[Boatanchors] Drake 2B Update

[Joe Connor]

     I have some good news. 
 
     If you recall, my 2B had a 6BE6 installed as V-6, the AM detector. Yesterday, I got a NOS 6BF6 and plugged it in. It made a very big difference. The set now performs extremely well in Diode/AM mode. It also performs well with the Product Detector and BFO on. 
 
     I've been receiving a lot of amateur transmissions, mostly SSB, on 80m, 40m and 20m. So far, 15m and 10m have been relatively dead. Does that sound like an issue of propagation or does it suggest a receiver problem? My signal generator comes in loud and clear on both 10m and 15m. 
 
     I received a new electrolytic can and plan to install that today. The can currently in the set is rated for only 150 WVDC and appears to be original. That voltage rating seems a bit low to me. The new one is rated for 250 WVDC. I bought the new one at http://www.hayseedhamfest.com/
 
     I've located a few crystals at a reasonable price and hope to receive them soon. They should give me coverage of the 49m, 25m and 31m bands. At the hamfests this summer, I'll keep my eyes open for more crystals. I would like to have the 19m band, as well as the broadcast band. Eventually, I plan to buy the "good" manual that contains all the details etc. at http://www.k4oah.com/Drake_new7/index.html
 
    Finally, I'd like to thank you all for your help. With your assistance, it looks like I'm well on my way to having a real "keeper." I'll keep you posted on how the general-coverage crystals work out. 
 
 
                                               Joe Connor