but leave everything so delicate and sensitive around it perfect and untouched. This couldn't be the result of damage-in-place. Had to be installed that way.

If one can't just tolerate it and live with knob wobble and occasional dial slippage the only fix is a tear down, attempted straightening and reassembly, and dial restringing.

Ugh.

Dan

WB4GRA

On May 9, 2023, at 12:38 AM, Pete Doherty W1UO <cqdew1uo@...> wrote:

?On Sun, May 7, 2023 at 09:40 AM, william pinkava wrote:

My 2B also had a bent shaft. I unstrung the dial and then tapped the shaft back into alignment with light hammer taps while rolling on a flat surface. That was the easy part.

Funny thing, my 1st 2B had the same problem! I pretty much did the same. Remove the shaft, tap is straight, reinstall and restring. I wonder if it was a bad run?

Pete W1UO

Steve,

I'll have to check those.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

---

From: "Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io" <w1es@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 10:13:47 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] 2-B 50kHz Alignment Question

Check the values of C50 through C52.? It wouldn't be a bad idea to check the resistors around the tuned circuit, as well.

Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana.

Sent with secure email.

------- Original Message -------
On Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at 10:21 AM, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:

Cranking up the output of the generator helped and I can hear it better on any/all band settings (was only hearing it well on one of the AUX positions but can hear it now regardless of the bandswitch which makes better sense). Also, moving the VFO doesn't affect the zero-beat now.

The problem I'm having now, though, is that I cannot zero-beat a 50.000kHz signal by adjusting T7's slug.? It is quite a bit off frequency and not sure what would cause that.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

---

From: "Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io" <w1es@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 6:54:54 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] 2-B 50kHz Alignment Question

Make sure that you have it on the right pin. I used about a 1V signal and had no trouble.?

73,

Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Sent from Proton Mail for iOS

On Mon, May 8, 2023 at 23:53, n4buq <n4buq@...> wrote:

Following the manual, with the BFO and PRODUCT DETECTOR on, I've connected a 50kHz unmodulated signal through a blocking capacitor to V5, Pin 1. While I can hear the signal, if I turn the tuning knob, it changes the zero-beat and that doesn't seem correct to me.

The manual doesn't give any "initial settings" for the alignment so I'm curious how one is to zero beat that oscillator. Is there something wrong with my 2-B such that tuning the VFO changes the zero-beat for this step? If not, I'm unclear how to go about this adjustment and am asking for any advice regarding that.

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

From: "Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via groups.io" <w1es@...>
To: "DRAKE-RADIO" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 10:13:47 AM
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] 2-B 50kHz Alignment Question