[Milsurplus] RAK 7 Manual

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

> > Ian Wilson wrote:
> >
> > The BAMA manual is for the RAK-5. Are there significant differences
> > between the -5 and the -7?

The only REAL difference is in the antenna connector: by the time of 
the RAL-7, the antenna connector became a concentric type (like coax), 
whereas even the RAK-6 used push-type binding posts. Otherwise, 
they are identical. I can send you an excellent copy of the RAK-7 
manual if you need it.

> > BTW, I picked up a RAK-7 yesterday, but no power supply. Looking at
> > the manual, it would appear that 6.3V for the heaters and +180V for
> > B+ is what's needed. Anything else to be aware of?

Actually, if you look more closely at the name plate, the filament voltage 
is 6.0 volts.

> Richard Brunner wrote:
>
> No significant differences, if any.  They were different purchase
> orders.

Mostly, yes. However, as I've noted above there were differences in the 
antenna connector.

> Normally 6.3 volts for the heaters,

Actually, 6.0 volts: however, 6.3 volts works just fine.

> 180 volts B+, and regulated 90
> volts for the detector screen circuit.

Yes. At 1 mA. :-)

>  Actually, if the 180 volts is
> regulated there is already a dropping resistor in the set to feed the
> detector screen circuit and you don't need the 90 volts regulated.

Yes. Exactly. This is done so that the RAK will run on batteries without 
the need for the 90 VDC regulated for the detector. Of course, when 
you run it on batteries, regulation is not generally a problem as it is with 
an AC supply.

Having regulated detector voltage most definitely DOES make a big 
difference in the stablility of the receiver.

I also own several RBL receivers, and the lack of regulated detector 
voltage in that receiver is very noticeable.

The original power supply included a 300 watt ballast tube to regulate 
the AC input, and the manual says that it MUST be used with the RAL, 
but the RAK could be used without one in an emergency. 

However,  in all the years I used an RAL from a home station I never 
needed the ballast tube.

I suppose if you have big turrets swinging around, dropping your line 
voltage significantly, you would need the ballast tube.

I don't know of very many ham stations which have gun turrets 
associated with them.

Ken W7EKB