[Heathkit] Heathkit Digest, Vol 217, Issue 1

Fri Nov 4 15:20:21 EDT 2022

Somedays I wish I had taken pictures of the hack jobs done on the SB-200's I have repaired.
Up and to making new backing and mounting plates.

It was not my intention to skew the proper information
for the amp and any exciters. I just noted what I encountered, asked someone I felt
had enough experience and knowledge "what's up with this".
I did in fact open a few SB-200 cartons with either RCA or Banana plug hardware
in the NOS box. Very weird to find chassis holes for Banana plugs and built kits with these.

I'll try not to comment again without further explanation
and will leave due process to the experts here,
whom I truly admire for sharing the proper information and experience.

________________________________
From: heathkit-bounces at mailman.qth.net <heathkit-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of heathkit-request at mailman.qth.net <heathkit-request at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, November 4, 2022 12:35 PM
To: heathkit at mailman.qth.net <heathkit at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Heathkit Digest, Vol 217, Issue 1

Send Heathkit mailing list submissions to
        heathkit at mailman.qth.net

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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
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Today's Topics:

   1. Re: SB200 SWR Meter (manualman at juno.com)
   2. SB-200 elay (Gary H. Harmon Jr.)
   3. Re: Heathkit Digest, Vol 216,     Issue 2   //SB-200 /accessory
      for sale (d b)
   4. Re: Heathkit Digest, Vol 216,     Issue 2   //SB-200 /accessory
      for sale (manualman at juno.com)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2022 20:26:35 -0400
From: <manualman at juno.com>
To: heathkit at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Heathkit] SB200 SWR Meter
Message-ID: <AABTXVWD8AMRXBQJ at smtpout04.vgs.untd.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

If you read the SB-200 manual or look at the schematic, you'll read or
see that the SWR bridge is set up for a nominal 50 ohm impedance.

Input impedance is set up for ~52 ohms unbalanced.

((As a side note, the input side of the SB-200 is where many solid state
exciters run into problems. If you put an "accurate SWR meter between the
exciter and the input of the SB-200, as you modulate the exciter on SSB,
and sometimes even on AM, the SWR will vary with the modulation. Also if
you have the Harbach soft key installed, sometimes RF floating around
under the chassis, will cause strange RF envelopes on the SB-200 output.
This is especially noticeable on 15 and 10 meter operation))

Output impedance is typically 50 to 75 ohms unbalanced. Remember, the
SB-200 has a pi-network on the output so output impedance could be almost
anything (even metal bed springs).

I would suggest reading, starting on page 39 of the SB-200 manual, the
procedure for wiring up the SWR bridge section. Review the dimensions for
various connections and even the positioning of several components
related to the bridge. In the end, you'll probably still find that the
SWR position still sucks for accuracy. But, you can feel good that it was
wired and/or confirmed it was wired correctly.

Pete, wa2cwa

On Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:57:27 -0400 Ron W4BIN <ka4inm at gmail.com> writes:
>   Bruce Hudler WK3A wrote:
>
> > Thanks for the reply Ron.
> > Never considered that but why would they do 75 ohms.
> > I'll try connecting something 75 ohms with the amp off and see
> what
> > happens.
>
>    I have a Heath fone patch+SWR bridge+(possibly) a speaker of the
> SB
> line that was
> setup for 75. O *  because we use RG59 and RG11 (73. O)  coax
> with
> dipoles, don't we?  I do. (or RG6)
>
>     * The IB tells how to convert it to 50. O  (by changing
> several
> resistors)
>
> --
>     Ron  W4BIN - Understanding is much better than
>                                        knowing how.MX
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Heathkit mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/heathkit
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>
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> ** For Assistance: gharmon at idworld.net **
>
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2022 17:41:34 -0500
From: "Gary H. Harmon Jr." <gharmon at idworld.net>
To: <Heathkit at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Heathkit] SB-200 elay
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"

Can a relay for a SB-220 be utilized in a SB-200 amplifier?

Thanks and 73,

Gary H. Harmon Jr.

6003 Archwood

San Antonio, TX 78239-1504

(210) 657-1549

gharmon at idworld.net <mailto:gharmon at idworld.net>

"RETIREMENT - Everyday is a holiday except Sunday"

"Real radios glow in the dark"

"Too many projects, not enough time"

"Just think son, one day this will all be yours"

http://www.grissomroadcoc.org <http://www.grissomroadcoc.org/>

------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2022 17:28:12 +0000
From: d b <hkdbpo at live.com>
To: "heathkit at mailman.qth.net" <heathkit at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Heathkit] Heathkit Digest, Vol 216,       Issue 2   //SB-200
        /accessory for sale
Message-ID:
        <CY4PR02MB279184D20030350692663BBDB93B9 at CY4PR02MB2791.namprd02.prod.outlook.com>

Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

One SB-200 /accessories for sale
On CRA swaplist.
kgawlik at comcast.net
 craswaplist <craswaplist at groups.io>

Back in the day, the SB-200 came with RCA/Banana input connectors. I have an SB200 original condition
with those connectors.
I have seen several out of box over the years that came with these banana connectors in the kit.

Others that were converted to either BNC or SO-239.

The output is SO-239 chassis mount. Original. So, from the Heathkit Transceiver to the amp, 72-75 ohm
impedance.

Is that a clue to the impedance range of the swr bridge?

Years ago, I asked one of the regulars here
why the build manual called for , I believe, 72 ohm  cable(could have been 75 ohm) for the RF
connections.
His reply was that is what Heathkit designed the SB-200 to use,in a specific length.

More confusion.??
WB7TNE
________________________________
From: heathkit-bounces at mailman.qth.net <heathkit-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of heathkit-request at mailman.qth.net <heathkit-request at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 2:41 PM
To: heathkit at mailman.qth.net <heathkit at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Heathkit Digest, Vol 216, Issue 2

Send Heathkit mailing list submissions to
        heathkit at mailman.qth.net

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
        http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/heathkit
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
        heathkit-request at mailman.qth.net

You can reach the person managing the list at
        heathkit-owner at mailman.qth.net

When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Heathkit digest..."

Today's Topics:

   1. Re: SB200 SWR Meter (manualman at juno.com)
   2. Re: SB200 SWR Meter (Kenneth G. Gordon)
   3. Re: SB200 SWR Meter (Ron W4BIN)
   4. Re: SB200 SWR Meter (Ron W4BIN)
   5. Re: SB200 SWR Meter (arthur steinke)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:33:16 -0400
From: <manualman at juno.com>
To: heathkit at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Heathkit] SB200 SWR Meter
Message-ID: <AABTXS6WZAJE2YJ2 at smtpout04.vgs.untd.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

I've never found the SWR position on the SB-200 to be accurate so I never
use it. Forward power is OK  when just tuning for maximum power.
Diode anode connection on each sensing wire is critical and they must be
an identical dimension connection from each end.
I had one SB-200 years ago which, for whatever reason, one of the sense
wires was about 1/4 inch shorter then the other one. I replaced both
sense wires with two of equal length but didn't make much difference in
SWR reading. Also, the relay contacts can add a bump in the SWR reading.

Pete, wa2cwa

On Tue, 25 Oct 2022 22:42:06 +0000 (UTC) Bruce Hudler WK3A via Heathkit
<heathkit at mailman.qth.net> writes:
> Been working on a few SB200's lately and have a question on the SWR
> meter. Over the years I've not really paid any attention to them, as
> I guess we all have better things to measure with.
> The amp I'm working on seems to be not very accurate with the SWR on
> the antennas and the HN31 dummy load. It reads 1.5 to 1 on the dummy
> load. Even higher on antennas.
> This circuit and components are used in other stuff so I'm sure
> there are millions of them out there.
> Reworked the circuit with new 1N191 diodes, 100-ohm resistors ok, re
> centered the rods and measurements. No difference. Checked a couple
> of different bands, not much difference.
> Not much there, maybe they are all that way  :)
> Any thoughts? Thanks
>
> Bruce WK3A

------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2022 22:30:51 -0700
From: "Kenneth G. Gordon" <kgordon2006 at frontier.com>
To: heathkit at mailman.qth.net,              <manualman at juno.com>
Subject: Re: [Heathkit] SB200 SWR Meter
Message-ID: <6358C60B.10058.265D86BA at kgordon2006.frontier.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

On 25 Oct 2022 at 19:33, manualman at juno.com wrote:

> I've never found the SWR position on the SB-200 to be accurate so I never
> use it. Forward power is OK  when just tuning for maximum power.
> Diode anode connection on each sensing wire is critical and they must be
> an identical dimension connection from each end.
> I had one SB-200 years ago which, for whatever reason, one of the sense
> wires was about 1/4 inch shorter then the other one. I replaced both
> sense wires with two of equal length but didn't make much difference in
> SWR reading. Also, the relay contacts can add a bump in the SWR reading.
>
> Pete, wa2cwa

I own two SB-200s, and I am 100% with Pete on this issue. I never use the SWR function in
mine either.

Ken W7EKB

------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2022 06:30:36 -0400
From: Ron W4BIN <ka4inm at gmail.com>
To: heathkit at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Heathkit] SB200 SWR Meter
Message-ID: <1b52ba9d-1a11-7b82-6de3-3e3ae18d3e4a at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

 ?Bruce Hudler WK3A via Heath-kit wrote:
> Been working on a few SB200's lately and have a question on the SWR meter. Over the years I've not really paid any attention to them, as I guess we all have better things to measure with.
> The amp I'm working on seems to be not very accurate with the SWR on the antennas and the HN31 dummy load. It reads 1.5 to 1 on the dummy load. Even higher on antennas.
> This circuit and components are used in other stuff so I'm sure there are millions of them out there.
> Reworked the circuit with new 1N191 diodes, 100-ohm resistors ok, re centered the rods and measurements. No difference. Checked a couple of different bands, not much difference.
> Not much there, maybe they are all that way? :)
> Any thoughts? Thanks

 ? I don't know, but could the bridge be set up for 75. ??

--
    Ron  W4BIN - Understanding is much better than
                                       knowing how.MX

------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:57:27 -0400
From: Ron W4BIN <ka4inm at gmail.com>
To: h <heathkit at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Heathkit] SB200 SWR Meter
Message-ID: <9b17dd30-338e-f8c1-a08c-5f622a56a13f at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

 ?Bruce Hudler WK3A wrote:

> Thanks for the reply Ron.
> Never considered that but why would they do 75 ohms.
> I'll try connecting something 75 ohms with the amp off and see what
> happens.

 ? I have a Heath fone patch+SWR bridge+(possibly) a speaker of the SB
line that was
setup for 75. ? *? because we use RG59 and RG11 (73. ?)? coax with
dipoles, don't we?? I do. (or RG6)

 ?? * The IB tells how to convert it to 50. ?? (by changing several
resistors)

--
    Ron  W4BIN - Understanding is much better than
                                       knowing how.MX

------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:41:46 -0500
From: arthur steinke <arttravels at comcast.net>
To: heathkit at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Heathkit] SB200 SWR Meter
Message-ID: <0c59afad-e731-aa2a-a509-cd9f64d410c8 at comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

OKAY,

Just tell this old fart of 85 years what the IB is.? I assume it is some
bulletin put out by someone.
Also where can one find it or obtain a copy.

WB9JKZ/Trustee W9LM and W9BSA
ART
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On 10/26/2022 9:57 AM, Ron W4BIN wrote:
> ?Bruce Hudler WK3A wrote:
>
>> Thanks for the reply Ron.
>> Never considered that but why would they do 75 ohms.
>> I'll try connecting something 75 ohms with the amp off and see what
>> happens.
>
> ? I have a Heath fone patch+SWR bridge+(possibly) a speaker of the SB
> line that was
> setup for 75. ? *? because we use RG59 and RG11 (73. ?)? coax with
> dipoles, don't we?? I do. (or RG6)
>
> ?? * The IB tells how to convert it to 50. ?? (by changing several
> resistors)
>

------------------------------

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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** For Assistance: gharmon at idworld.net **

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

End of Heathkit Digest, Vol 216, Issue 2
****************************************

------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2022 14:33:40 -0400
From: <manualman at juno.com>
To: hkdbpo at live.com
Cc: heathkit at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Heathkit] Heathkit Digest, Vol 216,       Issue 2   //SB-200
        /accessory for sale
Message-ID: <AABTYLY4NAJVHS4J at smtpout01.vgs.untd.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

The SB-200 always came with an RCA-type connector on the input. It never
came with "banana" type connectors.

Page 40 of the SB-200 manual details the construction of a 4 foot length
RG-58A/U coax for connection between the exciter/transceiver to the input
of the SB-200. RG-58A/U is 50 ohm cable. The amplifier was never
speciallly designed for just 75 ohm impedance on the input or output side
of the amplifier.

And, yes, many RCA input connectors on the SB-200 were replaced by their
owners with BNC or SO-239 connectors.

Pete, wa2cwa

On Fri, 4 Nov 2022 17:28:12 +0000 d b <hkdbpo at live.com> writes:
> Back in the day, the SB-200 came with RCA/Banana input connectors. I
> have an SB200 original condition
> with those connectors.
> I have seen several out of box over the years that came with these
> banana connectors in the kit.
>
> Others that were converted to either BNC or SO-239.
>
>
> The output is SO-239 chassis mount. Original. So, from the Heathkit
> Transceiver to the amp, 72-75 ohm
> impedance.
>
> Is that a clue to the impedance range of the swr bridge?
>
> Years ago, I asked one of the regulars here
> why the build manual called for , I believe, 72 ohm  cable(could
> have been 75 ohm) for the RF
> connections.
> His reply was that is what Heathkit designed the SB-200 to use,in a
> specific length.
>
> More confusion.??
> WB7TNE

------------------------------

______________________________________________________________
Heathkit mailing list
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Heathkit at mailman.qth.net

List Administrator: Gary Harmon. K5JWK
** For Assistance: gharmon at idworld.net **

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

End of Heathkit Digest, Vol 217, Issue 1
****************************************