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Re: Radiotron Designer's Handbook that is searchable using keywords

 

Thank you for the link. This is an absolutely phenomenal book,
there will never be another like it. I am not sure how many editions it
went to, the later ones with supplements.
I bought one when they first came out and used it until it fell
apart. Of course, I have another hard copy and also a copy of the
Australian original. FWIW, there is nothing in the original that is not
in the American edition and the printing is no better, RCA did a very
good job on the U.S. edition. For those who wonder there was never a
dust jacket, the book came with a plain brown butcher paper wrapper.
Worldradiohistory.com is also a phenomenal site, easy to get lost in.


On 5/28/2024 6:09 PM, Jim Whartenby via groups.io wrote:
The following link will get you a searchable PDF copy that is "only"
36MB and includes the supplement, after the index.
<>
The big problem with this book is that there is just so much information
packed between the covers, it is hard to find helpful information in a
timely manner.? Like any good book, it turns into a time machine!? Now
searching for a keyword returns lots of hits which should make searching
for specific information so much easier.
Enjoy,
Jim
--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
SKCC 19998


Radiotron Designer's Handbook that is searchable using keywords

 

The following link will get you a searchable PDF copy that is "only" 36MB and includes the supplement, after the index.

The big problem with this book is that there is just so much information packed between the covers, it is hard to find helpful information in a timely manner.? Like any good book, it turns into a time machine!? Now searching for a keyword returns lots of hits which should make searching for specific information so much easier.
Enjoy,
Jim


Re: Halicrafters SX17 transformer

 

Nice photos!

Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence.? Murphy


On Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 02:50:50 PM CDT, Bill (Group Owner) <k2wh@...> wrote:


John,

If you need any good images inside or outside of the SX-17 I have one in excellent condition and long time ago, I dumped all my images of my SX-17 in the photos section here: /g/HallicraftersRadios/album?id=95319

Good luck with the project.

K2WH


Re: Halicrafters SX17 transformer

 
Edited

John, I expect you know this, but the transformer you need for your 230 v,50Hz won¡¯t be a ¡°replacement¡± ?of the

?

original [oops? I meant the original US transformer]? ; it will need more iron for the 50hz, ??and then the primary will need twice the turns to get to 230v

?

There is good reason to believe that most halli¡¯s were sold? in England ?and ?likely with the proper??? transformer for the area.? See this and other issues of

but it is not clear about the 50Hz and 230 volts?

?

--
don??? va3drl


Re: Halicrafters SX17 transformer

 

John,

If you need any good images inside or outside of the SX-17 I have one in excellent condition and long time ago, I dumped all my images of my SX-17 in the photos section here: /g/HallicraftersRadios/album?id=95319

Good luck with the project.

K2WH


Re: Halicrafters SX17 transformer

 

Comments in RED

Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence.? Murphy


On Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 11:41:30 AM CDT, John via groups.io <siloam@...> wrote:


On Tue, May 28, 2024 at 06:37 AM, Jim Whartenby wrote:
John
The SX17 manual says that the measurements shown in the tube voltage chart were made at a line voltage of 115 VAC.? That does not mean that the SX-17 was designed for operation at 115 VAC, it just means that the voltages measured are most likely within +/- 10% of the values given in the chart at that line voltage.? Note too that the voltmeter was specified at 1000 ohms per volt.? Modern DVMs have a much higher input impedance so the voltages you measure will also be higher then those listed in the chart.
Thanks. I got my information from a couple of online articles which mentioned 110V as well as 117V, but I appreciate that mains voltages vary and measurements vary depending on the instrument used. I am using a DMM, but do occasionally check with an AVO 8 for comparison.
I had to look up the AVO 8 meter specs, it is a 20k ohms per volt meter movement.? It will still read a bit high because it will load the circuit less then a 1k ohms per volt meter will.? This is not really a problem as long as you are aware of this issue.? This higher voltage measurement adds to the myth about high line voltages over time.??BTW, 110 volts is the ancient Edison DC specification, funny how things get mixed up.?
About the power transformer rating.? You should be able to calculate the cathode current for most tubes in the SX-17.? The voltage given for the cathode is listed in the tube voltage chart, the cathode resistor value is given in the parts list.? Or one can just look in your favorite tube manual for plate and screen currents at the plate voltage given.? Same can be done for heater current for all tubes except for the power rectifier.? When all of this is done you should have a good idea of the requirements for the power transformer.
?
I thought about that? myself and will try and do some calculations. I am curious about your exclusion of the rectifier from the heater current calculation. It is obviously heated so must draw some current?
The heater for the rectifier is a separate winding on the power transformer since it is at B+ potential so it's requirements are already accounted for in the power transformer, about 5 volts @ 3 amps .? ?The other tube heaters are in parallel so their current requirements are additive.??
?
I may have a suitable power transformer here in Arkansas for the cost of postage.
Regards,
Jim
That's a kind offer. I will do the calculations first and see what is needed.?
No problem, I have saved more components then I have a need for.? I am not aware of what books and aids that are available on your side of the pond but I recommend that you download a pdf of the "Radiotron Designers Handbook," 4th edition.? It is a great resource and it has the answers to many questions that come up in tube equipment.? Take what you read online with a grain of salt.? If it contradicts RDH4 then it is misinformation, IMHO.? Your replacement power transformer that meets the heater winding current spec will most likely have a B+ winding that is a bit high.? It is not a problem to just live with the higher voltage since any resistance you add will affect voltage regulation with the change in B+ current as the radio plays and the audio sections draws power.? Some resistance in the rectifier plate circuit is OK to limit the current seen by the rectifier tube cathode.? See page 99 of the RDH4 for more information on this point.
Regards,
Jim?





Re: Halicrafters SX17 transformer

 

I think your AVO 8 is a 20Kohm/Volt meter. Most modern DVM or
electronic voltmeters are about 10 megohm fixed input resistance. Very
old VOM's are often 1000 ohms/Volt. The reading you get depends on the
impedance or source resistance of the circuit. The input resistance of
passive voltmeters depends on the sensitivity of the meter and the
resistance of the divider. Ohms/Volt means ohms times the full scale
voltage of the particular range. For instance, I have a military meter
with a 20K ohm/volt divider and a 1000 volt maximum range. That is
20Megohms! Will not load some high impedance circuits like AVC busses
but also is not good for measuring very low voltages where you might
want such a high resistance load.
If you know the source resistance you can calculate the reading you
will get under load but the source resistance is often not known for
many radio circuits.
Good luck with finding a replacement transformer. Some recent
correspondence in a couple of these mailing lists suggests that there
are not many people left who will rewind old transformers.


On 5/28/2024 9:41 AM, John via groups.io wrote:
On Tue, May 28, 2024 at 06:37 AM, Jim Whartenby wrote:

John
The SX17 manual says that the measurements shown in the tube voltage
chart were made at a line voltage of 115 VAC.? That does not mean
that the SX-17 was designed for operation at 115 VAC, it just means
that the voltages measured are most likely within +/- 10% of the
values given in the chart at that line voltage.? Note too that the
voltmeter was specified at 1000 ohms per volt.? Modern DVMs have a
much higher input impedance so the voltages you measure will also be
higher then those listed in the chart.

Thanks. I got my information from a couple of online articles which
mentioned 110V as well as 117V, but I appreciate that mains voltages
vary and measurements vary depending on the instrument used. I am using
a DMM, but do occasionally check with an AVO 8 for comparison.

About the power transformer rating.? You should be able to calculate
the cathode current for most tubes in the SX-17.? The voltage given
for the cathode is listed in the tube voltage chart, the cathode
resistor value is given in the parts list.? Or one can just look in
your favorite tube manual for plate and screen currents at the plate
voltage given.? Same can be done for heater current for all tubes
except for the power rectifier.? When all of this is done you should
have a good idea of the requirements for the power transformer.

I thought about that? myself and will try and do some calculations. I am
curious about your exclusion of the rectifier from the heater current
calculation. It is obviously heated so must draw some current?

I may have a suitable power transformer here in Arkansas for the
cost of postage.
Regards,
Jim

That's a kind offer. I will do the calculations first and see what is
needed.
_._,_._,_
--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
SKCC 19998


Re: Halicrafters SX17 transformer

 

On Tue, May 28, 2024 at 06:37 AM, Jim Whartenby wrote:
John
The SX17 manual says that the measurements shown in the tube voltage chart were made at a line voltage of 115 VAC.? That does not mean that the SX-17 was designed for operation at 115 VAC, it just means that the voltages measured are most likely within +/- 10% of the values given in the chart at that line voltage.? Note too that the voltmeter was specified at 1000 ohms per volt.? Modern DVMs have a much higher input impedance so the voltages you measure will also be higher then those listed in the chart.
Thanks. I got my information from a couple of online articles which mentioned 110V as well as 117V, but I appreciate that mains voltages vary and measurements vary depending on the instrument used. I am using a DMM, but do occasionally check with an AVO 8 for comparison.
?
?
About the power transformer rating.? You should be able to calculate the cathode current for most tubes in the SX-17.? The voltage given for the cathode is listed in the tube voltage chart, the cathode resistor value is given in the parts list.? Or one can just look in your favorite tube manual for plate and screen currents at the plate voltage given.? Same can be done for heater current for all tubes except for the power rectifier.? When all of this is done you should have a good idea of the requirements for the power transformer.
?
I thought about that? myself and will try and do some calculations. I am curious about your exclusion of the rectifier from the heater current calculation. It is obviously heated so must draw some current?

?
I may have a suitable power transformer here in Arkansas for the cost of postage.
Regards,
Jim
That's a kind offer. I will do the calculations first and see what is needed.


Re: Halicrafters SX17 transformer

 

On Mon, May 27, 2024 at 11:23 PM, don Root wrote:

I looks on? BAMA?? ??

but don¡¯t see any transformation at all in the parts list. Others know more I¡¯m sure

don

Thank you for the reference to BAMA. I was not aware of that resource.


Re: Halicrafters SX17 transformer

 

John
The SX17 manual says that the measurements shown in the tube voltage chart were made at a line voltage of 115 VAC.? That does not mean that the SX-17 was designed for operation at 115 VAC, it just means that the voltages measured are most likely within +/- 10% of the values given in the chart at that line voltage.? Note too that the voltmeter was specified at 1000 ohms per volt.? Modern DVMs have a much higher input impedance so the voltages you measure will also be higher then those listed in the chart.

Restating the above with some background, the 1927 NEMA socket voltage convention is that the 115 VAC line will vary +/- 10% so one can expect a line voltage to vary from 104 VAC to 126 VAC.? The 1930 Rider's Perpetual Troubleshooters Manual lists the early battery eliminators which show a similar variation in line voltage.? Once the radio manufactures accepted the 115 VAC convention, they only listed the average 115? AC line voltage on schematics and parts lists.? When all is said and done, you want the vacuum tube (valve) heaters to be at a nominal 6.3 volts as measured at the tube socket.? Best tube life will be at a heater voltage of 6.0 volts or so. Plate voltage can vary +/- 10% and the radio will still operate satisfactorily.

About the power transformer rating.? You should be able to calculate the cathode current for most tubes in the SX-17.? The voltage given for the cathode is listed in the tube voltage chart, the cathode resistor value is given in the parts list.? Or one can just look in your favorite tube manual for plate and screen currents at the plate voltage given.? Same can be done for heater current for all tubes except for the power rectifier.? When all of this is done you should have a good idea of the requirements for the power transformer.

The show stopper may be the foot print of the power transformer.? How tall the replacement transformer is should not be that important as long as the replacement transformer is taller.? More iron is better, especially at 50 cycles.? You might as well look for a dual primary transformer so that you can operate at either 115 or 230 volt line.? Let us know what you figure out and what you used for your calculations.??

I may have a suitable power transformer here in Arkansas for the cost of postage.
Regards,
Jim
Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence.? Murphy


On Monday, May 27, 2024 at 12:55:23 PM CDT, John via groups.io <siloam@...> wrote:


A few months ago I acquired a Hallicrafters SX17 receiver intending to restore it as a winter project. Well the winter months have come and gone and I have finally gotten around to getting it on the bench (without injury to self I might add - it is a bit of a boat-anchor!) for a preliminary look. This is my first time on here, so just wanted to say hello to everyone and thank the moderator for accepting me into the group.

As might be expected for something from circa 1937, the radio is in a bit dirty and metal surfaces are oxidized. Some of the wiring (particularly the mains) looks a bit of a mess and will require re-wiring, but the immediate showstopper is the fact that the power transformer (T7) has an open primary. There seems to be no indication on the radio of the mains input voltage, however, I have read that these were made to be powered from a 110Vac line? Since the radio is located in the UK, it may have been previously assumed that it would run from UK mains which is at 230Vac, which might perhaps explain the open transformer....

Can anyone confirm whether these were ever made for the UK market and for 240Vac mains supply?

The next question is whether it is possible to source a replacement? The manual I have found does not indicate the transformer voltages so I wondered whether anyone has this information?

This looks like it is going to be a huge project but I think it would be interesting to restore this circa 90 year old receiver if possible.


Re: Halicrafters SX17 transformer

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

John ,? very often, there was a universal transformer option.? For many models it is listed only in the parts list after the normal transformer.

I looks on? BAMA?? ??

but don¡¯t see any transformation at all in the parts list. Others know more I¡¯m sure

don

?

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John via groups.io
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2024 1:04 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] Halicrafters SX17 transformer

?

A few months ago I acquired a Hallicrafters SX17 receiver intending to restore it as a winter project. Well the winter months have come and gone and I have finally gotten around to getting it on the bench (without injury to self I might add - it is a bit of a boat-anchor!) for a preliminary look. This is my first time on here, so just wanted to say hello to everyone and thank the moderator for accepting me into the group.

As might be expected for something from circa 1937, the radio is in a bit dirty and metal surfaces are oxidized. Some of the wiring (particularly the mains) looks a bit of a mess and will require re-wiring, but the immediate showstopper is the fact that the power transformer (T7) has an open primary. There seems to be no indication on the radio of the mains input voltage, however, I have read that these were made to be powered from a 110Vac line? Since the radio is located in the UK, it may have been previously assumed that it would run from UK mains which is at 230Vac, which might perhaps explain the open transformer....

Can anyone confirm whether these were ever made for the UK market and for 240Vac mains supply?

The next question is whether it is possible to source a replacement? The manual I have found does not indicate the transformer voltages so I wondered whether anyone has this information?

This looks like it is going to be a huge project but I think it would be interesting to restore this circa 90 year old receiver if possible.

_._,_._,_


--
don??? va3drl


Halicrafters SX17 transformer

 

A few months ago I acquired a Hallicrafters SX17 receiver intending to restore it as a winter project. Well the winter months have come and gone and I have finally gotten around to getting it on the bench (without injury to self I might add - it is a bit of a boat-anchor!) for a preliminary look. This is my first time on here, so just wanted to say hello to everyone and thank the moderator for accepting me into the group.

As might be expected for something from circa 1937, the radio is in a bit dirty and metal surfaces are oxidized. Some of the wiring (particularly the mains) looks a bit of a mess and will require re-wiring, but the immediate showstopper is the fact that the power transformer (T7) has an open primary. There seems to be no indication on the radio of the mains input voltage, however, I have read that these were made to be powered from a 110Vac line? Since the radio is located in the UK, it may have been previously assumed that it would run from UK mains which is at 230Vac, which might perhaps explain the open transformer....

Can anyone confirm whether these were ever made for the UK market and for 240Vac mains supply?

The next question is whether it is possible to source a replacement? The manual I have found does not indicate the transformer voltages so I wondered whether anyone has this information?

This looks like it is going to be a huge project but I think it would be interesting to restore this circa 90 year old receiver if possible.


HT45 Loudenboomer working now with new power supply

 

Anyone out there with one of these currently using it on the air?

?Just got my home brewed power supply finished using the Drake L-4B plate transformer (wired for 240VAC) , voltage doubler using (2) Semtech 5000v diode stacks and Harbach (SB220) 8x330uF board.




--
73/Rick
W4XA
__________________________________
All posts are created using OpenSuSE Leap 15.5 x64 Linux


Re: SR2000 CW Offset

 

W7WRX <clark@...> wrote
Krystaly emailed me asking for these specs:
we are able to produce this crystal, however we need to know the basic parameters:
- package?
- parallel or series resonance? If parallel, please specify loading .....xx... pF?
- adjustment at 25 deg C (... ppm) and temperature stability (... ppm) over operating temperature range.... (from ¡­ deg C to ¡­ deg C)

Can you try to specify?
Anyone have any idea?

Hi,

package = HC-6/U
parallel resonance 32pF
frequency 1648.550 KHz and 16501.550 KHz
both within 40Hz of desired frequency at 25 degrees C.

Temperature coefficient not specified.

(I'm winging it on the 40 Hz tolerance. You could make it tighter,
but the price would climb up higher.)

73, Ed Knobloch
K4PF@...


Re: New Member Checking In

Dave
 

Jerry,
Welcome! Glad to hear you have now enjoyed the Hamvention experience. It is wonderful.
I have been attending since 1990.


What you experienced / demonstrated Friday morning was 'Thoughts become things'.
You went to Hamvention with the thought of finding this equipment which turned into the physical thing!

Think bigger for next year!

Dave KC3AM


Re: SR2000 CW Offset

 

Krystaly emailed me asking for these specs:

we are able to produce this crystal, however we need to know the basic parameters:

- package?

- parallel or series resonance? If parallel, please specify loading .....xx... pF?

- adjustment at 25 deg C (... ppm) and temperature stability (... ppm) over operating temperature range.... (from ¡­ deg C to ¡­ deg C)

Can you try to specify?

Anyone have any idea?

C

?


Re: New Member Checking In

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Welcome to the group Jerry. Good luck on your quest for the cw filter.?


Walt Cates, WD0GOF
?
A majority of acceptance is not proof of correctness.



From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of W0PWE via groups.io <j.b.hall@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 1:55 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [HallicraftersRadios] New Member Checking In
?
I just discovered this group so I signed up and thought I would introduce myself to get the first message out of the way.?

Most of my activity has been building homebrew and operating QRP CW. But last winter I got interested in trying to bring my HT-46 back to life after about 45 years of abuse and non-use. The HT-46 replaced my Novice transmitter and served me well as an General and Extra in the mid 70's. I always wanted, but never owned the SX-146 receiver to go with it. The HT-46 was DOA when I pulled it out of the attic last winter but with Walt's (WD0GOF) document and a few helpful e-mails from him I got it working enough to make a few CW and SSB qsos. Cosmetically the HT-46 is extremely rough.?

Last week I finally crossed off a top ten bucket list item by attending the Dayton Hamvention. In the rain and muck of Friday morning a friend and I waded into the flea market and the first table we went to had a pristine HT-46 and SX-146 sitting there under some other stuff. Call it divine intervention, dumb luck or whatever but it seemed that I had no choice but to buy them.?

I haven't played with the HT-46 yet but I powered up the SX-146 and tested it last night and it sounds great. It only has the 2.1KHz filter and I would love to have the 500Hz filter but I imagine those are pretty hard to come by. Anyway, thanks for letting me in the group. I am looking forward to learning more about the great Hallicrafter's gear.?
73 - Jerry - W0PWE


New Member Checking In

 

I just discovered this group so I signed up and thought I would introduce myself to get the first message out of the way.?

Most of my activity has been building homebrew and operating QRP CW. But last winter I got interested in trying to bring my HT-46 back to life after about 45 years of abuse and non-use. The HT-46 replaced my Novice transmitter and served me well as an General and Extra in the mid 70's. I always wanted, but never owned the SX-146 receiver to go with it. The HT-46 was DOA when I pulled it out of the attic last winter but with Walt's (WD0GOF) document and a few helpful e-mails from him I got it working enough to make a few CW and SSB qsos. Cosmetically the HT-46 is extremely rough.?

Last week I finally crossed off a top ten bucket list item by attending the Dayton Hamvention. In the rain and muck of Friday morning a friend and I waded into the flea market and the first table we went to had a pristine HT-46 and SX-146 sitting there under some other stuff. Call it divine intervention, dumb luck or whatever but it seemed that I had no choice but to buy them.?

I haven't played with the HT-46 yet but I powered up the SX-146 and tested it last night and it sounds great. It only has the 2.1KHz filter and I would love to have the 500Hz filter but I imagine those are pretty hard to come by. Anyway, thanks for letting me in the group. I am looking forward to learning more about the great Hallicrafter's gear.?
73 - Jerry - W0PWE


Re: Hallicrafters and National Matsushita Generator manuals

 

Yes, Thank you for the suggestions Tom, and Peter too!
I have been trying all three names, and different combinations of them too, for some time now. The only documentation I can find is on the digital models, that seem much newer. I was hopping that someone in the group might have actually had the documentation.
Thanks again for the help,
-Drew
KN6WFM
73?

?

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 06:26:05 AM PDT, Tom Dailey <radio@...> wrote:


... and Matsushita sold products under their "home" name NATIONAL...
Early video gear that I worked on often arrived with Matsushita,
National, OR Panasonic name badges.... check all 3.

Tom - W?EAJ


Hallicrafters and National Matsushita Generator manuals

 

... and Matsushita sold products under their "home" name NATIONAL...
Early video gear that I worked on often arrived with Matsushita,
National, OR Panasonic name badges.... check all 3.

Tom - W?EAJ