[ARC5] TX chirp free hookup

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

Pull the vibrator and try to determine its basing diagram.  Bear in mind that 
there are two basic types of vibrators, Series and Shunt.  In the Series 
type, the coil is across the battery supply with a dedicated NC contact.  In the 
Shunt type, the coil has no contact set in series with it and is operated in 
series with one of the primary windings to ground (battery common).  One of the 
switching contacts that alternately switch the two ends of the primary to 
common also shorts out the coil.

Although there are other vibrator failure methods, the most common one today 
is the buildup of a Sulfide (usually) insulating layer on all of the contacts. 
 Once you know the basing diagram, you can clear the contacts (burn through 
the insulating layer) using two to four 15 to 40 watt light bulbs in series 
with the closed contact and across the AC line.

Warning - when lashed up with jumper leads, this constitutes a lethal device. 
 Don't touch anything when the line cord is plugged into the outlet.  

In a message dated 10/1/2007 4:24:33 PM Central Daylight Time, 
Jim.Falls at conservation.ca.gov writes: 
> I've been lurking for a while and have a BC-455 (silver) and T-22/ARC-5 
> (black) I'd like to run.
> 
> I have asked about this before but never followed up: This setup is powered 
> by an after market vibrapack (that appears to be dead) w/2 VR tubes; at least 
> the vibrator appears so. Anyone out there have any info for '50's vintage 
> vibrapacks so I can at least try some troubleshooting? Looks like it worked at 
> one time. Of course w/all homebrews, all bets may be off...........
> 

Robert Downs - Houston
<http://www.wa5cab.com> (Web Store)
MVPA 9480
<wa5cab at cs.com> (Primary email)
<wa5cab at comcast.net> (Backup email)