[ARC5] R-23 "Volume Control"

[Falls, Jim]

I got the R-23 up and running this weekend and listened in during the weekend CW contest. I used it in conjunction w/my TCS-8 receiver and "wotta" difference. The acid test if there was ever one. I'd hear maybe 2 stations at a time (one dead-on, the other faint) where the TCS, unaided, had 4 to 6 at a time. You are definitely correct that it's too tight for SSB 'phone. EXTREMELY touchy, given the TCS' lack of a vernier. Plugged the phones into the TCS instead and the 'phone was easily dialed in. Also tried tightening the coupling in the IFT's as recommended to get better copy of SSB 'phone w/marginal results as indicated. I have left the adjustment rods at the loosest coupling position and this will be my CW monitor from now on.

I'd still like to put an appropriate value pot in the "mod-box", but I have left things as-is because I can't get the plug-in mod-box to come out of the housing. Undid the 4 screws at the corners, but it won't come out and I'm afraid of breaking something inside if I "insist". Is there another screw inside that holds this unit in place?

As an alternate this weekend, I ran the R-23 RF gain full-on and adjusted the RF gain/"volume" using the TCS control to vary the audio. This also seems to have helped the incoming signal work better w/the R-23's BFO. 

PS: anyone have a lead on a bottom cover for this thing? Mine's missing and I have it sitting on a piece of Masonite right now.

PPS: I inherited a selection of ARC-5 IF and RF boxes and will inventory them in the next few days so I can make them available to the Group at nominal cost (AKA: Postage and shipping). There are more than I'll ever need, so I think they should be put to work elsewhere.

PPPS: I also have a rack mounted 40m pair (XMTR/RCVR) that I'll try to get running this winter. They have a complex (to me) vibrapack PSU lash up at the rear that I know I'll need advice with. Photos and Pleas For Assistance to follow as Santa approaches.

Cheers!

Jim Falls
KG6FWT
Eureka, CA