[Boatanchors] Available Tube VLF Rcvrs

[Bill Stewart]

Tnx all for the informative comments.
Lady 'good luck' has shinned on me. Tnx to Carl causing a micro-micro nano micro amp of current to flow thru a wrinkled brain cell I recalled that I once had a couple of VLF rcvrs. One was the BC-1206 beacon rcvr and I knew where that was up in the attic. But Carl's mention of the RBL & TRF got me back into the attic and danged if I don't have one. Its a RBL-3 by Wells-Gardner...15-600kc I think it is. It must have come thru Navy mars 40 years ago. So as soon as I can get a hoist, I'll get it down..man, 75# or so. Just a quick look reveled the plastic window 'glass' had disintegrated and the tuning knob/cap is stuck. Hopefully, I can get 'er going again. Tnx again for the interest.

To Al, W8UT: Yes, there is a fairly good chance that I will be able to make it to Cary...hope to see ya.

73 all, de Bill, K4JYS
    
----- Original Message -----
From: "Carl" <km1h at jeremy.mv.com>
To: "Rodger" <wq9e at dtnspeed.net>, "Bill Stewart" <cwopr at embarqmail.com>
Cc: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wednesday, July 8, 2009 7:16:19 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Available Tube VLF Rcvrs

The Navy had them all.

RAK
RBA
RBL

The VLF-MF RAK and its companion MF-HF RAL are arguably the best regens ever 
built.

The RBA is a TRF with superb RF selectivity and audio filtering as is the 
RBL.

Pricing varies but I picked up a RAK-7 with matching PS for $50 at a hamfest 
in May to go with the RAL I already had. Im still looking for a RBA to 
complete the RBA/RBB/RBC set that I worked with in the USN

Any frequency is practical and loop antennas work best for minimim noise. 
There is lots of Internet info on loops and preamps.

If you really want to blow the budget the HRO-500 and LF-10 combination is 
among the best their are.

Carl



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rodger" <wq9e at dtnspeed.net>
To: "Bill Stewart" <cwopr at embarqmail.com>
Cc: <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 6:52 PM
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Available Tube VLF Rcvrs


> Bill,
>
> Probably the most practical is a low frequency converter in front of any
> set you already own.  I have a construction article for a simple one
> somewhere that I can find and email you.
>
> Most modern synthesized radios tune down to "near DC" but the
> performance is very poor down there.
>
> I have an RAK-7 I use which tunes from 15 to 600 Khz. in multiple
> bands.  These receivers definitely are not practical to ship and they
> are early WWII regenerative sets but work extremely well at VLF in case
> you find one nearby.
>
> 73, Rodger WQ9E
>
> Bill Stewart wrote:
>> Can anyone recommend a  tube type VLF rcvr which is still available at a 
>> reasonable cost. I'm not real sure what a practical low limit would be, 
>> but low enough for most beacons and up to 500kc plus. Would the SAQ 
>> 17.2kc freq be considered 'practical'.  Also, I expect the weight should 
>> be a consideration if shipping is involved. Tnx for your opinions.
>> 73 de Bill K4JYS
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