[ARC5] Bendix 3801

[Jack Antonio]

On 4/26/2018 11:37 AM, Mike Feher wrote:
>
> It is a really neat little radio. Smaller than the 474, but, 
> unfortunately needs another major piece to be complete. I was 
> fortunate to find the original Bendix manual for it which cost almost 
> as the radio. It did let me know, that to complete it I need a Bendix 
> 3206 which has the IF and the power unit on one chassis.
>

The 3206 is very, very scarce. The last one I saw on eBay was about 15 
years ago.Besides Mike
and Ben, I know of one other list member who needs one, and I ,too, 
would like another one. The one I
have is incomplete, missing top and bottom covers and mount, and the 
dynamotor end bells.

The end bells are important. The dynamotor is wired with a resistor in 
series with the supply line, which slows
the dynamotor down and lowers the output voltage. In transmit this 
resistor is shorted. This resistor is mounted
in one end bell, and is cooled by the fan in the dynamotor.

On the bent channel switch. I initially thought the handle was bent 
also,� apparently it's the way it is supposed
to be. I have two RF heads, and both are that way.

Mike(N4FS), does your unit have any inspection or acceptance stamps on 
it? Wondering if it shows Army or
Navy usage. One of my heads is Navy, the other Army. I see yours is 
missing the dial pointer, this is common,
the pointer was made of the type of plastic that did not age well.

Have seen no information on the usage of these sets. I have one manual 
that refers to the set as
part of the ALTAIR system, whether that was a Bendix name for this 
particular set, or a generic brand
name, I don't know. I doubt it had anything to do with the Lockheed 
Altair airplane, as the time periods
are too far apart.

I have my set functioning, mostly. Receive is Ok, but tuning CW takes a 
very light touch. In transmit,
I am plagued by poor modulation. 100% negative,� but only about 30% 
positive. Could not find a
smoking gun, so am wondering now if it is a design flaw(the modulator is 
also the receiver audio
output), or a problem in the unit.

I have scanned the manual, if anyone would like a copy, I can email it 
to them.

Jack Antonio
WA7DIA