[R-390] That "BFO Thingy" Reprise...

[Philip Atchley]

Hello all.
Thanks to everyone for their answers to my "Thingy" question.  (How do you
like that highly technical term?)

Well, general opinion seems to be that it won't really make a big difference
in the resettability of the BFO, still 1:1.  Some suggested getting a
vernier such as is used on scopes etc and trying that.  I have one of those
that does have a reduction drive (called a Jackson drive?).  It is a cheap
one and I already know that it won't turn the BFO.  Shucks, it wouldn't even
turn a tuning capacitor I tried coupling it too!  Besides, I REALLY don't
want to drill holes, cut shafts etc 8^(   Whatever I do MUST be reversable
and not leave any evidence behind.

So, what I think I'm going to do is either make (or find) a small "dial
plate" that can be mounted with the BFO bushing mounting nut.  One of those
old ones for pots etc that were used for homebrewing in the old days would
be ideal.  I think maybe Antique Electronics even offers those in their
"antique radio" section.  I'll have to check.

Then, I'll see if I can find a slightly oversized knob with a sharp pointer
on it, kind of like the classic "chicken feet" knobs.  Give me something to
grip and better "resolution" on the dial.  Save the old original knob to put
back on if the rig is ever sold (it seems they all leave here eventually ;-)

Only thing I'll have to be careful of is the fact that I'll lose the "stop"
on the tuning knob and will have to be sure I don't twist the BFO too far!!!

73 de Phil  KO6BB

Chasing NDB's (Non-Directional Beacons)with .....
LF Modified R-390A,'67 EAC (26 valves).
Homebrew 'Hybrid' Longwave CW receiver.
20 Meter Long Alpha Delta Sloper Antenna.
50dB Gain Low Noise Tunable Preamp.
Heathkit  HD-11 Q-Multiplier.
Merced, Central California.
37.18N  120.29W  CM97sh.