[HomeBrew] Homebrew tips on making "new old transmitters"

[kwylow zinjanthropus]

Hi folks:

Just wanted to comment on this part. After having made part of the 6AG7/6146 transmitter, it was a far far cry from when I cobbled my first regen receiver back in 1975 using a 6J5 tube and a coil made from a toilet paper roll and #28 magnet wire salvaged from the yoke coil off of a dead tv set. the chassis was a piece of tin cut from a large "ship biscuit" cracker box hacked out using a hammer and machete. I was barely 13 back then but reading a book on this stuff started it all. Since then, my construction practices improved a bit and if you're still into the "drill and file" technique, get with it!

I started investing in Greenlee chassis punches (the only way to go unless you have a rotary profession sheet metal punch). Also, a Unibit "expanding drill bit" is something to get a hold off. Additonally, I just purchased another multi-punch set from Ocean State Electronics. They sell a punch set very reasonable that will take care of just about all your punching needs. 

Also, take the time to carefully measure out all of your components. I deliberately keep the plates of my caps at the unmeshed position because I remember years past where I bolted in a cap only to find that opening the rotor would ram into the chassis. Not good. Also, triple check your chassis layout. I mean really check it out with other things in mine: RF spraying about: where can if feed back into? How close is that h.v. line to a pointed/sharp angle? Will it arc over? Also, if you have a cover to install, will it run interference with any topside components? Will taking the cover on and off be a chore or do you have a way to make it easy for yourself when servicing your homebrew pride and joy. Once you figure that you have the layout good, measure it again. The woodworking adage applies to homebrewing as well: measure twice, cut (or drill) once. 

Finally, take the time to make the layout aesthetically pleasant! One of the qualities that I LOVE about the boatanchors is the "art" in which the were able to put into their designs. Front panels on well designed equipment are indeed timeless works of art when melded into properly made designs. Put controls haphazardly on the front panel and you have years upon years having to use this rig or if you become disgusted, consign that to the junkpile and have it become someone elses hamfest find. Remember that when you do a project, you've spent enough time (if not money) doing the effort and it will be either bragging rights on the air or a silent shake of the head if it goes back in the shelf somewhere. 

FWIW,

Cal, N6KYR. 



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