[HBR] BUILDING RECEIVERS, TRANSMITTERS & AMPLIFIERS TODAY

[Dr. David Newman W3HYM]

While I spoke about our technology being relics of the past, I still put 
myself in the boat of  home brewing.

I currently am building my deluxe amplifier of the past, the ARRL 
handbook single band amplifiers using pair 813s, as found in ARRL 
handbooks in 1960s.  Most of the amplifiers and circuits are built.

But I am updating the circuit, by replacing the PI network output tuned 
circuit with a PI-L network output.  And I am not using the standard B&W 
miniductors for the input circuit, parallel capacitor and B&W 
miniductor.  I replaced with capacitor and redesigned inductor using PVC.

Additionally, I added what I call meter relays circuits  in the grid and 
screen circuits, to trip if current is excessive.

Most of this is built.  But as I built these amplifiers, I thought about 
the cottage industries that would have hired me in the 1960s, for my 
basic skills in electronics.  Today, it seems we are replaced by 
firmware and programmers.  But I still do not see the ideal 2KW firmware 
amplifier!

I look at some of the newest stuff offered us amateur radio operators.  
Band spread displays, now are becoming common.  See ICOM 746, 756 and 
TEN-TEC ORION  rigs.  Computer operated from screen display is here and 
now, and way of future.  Almost all satellite service operators have 
computers for pointing and tracking  antennas in azimuth and elevation, 
and at same time for compensating for Doppler shift in signal.  Common 
rigs are Yaesu F-736R, ICOM 910H, Kenwood TS-2000.

In the 1960s, all this was done manually.  At least for me.  I can only 
imagine the expensive contracts from our U.S. government, for Army, Navy 
and Air Force, for same computer capability 30 years ago. 

I plan to continue to enjoy my hobby, to the end.    Even if I build 
obsolete receivers, transmitters, amplifiers, etc.  This IS a hobby, 
not  a business.

73s all,

David
W3HYM