[Milsurplus] RAK AND RAL RAB landed at SMECC anyone got a

[Robert Goff]

As others have said the RAK and RAL are excellent receivers.  Last
time I checked the manuals were still available on BAMA.

I've had a lot better luck with a homebrew regulated supply on both of
my RALs than with the big black RCA power supply. Lowering B+ from 180
to 135 volts seemed to really tame the regenerative detector and
eliminate microphonics.  I believe I also changed the grid leak
capacitor from the original 500pf to 100pf or so - more in line with
most other regen circuits you'll find in the old magazines.

As an AM operator, the big drawback to the RAL (versus the RBB, or any
other superhet) is the lack of AVC.  With one 300W station within a
mile in our roundtable riding the regeneration and sensitivity
controls is a must - better be on your toes, too.  On CW, however, the
audio filters are extremely effective.  Also, the RAL just seems
quieter than your average superhet.  It's still my go-to when the
local noise gets bad.

I've logged a few NDBs with my RAK, but I believe the longwave
broadcast is just about gone.  I recently read the Voice of Russia had
cut back to just one station in the Transcaucasus.  The megawatt-level
station on Sakhalin Island (now closed) had been in operation since
the late twenties.  I'd really love to see some pictures of that gear!

73,
de Robert W7MKA