[ARC5] Bendix Motor Generator

Mon Apr 13 18:36:29 EDT 2015

Years ago I built a power supply for a TBW-4 -- the "ground" version, or maybe first cousin, of the GO-9.  It used standard 60 cycle transformers.  I did not try to key the plate transformer primaries, however, as was originally done in the GO-9/TBW; rather I used grid block keying with the antenna relay constantly energized on transmit and it worked okay-kinda-sorta.  

These are not transmitters for the faint of heart.
On the other hand, they do look pretty when the 803 tubes are all lit up!  (I ran my TBW outside of its waterproof aluminum case, with the screens in place on the sides.)
The upper design limit was circa 18 MHz; I found that it would actually reach to about 21.2 MHz, but the CW note was not so hot on 15 meters.
Suppressor-grid modulation of the 803 worked well indeed.  And, the built in antenna tuner would load a wet string.

As for the 800 cycle inverter, I can only imagine the noise.  Actually I have a pretty good idea.  For a while, I ran an ARN-7 ADF setup from a 400 cycle inverter which sounded like the love child of a Whelen fire truck siren and a Hoover industrial vacuum cleaner.  Dogs were barking (howling in pain) all over the neighborhood.

73
Mike
WA4DLF

      From: Roy Morgan <k1lky68 at gmail.com>
 To: Andy Young <andy-young at supanet.com> 
Cc: ARC-5 List <arc5 at mailman.qth.net> 
 Sent: Monday, April 13, 2015 9:14 AM
 Subject: Re: [ARC5] Bendix Motor Generator

On Apr 13, 2015, at 6:02 AM, Andy Young <andy-young at supanet.com> wrote:

> Has anyone got any information on a US-made Motor Generator, purchased by me here in the UK yesterday, please?
> It is a Bendix Aviation Eclipse Type 800, Model 1, Style D Motor Generator.
> 24/28v DC in, at 75A, 115v AC 800 c/s out, at 10.5A, 1200W.
> What system was this used to supply?

Andy,

The 800-1 motor generator is a very rare item.  In the past, I was able to acquire just one of these things for my GO-9 transmitter.  Since then, none have been available.  The original source is long gone.  

The GO-9 is a Westinghouse Navy transmitter that runs on 28 volts DC and 800 cycles, single phase 115 volts AC.  The transmitter was used in larger aircraft such as the PBY.  It is NOT practical to rebuild the transmitter to use 60 cycle transformers.  A search for “GO-9 Transmitter” will likely find some information and pictures of the very few that have been restored to operation.

Mike Hanz has some info:
> I have some information on it on my website at http://aafradio.org/docs/800-1.htm

It’s possible that I have additional information about the thing, and about the compensating capacitor device that was used with it.  When I can, I will look at Mike’s site and compare with the info I have here.  I’ll be happy to send you and Mike anything I have that’s not on Mike’s site.  (My internet connection is bad right now.  I have a Drop Box we can use to share this info.)

Some comments about the thing:

- It is a SCREAMER.  You will not be able to run it in the same room you are in.
- it certainly will need to be overhauled - bearings cleaned and lubricated.  Do not run it until you have done this.
- it has a carbon pile regulator device that may need “encouragement” to run properly.
- The MS type connectors needed to hook it up are available but not very cheap.  The thing should not be modified to avoid using the correct connectors.
- It is VERY RARE and should not be discarded or neglected - if you won’t use it, then there are other folks who will, and will be extremely happy to get the thing.

Other than the one I have and one other that I know of, I have never heard of any being owned and used.

I will be very happy to help you find more information and to get it running if that’s what you decide to do.

Roy

Roy Morgan
k1lky68 at gmail.com
K1LKY Since 1958

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