[AMRadio] New to AM

[manualman at juno.com]

The 746PRO and a linear (Heathkit SB-200, SB-220 or equivalent) would
sound great on AM. While some expound on the vitures of a vintage rig
(more weight - sound great) it's not really necessary.  Over the last
several days of casual listening on 75 and 40 meters, most of the AM
stations I heard were running Yaesu, Icom, or Kenwood rigs into linears,
or Class E rigs, and even several Flex rigs. For vintage applications,
the Heathkit Apache/Warrier is a great AM transmitter combo and you can
use the 746 as the receiver companion. There's many different opinions on
how great or not so great the Apache audio sounds. Just remember, if the
Apache you acquire has not been "audio modified", the front panel "gain
control" is not the audio gain control. The front panel gain control
controls the amount of clipping and generally should only be turned up a
few degrees from zero. The actual audio gain control is located behind
the key jack and is adjusted with a small screwdriver inserted through
the front panel key jack.

Pete, wa2cwa


> On Mon, Dec 27, 2010 at 10:27 AM, Jerry Colton 
> <cornerman at comcast.net> wrote:
> > Hello to all
> > Maybe changing the subject may help... hi hi. I am new to AMPhone. 
> I have been a ham for almost 40 years but have only worked the AM 
> mode 2 or 3 times and that was just recently. I have been so 
> impressed over the years by the sounds of many of the stations using 
> AM. By "sounds" I mean the quality. I also have found that the 
> majority of the AM'ers are very interesting to listen to. I'd like 
> to learn all about the mode as I'm sure there are differences 
> compared to using SSB.
> > I'll get to the point here.... I have an Icom 746pro and have 
> worked 2 fellows on AM. Of course, I can only use 40 watts with my 
> 746pro. Is there any nets or regular gatherings for rag-chews? I 
> have my eye on an AM station (Apache/Warrior) that I plan on buying 
> soon and would like to get more involved with you folks and using 
> AM. I, like many others, are looking for a change of pace because of 
> the terrible conditions on the HF bands. I also think it may be a 
> good opportunity to meet local guys and make a few new friends. I am 
> new to the area here in Haverhill Massachusetts.
> > Any tips, tricks, info, etc..... would be much appreciated.
> > Thank you and best 73
> > Jerry - N1TKO