[Milsurplus] A RAL clone

[Bill Cromwell]

On Wed, 2013-03-20 at 18:59 -0400, Al Klase wrote:
> Bill,
> 
> That's quite an undertaking.  I have vague recollections of sets of 
> RAK/RAL spares kicking around in the surplus market years ago.  They 
> contained the coils plus a lot of other stuff.  I wonder if any of these 
> kits have survived.
> 
> Al

Hi Al,

I've started to get some offers of parts. Nobody has mentioned a "kit of
spares". One parts offer is for a coil set from a junk radio. The coils
are what I expect to be the fussiest work for me to make. A close second
will be the tuning mechanism.

I agree it's an undertaking. Not a "weekender". I got my RAK in like new
condition with a set of spare parts in the 80s - all for 25 bucks. It's
still with me and I have been using it just about daily. It has a very
prominent position alongside the Kenwood Twins, Johnson Ranger, and Ten
Tec.. all of which I use (Johnson down for repairs - again).

When I was a kid - 11, 12, 13 - I had a couple of kit regens. Then I
built one from the ARRL Handbook - the 6SN7 one. All of them worked.
Kinda sorta. I was thoroughly discouraged with regens and relegated them
to "little toy radio" status. I turned my back on them *forever* and
played with superhets.

In the early 80s I wanted to snoop around and look at 100 kc LORAN
signals. A friend offered me his RAK (as described). I picked it up
after dark and it was waiting with him on his front porch. I had no clue
it was a regen or I would have never bought it. Even if it had been
*free*. When I got it home I noticed that big knob labeled
"Regeneration" quite prominently on the front of the busy panel. I gave
it a try and I was really impressed! I set about gradually learning more
about regens. If that part of the Handbook had given some guidance about
how to actually use a regen my 6SN7 radio would have done well. They're
a lot of bang for the buck. Some are little toy radios. Some are *NOT*.
Even little toy radios have their value and can be fun..but for somebody
else (evil grin). Yes..I looked at LORAN signals with the RAK and a
scope. Interesting stuff.

By the way - I have been "making" all of my life..starting at age 6. I
can do it. It's a lot of effort but I think worthwhile. Most of the
effort will involve "patience".

73,

Bill  KU8H