[ARC5] Everything Else Update

[Michael Tauson]

It goes without saying (therefore I’m saying it) that any
self-respecting wireless transmitter uses wire which makes the term
suspect.  The older ones used a number of different types and sizes, a
practice that the accountants at the various manufacturers put to an
end because it was more cost effective to use fewer sizes and types of
wire.  (Type = type of insulation in this case.)

Thankfully, I don’t have that problem.

One of our number (Carl?) pointed me at a roll of #24 DCC wire that
was of interest on that place.  I won it and when it arrived, I
discovered it was a full five pound roll.  Okay, so I don’t need more
now or in any foreseeable number of lifetimes.  I have small
quantities of #20 through #26 DCC, the equivalent of #28 & #30 in Litz
wire (with #22 and #26 equivalent coming) and some #34 or so magnet
wire.  Magnet wire is easy to get and a few places that call for DCC
will use that instead.  With all this is enough woven cloth covered
hook up wire in most of the desired sizes (#20 and up) to handle the
assorted transmitters planned.  I still need a few larger sizes (#14 &
#16) but not a lot and I think I know where I can find it.

Here’s where things get a bit icky.  I would still like to find some
#14, #16, #18, #26 and #28 DCC to wind RF chokes, the sizes determined
by the current carried, of course.  The heavier sizes are for heater
chokes and the lighter ones for B+ and bias supplies.  Notice I said
“like to”.  Aside from the heater chokes, I can use enameled magnet or
Litz wire.  For the heater chokes, I’d really rather have that extra
layer of insulation but then, I tend toward being a belt and
suspenders sort of guy, y’know?  Has anyone seen any of the larger
sizes DCC wire around lately?

Transmitting micas are still a bit light but I’m sure that can be
fixed without resorting to larceny or high explosives.  The variable
cap issue is coming together nicely with a few holes yet to be
plugged.  The field of tubes (hence sockets) of interest has narrowed
significantly and, while it still includes some directly heated
triodes, a select set of tetrodes and pentodes have shown up on the
list.

Oh, and Lloyd’s Special Select Resistor Assortment is yielding some
really cool stuff.  Y’all should get one or two, just in case.

One other area I’m having a small problem is power (dynamotors and/or
vibrapacks) for use in the field which is the only place I can
operate.  The preferred mode of operation would involve six volt units
operating from six volt batteries in parallel.  Failing that, trying
to find/create appropriate 12 volt power supplies would work but
wouldn’t be quite right.  Oh, well … I’m sure something evil will come
to mind.

Considering that I started off with 0 in the way of a junque … er,
spare parts box, it’s all coming together nicely.  A bit of overkill
in a few spots but better overkill than underkill.  Anyway, since
Saturday is my birthday (18 with 46 years experience, 16 with 48 years
experience or 8^2, dependent on how you see things) I’m sure everyone
will be more than happy to fill the voids.  ;-D

Did I mention that the asylum called?

Best regards,

Michael
-- 
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