[Milsurplus] RAK / RAL Receivers: Couple of tips.

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 17 Jun 2019 at 7:18, David Stinson wrote:

> Anyone else want to add some good info
> on resurrecting the RAK/RAL?

As I have mentioned, I used an RAL-7 as my main (and only) station receiver for something 
like 12 years beginning in about 1958.

Other than bad capacitors, the only thing I really had a problem with was the non-existent  
frequency-readout.

I even bought an Eddystone 898 dial once to replace the main tunning with, but never did 
that.

Somewhere, somewhat recently, someone mentioned that one can lightly couple a decent 
modern frequency counter to the detector output and get an accurate reading, although this 
may only work when the detector is oscillating for CW and SSB.

I have not yet tried that.

I used my RAL-7 for my traffic handling net work, both CW and, first AM, then SSB, quite 
effectively for a long time.

Although I haven't used many other TRF receivers, as far as I'm concerned, the RAL is the 
finest HF TRF receiver in existence. There is a real difference in the way signals sound 
through one. They sound so "transparent", I guess. There isn't much "receiver presence" 
between the signal and your ears.

I used a new RAK-7 to work my code speed up to around 30 WPM by copying the 5-letter 
code groups being sent by the U.S. Navy VLF stations of the time. The station at Jim Creek 
Washington was strong enough into my station that I could easily measure volts of AC with 
a tuned circuit, my antenna, and a VOM. I was only about 300 miles from it. Cutler Maine 
also was copyable 24/7/365.So was NWC in Australia, and another one down in the Canal 
Zone. VLF is amazing stuff.

I sure miss those...

I have contemplated modifying an automobile alternator to make a transmitter for VLF...

I have also considered the arc transmitter. Those output CW. An old marine radio officer I 
knew in Missoula, Montana told me that one had to have the BFO on in order to copy it.

Mechanical means of producing RF always interested me.

Ken W7EKB