[Milsurplus] CV-157

[Reuben Popp]

Boy, as much cussing as I've heard about the 1051s, I would love to find
one of the later models.  I have the opportunity to get a B model at a
reasonable price, but was holding off due to other financial strictures (at
that time).  I have _never_ seen or heard of one of the later models for
sale, although I've heard they're out there.

Goes to show you I have _no_ clue where or how some of you get all your
toys.  *Looks sideways at Nick England here... lol.  Most of my stuff has
come from that ePay site; the one BC-348 I'm working on did come from my
local hamfest (St. Louis Winterfest), but it's rare to see milsurp stuff
around here.  Doubly so if it's "newer".


On Tue, Dec 22, 2015 at 11:57 AM, Ray Fantini <RAFANTINI at salisbury.edu>
wrote:

> Yes, I am confused. Was thinking of the huge four metered CV thing in the
> AN/GRC-26, think that may be a CV-116 or something like that. Still stand
> by the statement that unless you’re going for exotic or complex SSB
> operations see little use for the 390 as a SSB radio. Some how think with
> the converter you have the Army equal of a FRR-59 or what ever that huge
> two part independent SSB receiver was that was replaced by a much smaller
> R-1051. Maybe a R-1051, epically a G or H sires receiver would be better
> set to play around with for both AM and SSB and you will still get the
> independent SSB option.
>
>
> RF
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Milsurplus <milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Nick
> England <navy.radio at gmail.com>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, December 22, 2015 12:37 PM
> *To:* Reuben Popp
> *Cc:* Military Surplus Mail List
> *Subject:* Re: [Milsurplus] CV-157
>
> The CV-157 is surprisingly un-modular! Even though it looks like the power
> supply lower section is easy to separate, it isn't. It pulls out *almost*
> far enough to work on.
>
> It has been several years (and other silly projects) since I restored my
> CV-157 but I'd say, technically, if you can repair and align an R-390A,
> then you can certainly do the same for a CV-157. A scope is probably
> necessary for any troubleshooting. The TM is clear and complete of course.
> http://www.militaryradio.com/manuals/CV-157/cv-157-tm11-266.pdf
>
> Basically it is three parallel sections -
> 1) a USB IF amp and product detector
> 2) a LSB IF amp and product detector
> 3) a carrier IF amp and motor drive circuit for the AFC
>
> Here's another thing to consider -
> The sideband filters are 6kc wide so that will may be an issue in a
> crowded band. The CV-591 is the more usual 3.2kc so there is less adjacent
> signal interference.
> The 6kc width is because the CV-157 was really designed for multi-channel
> AFSK RTTY - like 32 TTY channels in each sideband.
>
> Repair parts - well if a 100kc IF transformer or filter is blown, only
> another CV-157 will have those parts. Otherwise it is the usual caps and
> resistors. There are a zillion IERC tube shields (well 40 or so) which
> probably are worth more on eBay than a CV-157. IIRC, the tubes are
> regularly available military types, no oddball ballast or regulators.
>
> Overall it is an excellent unit for its intended use, but way complicated
> for just regular voice SSB.
> It will probably be an interesting and moderately challenging project,
> which you may or may not enjoy. Or if it hasn't been messed with or been
> stored in bad conditions, you may not have to do much at all.
>
> And you'll probably be the only kid on your block running one.
>
> 73 & Have Fun
> Nick England K4NYW
> www.navy-radio.com
>
> On Tue, Dec 22, 2015 at 10:55 AM, Reuben Popp <reuben.popp at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Hey Nick,
>>
>> So what you're really saying here is that for the quasi-experienced
>> technician it would most likely require some serious study as well as the
>> help of a more experienced elmer ;)?
>>
>> I see that at least one manual (TM11-266) is available.  How difficult is
>> it to acquire parts?  Is it modular like the R-390As?  Just curious to see
>> if I'm potentially getting myself into deeper water than I care to wade at
>> this point.  Then again, I would hate to miss out on a piece of equipment
>> that others rate highly and I might be able to acquire at a decent price.
>>
>> Thanks again
>> Reuben
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Dec 22, 2015 at 7:00 AM, Nick England <navy.radio at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> The CV-157 spec says 105 lb  but it seems much heavier. It is a great
>>> ISB converter (simultaneous USB and LSB) which includes a motor drive AFC
>>> for tracking reduced pilot carrier ISB transmissions. It has 44 tubes and
>>> lots of circuits to align. I really enjoyed spending several weeks learning
>>> how it works and getting mine running. Acquisition cost is low because sane
>>> people don't want something that big and heavy. Anywhere from $10-100 is
>>> reasonable. Hard to beat if you want an interesting and challenging
>>> project. I enjoy projects but YMMV.
>>>
>>> The TMC CV-591 is much much smaller, lighter, easier to use, and more
>>> expensive.
>>>
>>> There aren't any ISB or pilot carrier signals to copy anyways so audio performance
>>> is about the same for regular SSB voice.
>>>
>>> OR just switch your rcvr to CW and MGC, offset the BFO, turn down the RF
>>> gain, and turn up the AF gain and SSB voice sounds just fine.
>>>
>>> Cheers
>>> Nick K4NYW
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tuesday, December 22, 2015, Reuben Popp <reuben.popp at gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hey gang,
>>>>
>>>> Quick question here.  I might have an opportunity to get my hands on a
>>>> CV-157... maybe.  The current owner said he's had it now for some years now
>>>> and never used it.  Question is, what are they worth in good unused shape?
>>>> Are there any gotchas for them (hard to find parts or tubes) as opposed to
>>>> the much smaller TMC CV-159?  That said, are they as good a performer as
>>>> the -159 or just mediocre?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks again, Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays if you prefer) to all
>>>> and 73
>>>> Reuben
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Nick England K4NYW
>>> www.navy-radio.com
>>>
>>>
>>
>
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