[R-390] Ballast Tube Thread

[Patrick]

Enough is enough, please stop this nonsense
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Camp" <ham at cq.nu>
To: "Lee Bahr" <pulsarxp at earthlink.net>
Cc: <r-390 at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 10:03 AM
Subject: Re: [R-390] Ballast Tube Thread


> Hi
> 
> Well we had  been heading for the record in the "longest most inane 
> ballast tube thread not mentioning solid state solutions". Now I think 
> we will have to go for the longest most inane ballast tube thread - 
> unlimited category.
> 
> I would suggest at least two PIC processors with some nice long high 
> speed leads. We could put one part in the ballast tube socket and run 
> the wires through the IF chassis and in to the RF chassis. If we get 
> enough stuff running back and forth an R-390 can work just like a rice 
> box.
> 
> The standard solid state solution for years was to put in a full wave 
> bridge rectifier and with a low voltage linear regulator set up as a 
> constant current source on the inside.  The normal problem is that the 
> current moves through in in pulses rather than as continuos AC. The 
> pulses generate RFI. Since you are in the middle of the radio that's 
> not a good idea.
> 
> A more interesting approach might be to use a couple of mosfet's and 
> rig them so they do pass AC. It would be a lot more circuitry though.
> 
> The final problem you run into is that you have to get rid of 5 watts 
> from a solid state device. You don't need a monster heat sink but you 
> won't get away with out some kind of heat sink.
> 
> Now, with a fairly small tank of liquid nitrogen we could get around 
> the cooling problem. There would be some minor plumbing issues but it 
> should work. The Air Products truck could drop by from time to time to 
> keep you topped up.
> 
> Take Care
> 
> Bob Camp
> KB8TQ
> 
> 
> 
> On Jul 5, 2004, at 11:34 PM, Lee Bahr wrote:
> 
> > What about a "lively" discussion on building "adapter" sockets for 
> > lesser
> > used 29 cent Ballast Tubes?  We could include blinking LEDs around the
> > perimeter of the adapter socket for enhanced desirability.
> >
> > What do you guys think?  Should the LEDs be white, blue, red, yellow or
> > orange?  Super Brite or what?
> >
> > Or, we could include a transducer to emit eerie R-390A sounds as the 
> > ballast
> > did it's thing!
> >
> > Or, we could include a micro memory keyer to constantly send the 
> > R-390A's
> > serial number if it were ever stolen.
> >
> > Or, it could give a beeping sound with greater intensity when line 
> > voltage
> > was dropping or rising to an dangerous level!
> >
> > What do you guys think?
> >
> > Lee, w0vt
> >
> > PS:  (Side note) What type of solder should we all be using?  And, can 
> > I
> > reuse black beauties if I epoxy the cracked cases shut?
> >
> >
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> >
> 
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