[AMRadio] Those Jolts that Get your Attention

[Mike Duke, K5XU]

Here are the two electrical shocks that I will remember forever.

The first came from an "All American 5 tube" design BC radio when I was 
about 10 years old. I had gotten inside it, connected a pig tail to one end 
of the ferrite antenna, and stuck it through one of the vent slots in the 
back of the case. The intent was to connect it to a bunch of wire outside, 
which I did. But, I didn't know about insulators, grounds, etc. Ouch! Soon 
after that, I learned how to accomplish this with an inductor held against 
the back of the radio.

The second came from a Viking Ranger not long after I connected an audible 
tuning indicator across the meter. This was the original Ranger, so most of 
you know where the meter appears electrically in the plate circuit. I have 
known that fact very well too since my right hand encountered just enough 
bare wire to complete a circuit across the pins of the connector I had used.

Sometimes, seeing with your hands is tough!

Fortunately, in both of these cases, I was only using one hand, was wearing 
good shoes, and was not on concrete.



Mike Duke, K5XU
American Council of Blind Radio Amateurs