[HBR] RAL equivalent

[Brian Burns]

Hello All,

 

Many thanks for all the replies concerning the "Super Gainer".

 

After a couple of years of looking for a ham band receiver design to build,
I've decided to try coming up with a modern equivalent of the Navy RAL
regenerative. I have read so many rave reviews of the RAK-RAL series that I
figure that the old timers that designed them must have known what they were
doing. Here is a copy of my post on the "regenerx" group, and the "glowbugs"
group. Titled: RAL Challenge.

 

Anyone on the HBR list that wants to join in the fun is more than welcome.

 

I have been hearing about how wonderful the RAL is for years now, and I
think it is time to do something. We have a lot of smart and experienced
guys on Glowbugs, and on Regenerx. How about figuring out what makes it such
a terrific receiver, and coming up with some home-brewable designs that use
some of the wisdom that went into the RAL.

 

Kudos to Bill Cromwell for building his own version of the RAL!

 

I purposely said designs (plural) because I'm sure that we all have
preferences for different components, as well as differently stocked junk
boxes. I'm interested in ham band coverage of both AM and CW, so that is a
variation for sure.

 

The two bits of received wisdom that I keep hearing are two RF stages, and
mechanically heavy duty construction. I'm woefully ignorant on circuitry,
but I'm pretty good at designing and making mechanical gizmos using home
shop level equipment. And, I do a lot of three-view drawings, using
Coreldraw, which converts them readily into .pdf's for sharing.

 

Old timer hams will remember "Plumber's Delight" construction of Yagi
beams---essentially water pipe. I have been having thoughts of
"Cabinetmaker's Delight" construction for receivers and transmitters.
Plywood has some remarkable qualities for stiffness and vibration damping,
and shielding in the form of copper screening can be added easily. And did I
mention that it's just a little bit cheaper, and easier to work than
aluminum or sheet metal?

 

Anyway, what do you guys think about a group effort to advance the art of
regen design and construction by looking at what those old timers did that
was so successful?

 

Cheers,

 

Brian Burns  Ex: W5BRO, K6UCD

 

Website: www.lessonsinlutherie.com

 

 

 



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