[HBR] Suggestion for HBR-13 Cabinet

[Walt Hutchens]

Thanks to Mike, Tim, and others for comments on tools and methods: The
UniBit and center drill techniques will be assimilated ...

That 'flight deck' project is amazing, Mike.

http://aafradio.org/flightdeck/layout.htm

For those who missed it the first time.

One thing you don't appreciate unless you've experienced it is the
noise level from such equipment. The DC blowers and dynamotors aren't
that far short of the threshold of pain. The 400 cycle (and up) AC
adds to the pleasure. At altitude (10,000 feet and up) it's not a
problem but running this stuff in a ground level ham shack is not
quite like using a Yaesu.

I especially enjoyed the info on obscure jammers.  It hadn't occurred
to me that one could voice modulate them!

However I'm still claiming to be the only ham to communicate using the
VHF/MF double modulation systems -- across the shack with a home-made
few milliwatt transmitter to the Navy version of the receiver.

Regarding wooden cabinets: A metal front panel solves the hand
capacitance problem unless there's a reason to reach around the side
while the receiver is operating.  In that case a shield plate can be
added in that area: Even a piece of aluminum foil inside that side of
the cabinet would do it.

Scott said:
> I am still struggling with over the decision of which HBR model to
> build. If I were skilled in radio construction I would jump on the
> HBR-13C, but I am not. This will be my first complicated radio
> beyond my 1929 transmitters and simple regen receivers. I think the
> HBR-16 is simple and straightforward for a newbie. I've read where
> Ted Crosby was most proud of the HBR-11 with its performance and
> simplicity. So I'm leaning towards the 16 or 11.

You might consider building an intermediate project first. The 2X4+
Superhet (four tubes plus a voltage regulator) in the 1965 and nearby
Handbooks would make a good in-between. This would offer practice in
layout, wiring, more complex metalwork, and so on.

For what it's worth, I think the only reason to build an HBR-16 is to
build an HBR-16.  W6TC's later designs better match his goals of high
performance combined with ease of construction.  They aren't just
repackaging of the circuits to use fewer tube sockets, but better
performing circuits.  The HBR 8/11 is a hard one to beat.

Walt
KJ4KV