[Milsurplus] A RAL clone

[Raymond Cote]

Bill, having tinkered and repaired radios and other various electronic items, I wish you much luck and patience in your endeavor. 
Ray in illinois

On Mar 20, 2013, at 11:32, "Bill Cromwell" <wrcromwell at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi,
> 
> I haven't had any success finding a RAL at any of the hamfests. I don't
> get to very many of those. My funds for a RAL are limited and the
> shipping cost for a distant RAL added to the three digit asking prices
> puts those out of reach and there are very few of those, too. While I am
> waiting to find a real RAL to pair with my RAK I am going to start
> construction on a RAL "clone". I'm not looking to "miniaturize" it nor
> make any "improvements". I am considering how I can use available
> materials to copy the function of the RAL. That will probably make my
> "clone somewhat smaller but not a mini by any means. I have noticed the
> manuals i got from BAMA contain detailed info about al the tuning
> inductors, etc. Mission critical info there.
> 
> I will be using miniature tubes. Think 6BA6 or something like that. I
> have them by the dozens. To help with the decision about which tubes to
> use I'll compare their characteristics to the 6D6 and 41 tubes used in
> the RAL. There won't be any with grid caps. There will be shields even
> though they may not be needed with the grid lead not already exposed to
> the plate.
> 
> I have been considering how I can mechanically implement a tuning
> mechanism that duplicates the presentation and operation of the one used
> in the RAK/RAL. I think I can acquire the needed gears to put one
> together. Not an exact duplicate but the same dual dial layout and same
> number of revolutions. There may be something easier to implement. My
> RAL clone will NOT be going into Naval combat any time soon! Some
> combination of cords, belts, chains, and drums may be reliable for home
> use.
> 
> There is a lot of shielding and isolation in those radios. I intend to
> pay close attention to all of that and incorporate it into my "clone".
> The tuning mechanism, volume of shielding, and size of audio inductors
> will need some space but even so, the "clone" is likely to be a little
> smaller than the real deal. I'll be building on either two or three
> separate chassis inside the cabinet...not counting the power supply.
> 
> Anybody have suggestions or known 'gotchas" to pass along? Resale value
> is NOT a factor. I'm only making one and it's for me to use until
> burial. The radio can be buried too.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Bill  KU8H
> 
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