[NLRS] Crystals

[Doug Reed]

Ten or more years ago there were a couple US companies that
specialized in buying old and surplus channel elements and maintaining
a database that let them cross old elements to new frequencies. They
could check their database of Micor channel elements and possibly find
a UHF (or other) element that would work on the VHF frequency you
need. The cost was less than a new crystal or element, but you had to
send them extra elements at maybe 5 for 1 to keep their parts stock
high. I've lost track of their names and haven't looked for them in a
long time.

An alternate option I'm pursuing is using a new programmable
oscillator to replace the channel elements in old FM rigs. The main
problem is that it will not work for any radio that requires true
frequency modulation instead of phase modulation. The leading option
so far is the $30 Prog-Rock (with added TCXO) from
<http://www.qrp-labs.com/>. If you build the kit as designed you get
better than 100ppm stability. If you add a TCXO you buy from Digikey
you get 20ppm stability. Or you can use it with GPS if you need even
higher accuracy and stability.

73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.