[AMRadio] AM Radio

[lee]

I purchased an RCA BTA-1R2 some time ago, but still need to get it on the 
air.  (Just too many projects on the fire to get to it).  I did buy some 
vacuum variable capacitors for C1 and C2 in the tank circuit.  They are both 
good for 15 KVA.  It is a heavy beast and must weigh close to 2000 pounds. 
Even with the transformers out of it, I suspect it weighs over 1000 pounds. 
It's been out of service for a long time and I have no history on it.  I 
sure wish there was an RCA registry available for their transmitters.  I 
have heard the documents are long gone.  Because it has been out of service 
so long,  every part is going to have to be tested.  It will be a big job 
although everything looks good.   The 220 volt blower was missing so I 
purchased a new replacement.  The bolt pattern is different so I'll have to 
have an adapter collar made for the replacement.

My front door is powder baby blue.  I was once told RCA could deliver the 
transmitter with a number of different colored doors.  I know the earlier 
1R1 version had a Gray door on the transmitter.  I have seen a couple other 
1R2 transmitter pictures and they all had powder baby blue doors on them 
like mine, so I am not really sure RCA actually gave you a choice of door 
colors.

All in all, it seems to be a really neat transmitter.  I do have a manual 
for it and I was surprised to notice how really incomplete and sparse  the 
manual really is for a commercial transmitter.  The beast uses a pair of 
Push Pull 4-400A tubes in the modulator and another pair of 4-400A tubes  in 
the final RF circuit.  You sure would not need any heat in the shack during 
the Winter using this transmitter.

Lee, w0vt
Houston, Texas