[NJARC] NJARC Crystal-Set Clinic

[Al Klase]

Club Members,

Some us talked about this concept in the past. Now it's time to judge 
the potential level of participation, and determine the true nature of 
this event. If it's me and three people who show up to build sets, 
that's OK. A hundred participants would be OK as well, but that will 
require organization and commitment.

So please let me know what you think, and how you're willing to 
participate. You're welcome to reply either on the reflector or by 
direct email. Don't be bashful..

We'd like to open the clinic to the public as a promotional event for 
Infoage if we feel we can handle it.


  Crystal-Set Clinic

The Crystal-Set Clinic is envisioned as a day long event, to be held at 
Infoage, on a Saturday in May. The primary activity will be the 
construction of crystal sets. We’ll work in the Telephone Exchange 
building and take advantage of access to the E-Shop in the hotel 
basement. We’ll open the museum if we have docents. A number of antennas 
will be available for test and demonstrations.

*Levels of participation*:

   1. Construct a set from parts provided by NJARC for a fee. (Say
      $20-30) This is for inexperienced builders, including children of
      all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied and assisted by an
      adult. We’ll probably build the NJARC PGXS and maybe a ferrite
      core version of the same set. Bring hand tools and a soldering
      iron if you have them.

   2. Build your own set. Bring your parts and ideas, and take advantage
      of the accumulated wisdom. We’ll probably have a “bone yard” of
      odds and ends.

   3. “Experts” /a la/ the repair clinics. Should be less hands-on, and
      provide guidance.

   4. Just visiting. See the Museum and take the whole thing in.


  Donations

We can buy many of the components at reasonable prices from Mouser, 
Digikey, etc. The sticky part is the variable capacitor, New ones go for 
$11. So, if you have single section 365pf or 500pf units with ¼’ shafts 
lying around, we can use them. The basic kit will include a ceramic 
earplug. They’re a <$2 item from Mouser. If we get donations of usable 
2000-ohm headsets, we’ll sell them as an added feature, and keep the 
money for NJARC. I’m contemplating issuing credit to donors against kit 
fees.

So, here’s the wish list:

    * Variable capacitors, single-section, 365-500pF, ¼” shafts.
    * Knobs
    * Hookup wire, about #22, we need about 80’ per set.
    * Headsets
    * Binding posts
    * Phone jacks, both ¼” and 1/8’ (3.5mm)
    * Wood screws, approx. #6 x ¾”
    * Alligator clips
    * Germanium diodes


I'm counting on you, the membership.  Let me know what you think, and how you'll help.

Regards,
Al

-- 
Al Klase - N3FRQ
Flemington, NJ
http://www.skywaves.ar88.net/