Regarding the "klunky" interface on kiwi SDRs, you might be interested in the Youtube video "VK2MB KiwiSDR Secrets."? It's long (90 minutes), but it shows a whole raft of things that are available on the Kiwi SDR control panel,
most of which aren't obvious.
-Art Delibert, KB3FJO
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I've used some of the Kiwis on the internet when a signal I am chasing is below my noise floor. They work OK but the interface seems a bit klunky. My LAN-IQ will work standalone with an eye catching display but also over my LAN with some of the popular SDR
softwares. Right now I have it connected to the AUX port on a vintage Ameco preamp in the RX antenna loop of my 7-twins. It hears everything the TR7 hears, attenuated by a few dB and subject to the low pass filter in the TR7. Right now I'm parked on 12m so
the SDR essentially has full coverage but of course my Butternut vertical favors the ham bands. If I connected a VHF/UHF antenna to the second input I could listen up to 1700 MHz.
On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 16:52:15 -0800
"Lyndon VE7TFX via groups.io" <lyndon@...> wrote:
> I have a kiwisdr and it works great! When not surrounded by a constant
> 4 uV background noise level :-P
--
73
-Jim
NU0C
|
As a side note, some prefer the AC-3 over the AC-4 due to the "open air" sort of cooling while the AC-4 has a small number of "hot air exhaust slots". ? I have no personal experience with the AC-3 so I am not aware of reliability versus the AC-4.
I would simply go ahead and re-cap this supply. Paper bodied electrolytic capacitors are prone to dry out.?
If you want to wait, replace just the bias supply’s capacitor, as if you lose your bias supply, your finals, at best, will be stressed beyond their ratings, shortening the life of the tubes.?
The rebuild kit for the AC-3 costs more than the one for the AC-4 because it needs a “cage” over the board to prevent contact with dangerous voltages. It is well worth it, though.?
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Mon, Jan 27, 2025 at 10:54, DavidC KD4E via groups.io < qrv@...> wrote: I accepted a trade offer of a TR-4 for my troublesome TR-3.
Opened things up and have a few questions for those in the know ...
Images here: https://kd4e.com/kd4e-html/drake-ps
The power supply has some sort of filmy deposit on top - I'm thinking
it's residue from tobacco.
1. I'm real shy about putting moisture on the tops of the paper
electrolytics
but would WD-40 or a citrus-based cleaner using a q-tip be safest for the
chassis?
2. Do the caps appear to be original? (The rig works but I'd rather update
things, if the caps are ancient, prior to setting it up on my operating
desk.)
3. Does the serial number reveal anything useful, please?
Thanks,
David KD4E
|
I would simply go ahead and re-cap this supply. Paper bodied electrolytic capacitors are prone to dry out.?
If you want to wait, replace just the bias supply’s capacitor, as if you lose your bias supply, your finals, at best, will be stressed beyond their ratings, shortening the life of the tubes.?
The rebuild kit for the AC-3 costs more than the one for the AC-4 because it needs a “cage” over the board to prevent contact with dangerous voltages. It is well worth it, though.?
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Mon, Jan 27, 2025 at 10:54, DavidC KD4E via groups.io < qrv@...> wrote: I accepted a trade offer of a TR-4 for my troublesome TR-3.
Opened things up and have a few questions for those in the know ...
Images here: https://kd4e.com/kd4e-html/drake-ps
The power supply has some sort of filmy deposit on top - I'm thinking
it's residue from tobacco.
1. I'm real shy about putting moisture on the tops of the paper
electrolytics
but would WD-40 or a citrus-based cleaner using a q-tip be safest for the
chassis?
2. Do the caps appear to be original? (The rig works but I'd rather update
things, if the caps are ancient, prior to setting it up on my operating
desk.)
3. Does the serial number reveal anything useful, please?
Thanks,
David KD4E
|
I accepted a trade offer of a TR-4 for my troublesome TR-3.
Opened things up and have a few questions for those in the know ...
Images here:
The power supply has some sort of filmy deposit on top - I'm thinking
it's residue from tobacco.
1. I'm real shy about putting moisture on the tops of the paper electrolytics
but would WD-40 or a citrus-based cleaner using a q-tip be safest for the
chassis?
2. Do the caps appear to be original? (The rig works but I'd rather update
things, if the caps are ancient, prior to setting it up on my operating desk.)
3. Does the serial number reveal anything useful, please?
Thanks,
David KD4E
|
Re: Comments/experiences sought
Thank you all for great comments and qwik replies... securing a deal is just as good as turning a questionable one down...so TU!
From what I can see, there are bundles of questionable devices/sellers out there with really low prices, inconsistent ads (scams), no shipping---probably no product OR over priced US based with shipping (>$15 for small, light, close trip) taking the price over $200.00...and any real guarantees with that? IMHO----I just don’t think the product is worth that, regardless of its multi-functions.... buyer BEWARE! There are too many ways this product could be counterfeit/look alike: case laser printing, serial numbers, fw/sw versions, battery markings, xtra accessories, shield covers, mfgr and mfg date....too risky for me....and why fix what aint broke!
I will stick with the old way---big heavy sig gens, oscilloscope, muti-meters....
73 all! ?
STAY SAFE AND STAY WELL!
Respectfully,
Thomas K. Lanieri, NU2W
NJ DOH Licensed EMT;
PHTLS, AMLS, PHPEC
Millenium EMS
ARC N.E. BioMedical Services
ARC N.E. Disaster Cycle Services
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Show quoted text
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Jim Shorney via groups.io Sent: Sunday, January 26, 2025 7:50 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Comments/experiences sought That's a subjective question. It depends on your use case. I would like faster scan speeds, lower RBW, higher maximum input level, and direct access to the internal storage as a USB device. Other opinions will vary. Beyond that I will refer you to the Wiki. On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 16:06:22 -0700 "Bill Leonard N0CU via groups.io" <billincolo73@...> wrote: Jim,
Could you pass on what you feel are the important limitations. A
display with over 70 dB of range and an RBW of 200 Hz seems good for a <$200 unit.
Bill N0CU -- 73 -Jim NU0C
|
Re: TR4310 HF Transceiver
Received a replacement (MC14560B) for the BCD adder IC (ref. U32015) that sits between the 100s kHz counter and the 100s kHz display driver on the VRTO Digital Board today. Installed it on a socket, as usual, and I now have a 100s kHz digit that reads correctly under all circumstances:-)
?
I am pleased to also report that the tuning range edge detection works correctly. It permits 50 kHz of over ('VFO') range on the HF side and 200 kHz of overrange on the LF side. Once a limit is reached, the circuitry inhibits generation of further tuning increments in the relevant direction:-)
?
I thought that fixing the above would mean I only had one (macro) fault remaining - that of the faulty MHz display digits and range selection from the band switch, including the up/down buttons. Sadly, this radio wants to test my staying power some more, as I noticed that, on the two uppermost HF positions of the band switch, the high band VCO that feeds the Up-Converter is not locked, or perhaps not running:-( It's probably been like this from day one but, given all the other faults, I've just not realised. So now I am in sympathy with the other chap on here who's chasing similar on his TR7.
?
I'll leave the VCO fault for now and stick to clearing all the remaining bugs from the VTRO Digital Board.
?
Regards,
?
Mark, G4FPH.
?
|
Re: Early 4 Line supplies
Yes.? There are even rebuild hardware for each type available. David Assaf III W5XU, VP8RXU ?
? ? ?I have in my collection of “stuff” two Drake AC3’s. One is a really early version and the other is a later version with a lot of iron. My question is, are all AC versions capable of driving all versions of 4-Line transmitters and transceivers??
? ? Thanks,
Tony - W9JXN
|
Re: Early 4 Line supplies
Yes. You can use them interchangeably.?
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Mon, Jan 27, 2025 at 02:14, Tony Sokol via groups.io < tony.sokol@...> wrote: I have in my collection of “stuff” two Drake AC3’s. One is a really early version and the other is a later version with a lot of iron. My question is, are all AC versions capable of driving all versions of 4-Line transmitters and transceivers?
Thanks,
Tony - W9JXN
|
I have in my collection of “stuff” two Drake AC3’s. One is a really early version and the other is a later version with a lot of iron. My question is, are all AC versions capable of driving all versions of 4-Line transmitters and transceivers?
Thanks,
Tony - W9JXN
|
I've used some of the Kiwis on the internet when a signal I am chasing is below my noise floor. They work OK but the interface seems a bit klunky. My LAN-IQ will work standalone with an eye catching display but also over my LAN with some of the popular SDR softwares. Right now I have it connected to the AUX port on a vintage Ameco preamp in the RX antenna loop of my 7-twins. It hears everything the TR7 hears, attenuated by a few dB and subject to the low pass filter in the TR7. Right now I'm parked on 12m so the SDR essentially has full coverage but of course my Butternut vertical favors the ham bands. If I connected a VHF/UHF antenna to the second input I could listen up to 1700 MHz. On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 16:52:15 -0800 "Lyndon VE7TFX via groups.io" <lyndon@...> wrote: I have a kiwisdr and it works great! When not surrounded by a constant
4 uV background noise level :-P -- 73 -Jim NU0C
|
Jim Shorney via groups.io writes: The SW receivers are another story. I was not impressed with the reviews on=
the 'duino based stuff so I bought an AFEDRI LAN-IQ. Sure it's not as port=
able but it is a nice box for the money. I currently have it tied into my s=
hack antenna and can use it for casual SW listening from any LAN connected =
box in the house. I also have two GP-5/SSB and one GP-7/SSB. They perform w=
ell within their limitations but I don't expect them to work as all-around =
good as a R-390 or R7. But they are portable. I have a kiwisdr and it works great! When not surrounded by a constant 4 uV background noise level :-P --lyndon
|
Re: Comments/experiences sought
That's a subjective question. It depends on your use case. I would like faster scan speeds, lower RBW, higher maximum input level, and direct access to the internal storage as a USB device. Other opinions will vary. Beyond that I will refer you to the Wiki. On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 16:06:22 -0700 "Bill Leonard N0CU via groups.io" <billincolo73@...> wrote: Jim,
Could you pass on what you feel are the important limitations. A display
with over 70 dB of range and an RBW of 200 Hz seems good for a <$200 unit.
Bill N0CU -- 73 -Jim NU0C
|
I've used my L4B on 17 and 12 meters using both SSB and digital modes
using low plate voltage.? On 17 meters with the bandswitch set to 15
meters and about 50 watts drive I get about 500 watts out.? On 12 meters
with the bandswitch set to 10 meters and about 60 watts drive I get
about 400 watts out.? YMMV.
73
Stan
KM4HQE
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On 1/26/25 07:22, Michael W1NR via groups.io wrote: Any kinks, hints or warnings about running the L4B on 17m and 12m bands?
--
73 de Mike, W1NR
THAT was the equation. EXISTENCE!... SURVIVAL... must cancel out...
programming!
- Ruk -
|
Re: Comments/experiences sought
Jim, Could you pass on what?you feel are the important limitations. A display with over 70 dB of range and an RBW of 200 Hz seems good for a <$200 unit. Bill N0CU
The Ultra is a capable device within its limitations. Which you need to understand.? You can read about it in the Wiki at . There is also a very active users group at /g/tinysa/ . I have the original Ultra and am very happy with it. The place to buy in the USA is R&L Electronics. They are an authorized seller and good folks to deal with. If you buy anywhere else you may get an inferior clone.
On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 17:07:57 -0500
"NU2W via " <oemeoc88=[email protected]> wrote:
> So I put that planned investment on the back burner till today. I am open for comments, criticism, experiences, thoughts on the Tiny SA ULTRA+ 406 or 407(latest). For ham radio non-commercial non-business private use purposes. All respectful and reasonable opinions are welcome.? ?Are these hand-hold devices up to the task? This is not an immediate need so patience is my approach. But the next time I order this product I expect to pay again reasonably and receive the product I ordered…
--
73
-Jim
NU0C
|
Re: Comments/experiences sought
The Ultra is a capable device within its limitations. Which you need to understand. You can read about it in the Wiki at . There is also a very active users group at /g/tinysa/ . I have the original Ultra and am very happy with it. The place to buy in the USA is R&L Electronics. They are an authorized seller and good folks to deal with. If you buy anywhere else you may get an inferior clone. On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 17:07:57 -0500 "NU2W via groups.io" <oemeoc88@...> wrote: So I put that planned investment on the back burner till today. I am open for comments, criticism, experiences, thoughts on the Tiny SA ULTRA+ 406 or 407(latest). For ham radio non-commercial non-business private use purposes. All respectful and reasonable opinions are welcome. Are these hand-hold devices up to the task? This is not an immediate need so patience is my approach. But the next time I order this product I expect to pay again reasonably and receive the product I ordered… -- 73 -Jim NU0C
|
Re: R4C rubber dial bushing
Yes. I used some Gates 4219XL, bought from O'reilly's, 3/8" id and
about 5/8" od, hose to make a bushing for my TR7 PTO.?? I haven't
had to replace the bushing on my TR5 yet, so I don't know if it's
the same as the TR5.
73
Stan
KM4HQE
On 1/26/25 15:57, Steve Wedge, W1ES/4
via groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
And the TR7 bushing, just to mess things up, is
5/8”
I have found that whatever Drake used in the 7
(and possibly the TR5) was softer. The bushings I have removed
from a couple of them were semi-liquid.?
They work on the same principle. You need to be
able to hold the skirt and move the PTO. It’s not as important
with the 5/7, since you have the digital display but we
preservers always want to have everything working as it should
:-)
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Sun, Jan 26, 2025 at 15:34, Jim Shorney via groups.io <jimNU0C@...>
wrote:
The original suggestion that I saw years ago cited heater hose,
which is what I used. It works well also and I still have enough
for several more radios.
On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 12:01:35 -0800
"Floyd - K8AC via groups.io"
<floydsense@...> wrote:
> My R4C dial scales started slipping today and I checked out
the rubber bushing because of other posts here.? Sure enough,
the bushing was hard as a rock.? I was able to find a suitable
rubber hose for making a new bushing at the local Autozone
store.? The hose has these markings on it: "50087 5/16" (7.9MM)
Fuel Injection Hose SAE J30R9? Made in China" .? Unfortunately,
the smallest length you can buy is 1 foot at a cost of $8.? I
cut the proper length for the bushing and it worked perfectly.?
There's no longer any slippage in the dial.
>
> 73, Floyd - K8AC
--
73
-Jim
NU0C
|
Comments/experiences sought
DRAKE partners ? I am just now catching up on? series of email communications addressing signal generators. What is most attention getting to me is the VNA, and Tiny series of devices. ? I attempted to purchase a reasonably priced (not cheapest)Tiny ultra+ SA406 from an online Amazon ad that covered most of the features I was looking for. Upon receipt I received a TINY SA model 5 not the Ultra+ 6. When I challenged the seller about the product I received vs the AD/invoiced ?features they commented that the AD was wrong…I immediately asked for a refund and the mod 5 was returned and a credited posted to my credit card swifly. ? So I put that planned investment on the back burner till today. I am open for comments, criticism, experiences, thoughts on the Tiny SA ULTRA+ 406 or 407(latest). For ham radio non-commercial non-business private use purposes. All respectful and reasonable opinions are welcome.?? Are these hand-hold devices up to the task? This is not an immediate need so patience is my approach. But the next time I order this product I expect to pay again reasonably and receive the product I ordered… ? TU ALL!? ? ? STAY SAFE AND STAY WELL! ? Respectfully,
Thomas K. Lanieri, NU2W NJ DOH Licensed EMT;? PHTLS, AMLS, PHPEC Millenium EMS ARC N.E. BioMedical Services ARC N.E. Disaster Cycle Services 
?
|
Re: R4C rubber dial bushing
And the TR7 bushing, just to mess things up, is 5/8”
I have found that whatever Drake used in the 7 (and possibly the TR5) was softer. The bushings I have removed from a couple of them were semi-liquid.?
They work on the same principle. You need to be able to hold the skirt and move the PTO. It’s not as important with the 5/7, since you have the digital display but we preservers always want to have everything working as it should :-)
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Sun, Jan 26, 2025 at 15:34, Jim Shorney via groups.io < jimNU0C@...> wrote:
The original suggestion that I saw years ago cited heater hose, which is what I used. It works well also and I still have enough for several more radios.
On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 12:01:35 -0800
"Floyd - K8AC via groups.io" <floydsense@...> wrote:
> My R4C dial scales started slipping today and I checked out the rubber bushing because of other posts here.? Sure enough, the bushing was hard as a rock.? I was able to find a suitable rubber hose for making a new bushing at the local Autozone store.? The hose has these markings on it: "50087 5/16" (7.9MM) Fuel Injection Hose SAE J30R9? Made in China" .? Unfortunately, the smallest length you can buy is 1 foot at a cost of $8.? I cut the proper length for the bushing and it worked perfectly.? There's no longer any slippage in the dial.
>
> 73, Floyd - K8AC
--
73
-Jim
NU0C
|
Re: Lazy Susan Repair Cart
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Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Steve W7SJT via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, 26 January 2025 13:50
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [DRAKE-RADIO] Lazy Susan Repair Cart
?
A neighbor of mine, who is into woodworking, secured a gurney from the local hospital - they were going to take it to the dump.? He added a hardwood table top and...bingo, bango, bongo,
a hydraulic worktable on wheels.? I agree that the whole concept is appealing considering I have R-390A's and an R-388 around the shack at 85 lbs each.
"Always look for a positive solution then Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome"
"There are no rules here!...We're trying to accomplish something!!"
"Someone may be born with more talent than you, but there is no excuse for them to work harder than you."
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think!"
?
?
?
On Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 09:25:45 AM MST, JAMES HANLON via groups.io <knjhanlon@...> wrote:
Clever!? One other thing from Harbor Freight that I've found very useful is a Hydraulic Lift Table on wheels.? I got the smaller version rated to hold up to 500 pounds.? It makes
getting my boatanchors off the shelf and hauling them around much easier.
|
Re: R4C rubber dial bushing
The original suggestion that I saw years ago cited heater hose, which is what I used. It works well also and I still have enough for several more radios. On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 12:01:35 -0800 "Floyd - K8AC via groups.io" <floydsense@...> wrote: My R4C dial scales started slipping today and I checked out the rubber bushing because of other posts here.? Sure enough, the bushing was hard as a rock.? I was able to find a suitable rubber hose for making a new bushing at the local Autozone store.? The hose has these markings on it: "50087 5/16" (7.9MM) Fuel Injection Hose SAE J30R9? Made in China" .? Unfortunately, the smallest length you can buy is 1 foot at a cost of $8.? I cut the proper length for the bushing and it worked perfectly.? There's no longer any slippage in the dial.
73, Floyd - K8AC -- 73 -Jim NU0C
|
DavidC KD4E
NU2W
David
Jim Shorney
