[Central-Electronics] 200V ser # 1419 new to list

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

I replaced the batteries in my 200V with SR-44 silver oxide types when I got
it back in '88. Had a lot of trouble with the bandswitch(likely dirty
contacts), so I shelved it until I had more time(never happens). When I
received my 100V in '94, it came with 2-3 octal plug bases(these are clearly
the type used with the metal jack around the outside as jumpers or as plugs
for many sets). I'll need to take another look at them to be sure, it seems at
least one has jumper wires while another has diodes. They are extremely
well-done, with spaghetti tubing used around the wires for insulation. Very
clean, very professional - like that 'assembly line' look. Just made me wonder
if these had been part of the original package, allowing you to replace the
compressor module if you so desired. Sounds more likely that the former owner
made them. He was a radioman from back in the 20's, so there's no reason he
wouldn't have done quality work.

What did you use for batteries? I had a helluva time soldering the SR-44s into
place in the 200V, probably because I didn't want to overheat them. I don't
recall there being specific holders per say. Maybe the previous owner had
already reworked it from previous damage?

73 de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ

J C White wrote:

> As a ham since '62 I have never seen a CE 200V with those octal
> plugs wired as mentioned as accessoried/  Of course there is the now
> famous "improvement" article that advised making these.
>
> My 200V does great with the original compression module in place.
> When I was with Navy MARS often I couold work traffic others with
> better guns could not.  Just be careful that the batts in the comp do not
> leak....I had to improvise some copper flashing and tiny hardware to
> replace the original batt holders.
>
> Just for fun, watch the modulation scope on the 200V with the compresson
> in place and then with the diode plug.  On my 200V, there is quite a big
> difference.  Also, with the compressor properly set you never have to
> worry about overmod splatter, and if you happen to back away from the
> mic the compressor will keep your audio up there.  It may be a very old
> design but it sure works fine for me.
>
> The only change I made to the 200V was to put the  osc tube on a
> sep fil xfmr and leave on 24/7...this eliminated a slight frequency drift.
>
> John