[ARC5] WHINK and crystals.

[D. Platt]

Gentlemen,

For whatever it may be worth, I had occasion to observe a fellow radio 
amateur and CAP communications person who regularly ground crystals.  I 
recall that he would accumulate a large number of FT-243 crystals of 
varying frequency and put them on the CAP frequency of 4585 kHz.  He did 
a combination of lapping and etching.  I recall that he used a 
heavy-duty mirror surface for lapping.  The one thing I also recall was 
that, for periodic testing, he used two electrodes (sic) from an FT-243 
holder with leads attached and held the thing together with a stout 
wooden close-pin. This was wired into an oscillator which, in turn was 
hetrodyned with a BC-221 into a receiver (Remember, this was in probably 
1959).  Apparently, the pressure was what was need to emulate the 
pressure the holder would provide.  He made crystals for CAP for 
probably 20-plus years with very good success.  I recall the "figure-8" 
pattern he'd use to lap/grind the crystals.  I do not know the chemicals 
nor compounds he used, but suspect it what you all mention, here.  I may 
give it a try as I have some crystals near 3885 that are within 
reasonable distance down the band.  We'll see!

Jeep K3HVG