[NJARC] HF Rack - made by hand in the USA

[StephenTetorka at cs.com]

First, let me say that John Dilks is a very generous and heartful guy.
If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have this treasure...since HE carted it from 
the estate for me.

The rack is about 6 feet high.
It holds 5 sections of the complete AM/CW rig.
 
807 modulators with 2 x 1625 finals.

In the file is a letter from George Shenton, W2PLY dated Feb. 10, 1948 - 
handwritten in ink pen - sent to Western Radio Co, Chicago wherein he sent a check 
for $8.70 for two BC 457's...as advertised in February issues of 1948 Radio 
News, page 113.

He received them Feb., 17, 1948 via Railway Express.

In April, 1948 he then ordered a T20/ARC5 for $5.95...as advertised in the 
April issue of Radio News page 141.
He used this unit as his VFO...which I also have.

Both of these letters were returned to him with by Western Radio along with 
the Railway Express receipt.

The schmetics for the power supply, speech ampfilier & modulator and doubler 
section are laid out in pencil with nearly an erraser mark.

He used a Shure model 708A "Stratoliner" microphone...which I didn't see 
anyplace at the sale.

In the batch of papers on RCA Service Company Inc. letterhead - dated 5/5/47 
- is a document "Confidential Information for Company Employees 
only"...saying:

The various engineering groups at Camden have been conducting tests in 
attempting to remedy amateur interference in television receivers....In general, 
however, remedial action was most effective at the amateur's location, by the use 
of traps in the antenna or in the final stage of the transmitters..."

In addition to the rig, I purchased his receiver - a BC 348.

Mr. Shenton was there along with his family.
I thought it was only fitting for me to express my privilege to continue in 
the tradition and assured him of my committment to have his rig back on the 
air.

In closing, I wish to point out the this HUGE rig puts IN nominally 100 
watts.
I'd guess it weighs about 300+ pounds.

I just picked up a mobile HF IC rig...it's also 100 watts...it's about 15 
pounds and the size of a cigar box.

Now...let me ask: 2004 - 1948 = 56 years.
How many little 'rice rigs' will be around...AND be able workable to get back 
on the air?

God Bless Mr. Shenton.

Warm regards,
Stephen Tetorka
Amateur Radio Operator