MARCH 1983 90p

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SPI 5M SWR PWR Meter HF/2M 200W 32.00 (1.00) TASCO CWR 610 189.00 (-)
SP45M SWP PWR Meter 2M/70cm 100W 45.00 (1.00) TONO 500 299.00 (-)
SP200 SWR PWR Meter H.F./2M IKW 61.95 (1.50) TONO 9000 699.00 (-)
SP300 SWR PWR Meter H.F./2M/70cm 85.00 (1.50) MORSE EQUIPMENT
SP400 SWR PWR Meter 2M/70cm 150W 61.95 (1.50) MK704 Squeeze Paddle 11.95 (0.75)
SPI OX SWR PWR Meter H.F./70cm HK708 Up/Down Key 10.50 (0.75)
compact 21.95 (0.75) - Practise Oscillator 8.75 (0.50)
SP380 SWR PWR Meter H.F./2M/70cm Phone for details EK121 Elbug 33.00 (0.75)
compact 49.00 ( 1.00) EKMI2A Matching Side Tone Monitor 10.96 (0.75)
AC38 A.T.U. 3.5 to 30 MHz 400W PEP 69.00 ( 1.00) TRIO e GNP EK150 Electronic Keyer 78.00 (-)
CT15A 15/50W Dummy Load ( PL259I 6.95 (
0. 75 ) TS930S New Transceiver 1164.00 (-) ROTATORS
CTI 5N 15/50W Dummy Load ( N type) 11.95 (
0,75 ) TS830S 160-10m Transceiver 9 Bands 678.00 (-) Hirschman 80250 VHF Rotor 45.00 ( 2.00)
CT300 300/1kW Dummy Load 250MHz Di gital V.F.O. with Memories 231.00 ( 2.00) 950213 Colorotor ( Med. VHF) 56.95 ( 2.00)
(S0239) 45.00 (200) V AT 230
FC12 3° All Band ATU/Power Meter 129.00 ( 2.00) KR4OORC Kenpro - inc lower clamps 125.00 ( 2.50)
SWR POWER METERS SP230 Extemal Speaker Unit 39.00 ( 1.50) KR6OORC Kenpro - inc lower clamps 175.00 ( 3.00)
Model 110 H.F./2M Single Meter 11.50 (0.50 ) T54305 160-10m Transceiver T.B.A. DESK MICROPHONES
(-)
VW- 3 H.F./2M. Twin Meter 11.50 (0. 5°) 75130S 8 Band 200W Pep Transceiver 531.00 (-) SHURE 4440 Dual lmpeadance 39.00 ( 1.50)
UN 74 2M/70cm Single Meter 14.30 (2' 5°) TSI 30V 8 Bend 20W Pep Transceiver 433.00 (-) SHURE 5261 Mk11 Power Microphone 53.00 ( 1.50)
1435N 2M/70cm 120W N plugs 34.00 (0. 75 ) TL120 200W Pep Linear for TS120V 145.00 ( 1.50) ADONIS AM303 Preamp Mic. Wide Imp. 29.00 (-)
DAIWA MB100 Mobile Mount for TSI 30/120 17.70 ( 1.50) ADONIS AM503 Compression Mic 1 39.00 (-)
CN 620A H.F./2M Cross Pointer 52.80 SP120 Base Station External Speaker 25.00 ( 1.50) MOBILE SAFETY MICROPHONES-
CN 630 2M/70cm Cross Pointer 75.00 (- ) AT130 100W Antenna Tuner 88.00(1.50) ADONIS AM202S Clip- on 21.00 (-)
DUMMY LOADS PS20 AC Power Supply - TS130V 54.90 ( 2.50) ADONIS AM202H Head Sand Up/Down Buttons 31.00 (-)
DL 30 15/30W - PL259 5.00 (0.50) PS30 AC Power Supply - TS130S 93.30 ( 5.00) ADONIS AM202F Swan Neck Up/Down Buttons , 33.00 (-)
WELZ CT 15A 15/50W PU59 6.95 (0.75) MC50 Dual Impedance Desk Microphone 29.40 ( 1.50) TEST EQUIPMENT
WELZ CT 15N 15/50W N plug 11.95 (0.75) MC355 Fist Microphone 50K ohm IMP 14.00 ( 0.75) Dree VHF Wavemeter 130-450MHz 27.50 (-)
T 100 100W Max 450MHz 22.95 (0.75) MC305 Fist Microphone 500 ohm IMP 14.00 (0.75) DM81 Trip Dip Meter 67.60 (0.75)
1200 200W Max 450MHz 34.00 (0.75) LF30A HF Low Pass Filter IkW 20.00 ( 1.00) MMD50/500 Dig. Frequency meter ( 500MHz) 75.00 (-)
OL600 (SCOW Mao 350MHz 29.95 (1.50) TR9130 2M Synthesised Multirnode 411.00 (-) CO- AXIAL SWITCH
WELZ CT 300 1000W 250MHz 46.00 (2.00) 809A Base Plinth for TR9I 30 37.00 ( 1.50) 2 WAy Diecast ( V.H.F.) SA450 10.00 (0.75)
187800 2M Synthesised FM Mobile 25W 267.00 (-( 2 Way Dlecast with N sockets 12.95 (0.75)
2 Way Toggle ( V.H.F.) 6.00 (0.50)
YAESU TRANSCEIVERS TR7730 2M Synthesised FM Compact
Western 5 way 1KW Switch 13.95 ( 1.00)
Mobile 25W 268.00 (-)
TR2300 2M Synthesised FM Portable 144.00 (-1 NELIAL ANTENNAS
VB2300 10W Amplifier for TR2300 62.30 ( 1.50) 2M BNC or PL259 ( state which required) 4.50 (0.50)
M82 Mobile Mount for TR2300 20.00 ( 1.50) 2M Thread for TR2300 or FT29OR ( state which) 4.50 (0.50)
TR3500 70cm Handheld 238.00 (-I 70cm BNC or Thread 4.50 (0.50)
TR2500 2M FM Synthesised Handheld 220.00 (-I MICROWAVE MODULES
ST2 Base Stand 49.46 ( 1 50) MMT144/28 2M Transverter for HF Rig 109.95 (-)
SC4 Soft Case 13.11 (0.50) MMT432/28S 70cm Transverter ( FIF Rig) 159.95 (-)
MS1 Mobile Stand 30.36 ( 1.00) MM1432/144R 70cm Transvener ( 2M Rig) 184.00 (-)
SMC25 Speaker Mike 15.40 ( 1.00) MMT70/28 4M Transverter for HF Rig 119.95 (-)
P825 Spare Battery Pack 23.69 ( 1.00) MMT70/144 4M Transverter for 2M Rig 119.96 (-)
TR8400 70cm FM Synthesised Mobile MMTI 296/144 23cm Transvener ( 2M Rig) 184.00 (-)
Transceiver ( inc PS10) 299.00 (-) MML144/30 2M 30W Linear Amp 69.95 (-)
YAESU FT 102 - £ 785 MML144/100S 2M 111:10W Linear Amp 139.00 (-)
PS10 Base Station Power Supply
YAESU MML144/100LS 2M 100W Linear Amp 159.00 (-)
for 8400 64.00 ( 2.00)
FT1 Superb H.F. Transceiver 1349.00 .(-) TR9500
MML432/30LS 70cm 30W Linear Amp 85.00 (-)
-) 70cm Synthesised Multimode 428.00 I-)
FT902DM 160-10m 9 Band Transceiver MML432/50 70cm/50W Linear Amp 109.95 (-)
FC902 All Band A.T.U. 135.00 ( 1.50) 82000 200KHz-30MHz Receiver 391.00 (-)
244.00 (-) MML432/100 70cm 10/100W Linear 228.64 (-)
SP901 External Speaker 31.00 ( 1. 50) SP100
785.00 8600 Gen. Coy. Receiver MM2001 RTTY to TV Converter 189.00 (-)
External Speaker Unit 26.90 ( 1.50)
F7102 160-10m 9 Band Transceiver MM4001 RTTY Transceiver 269.00 (-)
FC102 A.T.U. 20 9.00 HC10 Digital Station World Time Clock 64.40 ( 1.50)
509 00 HS5 Deluxe Headphones 21.85 ( 1.00) MMC50/28 6M Converter to HF Rig 29.90 (-)
FT707 8 Band Transceiver 200W Pep MMC70/28 4M Converter to HF Rig 22.90 (-)
112.50 ( SOO) HS4 Economy Headphones 10.80(1.00)
FP707 Matching Power Supply MMC144/28 2M Converter to HF Rig 29.90 (-)
FC707 Matching A.T.U./Power Meter es.00 (1.00) rclet Mobile External Speaker 13.57 ( 1.00)
MMC432/285 70cm Converter to HF Rig 37.90 (-)
CEeP
MMB2 Mobile Mounting Bracket MMC432/I44S 70cm Convener to 2M rig 37.90 (-)
IC740 HF Mobile Transceiver 8 Band 725.00 (-)
for F1707 16.10 ( 1.00) MMC435/600 70cm ATV Converter 27.90 (-)
IC720A HF Transceiver Et Gen. Con,
FRG7 General Coverage Receiver 199.00 (-) MMK 1296/144 23cm Converter to 2M Rig 69.95 (-)
Receiver 949.00 (-)
FRG7700 200KHz-30MHz Gen. Coverage MM0050/500 500MHz Dig. Frequency
PS15 Power Supply for 720A 119.00 ( 3.00)
Receiver 335.00 (-) Meter 75.00 (-)
FRG7700M As above but with Memories IC251 E 2M Multimode Base Station 559.00 (-)
399.00 (-) MM0600P 600MHz Prescaler 29.90 (-)
FRT7700 Antenna Tuning Unit IC25E 2M Compact 25W Mobile 269.00 (-)
37.86 ( 1M) MMDP1 Frequency Counter Probe 14.90 (-I
1C290E 2M Multimode Mobile 379.00 (-)
FRA7700 Active Antenna Unit 36.40 ( 1.00) MMA28 10M Preamp
IC- R70 469.00 (-) 16.95 (-I
F12081; 2M FM Synthesised Handheld 199.00 (-) IC2E Gen. Con. Receiver
2M FM Synthesised Handheld 169.00 (-) MMAI44V 2M RF Switched Preamp 34.90 (-)
F17088 70cm FM Synthesised Handheld 229.00 (-) MMF144 2M Band pass Filter 11.90 (-)
ICL 1/2/3 Soft Cases 4.26 (OSO)
NC7 Base Trickle Charger 26.88 ( 1.30) MMF432 70cm Band Pass Filter 11.90 (-)
ICHM9 Speaker/Microphone 12.00 ( 1.03)
Base Fast/Trickle Charger 44.10 ( 1.50) MMS1 The Morse Talker 115.00 (-)
IC BC30 230V AC Base Charger and Hod 46.00 ( 1.50)
NC9C Compact Trickle Charger 8.00 (0.75) - _
ENB2 17.25 (0.75) IC BC25 230V AC Trickle Charger 5.75 (0.75)
Spare Battery Pack
PA3 IC CP1 Car Charging Lead 3.75 (0.50)
12V DC Adaptor 13.40 (0.75)
FT480F1 2M Synthesised Multimode 369.00 IC 8P2 8v Nicad Pack for IC2E 29.50 ( 1.00)
FT78OR IC BP3 9v Nicad Pack for IC2E 20.00 ( 1.00)
70cm Synthesised Multimode
IC BP4 Empty Case for 6 AA Nicads 6.95 (0.75)
(1.6MHz Shift) 411.00 (-)
IC BPS 11 5v Nicad Pack for IC2E 39.50(1.00)
F1290R 2M Portable Multimode 265.00 (-) r
11.11..1.11.4

IC DC1 12V Adaptor Pack for IC2E 9.75 (0.75)

F779OR 70cm Portable Multimode 325.00 I-) e
a
IC MLI 10W Booster 59.00 ( 1.00)
MMB11 Mobile Mounting Bracket 22.25 ( 1.00)
TV INTERFERENCE AIDS •
CSC1 Soft Carrying Case 3.45 (0.75)
Nd 1C Ferrite Rings 11i" dia, per pair 0.80 (0.20) MMus n.rract-cuaohaa rdszona..crPo el
240V AC Trickle Charger 8.00 ( 0.75) 0

FI.2010 Matching 10W Linear Toroid Filter TV Down Lead 2.50 (0.50)
59.00 ( 1.20)
2.2 AMP HR Nicads Each 2.50 (-) Low Pass Filter LP30 100W 3.95 (0.50) DATONG PRODUCTS
Nocads
FF501DX Trio Low Pass Filter LF30A lkW 20.00 ( 1.00) PC1 Gen. Coverage Convener HF on
H.F. Low Pass Filter IkW 23.00 ( 1.00)
Yaesu Low Pass Filter FF501DX 1kW 23.00 ( 1.00) 2M Rig 137.42 (-)
FSP1 Mobile External Speaker
HP4A High Pass Filter TV Down Lead 5.95 )- VLF Very Low Frequency Converter 29.90 )-)
8 ohm 6W 9.96 (0.75)
YH55 ANTENNA BITS FLI Frequency Agile Audio Filter 79.35 (-)
Headphones 8 ohm 9.90 (0.75)
YH77 H1-0 Balan 11 5kW pep ( PL59 Fining) 9.95 (0.75) FU Multi- mode Audio Filter 89.70 (-)
Lightweight Headphones 8 ohm 9.90
7.1 MHz Traps Pair 7.95 0.75) FL3 FU Audio Filter and Notch 129.00 (-(
QTR24D World Clock ( Quartz) 28.00
YM24A Speaker/Mic 207/208/708 16.85 (035 , T Piece Polyprop Dipole Centre 1.20 10.30) ASP Auto RF Speech Clipper 82.80 I-)
YD148 Stand Microphone Dual IMP Polyprop Strain Insulators 0.40 (0.10) D75 Manually controlled RF Speech
4 Pin Plug 21.10 ( 1.50) Small Egg Insulators 0.40 (0.10) Clipper 56.35 (-)
Ym38 As 34 but up/down Scan Buttons 24.90 ( 1.50) Large Egg Insulators 0.50 (0.10) RFC/M RF Speech Clipper Module 29.90 I-)
4mm Polyester Guy Rope 070 Morse Tutor 56.35 (-)
FDK VHF/UHF EQUIPMENT (strength 400kg) per metre 0.18 (0.04) AD270 Indoor Active Dipole Antenna 47.15 (-)
Multi 750E 2M Multimode Mobile 9i00 r) 75 ohm Twin Feeder - Light Duty Per Metre 0.16 (0.04)
259 AD370 Outdoor Active Dipole Antenna 64.40 (-)
Expander 70cm Transvener for M750E 19 00 ,
300 ohm Twin Feeder - Per Metre 0.14 (0.04) MPU1 Mains Power Unit 6.90 I-)
DRAE URM67 Low Loss 50 ohm Coax- Per- Metre 0.60 (0.20) MK Keyboard Morse Sender 137.42 I-)
Power Supplies UR76 50ohm Coax Per Metre 0.25 (0.05) RFA Broadband Preamplifier 33.92 (-)
4 AMP f30.76 ( 1.50) 12 AMP £ 74.00 ( 2.00) Codecall Selective Calling Device
6 AMP £ 49.00 ( 2001 24 AMP f105.00 ( 3.00) Please send total postage indicated. Any excess (link prog) 32.30 (-)
VHF Waverneter 130-450 MHz f27.50 (-) will be refunded (switch prog) 33.92 (-)
All prices correct at time of going to press

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02
 o

4 Current comment 34 Starting from 68 The RA1BC

All about this, the first monthly issue of scratch: Resonance A brief look at the work carried out by
Amateur Radio. Plus, news that affects the Radio Amateur Invalid and Blind
Last time we discussed inductance and
you, the reader. Club.
capacitance. This issue concentrates on
resonance, the phenomenon and how it
S Your letters works.
69 Amateur answers
Where it's your turn to write for us. Readers questions answered. Technical
Again, it was difficult to select letters 38 Buyers' rights or otherwise, if you have a question to
from the bags that have arrived on our ask, write to The Editor at the address
The customer's always right — or is he?
desks. Praise and criticism, whatever, on this page and we'll endeavour to
Here, Angus McKenzie sets out the
but please keep them coming. It's your answer it.
benefits and otherwise, of buying
magazine. through mail order, from the high street,
70 Free classified ads
or from specialists. The message here is
8 Straight and level to be prepared before you buy. But we'll Advertise, free of any charge, your radio
let Angus sort the technicalities out for equipment, spares, components, or if
News and views, chat and gossip from
you . . . you are looking for a particular piece of
the Editorial mouth. We list the
hardware, use these pages to cast your
fortunate forty — those who have been 44 Receiving on a net.
chosen to work 50MHz, and we
mention a lovely letter from a certain
budget
Mr. Arnold Geoffrey . . . Plus new One way to get the YL involved in your Front cover picture shows an early version of
the Special Communications Mark 7, believed
information, making it legal to call in hobby is to buy her a receiver. There
in this case to have been built or assembled
times of emergency. are a few low priced versions on the
in Occupied Europe. This photograph is
market well worth a look. Here David reproduced courtesy of Pierre Lorain, F2WL,
Lazell points you in the right direction.
10 Wartime radio author of Armament Clandestin, a book that
includes many details of clandestine radio
How radio communications helped the 48 Workshop test: equipment and ciphers When used by SOE,
war effort in World War 2. Describing the equipment was often called the Paraset
Linear amplifier
the techniques, the risks, the people and
the radios they used to send often- Nigel Gresley takes a linear amplifier Editor Christopher Drake
secret messages to their own people. (144/30LS) from Microwave Modules' Technical Editor Nigel Gresley
Written by Pat Hawker. stock, and puts it through some simple Art Editor Frank Brzeski
checks. Impressive it is too. Graphic Design: Gina Satch
Contributors: Angus McKenzie, Rev.
18 Sound analysis: 52 Shoptalk George Dobbs, Pat Hawker, John Heys,
The lcom IC R70 New products on the amateur radio George Zitterstein, David Lazell, John
market Books, catalogues, hand-held Morris
Chris Drake puts the R70 general coverage Advertisement Manager Linda Beviere
HF receiver through its paces. It's a cases, soldering iron, front end boards,
frequency meter, and a prescaler. Ad Assistant: Rose Kirtland
device that has that something extra, and Production Co-ordinator Alison
comes with a reputation for reliability.
54 What Radio? Pezarro
Managing Director Eric Rowe
Price comparison chart: along with
23 Short Wave telling comments from the staff of
Published by Goodhead Publications
Ltd., 27 Murdock Road, Bicester, Oxon
The Editor has always been a good Amateur Radio.
OX6 7RG. Telephone Bicester (08692)
listener. At least that's what the rest of 44517.
the staff say. Seriously, this is the page 56 On the ROX Printing by Wiltshires (Bristol) Ltd.,
for the SWL. Build yourself a good workable receiver Bristol. Typesetting by Arty Type,
to interface with last issue's low power Grosvenor House, Eastgate, Whittlesey,
24 Card games crystal controlled transmitter that can Peterborough PE7 1AE.
work the Americas. Rev. George Dobbs Distributed by COMAG Ltd., West
The hobby of collecting QSL cards is takes you through the build step-by- Drayton, Middlesex
growing, and many people now have step. He calls it the ROX Goodhead Publications Ltd.
thousands to their credit. Here, John
Heys describes the delights and 64 Try headphones Whilst every effort is made to ensure the correct
problems of collecting QSL cards. Some reproduction of advertisements, neither the
good and rare cards to illustrate the Where headphones can help the Publishers nor their advertisement contractors

feature too. amateur is described here, by John accept any responsibility for errors in, or non-
appearance of the final reproduction of
Morris. Plus simple instructions on how
advertisements.
to modify your old hi-fi headphones for
28 The Classics: The Advertisements are accepted and reproduced on
amateur use. the understanding that the Publishers' " Conditions
Racal RA17 of Acceptance" apply in all cases. Copies of these

Full technical and handling description 66 Around the clubs conditions are also available from the Advertisement
Offices.
of this classic receiver. If you are News and reports from amateur radio dubs All material printed in this magazine is the
copyright of the Publishers and must not be
considering buying one ( or have one throughout the country. Send in your club's
reproduced in any form or affixed to as any part of
now) then you must read this first. By monthly bulletins and we'll try to print any publication or advertising whatsoever without
Peter Dodson. them here. the written permission of the Publishers.

3
 CURRENT • COMMENT
Well, folks, here we are again terest and intrigue to see what
Introducing you to this month's issue
with another bright and breezy comes up in the propagation
magazine; many, many thanks stakes.
for all your letters (261 of them sale . . . such is life! Anyway, To cap it all, we received a
Oh yes, and we do have the
altogether) and we've published sanity and normality have now press release from them the
Phase 6 repeaters, and even
some of them, answered the returned to Bicester — stop laugh- next week setting it all out,
some of the Phase 5 VHF ones
technical queries later on and ing, you at the back! which we thought was a giant
at the time of writing — the Lord
replied to all the rest. At least, leap for amateur radio mankind.
What goodies do we have in He knoweth why the Home Office
we think we have! We honestly Maybe things are looking up in
store this month? There's a have taken so long to get round
didn't expect so many, and it the bowels of Waterloo Bridge
good meaty feature by Pat to it. Actually, we did think of
took us a bit of time to bash House, although the earth hasn't
Hawker, G3VA on amateur radio writing a Yes Minister script
away at the replies, so if we've moved enough in London SEI
in World War II; Pat is probably based on the HO's antics and
missed anyone out we hope to produce any replies to three
one of the most well-known submitting it to the Beeb, hoping
you'll accept our profound letters to them. Come on, chaps,
and respected writers in the to augment our meagre and
apologies. with all those licences out of the
field and we're delighted to have pitiful salaries (belt up, you lot,
way surely you can find the
It seems that our proofread- him along. Plus all the usual and get on with it — Managing
time to answer a couple of little
ers and typesetters must have articles by the great, the wise Editor) but we finally decided it
questions??
let the Christmas spirit creep in and the witty — oh yes, a few was too true to be funny and
a bit early last year there were things from me as well. Talking Other than that, amateur radio no-one would believe it . . .
rather a lot of typographical about a few things, we were seems to have started 1983 Actually, someone told us on
errors, weren't there.. . Given delighted to hear on GB2RS just rather well — there are some re- the air the other day that they'd
that we're a bit dim out here in before Christmas that the Home laxations on the use of the use issued the same callsign to three
the country and we spend far Office is now completely up to of amateur radio in an emer- different people by mistake.
too much time messing about date with the issuing of licences gency, which almost puts us on
Still, nobody's perfect — after
on the wireless, we really must — marvellous. We must admit a par with CB! We'll delve into
all. Well, not all of us . . .
do better and we're hoping that that for a microsecond or so we that later on. Likewise, there's a
this issue doesn't contain a single thought that the RSGB had let new Telecommunications Bill 73 and we hope you enjoy the
solitary goof. Some of the last an April Fool joke out a bit before Parliament which looks mag.
issue was put together rather at ahead of schedule — even the likely to amend at least a few of Chris Drake
the last minute because we newsreader didn't quite sound the sillies in the Wireless Tele-
were hoping for some late news as though he believed it — but graphy Acts. And finally, we do
items which didn't turn up in we rang their Press Office and as of now have some lucky folk
the end — the 50MHz licencees, the Home Office's nice man at on 50MHz — a round of applause Remember — Amateur Radio
for one, and some news of the other end assured us that it to the RSGB, the Home Office is now a monthly magazine.
changes in the emergency and was true and that they were and the BBC for co-operating Make sure of your copy by
Raynet sides of the hobby. even going to streamline the and making it possible. Let's placing a regular order at
Naturally, they turned up three issuing procedure so that it wish them happy operating, and the newsagent. Or take out a
days after the mag went on didn't happen again. we're looking forward with in- subscription.

êtilD 1
... on subscription
o

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4
 LETTE R S
High cost QSL No elitism! On joining the RSGB, I was prize ( what deliberate mis. .
not given the impression that urn? - Ed) in your last issue!
Full marks to the new As a newcomer to this technical skills were the You say in your article
Amateur Radio — what a great fascinating hobby, may I be
absolute order of the day. "Starting from Scratch" that:
magazine. As an SWL since permitted to make a few
Quite the reverse. And this X1 = 2 TaL
1947 with 12,789 QSL cards, observations? It would appear brings me to the exam itself. I Xc = 1/271 fC
FR101, Sommerkamp 500, and to this writer that interest in
started studying for the But of course:
a Trio QR666, it's a revelation amateur radio has grown very Amateur Radio Certificate, f = Td(LC)
to read such realistic articles fast in the UK in the last two
using the recommended Joking apart, congratulations
re: SWL and transmitting to three years. books from the RSGB (who on a good magazine. I'm
topics and novice topics. Many of these newcomers
have always been patient and looking forward to future
Whilst I fully understand appear to be like myself, that issues.
helpful to me, even before I
the poor reports by the SWL is, they come from either Clive Dunnico,
became a member) in
fraternity I have always given non- electronic or non- radio
February 1982. Fortunately I Shoeburyness, Essex.
a good overall report; backgrounds, so we are,
acquired the necessary
nevertheless direct paid post accordingly, putting more
pressure on the RSGB for a
standard in the June Valve technology
to rare stations and others examination, and am now
have not always reaped the standard of service and I was delighted to read Chris
working hard for a pass in
expected returns. Many have technical advice not Drake's article ( No 3 Amateur
Morse.
gone astray, in dustbins, previously required. Radio) on valves. Perhaps it
But coming from a non-
pinned on other people's This type of member is might help to bring a renewed
academic environment, I
walls and not replied to for obviously resented by some found it hard, and find interest in valve technology
many reasons. of the older, long-standing and home construction.
obtaining the necessary
QSLing has reached members with B.Sc and In the same issue, the
Morse skills also difficult. I
"saturation point" viz a viz AM.I.Mech.E qualifications, article on the venerable AR88
would suggest that for me
the cost of cards, postage who are of the attitude that showed that even the most
and my ilk, that the exam is
and time involved to the any " ham" worth his salt modern amateur receivers
quite difficult enough. There
transmitting fraternity. The should be able to design and can offer little if anything
is no doubt in my mind that
cost must be very high, and build his own remote we are paying a high enough more than classic valve
prohibitive to many ordinary controlled atomic- powered designs.
price in effort and time, in
fellows. We cannot expect radio communication satellite order to join the band of G4s In the commercial, mobile
every card to get on the kitchen table! This and handheld fields, solid
and G8s etc, so let's have no
acknowledged on cost basis, attitude may have been state techniques have
more of this intellectual and
even if there's a good report. understandable thirty or more undoubted advantages, but
technical elitism.
I hold many rare and years ago, when it may have M.S. Stewart RS52074 for home construction hard
valuable cards including the been feasible for the average wires valve circuitry allied to
Welwyn, Herts.
Hussein JY1, and JY2 his amateur to make a rig a few new ideas has still
divorced English Ipswich wife, comparable with those then much to offer. Even at VHF
We couldn't agree more.
and many others about the available on the the classic RSGB 6J6
Although some people moan
world. Of course the topic of contemporary commercial converter could produce a
because our magazine style is
Novice Licences has been market, but I would suggest noise factor better than most
humorous and informal,
muted for years, but Britain that very few amateur present day bamboo boxes.
others seem to like us
has always been backward builders could turn out That design is twenty five
because we don't have
and " pompish" about anything to compare with, years old and the valve was
delusions that amateur radio
amateur radio. We seem to say, a Yaesu 101 or a Trio designed forty years ago!
is for the Favoured Few. It's
prefer to bow to the 830. Many of us wouldn't wish Particularly in transmitters,
right that one should make
commercial interests of CB to try, and why should we? some effort to get the licence,
chit chat, putting forward If many members wish to
and the sense of achievement
administration and technical use their new found skills and is worthwhile, but let's not get
reasons. The constant jibe is qualifications to merely play
delusions of greatness! — Ed
those with a " ticket" are fully as glorified CBers, then let
equipped to use the air them — provided they obey
Er • • • urn • • •
properly — LISTEN DEAR t e obvious regulations vis-a-
FELLOWS TO THE PILE UPS. vis advertising, obscene I claim the deliberate mistake
ITS DISGUSTING AND words, interference etc. That
PATHETIC. though, is surely up to the
There's no doubt these individual. It must, I would
"cryptic messages" have thought, be up to the
transmitted are meant for a hobby enthusiast how much
listening fraternity for reasons he or she feels able to put
not in keeping with the into, or take out of,
security of Britain. But you amateur radio.
can't stop it, any more than
Tirana on 40 metres. So it's
up to Amateur Radio to
highlight our topics for all
people — Government, SWLs, "TA Him To Use A Crosley Pup r
transmitting amateurs etc etc
to learn and inwardly
digest ... and ENJOY.

Peter Webb,
Tiverton, Devon.
 ILETT-E•R S
valves can offer many Richards. Interesting reading your normal callsign with no this radio work.
advantages, for the RF can be it is too; entitled "East suffix. The comparatively few I want to keep in touch
produced in copious Germany's Sinister people who have made these with my son who is eight
quantities with far greater Spymaster", the story covers arrangements should be well miles away, and has a
ease. the progress of Lieutenant- aware of this. transceiver at his home. As a
There is one final General Markus "Mischa" The majority of us are pensioner, I am unable to buy
advantage of valves that wil Wolf, one of Europe's ablest faced with choosing between these miracle Japanese
appeal to many - cost. As spy chiefs who is head of the items ( 1) ( b), ( 1) ( c) or ( 1) radios. Pity really, because I
"everyone knows" that valves HVA, (Hauptverwaltung (d) of section 9 and these was a PoW out there - I
are out of date, as a Aufklarung) part of the East seem to be quite clear. If you really should have thought
consequence you can get all German Ministry for State are in a premises you sign ahead! Mind you, who did
you need from club junk sales Security. "/A" ( not alternative), not in think ahead on that railway,
for a few coppers and your Summed up, the relevant a premises, but at another and in a camp under the
local TV dealer will probably paragraph says that every location then you sign "/p" great Tojo himself?
give you as many old valve day, at 5am, coded radio and where the equipment is G. Wells, 94 Dupont Road,
TVs as you can carry. messages - usually numbers used ( not necessarily Raynes, Park, London,
From this letter, please do in five digit groups- emanate installed) in a vehicle then S.W.20 8EQ.
not think that I am oblivious from the HVA Authorities in you sign "/m".
of the advantages of solid other countries- especially We are left to decide what It all depends on how much
state, I just think that most West Germany - listen in and type of structure constitutes radio you know, Mr Wells,
people go overboard to be apparently, wonder who a " premises" but certainly the because the problem could
modern and tend to forget Mischa Wolf is contacting this question of a postal address either be very simple or quite
the advantages of the older time. has no relevance, nor does complicated. The HE-30 was a
technologies sensibly applied. Several readers have the fact as to whether or not good machine - have you a
Brian Kendal G3GDU, contacted us with their a vehicle is moving when reasonable aerial for it? As
12 Weald Drive, Furnace answers to this question. All signing "/ m". regards talking to your son,
Green, Crawley, Sussex say the codes come from East Jack Tootill, G4IFF, you could always go for CB -
RHIO 6JU. Germany - beyond the Harz Ipswich or maybe even go for the
Mountains said one - and RAE and a Class B ticket.
You've defined it very Anyone local to Mr Wells
Calling old timers the numbers are what is
succinctly, Mr. Tootill, and who'd like to have a hack at
called a one time code, where
I found your publication most thanks for pointing out the his HE-30? - Ed.
the ciphers are written down
interesting, and wish you and fact that our definition could
on a paper pad, and each
the staff luck ... I will make have been misinterpreted.
day (or each time a code is
note in a future issue of our We've never heard of anyone
required) that page is torn
historical paper. Maybe who has informed their local My nearest club
from the pad and destroyed.
members in the United telephone manager when
The following time, a new Your magazine has whetted
Kingdom would be interested they've gone away on holiday
page is used. Any advance on my appetite to find out more
in subscribing. or to "alternative premises,"
this information? - Ed. about amateur radio, and the
Bruce Kelley, though, and indeed we
first thing I would like to
Editor, Old Timers Bulletin, Myth exploding? wonder if he'd know what to
know is: are there local
Antique Wireless Association do if somebody did! - Ed.
Congratulations on an amateur radio clubs or
Inc., Holcomb, New York societies which could wean a
excellent magazine - the first
14469. beginner into radio?
couple of editions will be
From the ITU I would like some advice on
At the bottom of the page you'll particularly useful to
find some examples of Old newcomers to the hobby. Thank you for sending us a how to set up, what
Timers Bulletin stories and However, I must join what copy of your excellent equipment to get, and where
front covers. If you're surely must be many others publication Amateur Radio. from.
interested in taking this in drawing attention to a We have put your name on Paul Billin,
excellent A5-sized magazine, myth which you are our mailing list for press and 4 Rokeby Terrace, Heaton,
write to Bruce Kelley. - Ed. perpetuating rather than information releases. Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6
exploding. In the article on I enclose an information kit 5ST.
Magdeburg Annie p48 in issue 2 Amateur Radio, on World Communications Write to the RSGB, Alma
item 6 concludes by stating Year 1983 and a list of House, Cranborne Road,
I read your issue number 3 publications of the ITU.
that whilst in your country Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3.IW for
and on your SWL page you
cottage you would be " G4ZZZ information on local radio
raise the query: what are the For the Secretary-General,
alternative." clubs. Good luck - Ed.
lists of numbers that are W. Wolter, Chief, Press and
"Alternative" is never
broadcast from the Eastern Public Information Section,
transmitted as a suffix to a
Bloc? Public Relations Divison,
British callsign, as the further
Well, I hope that the International Telecommuni-
article on p58 also attempts
enclosed article cleaned from cation Union, Geneva,
to explain. The confusion
the March 1981 issue of Switzerland.
over the use of suffixes seems
Readers' Digest helps. The
to arise from the fact that Have readers any ideas for
lady who reads the numbers
section 9 of the licence does Keeping in Touch useful circuits or other
is nicknamed " Magdeburg equipment that would be of
not correspond exactly with As an OAP with a radio that
Annie" by British forces in interest to others? If so, let us
the wording of item 1 ( a), but should have retired long
BOAR. I hope the article see them and where possible,
quite simply if you are before me, a Lafayette HE-30
answers your query. we will publish your ideas in
operating from alternative which just about lights up and future issues of Amateur
V. Richards,
premises, the address of copies BBC Channel 4, I Radio. What's more - we might
Canterbury, Kent
which has been advised to would like to ask if there is even pay you some real money
Thanks for the cutting Mr. the authorities, then you use anything I can do to make for the privilege.-Editor.

6
 LETT•E•R
Moving question the ones constructed by the should look for a receiver dinosaurs were great and
Rev. Dobbs, so there is with a 3kHz bandwidth. Why lords of the earth in their day,
I am an SWL and enjoyed
definite interest in these do you think Yaesu produce but they inevitably became
your recent articles on
projects. the FRG7700 RX with FM obsolete when they could not
meteor scatter, feeders and
I am interested in building bandwidth of 15kHz, and Trio adapt to new conditions and
connectors. I took the RAE
my own kit and using it, but have the R1000 with 12kliz perished!
last May, and passed the first
will probably buy something bandwidth which suits the FM John, G3BDQ, East Sussex.
paper. In May next year I
like an FT29OR as a black box conversion when fitted?
intend taking the second
paper again, and hope to
transceiver to keep me on the I know CBers who know Equatorial mount
air for a while. Meanwhile, more about DXFM and
pass. There was one dreadful With no disrespect, it is obvious
articles on how to build 70cm eviation than the writer of the
question in the paper, and the from your article on
rigs, aerials and general said article. Sorry to start
answers were disputed moonbounce that none of
features on propagation, are your new year off in this vein,
because of the way it had your editorial staff has ever
welcome and not too but we don't want a comic
been written down on exam peered seriously through a
technical. Otherwise you'd book, do we?
paper. Listen to this: A G4XZZ telescope. If they had, they
lose me, probably. CA. King,
was on holiday, in Wales, in a would have pointed you
Name and address supplied. Swallownest, Sheffield.
touring caravan. What callsign towards the nearest
P.S. The MEB made a smelly P.S. Practical Wireless has
would be used? I would be astronomy/telescope book
mess of one of their 132kv been our bible for more years
interested in Amateur Radio's and told you to look up
transformers — beats anything than I care to remember and
answer to that one! equatorial mount.
a silly little electrolytic can it is still going strong. I hope
Robert Roberts, This is a very easy ( and for
do. Something to do with a PW takes offence at your
Gwynedd, North Wales. radio purposes where you're
fault level of over 2000mvA!!! remarks.
not really bothered about
We muttered a bit over this
Absolutely agree, sir. It's the Thanks for your letter, Mr. rock steady mounts with spot
one, but we think it'd be /A
members who vote for the King. Actually, the writer of on accuracy) and simple to
Mind you, Mr Tootill takes us
Council members of the the article is a professional make mounting. Two setting
to task over this very same
RSGe and we have only engineer who works in circles, and a slow clock, slow
thing in a letter this
ourselves to blame if they're defence and other military by four minutes a day, will
month . Has anyone else
not very good — maybe if our areas, and he's probably enable an idiot to find the
had a bad time with RAE
Council man doesn't do his forgotten more about FM than moon in a snowstorm. But
questions? - Ed.
stuff we have to vote with our most of us can ever learn. We since none of your editorial
feet next time there's a don't feel that a misprint in staff are astronomers you
RSGB bashing Council election! his copy deserves quite a won't have heard of this.
By and large, we think the slating! The feature needed to An equatorial mount will
At the moment I am a
RSGB do a pretty good job be cut just before printing so enable you to track any
listener, but if the December
and get a bad press for some this, plus the misprint, seemed cosmological object easily but
RAE went my way, I hope to
fairly trivial reasons — but to add up to a sort of garbled since satellites are artificial
be a G6 in the not too
isn't that human nature? Glad paragraph. Of course you are (yes, I do know the moon is a
distant future — wake up
to hear that the MEB do the correct in what you say. satellite) they follow laws of
there at the HO!
There seems to be a bit of odd silly thing as well as us — Regarding Practical their own, so it's
there's a fair amount of Wireless, I agree that it's been unfortunately no good for the
RSGB bashing going on in the
prospective fault current in around a long time, and a Oscars.
letters pages of magazines,
those systems isn't there? - Ed basically good magazine it is No need to resort to
and although I haven't been
involved for very long, at too. But it doesn't excuse computers, just try one
Question of them getting their facts wrong simple experiment. Get a
least they can help us along
the way. The point is, it is up bandwidth plus publishing information normal pan and tilt mount,
I have just read the article slanted at knocking an and then put it at an angle to
to the membership to push to
get a change — not to sit back "Receiving you loud and .. . " organisation for no very good the ground.
reason than scoring a couple Philip Greener,
and say " Oh it's their job" in Amateur Radio 3. Up to
because it is not their job, it's this moment I was beginning of points. Nobody should be Wakefield, Yorks.
OUR job. to think we had a good immune from criticism, and P.S. The " Fullerscope"
I enjoy reading the RSGB magazine, but that impression aren't PWs comments about explanation is not too clear
magazine, and if I don't is now faded. the RSGB in the same league, but it's the only one I could
understand something, It would be a good idea to if not worse, than ours about find that wasn't in a book.
instead of giving up I go away put a name to these articles them? - Ed The setting up is for a
and either read up or make a so we know who writes them. telescope where you need to
nuisance of myself at my I agreed with your article New generation be spot on. You soon notice
local club ( G4MEB or G6MEB until you got to deviation. I I have just been into town inaccuracies when you've got
being the Midlands Electricity am sure an FM receiver with and picked up your 200+ magnification. For radio
Board Club calls) or I ask one a total bandwidth of 3kHz December issue. Congrats! It work, just point the mount in
of my lecturers ( I am doing would have a terrible audio is nice to see a piece written the general direction of the
TEC in electrical engineering, output. The Trio TR2300 by Angus McKenzie. He pole — you'll only notice the
but a couple of the lecturers which you picture in the said certainly knows what he is inaccuracies if you talk for
are wet finger types and article has a maximum talking about. Other four to five hours. In Morse I
hams as well). deviation of 5kHz so it has a magazines have been the don't think it's too critical.
I liked your article on the possible transmitted mainstay of the hobby for a By the way, one interesting
HF QRP rig, but until I get bandwidth of 10kHz — now long time, but some might be point, some of the large
round to the dreaded Morse, how would that sound when on the way out because they professional telescopes use
that will have to be filed received on a receiver with a have not caught the mood of an altazimuth ( pan and tilt)
away. Some of our club 3kHz bandwidth? the present day generation of mounting with a computer
members are building rigs like The article states we radio amateurs. The control. It's easier to build!

7
 STRAIGHT AND • LEVEL
Here we are again with all the News and views from the world of the radio decided to pop in. He says it's
malicious gossip, tall stories and really rather good and kilowatts
amateur, compiled by the staff of
so on; actually, there aren't too better than Doughty Street; a
many of them this time! Mr Amateur Radio. couple of delightful young ladies
Arnold Geoffrey, of Bourne- customers. What a friendly year and the lucky folks are sold him some books and told
mouth, just has to be our most crowd they are on Tyneside, by listed below. him that they were even thinking
ardent reader and fan because the way — thanks for some It doesn't look a bad selection of getting a coffee machine for
he sent in a copy of Amateur super talk- in, chaps, and the to us, although it looks as though the members in reception! He
Radio with every mistake care- direction to the transport cafe there will be some pockets of didn't say who he was or that he
fully pointed out in red pen and was first-rate! activity ( lots of Scots, and why was from the magazine, and he
neatly underlined. It must have two in Stoke-on-Trent? Is it the was rather impresed with the
taken him hours, and we seri- There's a new Telecommuni- Staffordshire air?) and it will be place — people were rushing
ously thought about offering cations Bill before our lords most interesting to see how about doing things and there
him a job as a proofreader ...! and masters in Parliament at they all get on. We've been was a general air of efficiency
Thank you, sir, and well done. the moment, or so we hear, and doing quite a bit of listening to around although there was a
You " corrected" a couple of there were some flutters in the 50MHz ourselves recently, and certain amount of redecoration
things that weren't actually dove cote just before Christmas it's intriguing how much odd DX going on and they hadn't really
wrong in the first place but in case amateurs were going to crops up after TV has closed got themselves settled yet.
what the hell, there's nothing get hard done by. From our down. ZB2VHF on 50.035 was a
We're pleased for them. As
like enthusiasm. reading ( or rather wading rock- crushing signal in Bicester
we've said in the past, we're
through — it's a massive docu- about midnight a week or two
We had a couple of letters very much in favour of a strong
ment, and the writing style is ago, and it was still loud at 2am
from people who flatly refused and good national society and
worse than anything we've seen (we were testing the ICR70 re-
to believe us when we said ( in we hope that some of the things
before which is saying some- viewed in this issue with a
the last issue) that the amateur they couldn't do in Doughty
thing), the main aim seems to homebrew converter at the
service was a "shared secondary" Street can be done now. And, as
be to cut down on interference time).
user of the 432MHz band in the always, if we don't like it, the
from such things as AM CB
UK. They quoted the Radio remedy is in our hands — it's a
gear, cordless telephones and
Regulations at us and said that democratic society. We, the
the like, by making possession, Heard Jo' burg
there was nothing whatsoever members, vote for the Council
advertisement or sale of such
in them that stated anything people (or not) and we can
things illegal.
about the military having effec- We've also heard ZS6DN in vote with our feet if we want
tive primary status there. Spin-off for the amateur is Johannesburg a time or two, some changes to be made.
likely to be indirect — fewer and the best so far was PY Another amateur magazine re-
Well, sorry but it is so; the
accusations of TVI flying about, 2CVR/PY8 at about 1 am talking ferred to the RSGB recently as
Radio Regs are the official ITU
we'd guess — but probably not to some Stateside stations — he a gerontocracy — well, if it is, it's
mammoth tome, but individual
much more. At least it might put was a good solid S8 here, which no- one's fault but our own. We
administrations can actually do
some teeth in the Wireless was intriguing. So all in all, along don't agree with them actually,
what they wish and, in the case
Telegraphy Act, which wouldn't with the HO., we hope the forty and in many ways they're rather
of the UK, the amateur service
be bad, assuming that Parlia- chosen folks will put up a good progressive in Potters Bar — we
is definitely secondary to " radio-
ment doesn't change too much show, and produce enough to hope to have an interview with
location". This in practice means
of it. open up the band to others the General Manager in a sub-
two things; systems like Syledis,
later. Full marks, again, to the sequent issue, and we'll see
which is what offshore oil ex- What about 50MHz? We now
RSGB for the work that must what's what.
ploration people use for position have 40 good men and true
have gone into this — OK, so
fixing ( it's a French system, and launched upon the band, or at We've had a few letters and a
they've only a few people out of
it stands for Système Légère least any day now, and we phone call or two asking whether
hours, but that's about a million
de Mesure de Distance, would hastily switched the tape re- there was any truth in the
per cent better than no people
you believe) and also military corder on when GB2RS announ- rumour that it was illegal for a
at all at any time.
systems like the MoD thing we ced that the following callsigns listener to own any transmitting
discussed last time. So what we would henceforth be heard on Talking about the RSGB, one equipment or a transceiver?
said was dead right, and the the band outside of TV hours. It of our staff was passing through Well, no there isn't. As far as we
Radio Regs only tell you half the all started on February 1st, this Potters Bar the other week and understand the legislation, it
story.
GI3RXV Londonderry, GM3WOJ Fort William, GW4111 Tregaron, Dyfed
Still with 432MHz, there was
Northern Inverness-shire G2AOK Staunton,
still some last-minute falling
Ireland GM3ZBE lnverurie, Gloucestershire
about with the Phase 6 repeaters
613ZSC Co. Antrim, Aberdeen G3C0J High Wycombe,
as we hit the press, although
Northern GM4DIJ Edinburgh Bucks
the delay was apparently due to
Ireland GM4ELV Glasgow G3LTF Harlow, Essex
nothing more serious than a
GI4MJD Londonderry, GM4FDT Invergordon, G3NOX Saffron Walden,
licencing technicality according
Northern Ross- shire Essex
to the Home Office. Ditto with
Ireland. GM4FZH Caithness G3OHH Stoke-on-Trent,
the Phase 5 VHF units, and
GJ3RAX St Brelade, GM4 I HJ Dunfermline, Staffs
we're eagerly awaiting GB3RD
Jersey Fife C,3PVVK Ely,
so that we can see if we can get
GJ3YHU St Lawrence, GVV3LDH Wrexham, Cambridgeshire
into it from the office. We wonder
Jersey Clwyd G3TCU Godalming,
whether there's much need for
GJ4ICD St Saviour, GW4BCD Porthcawl, Surrey
more UHF repeaters now. The
Jersey Glamorgan G3USF Newcastle-
coverage seems to be getting
GM3DOD Greenock, GW4HBK Blackwood, under-Lyme,
not far off nationwide, and
Scotland Gwent Staffs
driving up to Newcastle last
GM3WCS Dunfermline, GW4HX0 Haverfordwest, G3VZ,I Arundel, Sussex
week the network didn't exactly
Fife Dyfed G3ZIG Dereham,
seem to be heavily loaded with

8
 WOOD & DOUGLAS I
isn't an offence to own it - the details so we'll leave out all the
offence would come if you used fine print. One thing is that in
the transmitter, that is if you the past, there was never any WHY NOT TRY ONE OF OUR
hadn't got your licence. provision in the amateur licence WELL PROVEN KITS?
for its use at the scene of an
This little rumour seems to emergency - say you came
PROJECT CODE ASSEMB-
have started because of the across a multi- car pile up on LED KIT
new legislation we mentioned the M5, for instance.
70cms EQUIPMENT
earlier on, but it shouldn't affect Well, things have changed - Transceiver Kits and Accessories
amateur gear at all as far as we FM Tansmitter 10.5W) 70FM05T4 36.10 23.10
you can now pass messages FM Receiver 70FMO5R5 68.25 48.25
can see because it can be licen- 70SY255 84.95 60.25
concerned with this sort of Synthesiser (2 pcb's)
Synthesiser Transmit Amp A-X3U-06F 27.60 17.40
ced. So all the SWLs out there
thing, provided that there's Synthesiser Modulator MOD1 8.10 4.75
with FT102s waiting for the ticket Bandpass Filter BPF 433 6.10 3.25
nothing else available We rather PIN RF Switch PSI 433 9.10 7.75
to plop on to the doormat - it's Converter (2M or 10M i.f.) 70RX2/2 27.10 20.10
suspect that this is just legalising
OK, just don't use the Tx. Lock FM Package 2 ( Synthesised) 70PAC2 163.00 128.00
what any sane person would TV Products
the microphone up in the kitchen Receive Converter ( Ch 361 TVUP2 26.95 19.60
have done anyway, but it's nice Pattern Generator TVPG1 39.95 32.53
cupboard with the emergency TV Modulator TVM1
to be legal isn't it? Also, you can 3 W Transmitter ( boxed ATV- 1
8.10
87.00
5.30
packet of fags and the 44 tins of
now legally hand the micro- 3W Transceiver ( boxed) ATV-2 119.00
ravioli you got cheap when the Power Amplifiers ( FM/CW Use)
phone over to a doctor or any 50mW to 500MW 70FM1 14.66 8.85
grocery shop near you closed other " responsible person", as 500mW to 3W 70FM3 19.65 13.25
down . . . 500mW to 10W 70FM10 30.70 22.10
the blurb puts it, in an emer- 3W to 10W 70FM3/ 10 19.75 14.20
10W to 45W 70FM45 58.75 45.20
Actually, it was intriguing that gency. Combined Power Amp/Pre-Amp 70PA/ FM10 48.70 34.65
Lineare
there were " only" 2,800 passes 500mW to 3W 70LIN3/ LT 25.75 18.60
in the RAE for the last exam - Life saving 3W to 10W ( Compat. ATV1/21
Pre-Amplifiers
70LIN3/ 10E 39.10 28.95

although we gather that this is a Bipolar Miniature 113dB gain) 70PA2 7.90 5.95
68 per cent pas rate, it's a lot The amateur " must supervise MOSFET Miniature ( 14d8 gain) 70PA3 8.25 6.80
RF Switched ( 30W Max) 70PA2/ S 21.10 14.75
fewer than the last time when the operation of the station",
you'll be fascinated to know! 2M EQUIPMENT
about 6,000 chaps were panting Transceiver Kits and Accessories
to go on the air as soon as the It's all good stuff. Personally, FM Transmitter ( 1.5W) 144FM2T 36.40 22.25
FM Receiver 144FM2R 64.35 45.76
Home Office got their act to- we'd have thrown the rig on the Synthesiser (2 pcb's) 144SY256 78.25 59.95
gether. Is interest in amateur ground and stamped on it if we Synth Mult/Amp 11.5W o/p) SY2T 28.86 19.40
Bandpass Filter BPF 144 8.10 3.25
radio decreasing? Or is it just thought it would save someone's PIN RF Switch PSI 144 9.10 7.75
Synthesised FM Package ( 1.5W) 144PAC 138.00 105.00
that fewer people take it in life, let alone call for help with it Power Amplifiers/Linear.
December? Either way, at least or hand it on to an ambulance- 1.5W to 10W FM ( No Changeover) 144FM10A 18.95 13.95
1.5W to 10W FM ( Auto-Changeoverl 144FM108 33.35 25.95
the Home Office shouldn't have man whose own radio had quit 1.5W to 10W SSB/FM ( 0/P c/o) 144LINIOA 28.80 19.87
1.5W to 10W SSB/ FM ( Auto c/o) 144LINIOB 35.60 26.95
as much trouble processing on him, so although it's nice to Pre-Ampliflers
this number as they did last be legal it's only legalising what Low Noise, Miniature 144PA3 8.10 6.95
Low Noise, Improved Performance 144PA4 10.95 7.95
year. We like the way GB2RS we'd have done without the Low Noise, RF Switched 144PA4/ S 18.96 14.40
tells us where the Home Office slightest hesitation in an emer- SYNTHESISER ACCESSORIES
is at now, and about the most gency. Display Decoder/ Driver DISP1/2 22.60 16.10
recent calls issued - that's GENERAL ACCESSORIES
One doesn't tend to worry
certainly nipped a few pirates in Toneburst TB2 6.20 3.85
about the fine print in a licence Piptone PT3 6.90 3.95
the bud round our way.
if the blood is pouring out of Kaytone PTK3 6.80 4.25
Relayed Kaytone PTK4R 9.96 7.75
There have been some changes someone's head on a filthy Regulator REG1 6.80 4.25
Solid State Supply Switch 5551 5.80 3.60
in the way that Raynet operates night on the motorway and you Microphone Pre- Amplifier MPA1 5.40 2.95
- Raynet being the Radio need to do something fast Reflectometer SWR1 6.36 5.35
CW Filter CWF1 6.40 4.75
Amateur's Emergency Network That's about it for this time. NI Filter ( Boxed) HPF1 5.96

Those of you who are in Raynet We'll see you next month, and if MICROWAVE PROJECTS
will know about them already you have any news, know any Microwave Drive Source M DO5T 29.50 20.40
Bandpass Filter BPF 384 5.10 3.25
and those of you who aren't scandal or just want to let off
would be bored stiff with all the 4M EQUIPMENT
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we'll share it around. Not a soul FM Receiver 4FM2R 61.66 43.15
Pre- Amplifier 4PA4 10.95 7.95
Norfolk contacted us about the novice Pre- Amplifier, RF Switched 4PA4/S 18.96 14.40
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Midlands deduce that no-one's interested
Enquiries by post should contain a SAE. Please restrict telephone
G4CUT Chelmsford, in it. technical enquiries between 6pm and 9pm in the evening on either
Essex 0256 24611 or 07356 5324. Access and Barclaycard orders can be
Incidentally, the firm of H. taken on 07356 5324.
G4GLT Coalville,
Lexton (who advertise in
Leicester
Amateur Radio) were of great MAIN AGENTS
G4HUP Stoke-on-Trent,
help in putting together the J. Birkett. LINCOLN 0522-20767
Staffs Darwen Electronics, LANCS 0254-771497
Angus McKenzie Report in the
G41 JE Bishops Amateur Radio Exchange, ACTON 01-992 5765
last issue of Amateur Radio. Wood Et Douglas IScandial HB, SWEDEN 040-94-89-55
Stortford, Herts
Were it not for Mr. Harvey Prices include VAT at the current rate. Please add 75p postage and
G4JLH Ryde, I.o.W.
Lexton, there would have been handling to the total order. ATV- 1 and ATV-2 orders should in-
G5KW Gravesend, clude £ 2.00 for postage and insurance. Please allow 28 days for
a few blank spaces in the com-
Kent. delivery if not stock at time of ordering.
parison feature between the
G6XM Christchurch,
Yaesu FT102, and Icom IC740. UNIT 13
Dorset
Anyway, a very helpful gentle- YOUNG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
GM3OBC Glenrothes, Fife
man and well worth a visit if ALDERMASTON
you're in the East London area. READING RG7 4PQ.

9
10
 THE SECRETS
OF WARTIME
RADIO
The war of 1939-45 was a hot house for the
development of radio communications, radio
and radar navigation, black broadcasting,
signals intelligence and secret
communications links for the clandestine war
in the shadows. In such activities, radio
amateurs of many countries played a role
that has largely escaped the military
historians
August 31, 1939: My amateur log book The amateur bands did not suddenly go
lists just four 14MHz contacts — LY1AP in "quiet" in 1939. American amateurs re-
Lithuania, YR5BV in Roumania, LA8.1 in mained active, though subject to increasing
Norway and SM6QN in Sweden. Then a restrictions, until Pearl Harbor in December
note: " During the BBC news bulletin at 1941. After an initial suspension, a few
2100 heard announcement that licences hundred German "amateurs" resumed
have been withdrawn. All valves removed activity, under the supervision of an SS
from transmitter. Further information General; whether as harmless propaganda,
awaited". training or covert activities is still a matter
of speculation. These D3 and D4 stations,
There follows an entry dated September
including band-edge beacons, could be
2, the day before Britain officially entered
heard on 3.5, 7, 14 and 28MHz working
the gathering storm. "GPO engineers re-
among themselves, attempting dx or con-
moved transmitter". Not until February
tacting similarly-active Hungarian amateurs
1946, over six years later, does my log re-
(or at least people using HA call-signs,
open with a 28MHz contact with Eric Cole
some of whom were British `pirates').
in Athens who — as Chief Signals Officer,
Sometimes the German stations changed
Land Forces Greece — had allotted himself
their calls to snatch contacts with the
the call-sign SV1EC and was using his
Americans.
Corps BC610 transmitters (the military
version of the 1940 Hallicrafters FIT4
The German government attempted to
amateur radio transmitter).
"nazify" the German amateur radio move-
For most of the intervening years the ment in the years immediately before the
Defence Regulations made it illegal to have war — but came to regret this. Goering, as
possession of valves of more than 10 watts Chief of the German Air Force, is on record
dissipation, piezo-electric quartz crystals as having said, in March 1943: "We smashed
or any form of transmitting equipment Yet up the amateur radio 'ham' clubs and
amateur radio, far from disappearing, wiped them out, and we made no effort to
gathered innumerable new adherents, help those thousands of small inventors.
waiting eagerly for the official resumption And now we need them ... "
'dal Communications control of activity on some amateur bands in
ni in Buckinghamshire, working This is echoed in Most Secret War by Dr
January 1946 (or, if truth is to be told,
landestine stations in France RV. Jones, who headed British Scientific
sometimes jumping the gun from the end
Belgium. Receivers were mostly Intelligence. He writes: "The low technical
of the war in Europe in May 1945).
HR() but also included AR88 and ability of the (German) operator and the
other RCA models. Of the four European countries I had high engineering standard of the equip-
happily worked on that last day of pre-war ment were not altogether dissociated.
activity, three were ravaged by war. Of the When I met General Martini, the Head of
Written by former
under 5000 men and women who had held German Air Signals and Radar, after the
underground secret British " full" (radiating) or "artificial aerial" war, I told him that these two factors had
radio service (non-radiating) experimental licences in surprised me, and he pointed out that he
August 1939, the vast majority became had a very low priority in demanding
operator, involved in wartime radio and radar activities personnel... he had no skilled reserve to
Pat Hawker, G3VA. that made use of their technical and draw upon among radio amateurs, as we
operating knowledge. had, because Hitler had banned amateur

1
 Below: Heavy but

THE SECRETS still transportable

station used by

OF WARTVE
Special
Communications
and consisting of an

RADIO HRO receiver and a

Whaddon-built Mark
3 transmitter (6V6co
radio before the war since it might provide and 807pa). Beside
communication links for disaffected the unit is a home
organisations". brew 1/FO used
unofficially to dodge
Actually, individual German pre-war QRM. Right Picture
amateurs, in the early days of the war, taken inside one of
were drafted into German Military In- the wartime SCU d/f
telligence (Abwehr) to provide com- stations Photo by
munications for the Abwehr and the Gerald Openshaw,
German Security Police (RSHA). Together G2BTO.
with other operators, they were later formed
into Signals Regiment 506. As the war
progressed this organisation had many
outposts in occupied and neutral countries,
and was responsible for the German clan-
destine links with agents in the UK, Eire,
North Africa, Middle East and North and
South America. Their main base stations
were in Hamburg, Wiesbaden, Berlin and
Vienna. Their transmissions were listened
to with great interest by the many British
amateurs working, as we shall see later, on
behalf of the Radio Security Service.

Britain, surprisingly in view of our tra-

dition of losing every battle but the last,
had foreseen that amateur radio represented
a useful reserve of radio skills. Some
amateurs were serving members of the
success of the Bletchley Park code-breaking for commentator Wynford Vaughan-
Forces, although there were no Service
coups. That first draft included two Thomas.
Associations of the type that exist today.
amateurs who in later years were to play
The Royal Navy had established a Volunteer Of the first 1000 RSGB members listed as
an important role in post-war amateur
Wireless Reserve in the early 1930s. As a on active service" 60 per cent were in the
radio: Roy Stevens, G2BVN and W.1-1. ("Bert")
schoolboy I was present at the 1938 RSGB RAF, mostly on technical duties. 14% were
Allen, G2UJ.
Convention when a new RAF Civilian Wire- Royal Navy, 12% Royal Corps of Signals.
less Reserve (CWR) was announced; Group The CWR also brought into RAF Signals But there were the " silent keys". For-
Leaders were appointed shortly after- Intelligence an enthusiastic radio amateur, tunately the British did not suffer the mass
wards and training networks set up. Rowley Scott-Farnie, G5FI who was later to slaughter of World War 1, though I find it
head RAF Air Intelligence in the Middle difficult to forget that almost a quarter of
East Dr RV. Jones describes him as " a the boys in my class at school never made
Casualties among generous- natured rugby player who had V-J Day. Apart from combat, people died in
wartime British badly injured a leg and who before the war flying accidents while training, or were lost
had been in a bank An enthusiastic radio
amateurs amateur, he had joined the RAF Signals
at sea, or fell ill and died in the deserts and
jungles — and there were the air raids.
Intelligence Service at the outbreak or war.
Incidentally, our community of radio First casualties among British amateurs
In 1933 radio amateurs, including
amateurs in Britain was to prove an in- were Jack Hamilton, G5JH and Ken Abbott,
Douglas Walters, G5CV, then radio cor-
valuable reserve, both in Signals Intelligence G3JY. Both were members of the RNV(W)R
respondent of The Daily Herald and George
and in Signals proper, as well as furnishing drafted on the outbreak of war as tele-
Jessup, G6JP, had conducted pioneering
the staff for our rapidly increasing number graphists to HMS Courageous. The ship
56MHz experiments in two chartered
of radar stations". Indeed many amateurs struck a mine on September 15, 1939. John
Dragon Moth aircraft. These two-way con-
passed through the RAF radio schools at Buchan, G4QA was lost with many other
tacts between aircraft in flight and between
Cranwell and Yatesbury and some re- British servicemen, when the liner
aircraft and the ground — and the resulting
mained there as instructors, using as an Lancastria was sunk while evacuating
publicity that surrounded them — were
official " text book" the RSGB's Amateur troops from France in 1940. One whose
prime reasons why the RAF entered World
Radio Handbook name is remembered in an annual RSGB
War II with vhf radios in fighter aircraft— an
award is Norman Keith Adams, G5NM, a
essential requirement for the effective use
Some erstwhile radio amateurs made a young London solicitor who met his death
of the first early warning radar chains.
mark in ways less directly connected with gathering electronics intelligence in a flying-
The CWR and the RNV(W)R were their peacetime hobby. Royce Wilkinson, boat crash in the Mediterranean in 1942.
mobilised as war threatened. The first G4HW, a peacetime recruit to the RAF, Later, W/Cdr John Hunter, G2ZQ, a leading
draft of the Civilian Wireless Reservists became an outstanding fighter pilot, leading pre-war dx operator, was to die in the Far
(The Early Birds) reached France on a squadron in France in 1940, then being East ... and there were many others, such
September 5, 1939 to form part of the posted to the Eagle squadron of American as Lew Nash, G4DA who as a radio mechanic
RAF's "Wireless Intelligence Screen" and volunteers, making an escape when downed in Crete stayed to destroy vital equipment
paved the way for the close relationship in occupied territory, and later appointed but was ambushed by the enemy.
between radio amateurs and the "Y" signal to command Britain's " top- scoring" fighter
intelligence (Sigint) services that monitored squadron. As a BBC engineer, Reg Pidsley, The prisoners
the radio traffic of the enemy and so G6PI flew in a Lancaster bomber over Radio amateurs were inevitably among
contributed directly to the outstanding Berlin to make the famous disc recordings those taken prisoner in the series of military

12
 Left One of the fabulous years ' imprisonment'. He served two years
Hallicrafters HT4 (BC610) of this sentence under appalling con-
transmitters in use in 1946 by ditions before his release with the ending
W2DWD. Many of these rigs found
of the war.
their way into amateur stations
until TV1 made them unpopular...
The equipment
In the SCR229 American signals
vehicle they were an outstanding Many radio amateurs were involved in
success Below: This group of signals intelligence, based on interception
young Belgians provided daily of enemy messages, codebreaking and/or
weather reports by radio. It was traffic analysis; or conversely in signals
organised by Albert Toussaint (left) deception including the creation of
and operated successfully until the "phantom" armies or the operation of the
liberation of Belgium, working to a
suitcase radios of " turned" agents. The
Special Communications control
war also saw the development of electronic
station near Stony Stratford This is
a wartime photograph, and at least warfare including the jamming of radar,
one of the group was subsequently the so-called " bending" of navigational
caught and executed signals etc. It should not be imagined how-
ever that all these techniques were entirely
new. As early as 1903 an American admiral
proclaimed "Wireless is totally unsuited
for war. The enemy could either hear all
conversations, or could jam transmissions
so nothing can be heard". In 1904 British
Intelligence was already analysing signals
received during the Russo-Japanese war!
The Admiralty codebreakers of Room 40
showed in World War 1 that radio traffic is
often far less secure than the senders
believe.
During World War Il the German U- Boat
Command developed a signals network
which " for complexity, flexibility and ef-
ficiency was probably unequalled in the
history of military communications". But
this did not prevent much valuable in-
disasters in 1940-42 in Norway, France, phones were constructed from small metal formation being derived from the signals,
Greece, Crete, the Western Desert, Hong cheese and sugar tins. Graphite from pencils both before and after the cracking of the
Kong, and Malaya — or shot down in enemy made effective resistors. Sheet metal plus complex German Navy Enigma machine-
or enemy- occupied territory. Efforts were a 4-inch nail were transformed into a cipher. Nor should we forget that many
made to establish uncensored com- variable capacitor. Over a period of seven Allied lives were lost at sea because of the
munication into and out of the camps months, enough tin foil and thin wrapping ability of the German codebreakers to read
without jeopardising the Red Cross con- paper was obtained from cigarette packets for several years the GBMS and GBXZ
ventions. Along with their "evader" packs, to make three smoothing capacitors. messages sent to merchant and Navy
some aircrew were taught " letter codes" vessels.
A small supply of thermionic valves was
and efforts were made to smuggle radio
located in an operating theatre of a nearby German wartime radio equipment was
books and components into the camps.
hospital to which the prisoners were taken built to superb mechanical standards. By
A number of sercret radio receivers when needing medical attention, but an comparison much British equipment had
were made and concealed in the camps excuse had to be found to get into the to be produced in a rush and was far from
under the eyes of the guards, although I place. At last, a prisoner complained of a reliable in tough environmental conditions.
have never found any firm evidence that pain in his stomach; he returned to camp Indeed the history of British wartime
two-way radio contact was ever established minus a perfectly sound appendix but with Service radio is often of lessons learned
with the POW (prisoner-of-war) camps. three valves concealed in his bandages. too late.

Tom Douglas, G3BA described some of In 1940 it was the Germans who taught
his work in making a radio receiver while a Valves concealed in the Allies that the key to successful mobile
prisoner in the Far East in the BBC Open warfare, or " blitzkreig", was the effective
Door programme in 1979. Another account
his bandages co-ordination of armoured forces, with
comes from New Zealand: Herb Dixon, close air support and motorised infantry
ZI2B0, a lieutenant in the RNZNVR, was On its first trial, in July 1943, this receiver and artillery, by means of good tactical
taken prisoner after the fall of Hong Kong, successfully picked up a BBC programme radio communications. They also showed,
early in 1942. During the following months on 9.5MHz and the latest news from England in the short Norwegian campaign, that
he played a leading role in making and was soon circulating secretly within the even low-power clandestine " suitcase"
using three hf receivers in prison camps camp. A continuing problem was conceal- radios could provide a reliable and valuable
on the island ment of the sets from the regular searches communications aid. By comparison British
can-led out by prison guards. In Shamshuipo military communications thinking had pro-
To convert an old broadcast receiver,
camp, receiver and batteries were kept, in gressed little in the inter-war years, and
smuggled into one camp, flux was made
a watertight container, in one of the lavatory the 1930s designs were crude.
from pine- gum scraped from firewood,
cisterns continuously submerged under
involving careful inspection of every piece One reason, perhaps, was the absence
water. At North Point, a hole was dug
of wood brought into the camp. Solder was of any significant indigenous amateur radio
beneath one of the huts while a Canadian
scrounged from the tag- boards of old industry. Admittedly, Eddystone produced
military band was persuaded to play loudly
power equipment. Prisoners contributed a good deal of vhf equipment during the
outside to drown the noise.
300 torch cells to provide an ht supply. At war, although successively bombed out of
another camp, the receiver was built from However, on September 21, 1943, after a two Birmingham factories and finally set
scratch. An abandoned Austin 7 car pro- four-hour search, the receiver was located. up in a local swimming baths! The tiny
vided wire, nuts and bolts; the rim of the Herb Dixon, ZL2B0, was one of nine officers Quartz Crystal Company, established by
horn formed a vernier tuning dial. Head- harshly interrogated and sentenced to 15 Ernie Dedman, G2NH, was overwhelmed

13
 THE SECRETS
nected; receivers for rtty were usually of RSS realised the need to expand this
Hammarlund Super Pros. Hallicrafters rather shadowy organisation. He consulted
made 18,000 BC610 transmitters, 50,000 Ken Alford, G2DX who suggested that

OF WARTVE SX28 hf receivers and many S36 ( BC787B)

vhf receivers covering 27 to 140MHz.
radio amateurs would be willing to help,
and advised him to talk to Arthur Watts,

RADIO Clandestine "suitcase" and special

equipments were built by Special Com-
G6UN then President of the RSGB. Over the
next months more than 1000 British
amateurs still in civilian jobs were ap-
by orders for thousands upon thousands munications at Whaddon and Little
proached, asked to sign the Official Secrets
of crystals but was given priority help in Norwood; by Special Operations Executive
Act, given security clearance, and then
expanding facilities. (Special Forces) at Stoneleigh; by British
told to listen at home for any suspicious
industry for SOE; and by a group of Polish
Designs were often shared between stations that could not be positively
engineers at a small factory in Hertfordshire.
several factories and firms. In June 1940, identified.
A number of radio amateurs were con-
Marconi began production of what became
cerned with the SCU and SOE projects, At this time also, RSS became directly
80,000 T1154/R1155 mf/hf transmitter/
including Major John Brown, G3EUR who involved in the first of the many " Double-
receiver units, based on their 1937 civil air- designed the B2 equipment which was Cross" operations. A German suitcase radio
craft design AD67/AD77. These went into
certainly the best design for "para- military" transmitter had been delivered in Spring
all aircraft of Bomber Command as well as
operation in situations where relatively
many fighter-bombers, flying boats, recon- Below: A Mark 3 transmitter and HRO
heavy equipment could be used. For
naissance aircraft, ground stations, air-sea receiver in use at Eindhoven in the
Western Europe, SOE's A3 ( the so-called
rescue launches and the like. British, winter of 1944/45. Although originally
B2 Minor) built by Marconi was a deservedly
Canadian and American firms produced popular design, although pick of the bunch fitted in a signals vehicle, such stations
several versions of the standard No 19 was indisputably the Polish AP series using were often brought into more
vehicle set, though this design was sub- comfortable surroundings. Working the
a keyed 6L6 crystal- controlled power
jected to last-minute changes, poor quality oscillator with a small three-valve superhet home made "bug" key is Watson Peat
components and proved far from reliable receiver (6K8, 6SJ7 and 6SC7). GM3AVA Bottom of page: Early SOE
in North Africa. Rather better was the suitcase transmitter/receiver. This is the
Marconi CR100 (B28) communications The war of secrets Mk2 model of which more than 1000
receiver, one of the few British designs that The Services recognised in setting up were manufactured by Marconi to an
came near to achieving the performance of the RNV(W)R and CWR that war imposes SOE 1941 design A number were given
the many receivers brought across the urgent need for radio operators and tech- to the USSR but it was also used in
Atlantic, including the National HRO and nicians requiring only a minimum of Western Europe (photo Dick Rollema
RCA ARM. additional training. A similar, though less PAoSE).
foreseen, need arose also for the Secret
Until Pearl Harbor, the British were able
Services.
to buy much of the output of a number of
American equipment and component firms. The Security Service ( MI5) already
The large amateur market in North America included a radio section (RSS) and as
had led, by the late thirties, to some peace faded a number of Post Office inter-
excellent high-performance communi- ference- tracing teams were earmarked for
cations receivers by such firms as National, tracing mf radio beacons that might be set
Hammarlund, Hallicrafters and RCA Arthur up in the UK by persons working on behalf
Collins, WOCXX, had established a reputation of the enemy. A number of Voluntary Inter-
ceptors were also recruited, at first mostly
among Post Office staff, " to intercept,
The tracing of MF locate and close down illicit wireless stations
beacons in the UK operated either by enemy agents in Great
Britain or by other persons not being
just before the war licensed to do so under Defence Regulations,
1939".
for making fine transmitters for aviation as Soon after war broke out, Lord Sandhurst
well as amateur purposes.
Many American equipments were brought
into the UK for the intercept stations of the
Y service and for the special intercept
organisation set up initially by the Radio
Security Service ( MI5). American com-
ponents were also used almost exclusively
by Special Communications for clandestine
equipments, and for the Mark 3 and Mark
10 transmitters used in distributing the
Ultra intelligence to Overseas Commands.

These purchases helped prepare

American industry for the communications
requirements of its own Services. Un-
doubtedly the most effective of all Allied
signals vehicles were the SCR299/SCR399
units comprising an Hallicrafters HT4
(BC610) 400W transmitter, two BC348
receivers and a trailer-mounted petrol-
electric generator. The Americans also
benefited from the early development of
mobile fm equipment as a result of the
work of Howard Armstrong. Radio- teletype
equipments were used first in North Africa
— a joint-project with which Christopher
Her.n-Collins, GU5ZC was closely con-

14
1939 at Victoria Station to Arthur Owens, a
Welsh electrical engineer who, in the 1930s,
had worked both for the Abwehr and for
British Intelligence. With Owens's set,
signal plan and code a V.I. operator made
contact with the large Abwehr Hamburg
control station run by Major Trautmann.
Spurred on by this success, the V.I. noted
that Hamburg was contacting other
stations, including what proved to be a
clandestine ship sailing in Norwegian
waters. Other V.I.s began to report similar
traffic and an elaborate complex of Abwehr
and Police ( RSHA) radio communications
began to emerge, including a highly ef-
fective system for relaying messages from
observation posts around the Iberian
peninsula, reporting Allied ship movements
to a control station in Madrid that was in espionage value soon attracted interest Group leaders and RSS staff at the
hourly contact with Berlin. — and some jealousy — on the part of the Leatherhead Regional Office which
Meanwhile parallel work was being Secret Intelligence Service ( MI6). SIS was includes Lord Sandhurst and many well
undertaken by the French Special Services still smarting from the blow inflicted on its known Home Counties radio amateurs
radio organisation under Gustave Bertrand, activities by the kidnapping in November Among those identified are G2IZ G2QY,
intercepting traffic from the German 1939 of two of its officers at Venlo, in G2CD, G6UN, G6CJ, G60T, G6NF, G2NS
Wiesbaden control station and also Holland, and the subsequent "blowing" of G2BV, G5WP, G6WN G2NM, and C,2XP.
a large part of its European activities. Photograph taken in the summer of '45
"playing back" the radio of a controlled
German agent. After the fall of Norway and by SE Janes, G2FWA
Through the personal intervention of
France, the German networks rapidly ex- the Prime Minister (Winston Churchill who as the Mark 3 (807 pa) and Mark 10 (813
panded until they covered virtually all of cherished a strong belief in the value of pa) — the designs for which are believed to
Europe and North Africa, while the Signals Intelligence), MI6 was given prime have originated in various amateur radio
Hamburg station also worked to agents in control of a large part of the RSS operation, handbooks! Soon the organisation was
North and South America ( some genuine, under the designation MI8c. An early result called upon to provide equipment and
others including that of William Seborg in was the decision to set up special full-time operators for the special network needed
New York controlled by the FBI). Bertrand intercept stations, concentrating solely to distribute " Ultra" intelligence to the
continued his codebreaking activities in the upon enemy Intelligence communications, overseas Commands, and then to run the
unoccupied zone of France until November at Hanslope Park, near Bletchley and at clandestine radio links with occupied
1942, radioing information to Britain. Forfar in Scotland, supported by its own Europe, including — for a time — those
An analysis carried out in the summer of d/f network From late 1941 a large number controlled by the rival Special Operations
1940 showed that the Wiesbaden traffic in of V.I.s, including many radio amateurs, Executive set up in 1940 to " set Europe
the spring had contained many clues, un- were specially enlisted into Special Com- ablaze".
noticed at the time, to the German offensive munication Unit No 3, overtly part of the
Royal Corps of Signals, but in reality con- Until his death at the end of 1941, one of
of May 1940. This underlined the valuable
trolled by MI6 from its headquarters at G-P's senior assistants was Leslie Lambert,
strategic information that could be gleaned
Broadway Buildings in London and G2ST, a one-time professional stage
from tapping into the German spy networks,
Whaddon Hall, near Bletchley. Similar magician. He had been engaged in Sigint
as well as their value for finding out what
material was also intercepted in the Middle since before the start of World War I, but
the enemy Intelligence services were doing.
East, primarily at the Services- controlled was known to millions of radio listeners as
"Y" intercept station at Heliopolis where "A.J. Alan" the most polished and most
Secret listeners on there were often many radio amateurs. popular radio story-teller of all time.
the HF band John Roscoe, G4QK, was concerned with The clandestine operators
devices ( RFP and TINA) for identifying
I have to confess that in nearly 50 years
By the end of 1940, RSS had a large and individual transmitters and operators.
of short-wave radio, the operators that I
effective V.I. system with hundreds of logs SCU3, it must be admitted, was al- have admired most were those who dared
and QTCs flooding into " Box 25, Barnet" together less adept than RSS at handling tap out messages from enemy-occupied
but hampered by the problem that most of the highly individualistic radio amateurs territory. Every time they pressed the key
the volunteers had full-time jobs during who sought to make the"Country Farmyard" they knew that skilled ORPO d/f teams
the daytime. At Bletchley Park, Dilwyn (Hanslope Park) a reflection more of were probably listening, ready to close in
Knox cracked the ciphers and broke into National Field Day than a conventional on them. Although the casualty rate was
more and more of this unique source of military establishment. Viewed in retros- perhaps less than that of the w/t operators
Intelligence. Main Police and Abwehr hand pect, the amateurs won— but not without a of Bomber Command, the stress undoub-
ciphers were broken from December 1940 struggle! tedly was greater. Relatively few of the
onwards, but it took another year before agents in the field were former radio
the Abwehr's Enigma machine- cipher was Yet the heart of Special Communications
amateurs. Most were newly and all- too-
matered; BP never succeeded in breaking was far from an orthodox organisation. It
hurriedly trained young men and women
the Gestapo Enigma. was under Brigadier (Sir) Richard Gambier-
or ex-Service, ex- marine, ex- aeronautical
Parry, ex-G2DV, ex- BBC, who had been
At Barnet, a highly-effective " discrimi- operators.
attached, as they say, to the Foreign Office
nation" section run by K. Morton Evans, in 1938 to run radio communications for Agents and/or transmitting equipment
G5KJ, supported by the regional Group British Intelligence (a fact known to the were infiltrated into occupied Europe by
Leaders, almost all ex-amateurs, helped Germans after Venle, if not to the British parachute, by submarine, by feluccas and
and encouraged the secret listeners to public). He gathered around him a very other disguised fishing boats, stepped out
spend hours searching the hf band, despite varied collection of professional com- of the daringly- landed Lysanders and
the " distraction" of the air- raids of 1940- munications engineers, radio amateurs, Hudsons of No 161 Squadron, or came in
41.
professional and ex-Service operators at by those curiously commodious "diplo-
The success of RSS in providing, first to provide radio links with Intelligence matic bags". Some equipment was secretly
separately from the established Y service, stations overseas, usually located within built under the shadow of the enemy,
information of military as well as counter- the embassies, and using transmitters such particularly in Denmark and Holland

15
 THE SECRETS
OF WARTIME
RADIO
It needs to be recognised that when any
radio- equipped agent, well or indifferently
trained, is infiltrated into enemy-occupied
territory any of a number of things may
happen. He or she may succeed in the
mission, remain at liberty and transmit-
ting. The agent may believe he has succeeded
yet in fact be working under secret sur-
veillance or transmitting messages stem-
ming from the enemy who may have already
secretly penetrated the network The agent
on arrival may be quickly captured, possibly
even being met by an enemy-organised
reception party. He or she may then
volunteer or be persuaded to act as a
controlled agent; the agent may already be
a double agent using this means of returning
to his masters or penetrating the network.
He may reach his destination but be unable
to make radio contact, possibly due to
faulty equipment, inexperience or loss of
nerve or loss of crystals.

Capturing members of
the Red Orchestra

During World War 2 the counter-

espionage organisations became adept at
running"radio games" (Funkspiel). Virtually
all German agents in the UK and most of
those in the Middle East, were run by the
British. The Germans ran the SOE networks
in Holland (Operation Northpole) in 1942-
43 and also penetrated a number of the
French networks. They also continued to
send messages to the USSR after capturing
operators of the so-called Red Orchestra.
A number of RSS operators spent many
months of the war transmitting messages
to the Abwehr stations in Germany, France
and Spain. They were radio amateurs who
had entered the shadowy world of counter-
espionage through the V.I. system. front of the families giving them shelter, Two of SOE's best suitcase
some together with those families, some transmitter/receiver designs. Top is the
In the early spring of 1941, 25-year-old
were executed after imprisonment, some B2 equipment designed by John
Andreas Bertnes, LA6R, a medical student,
perished in the final holocaust of the Brown. G3EUR of which more than
was arrested by the Germans in Norway.
concentration camps. 7000 were manufactured in the SOE
He was accused of espionage, illegally
France, more than most occupied "factory" at Stonebridge Park Below it
using a radio transmitter, and shot early in
countries, was beset by doubts and by is the smaller A3 equipment with a 7C5
1942.
divided loyalties brought about by the power oscillator. Some 4000 of these
In Holland in Summer 1944 W. J. existence of a " legal" Vichy government. were made by Marconi.
Dalmijn, PAODD took over the running of Many myths have been created about
the OD-section of the Binnenlandse Radio- French Resistance in which De Gaulle's
dienst — a clandestine radio network set up followers were the good guys and Vichyites Special Forces who established their main
by the dutch themselves to aid in the all collaborationists. The truth is much less base station " Charlie" at Poundon.
liberation of their country. OD was one of black and white. In particular little credit
the Dutch Resistance organisations that has been given to the remarkable help Relatively few French amateurs were
contributed to this network which, from given to the Allies by the highly professional involved in the links. But there were some.
September 1944 to May 1945, sent a French Special Services, while nominally After the collapse of France in 1940, Robert
stream of information to Eindhoven from working on behalf of the Petain government Perton, F3IQ returned from military service
the occupied north. Dutch amateurs took at Vichy and so highly suspect to De and set about constructing a transmitter
a full part in the radio links of the OD and Gaulle's secret services. which was used for communications with
RVV groups, although RVV relied mainly on From Spring 1941 radio links with France Britain for more than a year. In order to
several highly skilled Dutch KLM airline were made, broken, remade, penetrated, disrupt the monitoring services, be built an
operators. Both OD and RVV suffered remade and rebroken almost continuously "interference generator" which he installed
severely from German raids. Some opera- until the liberation of France in 1944, both not far from the local d/f service and which
tors were executed on the spot, some in by Special Communications and by SOW was switched on at times when the trans-

16
mitter was in use. As a radio repair tech- organised the radio communications in
nician he also took an unusually long time support of these operations. Surprisingly
when requested to repair faulty equip- the full story has never been told of this
ment of the d/f team. secret cross-channel ferry that rivalled, in
even more dangerous waters, the "Shetland
Resistance movements, intelligence-
Bus" that served Norway. Norwegian radio
gathering and escape organisations, sup-
agents, incidentally, worked to an SCU
ported by clandestine radio links, often
station in Scotland. Most of the other SIS
came into being spontaneously, founded base stations were in the Bletchley area.
on courage and idealism. It was only later
By the time of the invasion of France in
that they tended to become deeply involved
June 1944, a number of the French clan-
in politics. History has not treated clan-
destine links were known to have been
destine activity kindly. Admittedly, war-
penetrated by the Germans; indeed over
time Resistance fathered the techniques
25 of the " alert" and " imminent action"
now associated with urban terrorism; the
iodoform messages (personal messages)
plastic explosives; the assassination squads;
broadcast by the BBC to the French
the taking of hostages; the extortion of
Resistance were known to the Germans in
funds; the savage reprisals.
advance. Fortunately the enemy was mis-
A French amateur, Claude Gremont, led by Allied deception plans - including
F5HS wrote to me in 1982: " I find it rather the creation of phantom "armies" by means
moving that the British pay a tribute to a of false signals traffic - into putting only
somewhat forgotten corporation. Here, in their forces in the Pas de Calais area on to
France, the best thing you can expect, full alert. For the invasion, SOE and OSS,
when you are brought to confess that you together forming Special Forces, concen-
A youthful- looking Pat Hawker, G3VA This is
have been a radio agent, is an ironic smile". trated on their Jedbergh para- military
a photograph taken in Brussels in 1944
Yet, at the time, Leon Faye, military head of teams with uniformed signallers using suit-
where he found himself after spending six
the large Alliance organisation, wrote in weeks in Paris immediately following the case sets; SIS took part in a joint British/
prison shortly before his death: "Close never-to-be-forgotten liberation in August French/American operation called "Sussex"
down the prisons, throw out the ex- 1944. Later, he spent six months in Eindhoven that had as its target the putting into
ecutioners... later the historians will give working for the secret internal radio service France of 50 two- man teams of French
their verdict. Now we need unity not of the Dutch Underground, feeling sorrow agents, equipped with battery-operated
reprisals, work and not chaos. These are but admiration for the Dutch operators radios, to report German military
my last wishes". As George Mangakis has across the rivers in still-occupied territory. movements.
put it: "Resistance starts with very little
One of the devices made for this operation
steps of human dignity. You find the SOE and SIS is a lamentable but perhaps
was the Mark 21 transmitter-receiver based
courage from the feeling that you will inevitable feature of our affairs". One reason
on the then new miniature 1.4V filament
shame yourself every morning in the mirror was that SIS felt that sabotage and covert
valves and layer batteries. Again, it is sad to
- and so you act". paramilitary operations tended to stir up
note that the great courage displayed by
German countermeasures; Intelligence and
some of the French " Sussex" teams has
escape networks prefer to work alongside
Messages flowed in apparently dormant populations rather
never been presented to the British public.

and out of Europe than in an atmosphere of police raids and

hostage taking. Reporting German
Although the Signals Directorate of SOE
Those British and American radio
military manoeuvres
and SIS's Special Communications both
amateurs and others who, in Special included significant numbers of former
Communications or Special Forces, en- amateurs, there was little mutual co- The end of hostilities in Europe in May
deavoured to assist the clandestine oper- operation and from 1942 both tended to go 1945 and in the Far East in August 1945 did
ators from the comparative safety of UK or their own way. Both for example developed not bring an immediate restoration of
overseas base stations, were acutely aware rit links with Resistance groups from high- amateur radio activities although the bands
of the dangers facing those in the field - flying aircraft. Special Communications began to fill up with strange callsigns con-
and of the many deficiences of the early used American fm equipment on about cocted by serviceman still waiting for their
British suitcase radios (compared to either 30MHz to contact French and Belgian demob number to come up. By then there
the German or the Anglo- Polish sets) and groups; SOE, in a number of theatres of was often a profound disenchantment with
of the operating procedures. Special Forces operation, used 450MHz S-Phone equip- all matters military. The euphoria of the
made valiant efforts to overcome the ment developed by Captain Bert Lane. I "liberated" cities had been followed by the
technical problems with their A3 and B2 believe he was a pre-war amateur working rough justice of the "cleansing" of col-
designs. SIS tended to rely more on what it in the radio industry but cannot trace his laborationtionists; the "blitz" and the V-
believed was its greater expertise in con- callsign. This in turn led to the development weapons had to be set against acres of
ducting covert activities and its penetration of the American OSS 260MHz "Joan- devastation in the Ruhr, Hamburg and
of the activities of the German counter- Eleanor" equipment which Al Gross, W8PAL Dresden; the Burma railroad against
espionage teams. Both organisations made claims to have been the direct predecessor Hiroshima.
serious mistakes; both achieved some re- of the first post-war 465MHz CB equipment. Sir Martin Ryle, G3CY, who spent six war
markable successes. Many thousands of "J- E" was used in the final stages of the
years working as one of the T.RE. back-
messages flowed in and out of Europe. Nor European war to contact agents in Germany room boys on radar, has put it thus: " By
should we forget the work of the Coast - up to then virtually all clandestine links the end of the war we were all very tired.
Watchers in the Pacific. had been to the marginally less dangerous Few of us knew precisely what we wanted
occupied countries. todo. . . 1certainly knew what I didn't want
Any rivalries that may have existed
between members of the Royal Navy, RAF Converted French fishing boats, based to do ... I wanted nothing more to do with
and Army pale into insignificance beside in Falmouth and the Helford estuary, were military equipment... to go on designing
those that are endemic within different used in 1942-44 to slip across the Channel bigger and better radars in preparation for
secret services, though fortunately few to take, and bring back, agents and written the next war".
had such far reaching results as the bitter reports. The vessels carried Special So finally, it was good to be back on the
conflict between the Abwehr and the SD Communications Mark 3 transmitters and air. International friendship rather than
(Gestapo). Nevertheless Churchill in 1944 often used a callsign that was, in fact, the conflict or Intelligence intrigue. The ideals
was driven to write: "The warfare between mitais of the old-time radio amateur who of true Amateur Radio!

17
 order intercept point", for instance, and So we felt that in reviewing receivers
who can say how relevant it is, or isn't to we'd do well to keep hyper-technicalities
receiver performance? out of it. But it's your magazine and we
need to hear from you about what you'd
All the magazines tend to publish things
like to see. The questionnaire helped a lot,
like this, and they blithely assume you're as
but we have a heavy programme of reviews
familiar with noise floors, synthesiser phase
scheduled for this year and we're just
noise and jitter as you are with your
wasting space if we aren't doing them in a
breakfast cornflakes. Now this isn't neces-
way which helps the majority of our readers.
sarily so. It's supposed to be a hobby,
chaps, and it's all very well for RadCom to Right then — enough of the thoughts of
do in-depth esoteric reviews, but we'd be Chairman Drake, what about this radio?
interested to know what proportion of We tend to like Icom gear because it seems
amateurs really understand the concepts to have that little something extra; from
behind all the big words and how much the technical point of view, the designs
they influence their choice of one rig have a certain flair that makes us grin a
The Icom ICR70 is the latest in a line of
against another. We're planning an article little when we see it in the circuit, and they
general coverage HF receivers from various
on " testing techniques" for a future issue, have a good reputation for reliability. Our
manufacturers which use broadly similar
by the way. first ever mobile rig was an Icom and it
circuitry. For what they do they're all
served well for years until someone nicked
cheap and they perform well in use. Such
it out of my wife's car — ah well, that's life.
radios as the Trio R1000, which is discussed
Wants something So we were most pleased to see that Icom
in this issue, the Yaesu FRG7700 and now
had followed the trend and produced a
the R70 all offer similar facilities and are all better
general coverage HF band receiver, and
worth thinking about if you want general
we were delighted when the lads at Thanet
coverage of the HF bands.
And when it comes to receivers, we need Electronics suggested we give it the old
All of these receivers use frequency syn-
to think even more carefully about who once-over.
thesiser techniques of one sort or another,
usually tuning from practically DC up to buys them. We imagine — maybe wrongly, So it duly arrived courtesy of Securicor,
30MHz in 1MHz segments. The modern but from what people tell us we think not — and we whipped it into my office before
trend also is to use something called " up- that the man who buys this sort of receiver Technical Bed could carry it off into his
conversion", which we'll get to shortly — does so because he's interested in radio den for a fate worse than death. It came
this is a good way of getting rid of certain and HF listening and wants something packed securely in polythene and polyst-
nasties which afflict the classic superhet- better than the multiband portable with all yrene packing pieces, along with what
with-455kHz-or-10.7 MHz- 1F if yore. So the HF bands crammed into about an inch looked like a comprehensive instruction
what about the newcomer, the Icom ICR70? on the tuning dial and which can't really book
Is it different, better or what? cope with CW or SSB. Since he hasn't yet
got to the RAE stage and is really only just First step was to sit the rig on the desk
Here again, before we wade in and talk coming to terms with what the hobby is all and have a read of the book to get the
about the receiver itself, we ought to have about, he's going to be even less likely than general idea of how it was supposed to
a word or two about our approach to Mr Average Amateur to nod his head sagely work — the book was typically Icom, with
reviews. Now although we have access to when some article discourses wisely about nary a trace of "Japanglish" and lots
some good test gear (and, more important, Minimum Discernible Signal and VCX0s of good solid information. There was a
people who know how to use it) it's worth which interpolate the Hz in the synthesiser. good clear description of the facilities, and
pondering about how to test something. a nice circuit description and trouble-
Amateur radio equipment is complex, and shooting guide at the end. So after a good
Amateur Radio's technical
not everyone is over- familiar with some of ponder, we turned to the rig itself. The
the more advanced concepts which you staff put this excellent manual, plus the very clear circuit diagram
can use to state the performance of things. and layout chart got nicked by the techni-
Hands up those who can define " third-
receiver through its paces. cal office, and mutterings and grunts were

IC01111 IC R70

18
 12 HAM BAND/GENERAL COVERAGE
SELECTOR SWITCH
II DIMMER SWITCH
30 SIGNAL INDICATOR
29 MUTE INDICATOR
(
US-METER 31 FM TUNING INDICATOR
AGC TIMING SWITCH 32 RIT INDICATOR
®NB TIMING SWITCH 33 MODE/FREQUENCY DISPLAY

()MONITOR CONTROL

œNOISE BLANKER
SWITCH
®MODE SELECT ___
SWITHCES
®POWER SWITCH
()FUNCTION KEY --
vie PHONES JACK-

RECOR DER JACK

20 NOTCH FILTER
C)PREAMP/ATT SWITCH CONTROL
21 PB TUNE CONTROL
(24`AF GAIN CONTROL
119 NOTCH FILTER SWITCH
(25 RF GAIN GONTROL
18 RIT SWITCH
VFO EQUALIZING SWITCH
17 RIT CONTROL
26 SQUELCH CONTROL 16 DIAL LOCK SWITCH
27 TONE CONTROL 15 TUNING RATE SWITCHES
10,VFO SWITCH 14 TUNING CONTROL KNOB
13 BAND UP/DOWN SWITCH

heard to emerge from their room until we

shut the door and left them to get their test
routine sorted out. Dreadful lot, they are —
they'll even swipe your coffee if you turn
your back for a second, and whole linear
amplifiers disappear over lunch .. .

First impression of the wireless was of a

solidly built and clearly laid out device — it
turned the office scales at a hefty 10 lbs
and the front panel was dominated by the
VFO knob, with the speaker to its right and
a big S- meter to the left. We plugged in and
everything lit up — so much so, in fact, that
we thought for an awful moment that we'd
set the voltage selector wrongly! The
digital display was the brightest we've ever
seen, and the S- meter almost hurt our eyes
to look at. Even strong sunlight didn't
bother the display one iota, which is more
than you can say for many LED- type
readouts. Very good, although when it antenna if you're interested in reception Top of this page: Front panel with
came to tests late at night (we had some below 1.6MHz, or you can use your usual controls explained. The circled numbers
fun with a homebrew 50 MHz converter HF dipole or beam or whatever for general refer to items in the kom instruction
and the R70 later in the tests) we were glad listening around if you aren't after optimum manual Above: With the top casing
that there was a dimmer switch. performance. To begin with, we hooked removed, the interior looks extremely
our three-element triband antenna to the complicated and it should be, for the
It was then a matter of plugging an
R70 and settled down to get the feel of it. facilities it boasts.
antenna in, and the R70 showed its breeding
right away by having two antenna sockets, In a sense there are two receivers in one Since the R70 has a microprocessor inside
one for a balanced 50ohm input and one because you can set a switch which either it to look after the housekeeping and
for " low band" operation with a random confines you to amateur band coverage general chores, it always comes up in the
length of wire. The receiver switches to only or gives you the whole works from right mode as far as sidebands are con-
this latter terminal automatically unless 100kHz up to 29.999MHz. With the switch cerned — upper for 15MHz, lower for 7MHz,
you've connected the two sockets together set to GEN, the machine starts up set to the for instance — and we also like the way it
with a switch on the rear panel. Very nifty— 15MHz band, actually at the bottom of it, comes on at 7.1MHz so that you're all set
you can either use a proper dedicated and set to HAM it comes on an 7.1MHz. to tune down the band. Since it's LSB on

19
 with a notch filter. Both of these worked found was the dual VF0s. Being synthesised,
well, and with a little tweaking and getting all the frequencies you tune are generated
used to things we were copying DJ2FV or electronically, so to speak, instead of the
CW within 1 kHz of Radio Tirana doing its old variable- capacitor type VFO, and this
usual nonsense on 7065 or thereabouts. means that it's easy enough to have two of
This also suggested that the front end was them. It might not seem obvious why you
doing rather well, and this impression was might want two, but there are several
confirmed as we got used to things. reasons; one is that DX operations often
involve " split" working whereby the man
There is a three- position switch which
transmits on one frequency and the raven-
gives you the option of a wideband preamp
ing hordes attempt to speak to him on
and about 10dB gain from a pair of push-
another, or indeed a whole band of them if
pull JFETs, no preamp and the signal being
he's the Rarest of the Rare.
fed straight to the first mixer (which is a -
high-level Double Balanced type that It's useful to be able to switch quickly
looked very purposefully and properly between frequencies to see what's going
that band, that always feels more natural designed) or a 20dB attenuator before said on. Equally, there is a memory facility in
to us, just as it does to tune up a band mixer. On 7 MHz, we found that the the R70 so you can elect either to store
where signals are LSB. preamp produced very slight intermod frequencies after you've switched off or
products at times but at no time would not. If there's one channel you monitor a
To the right of the VFO dial are push- lot, it's nice to put this in one VFO and scan
they have made the difference between
button switches with a lovely light action around it with the other. In fact, to sum up,
copying a callsign and not, whereas with
which you use to set the steps you want
the preamp out the signal handling was once you've used any rig with two VF0s,
the VFO to tune in. You have the option of
first rate — as later tests showed, the
lkHz, 100Hz or 10Hz, which is good ( some Below: Side view with the top off Note
dynamic range on this band was 92dB with
earlier synthesised radios didn't have a the well designed layout of all things
the preamp out, which is pretty good. If
10Hz step, which made life a misery if you electronic. Bottom of page: Rear view
you neither know nor care what " dynamic
were trying to winkle out weak CW signals taken from the instruction manual As
range" is, don't let it bother you.
in heavy QRM) and in use these were really before, the circled numbers refer to data
nice. The way we ended up tuning the The other nice operating feature we in the manual
receiver, being right-handed, was to tune
the VFO with first finger and thumb and
change steps with the second finger, and it
worked like a charm.
Technical Editor is left-handed, and he
used his thumb to change steps — both of
us were impressed with the way it worked
out in practice.

So it was time for some serious listening

around, in order to establish the feel of the
receiver and to get some idea of how good
the front-end was and what the filtering
was like. First stop, as always, was 7MHz —
this is our regular test track for receivers
because there's a mixture of weak CW and
rock- crushing broadcasts and it takes a
good wireless to cope with it. So we
connected the 7MHz dipole and set our-
selves up.

First thing was to establish how good,

and how versatile, the filters are in the R70
— basically it has passband tuning coupled

20
you feel lost when you corne to use
Cable Connections for a Transceiver or Transmitter
another that hasn't
ANTENNA
We then switched to 4MHz, in the hope
Shielded wire
that the Woodpecker would be there so
that we could try out the noise blanker. In
fact it wasn't, but when we fished around IC.R70 TRANSMITTER -
we found it pecking away at about 11 MHz.
The Blanker in the R70 has two positions, SEND
ANT
0
narrow and wide, and we found that the F
MUTE
"wide" setting practically stopped the RCV
ANT
thing dead! This was very good, except
ANT
that we came across what must have been
a local signal testing on 11.120MHz — it was
•TheSEND terminal should be
very strong, and the blanker didn't like this grounded in the transmit mode.
Coaxial Cable
too much and the voice announcing that it
was testing got a bit strangulated.

However, this was a bit academic

because it was a lot stronger than the
pecker and any signal less strong than
about S9 + 10dB didn't suffer in this way.
The " narrow' setting was very good, taking
out the racket from sister magazine Rally
Sport's nasty Mini which they were playing
with outside the office in usual style. So
that was pretty good, and indeed we've
only used one better noise blanker to date,
in the TS830. That was superb — but the
R70's was pretty damned good and should
stop a lot of the rot on the HF bands.

Squelch with FM in
mind - it worked a
treat

There is an optional FM board for the

R70 which ours didn't have fitted so we
couldn't test that — however, one control
which is obviously fitted with FM in mind is
a squelch. Surprisingly, this worked well on
other signals; we sat on a frequency in the tuned by the set itself) immediately re- Top of page: Cable connections for a
10MHz band for a while listening to an moves a lot of potential problems con- transceiver or transmitter. Above:
aircraft talking to its operations centre on cerning selectivity, the front end came out Showing the pcb, AM SSB, and CW
SSB, and the squelch worked a treat. It pretty nigh bomb- proof ( a third- order filters lower centre of picture. Option
would be especially handy if you wanted to intercept point on 7MHz of +4 dBm) and in filter is laid out neatly at lower left The
use the R70 with a VHF converter because particular the rig had the lowest drift neatness of the designed- in components
you could then monitor, say, the 144MHz figures we've seen so far. and the layout makes fault-finding (for
FM channels without blasting your lugholes the professional!) an interesting job.
You could switch off, switch on again
all evening. Full marks for that.
three hours later and it hadn't budged,
In fact, there's a separate input for which is good. The synthesiser was about floor or whatever, and it's a fact that you
converters and things, which takes you averagely quiet, which in practice means buy a receiver to use and to listen to radio
straight into the mixer. This is about the you won't miss anything you particularly stations rather than to fret about how
best way to do it, since any respectable want to hear, and the reciprocal mixing much phase noise the synthesiser has. The
converter is going to put a fair amount of figure was also a bit better than average for Icom R70 is a user's radio — it isn't an ego-
gain ahead of the receiver front end and this sort of radio. massaging device with more lights and
you stand less chance of running into hooters than Cape Kennedy, and it will
At the end of the day, though, the hear the stations when you want it to. It
overload problems with this configuration.
question is how well does it do what it's deserves to sell like hot cakes, and Messrs
We tried a homebrew 50MHz machine and
supposed to do, how does it feel to use and Thanet will supply you with one for £469.
a Microwave Modules 432MHz device —
does it have useful facilities or just market- And not only to SWLs either— there's many
both worked well, and it was a treat to have
ing- type ones? In other words, is the basic a licenced chap who could give this little
all the facilities of the R70 available on the
radio good, or is it an average radio with beast a very good home!
other bands.
lots of peripheral bells and whistles to
So we thought we'd better hand the rig make you think it's a good one? ****
over to the other office so that they could Postscript: Just as we were finishing this
Our verdict is that the R70 is excellent
get out their measuring implements and review, we borrowed an RTTY decoder
Operationally speaking, it's delightful to
start hacking away. To sum up what they and VDU for an afternoon and tried it out
use and it's one of those that you can drive
found without all the big words, the R70 on the R70. It worked extremely well with
for several hours without getting frustrated—
performs extremely well and in many ways this mode, producing nice copy of all sorts
it feels right. The features it has are well
better than the makers say. In fact, the R70 of weird and wonderful things and we
thought out and useful, without being frilly
performs in some areas as well as com- found it very easy to use after five minutes
for the sake of it, and it backs these up with
mercial receivers costing a small fortune. with the instruction book Which just adds
an excellent technical performance.
The fact that it uses " up- conversion") to what we said earlier — the R70 is very
(which is where the first intermediate We feel that these things are infinitely versatile and useful and sets a standard for
frequency is higher than any frequency more important than the last dBm of noise others to follow.

21
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FIND OUT WITH

, Available at your Newsagent each and

every month price 85p
Last issue, we mentioned the
For the short wave listener going to do to the ionosphere
numbers game as played by that anybody is exactly sure write-up of a real classic in the this week?) that wreck the HF
someone in a heavy Cherman apart from the general details, shape of the Racal. This bands are involved with the
accent on the HF bands — but it's generally agreed to be is one of the great valve root cause of auroras. To be
well, to judge from the letters something called an over-the- receivers of all time, and without honest, we'd do an article on
we got, including one from the horizon radar system. The think- being rude to the makers of auroras and how they're formed,
good ol' U.S. of A. ( thank you ing behind it is that radar often modern radios we'd expect the only every time someone explains
sirrr), many of you have come uses microwave-type signals that Racal to beat the pants off it to me I get very confused and
across this. Condensing your travel in straight lines and hence practically anything from Japan my brain starts to emit noxious
letters into a few ideas, it seems don't have any range to speak from the point of view of signal gases and throbs a lot
that these transmissions origi- of over the " radio horizon". handling. Maybe we ought to
nate from the other side of the However, a radar using the HF put our money where our mouth
Harz Mountains — in the People's bands can bounce signals off is and do a direct comparison
Sporadic E
Democratic Republic of East the ionosphere in the usual way between an ARS8, say, and
Germany, no less — and either of short waves, and hence if you something like the Trio R1000 — One very nice letter in the
consist of messages using some- use enough urge you can get would you be interested? postbag this month, from Andy,
thing known as a " one-time signals back from targets thous- G4MAQ, asked us whether we
The HF bands seem to have
pad", which is apparently com- ands of miles away. could do a simple HF propaga-
been in a fairly patchy state since
pletely undecodable unless tion forecast each month — it'd
our last issue, actually — there've
you've got the corresponding be good for listeners and licen-
bit of paper, or the numbers
Fantastic power been some good periods but
cees alike. Well, yes — we think
the old sun hasn't been behaving
themselves are a cover for some we can and we're presently
quite according to plan and,
other kind of transmission. In fact, the Russian Wood- trying to make arrangements
instead of going quieter and
pecker seems to move up and with various clever chaps about
One correspondent sugges- letting the ionosphere calm down
down more or less with the getting the data and writing it
ted that it might be interesting a bit, there was some strong
MUF, which makes sense, and if up. We couldn't get it together
to break out the spectrum solar activity around Christmas
you assume that the noise you this month, unfortunately but
analyser and have a look at — at times the HF bands were
hear is related to its PRF (which watch this space and we should
what might be going on — well, stone dead and the VHF men
stands for Pulse Repetition Fre- have something for you next
we did have a go at this but the were having a ball with auroras
quency — a basic parameter of time. So until then — happy
twice we've heard the numbers and whatnot. It just shows you
radar) it has a theoretical range listening.
being read out coincided that it pays to be interested in
of more than one thousand
with weak signals and a lot of both; a day when the HF bands Oh, by the way, don't forget
miles. Mind you, there's probably
noise and crud on the band and sound as though someone's ab- that the VHF Sporadic E season
a lot more to the Woodpecker
we got precisely nowhere. olished the F- layer probably is creeping upon us. And don't
than that and we don't pretend
means that 144MHz is full of forget to give your VHF rig a
We weren't that convinced to know the last word about it.
fellas calling CQ Aurora in husky, polish and keep the beam looking
that we would, with all respect It's apparently located in a place
echoing voices and tapping at south or thereabouts in a week
to the chap who took the trouble called Poltava, and is running
the Morse key nineteen to the or two, keeping an ear open for
to write, because we couldn't some fantastic amount of power
dozen. The intense solar activity those crashing great E signals.
think of a way of encoding an into a fairly monumental antenna
and geomagnetic whatsits (it's People have thought in the past
HF signal in such a way as to array — bet the inhabitants of
all on the GB2RS Sunday news that someone was hoaxing them,
transmit other information on it that town get some problems
bulletin, although we must con- because surely stations from
without running into trouble with their balalaika music on
fess to only understanding about that far away couldn't be so
from fading and distortion of the mid- fi!
one word in five of the propa- loud? Well, they sure can, so
various nasty sorts.
We seem to remember an gation news — couldn't they keep an ear out. It sometimes
Be that as it may, a man from esoteric analysis of exactly what write it for the bod with some- helps to listen to VHF FM broad-
the United States wrote to say the pulses were in Wireless thing approximating the Average casts in Band Il to get some
that they get them too! Appar- World some time last year but it British Brain instead of the chap forewarning, although often the
ently they emanate from Their was about a million times too who probably confers with the ionisation doesn't get up as far
"Man" in Havana, or so he thinks, clever for the likes of us; if Angel Gabriel about what they're as 144MHz See you next time...
and she goes on for hours and anyone can explain the beast in
hours in a sort of Spanish German words of one syllable we'd be
accent. She's known in some delighted to hear from you. It's ;11111151118111111111811111111111111118111811111.11111111118111111111111Ilà
OM
quarters as Havana Harriet, and
the European version is Mag-
your column, remember? Tell
us what you've heard and what
THIS BOOK WILL
HELP YOU PASS
▪l
e
deburg Annie! you want to know and we'll
NV
It takes all sorts, doesn't it? make it a good SWL column.
We had a letter or two asking us Actually, there's a lot for the OM THE RADIO AMATEURS EXAM E
exactly what the so-called Wood- listener in this issue — the re- published by Lutterworth at £8.95 available E
pecker is — well, we don't know ceiver comparison and a cracking from Peter Bubb G3UWJ
at £ 10.00 inc post and packing.

Biggest rally of the year *5 day courses

It's at the NEC, Birmingham, on March 5/6th, and it is called the National *private tuition
Amateur Radio Convention. Organised by the RSGB, the rally will have *domiciliary tuition
around 100 exhibitors. Tickets are £2 at the door.
The NEC event replaces that which used to be held at Alexandra SA. E. for full details:
Palace, and we understand from readers that there is already a faction PETER BUBB — Tuition
campaigning for it to return to London. Oh well, can't win them all. See 58 Greenacres, Bath, Avon BA1 4NR
you there. or telephone 0225 27467
Mumuniummumummummumummmuma

23
 RD CA
GA E
But it's not a game any more. QSL
card collecting is a serious and
possibly profitable hobby for the
enthusiast Here, John Heys
G3BDQ outlines what's involved in
sending and receiving QSL cards.
Certainly, don't put them in the dustbin,
and it's not a good idea to pin them to
the wall either!

WITH TWO IIIPTY FRIL

VC/UP RIT 13`

It is probably correct to state lingering habit dating back to

that all radio amateurs are likely to end up in the fraternity also plays a part in the early days and which
holding call signs are (or dustbin or on the garden the QSL world and they often inevitably ensures that such
have formerly been) bonfire. So, an interest in QSL haire their own cards cards become pinholed,
interested in QSL cards. The cards will ensure that at least produced to report reception rusted and discoloured.
writer has yet to meet a a proportion of the existing of DX stations. When a Tobacco smoke, sunlight ( a
licenced amateur who has not cards will survive. schoolboy, the writer was a rare commodity in many
sent on his or her own keen listener on the amateur shacks!) and the vapours
To a collector all QSL
personal QSL cards as bands, and between 1935 and from soldering irons do
cards are fascinating. Each
confirmation of contact with the start of WW2 spent much nothing to enhance exposed
one is a unique historical
or reception of other stations. of his limited pocket money QSL cards, and many early
record of an event, the event
on postage to distant lands. cards are quite impossible to
usually being a radio contact
Many amateurs restrict the Then (as now) the return decipher. The lesson is: If
between two amateur
number of cards disseminated rate was low and each tempted to display cards on
stations. On every card
either for reasons of cost, incoming card was eagerly the wall, make sure that they
should be the call letters of
lack of interest or just seized and displayed on the are mounted on a sheet of
the station and its location,
laziness! These same wall to bedazzle relatives and card with " photo corners"
the time and date of the
characters, however, are perhaps instil some envy and if possible covered with
contact, a signal report, the
often eager to receive cards amongst schoolboy friends! glass or a transparent plastic
frequency or band used, the
from rare or elusive DX material.
call sign of the recipient, a
stations contacted. When
signature, and if possible At first it is perhaps best to
one considers the sum total The keen
details of the rig used, the concentrate upon making a
of amateur stations world- collector will
antenna, weather conditions personal collection using
wide, and also includes those
etc. If all the listed criteria is cards received from stations
(many who are now ' silent search for
present a card may then be contacted or reported on.
keys') who operated right
used in the acquisition of historic or Later, the keen collector will
back as far as the 1920s when
awards, certificates or so begin the more difficult
the QSL habit really took off, interesting QSLs
called ' sheepskins' which are search for historic or
there must be millions of
available these days in such particularly interesting QSLs
cards accumulating in shacks,
profusion. The use of QSL cards as from other sources. The
cupboards or attics.
"wallpaper" is to be mechanics of finding and
Unfortunately most of them The Short Wave Listener deprecated and is an old and acquiring such cards for a

24
 From top left clockwise: Captain Kurt Cansen of
the Flying Enterprize which went down in January
1952 off Cornwalt W7IDB on a one- Yen note;
Z-S6OS Dan Mahoney in South Africa; early card
from G6MN in 1926; Barry Goldwater KlUGA of
Arizona; from OZ9BR in Denmark

Opposite page: From

OZ Iter
The state of DENMARK
(Hamlet you now!)
top left clockwise, as it
was in the beginning —

9BR
a card from G5DC in
Lancashire in the
twenties; the famous O GMT. I
LA 6 Pit)
FE. Handy ¡ BD! to Bill Mc TX ere. e. Pi
. ' no 5i, u..)
Corsham; AC4RF from r •-•`'
, 2e 7.,,,,,eue"
(4 ,
A

Tibet. W2NFU d Rx S3î

MAO 00V
describing his hobby?; )p Walther Berg
Remarks
v'y 73 p. O. COX I729
cat-call W20QR card Halbjerg .1014ANNESSU R6

from New York pse QSL via EDR SOUTH AFRICA

historical football ticket or direct

HR 050
from G4FAI. BERG RADIO
ARHI.1c, "Ther's something rotten'

SAM titdellMittil. «An«

F. RVASC* MAR TIN, wodic3OP.
d Nan.'WO*

allporer
ARMa
finkt •

collection will be dealt with at Special cards are really

some length in a later article. prized by both recipients and
Membership of a national collectors and many are
radio society is essential if outstanding examples of the
large scale QSLing is printer's art and worthy of a
contemplated, for otherwise place in any collection. A
the postal costs become contacts or reports direct the end product is likely to be point of some importance to
prohibitive. mailing using the International rather boring and utilitarian intending QSL card designers
Callbook or some similar and is hardly likely to stir the is the avoidance of anything
RSGB members can send
source for the address is pulse rate of a keen collector. likely to embarrass the QSL
cards in bulk to all
usual. Another method is to Bureaux or the postal
destinations by first posting
accumulate cards for a services. A card can be much
them to the Society QSL
particular country and then too large or much too small!
Manager. An excess of 100 To receive cards
send a batch to that The standard postcard
cards of normal thickness wil
currently cost 32p to send at
country's national radio it is not dimensions of 140x 90mm are
society. The addresses of
the second class mail rate. necessary to be ideal and any deviation from
these foreign societies and this norm must not be
The QSL Manager in turn
much more valuable a member of excessive. In the writer's
sends large batches of cards
information may be found in
to his opposite numbers all the RSGB collection are many examples
the RSGB publication, the of enormous and also
over the world, from where
Amateur Radio Operating ludicrously tiny cards. An
they are distributed to the
Manual by RJ. Eckersley, outsized American card (234
eventual recipients. To Modern QSLs are often
G4FTJ. x 200mm) sent to the late
receive cards it is not printed upon ultra-white
necessary to be a member of What of the cards when glazed card of a quality G6QB by W9VFZ in 1946 is
the RSGB. One simply they (hopefully) begin to roll unobtainable more than 25 only shadowed by the effort
determines the name and in? Fortunately there will be a years ago. Vintage cards can produced by G5AAB/W3MDI
address of the sub- manager great variety. Amateurs are often be instantly and sent to G3BID. This huge
handling your call sign series often individualists and the recognisable by their duller card measured 280 x
(there is one for BRS and ARS range of card types will be lack lustre appearance. 215mm and yet had very little
numbers too) and then sends vast. To economise, some Today's fluorescent inks and space for QS0 details!
him a batch of self-addressed operators resort to specialist titanium fillers did not exist Probably the smallest card
and suitably franked large QSL card printers who before the last war. Sending seen in general use was
envelopes. The non-member produce cards in certain an unusual or especially DL6PH's miniature 75 x 44mm
however must determine formats into which are artistic or eye-catching card effort sent through and
some way to get his cards inserted individual call letters. can often result in a higher actually handled by the
overseas and this can be Although cheaper than having return rate from other German Bureau DARC in
expensive. To confirm one's own personalised cards amateurs and is a point not 1959. By some miracle it did
especially rare or important printed to individual whim, to be overlooked not get lost in transit.

25
 /1,, Wu, het IN,et.A. r.
From top: Fine illustration of
r it 25 5:W 5
5,5
5555 55 5, 55
5 '
592355 1923 equipment on a folding
card from Dr Carl Klenk of St.
' 87.
Ga m •Ot
". ' 4000. 1001.0•0.1p
nee tape....
•

.
I. RNI0Ra
r.a n.• e° t '..
Louis; special test transmission
950 re. 0 . 000 Po.
%ItZ se
Oear elr
A Opeoltal You. TraPee‘aeaeit .01 4 take
card of 1928 from 2EH of the
*ea plat0 free thie ttet , ur ou honday, tn. OW, BBC in Scotland; OZ1L0 is Lief
•t Snot, , at 11 p.• 320. estraa
h hhd We ahogeld 3reettly Ierteerr it a favOurs Ottosen of Denmark
advertising card used by El8H
if you would report on tho gerbil Cy rhea strength

,a-eR ,
of left* ttatioe, »antrum:hp the type of

in Ireland; 2KF in 1923, named

u.„Lurgie, 2'. X eL:
r•Oeiver head.

e b"'"deke." Yuars faàthXyll

with 6CieR Wei
Pu, qlo< ow,
*09 Thera • t 3.JC AX 0 Pantral * St. 3100. John Partridge of London;
earl Ytank. 'AA" Op.
home-made with real feathers!
1.4 appraulate A repert j. u elson14 u. . y.. From XE10E in Mexico; 30Q
in New Jersey; battery
advertising card used by
GIIIMV, formerly BRS.71701.

My GOODNESS — GU ESS

ARRIO £ 1.16. Radio 21.F.

22 Park Road, Coiner's Wood, London, 8.W. I 9 , Eng ,
to Red.. 55
5

You, e hr r14.
e i..'..,4o.ey, .
re.. ..‘30e

Chararter

liernets

ce. ,
Wight

2022052T
02
re,,,,,soenje
r.\ om ,„„ 00. f .
JOHN' A 3920810.23.
URO 115tFe

BRS

Nr WrlWl rif

Unusual materials used in 55`.«.4SRtDIJMI#4..tt

v..$4lob cards are those concerned

the manufacture of QSLs are with the electrical and
5S,U.
also most unwelcome to the Barie ... DMA./ TSPO. electronics industries. This is
1111inalit

QSL bureaux managers. In P0 R

GOOD DX hardly surprising, for such
the past even metal cards industries employ many radio
made from thin aluminium or were no call letter prefixes at free or subsidised cards from amateurs who are able to
copper have been used. Such that time) were being sold to their local Publicity approach their companies for
cards can easily cut the amateurs in 1925 and maybe Departments. Should the aid. Food, clothing and
fingers of the sorters, and even earlier. Our own G6MN, reader live in such a place, a particularly tourism and
Arthur Milne, G2MI who for a printer by profession, began few enquiries and one's recreation are also themes
almost 30 years ran the RSGB QSL production in a limited assurance that the cards will widely advertised on QSL
Bureau has related to the way in 1924. By 1926 he was go all over the UK and indeed cards. The collector can find
writer many tales of weird working on a large scale, and flood the world might result (without too much difficulty)
and wonderful materials used a collection of cards which in a free supply of QSLs! cards used for all kinds of
to fabricate cards. Although had emanated from Eric's Advertising QSL cards are advertising and they make a
such oddities remain workshop would be an quite common today and with fascinating sideline collection.
unwelcome in QSL bureau interesting and not too each batch of cards coming
The information on cards
circles they are nevertheless difficult or expensive exercise. in from the bureau the writer
gives us an insight into the
sought after by some There are many thousands of finds at least half a dozen or
equipment used and is useful
collectors. his cards remaining including so.
in tracing the development of
many printed in quite recent
This is akin to the transmitters, receivers and
times.
excitement generated when Knowledge may aerials. Much information on
errors on postage stamps are One way to get one's cards early amateur gear is found in
be gleaned from
discovered by philatelists! free is to discover a willing contemporary wireless
Through the 1920s most sponsor. This will usually be a the study of journals and magazines but a
cards were printed to order local industrial firm or great deal of additional and
early QSL cards
by local print shops. Many business, a town or city valuable knowledge may be
were even hand- drawn on council or some other gleaned from the study of
ordinary plain postcards or publicity-seeking organisation. 'Guinness' cards are early QSL cards. Often circuit
stamped stationery. Even The practice of running especially amusing and well diagrams were drawn on the
then however a few advertising on QSL cards is produced and are eagerly backs of cards and many
specialised QSL card printers not new, and such material sought after by ordinary important innovations or
were active in Europe and the was printed onto cards more postcard collectors. These experiments were recorded.
USA. In the latter country than 50 years ago. Amateurs cards are catalogued at £2 Even modern cards record
'Radio Printers' of Mendora, living by the seaside or at each so keep your eyes open the current fashion in station
Illinois and ' Quality Cards' inland resorts or spas are for such items. Perhaps the equipment, and such
produced by 1CHQ ( there often fortunate enough to get widest range of advertising information will be valuable
 Dukiun-r-cur TT'k 19e1 .1.111 Th; UPLOSTII,N

Menem., et. 33. eloteriee•

OP,11.

nehed h hheededee
ih , teitr «Mont 01. • / Se

:het • • I. • • J.

PSE QSL OM
h• • ewe hew. C)50./
dddh.d. h•••••4 QS e eh a • a...he
eehe. Red.. emir
tMt ,* cut 4 hate node% "ea ere ••••I
6. •
n ell CUAG.tt
ww-vw dyer Ca.

tehre.tte„riCd.

From top left clockwise: From

the 1934 Bartlett- Carpenter

Arctic Expeditions WIOXDA;

from UA4LBF in Moscow in
1979; from XEIYJ in Mexico,
from football fan CTIUA in
Portugal in 1969; from none
other than Kermit A Slobb
To UV "
tnx fr
W9YMZ in Illinois; nice 0S1
s. RST on 1.9g 4st GMT
artwork by SU1RX in Egypt;
Here forrney op of me Norte poléserefroal.937-.F8
from an official ' hero of the
Soviet Union'; Ernst Krenke4
NOW RAE M QRA MOSCOW
6..W. Hero of the Some Union member of the Centre
Moscow, UPOL; from GM4HX Rsdi0 SAM ERNST NR511Kak—.
in Pennsylvania 0Sl mere. VIAegsc , QS1 Bureau USSR

W9YNIZ
.3.1t

to future collectors and radio CW $38 3.10/4h.5 explosion of short wave

historians. -he
broadcasting took place in
.13E):Yalgb the 1930s, collecting cards
When the information on
from small stations all over
the card is supplemented by eri let. the world was a popular
a photo of the shack and its
h pastime. Today QSL cards
gear this is a further bonus. It
may be obtained from similar
is possible to collect a run of mid-30s. Notice the electric pornographic specimens.
stations and also certain MW
cards from the 1920s to the fan positioned beautifully Many cards are related to
and even some European VHF
present time, each depicting where it could cool the three scouting activities and of
broadcasters.
typical amateur stations of valve high power oscillator course there is another group
the relevant period. The which was the CW of QSLs from the Polar Another new facet of
gradual evolution of transmitter. The picture regions and small islands. The collecting concerns the CB
transmitters and receivers shows the 9AAU shack writer knows several keen fraternity. There are QSL
through the years may be without its operator. This is collectors of philatelic and clubs which arrange ' card
seen, and often the pictures quite refreshing for so many other ephemera from swapping' although this
are of quite ordinary run-of- of us can hardly resist having Ascension, Tristan and St. activity does not appear to be
the-mill stations, not the our physiognomy displayed Helena who are always based upon actually making
noted ( or notorious) high- on our cards! begging for QSL cards from radio contact There are
power set-ups of the record these remote and lonely many long distance inter-UK
breakers which seem to find It is possible to spots. Humour is an contacts made on CB using
their way into magazine important element in all our the sporadic E mode of
articles and books. collect a run of lives and can be found on propagation and these are

On the large folding QSL cards from the many cards. Some of the often confirmed by card.
modern cards from European
(pictured) from the USA 1920s to the countries seem especially rich
We have touched only
station of Dr. Carl Klenk, lightly upon the world of QSL
9AAU which was sent to present time in humour and are well worth
collecting in this initial article,
collecting.
British 5BV in October 1923 but it is hoped that it may
there is a fine illustration of Whatever our outside Although outside the stimulate an interest in the
the equipment Very interests or other hobbies, parameters of an article topic. How to get cards, how
surprisingly it is not made up there are QSL cards to link dealing with amateur radio. to store and classify them
of the tumble of wires and up with them. There is a vast QSL cards, mention must be intelligently and a much
breadboard layouts that one range of military cards and made of a further wide range deeper look into the many
usually associates with also many hundreds depicting of QSLs which are obtainable sub- divisions of car types and
amateur stations of that date. aircraft or shipping. For those from commercial short wave their origins must await a
It is a neat installation more so inclined there are glamour broadcast stations, if sensible later and more detailed
reminiscent of the gear seen cards showing pin ups or reports and appréciations are article. Go out and get
in shacks during the early and even naughty and near sent to them. When the hunting!
 THE CLASSICS 2:
THE RACAL A communications receiver that was a world
leader in the fifties, is still going strong today —
albeit in a smaller casing! By Peter Dodson

It is not very often that we in the UK which not only gave greater stability to of almost eliminating scale cramping and
can boast of a British project that was a receiver, but also a deal more non- linearity. Band changing was
conceived in this country, to be selectivity, the Admiralty, together with achieved by an analogue movement of a
produced, marketed and to become other government departments, were tuning capacitor as opposed to switched
outstandingly successful against all taking RA17Ls from Racal at a rate of inductors, and the inherent calibration
international competition. Nevertheless, 20-plus a week And hundreds of facility was based on a reasonably stable
the success story of the Racal Company sparkers the world over suddenly found one MHz crystal. This, incidentally,
remains as one prime example of a life just that little bit easier! provided an improved frequency- scale
British concept that ( for once) was not accuracy and resettability.
wasted, given away or sold abroad and An improved frequency Finally, by using a process which
which has been developed to this day to ensured that all HF signals were
keep abreast of parallel technology. scale accuracy and converted to a two to three MHz range,
The origins of the Racal reciver go resettabil ity the frequency was determined by a
crystal oscillator having a degree of
back to the mid 50s, after a Doctor
stability of five parts in ten degrees.
Wadley had unsuccessfully presented The Racal Company had produced a
his ideas for a more stable receiving communications receiver which But with the passing of years, and the
system to Marconi, a decision they were eliminated four of the basic problems of
to live to bitterly regret. However, HF reception. By keeping the frequency
Wadley's ideas were adopted by Racal of operation of the local oscillator low,
from which day they have never looked and ensuring that it tracked only over a The controls should be smooth to operate,
back. Quick to appreciate the potential restricted tuning range, instability was and are very easy to handle. We liked the
qualities of a near- revolutionary design, greatly reduced; this also had the effect non-ambiguous frequency display

28
 RAI7 SIMPLIFIED BLOCK DIAGRAM

A L Range Switch
Routes
['Adenoma
mage A overload
proteciton Nobility
Harmonic purts
Bulchand Generator 106
1 MHz rTAL OSCILLATOR
Senses.
71 -1
( I ) Electrum' band

requirements of commerce and 32 MHz

changing and VFW
de correction

government departments for Image

Proternon
!lemma
p Amplitude
5-15111.
1.1
MI y M4
(1) Cahbrateon of
kHz Seale

communications equipment to cope with Provides

overload
2-4
441
(I (3) BM Cal Motions

more sophisticated transmissions and pronemon

A switched
&le
16.32MHz
f2

much higher frequencies, it was atlenuator

en todb
BPFI
V8311

Regenerative Freemen°
inevitable that RA17 receivers would 393.5 MHz (n-29.5Illz dial) 37 35 MHz
ems
lo Divider prorkdes
40 5 - 695 MHz
emerge on the open market. Radio 4085 MHz .1785 MHz NO kHz Calibration
1300 kHz M) kHz Signal from

amateurs therefore, have inherited a Bandpass Ba drum I MHz , V61/ controlled

moot
542
receiver which, with its selectivity is
ideal for the crowded amateur bands 375 .14Hz

below 30MHz.
In effect, the Racal is a triple superhet
valve receiver producing two Ile) kHz
intermediate frequencies to reduce, if
not eliminate adjacent and the second-
channel interference which occurs when
the frequency of an unwanted signal
differs in frequency from the desired
signal by twice the IF. Adjacent Channel SNITCHED
SELECIBITY

Interference, on the other hand, is

100 kHz

eradicated by the use of a low ( 100kHz) 111sED BPF

3 - 2 MHz
IF. An interfering signal of, say, 110kHz PASSRAND of 70 OM:
[kA
± 200 kHz
will be 10% off- tune and is therefore al least 60 dl,
A
attennateon
outside the bandpass of a normal tuned c. WO Hz)
300 Hz)
Id) Hz)
300 Hz) .U.44

circuit resonating at 100kHz. 74

7511 Ha)
11 kb:
12 kHz
30 kHz A is 100 kHz
8902
30 kHz 65 kHz L 1131 kHz ± MS
te0 te 130 kHz

The Wadley Loop 31 0,11 MHz

0 to 10(10 Wiz scale

compensates for any

frequency drift

The signal path through the Racal

starts with a low-pass filter with a value
of the two frequencies will generate This is the RAI7 block diagram considerably
of 30MHz which cuts off all signals
many harmonics, but the difference simplified — we hope you can read the small
above that frequency, and provides print! If not let us know and we'll send you a
between the RF and VFO values is
protection against second- channel photostat of the original.
selected and it is an inverted first IF
interference. The signal then passes
signal which emerges, and is put
through an attenuator which restricts
through a 39.5 to 40.65MHz filter with a
input amplitude to 40dB, and provides
bandpass of 1300kHz.
protection against overload, and on to
And so to the second mixing stage at
the antenna range switch.
M2 which combines the output of a 100kHz itself acts as a check on BFO
This, in its turn, gives additional image
frequency source of 37.5MHz with the calibration. With BFO on, and 100kHz
and overload protection and is used for
on- going signal. This source is fed from present at M3, the beat between the
the selection of the appropriate
the fourth mixing unit ( M4) which signals can be heard at the AF output.
frequency range for the required signal.
derives its output from a combination of When the beat is zero, the BFO is
It consists of a five- position switched
outputs from VFO 1 and a harmonic aligned to 100kHz. As a working rule, the
attenuator. Four degrees of attenuation
generator. This one MHz crystal harmonic in use is three above the
are provided in 10dB stages from 0-40dB
oscillator from which the receiver gets number of MHz of the required signal.
and reduces the possibility of high level
its stability, is stable to within five parts This part of the receiver is known as
signals driving the RF amplifier into non-
in 10 6 or plus or minus five Hz in one the Wadley Loop', so named after the
linearity.
MHz. It gives stable oscillations for patriotic doctor who 'did it for Britain'
After amplification in the fourth stage electronic band- changing and VF01 drift instead of the Japanese! What, in effect,
of the receiver, the RF then mixes with correction, and provides a one MHz his concept achieves is to compensate
the output of the first variable frequency stable oscillation for scale and BFO for any frequency drift; as the frequency
oscillator ( at M1). This VFO, which is calibration. Harmonics of 100kHz are of VFO 1 drifts, so the output of mixer
the MHz control on the fascia, indicates produced in M3, and the 20th and 30th M1 and M4 change by the same value.
a range of 0-29MHz but, in fact, tracks beat with the local oscillator to produce The output of M2, however, remains
between 40.5 and 69.5MHz. The mixing calibration markers every 100kHz. The constant.

29
 Illustrating Drift of VFOI

SIGNAL 1st VFO. HARM.

FREQ. FREQ. SCALE GEN
READING
M1 56500 16 -1110- M4 19
16315
DRIFTS UP TO 56520

THE CLASSICS 2:
THE RACAL 40 MHz
FILTER
37.5 MHz
FILTER
Meanwhile, the signal continues on its 40185 37500
way from the second mixer stage to the DRIFTS UP DRIFTS UP
interpolation section of the Racal. Still in 40205 3 7520
its inverted state, the path passes
through a three- to- two MHz 70kHz
bandpass filter with at least 60dBs of
attenuation at plus or minus 100kHz.
This, in turn, is mixed (at M3) with the M2
output of VFO 3 — a frequency- source
generating 3.1 to 2.1MHz — and is the
kHz control on the facia giving
frequency selection from 0 to 1000kHz.
It will be noted that the MHz and kHz 2-3 MHz IF AMP AF OUTPUT
tuning arrangement at VFO 1 and VFO 2 FILTER
respectively does not involve any 2685
mechanical device which automatically M3
RESULTS IN 100 2 kHz
eradicates all the associated problems. SAME OUTPUT
The output from M3, now returned to 2685
an erect condition, goes through a
switched selectivity unit which, although
complicated, is merely a band pass filter.
With crystal- controlled bandwidth of 100
2nd V.F.O. BFO
to 300kHz, the unit also allows values of
FREQ. SCALE FREQ. SETTING
up to 13kHz to pass before passing the
READING
100kHz output through an IF amplifier to
a demodulating unit (where it mixes 2785 315 ,102 +2
with the BFO output) to the AF output

The systems dispense

with mechanical-type
problems. input is boosed in an untuned RF The MHz and kHz tuning arrangement at VFO
amplifier with a sufficiently fiat response 1 and VFO 2 respectively doesn't involve
By way of demonstration, take a over the whole HF spectrum. The mechanical devices that will remove all
signal on a frequency of 10.505MHz signals are then mixed with a local problems associated with the tuning.
which mixes with VFO 1, tracking at oscillator tuned continuously over 40.5
50.5MHz. This will produce a ' mixed' to 69.5MHz frequency range. 37500IcHz injection frequency is
frequency of 39.995MHz. Meanwhile, in Irrespective of what frequency VFO 1 is activated, and the output of the first IF
M4, the 13th harmonic will mix with VFO set to, a band of HF signals between one filter is converted to the two- to- three
1 to produce a frequency of 37.5MHz and 30MHz will be converted to 39350- MHz band. This may well be a
(which is bandpass filter 2). At M2, the 40650kHz which are the limits of the first conventional double — frequency
37.5 and 39.995MHz signals combine to IF bandpass filter. However, the 37500 conversion, but it does ensure that the
produce a frequency of 2.495MHz to go injected frequency is only available stability of the two- to- three MHz band
into bandpass filter 3. So, the 2.495MHz when the frequency at VFO 1 is 40MHz will depend on the stability of VFO 1 and
goes into the interpolation section to above the centre of each MHz wide the 37500kHz frequency- source when
mix with the output of VFO 2 which band. It follows, therefore, that M2 will used in conjunction with the Wadley
tracks 10kHz high, thereby re- erecting only produce a two- to- three MHz output Loop.
the signal, in the form of the third at the correct tuning points.
Although the Racal may well be an
intermediate frequency of 100kHz. It is
excellent receiver, there are some
then a matter of mixing the 100kHz
Disadvantages in the disadvantages, and these are to be
output with the BFO centred on
100kHz ( but offset plus or minus eight area of spurious found in the area of spurious responses.
Although the vast majority of these ( and
kHz as required) to produce an audio responses, are mostly associated) problems have been
frequency output.
eliminated eliminated, there is a problem at the
Operationally, the MHz and kHz first IF in that signals at twice the IF are
controls on the facia are smooth, easily- If VFO 1 is set at a frequency of unlikely to ' make it' as the 30MHz
handled units. Visually, the frequency 52.5MHz, HF signals betwen 12 and bandpass filter will reject VHF. In the
display is easy to read, self-explanatory 13MHz will be converted to 39500- second IF stage, signals at twice that IF
and non-ambiguous. Technically, as has 40500kHz with the facility to go through (around five MHz) will be attenuated by
already been said, the system dispenses the first IF bandpass filter. As VFO 1 is in aerial range/tuning and eliminated by
with mechanical- type problems. The RF a plus 500kHz tuning situation, the the 40MHz bandpass filter.

30
 Second channel signals at third IF are Probably of more cosmetic than
present at the output of M2, as the technical interest is the fact that the
previous stage is designed for a Racal sports its own high- quality
bandpass of at least one MHz. As the speaker, and the frequency display is
signal is inverted in Ml, second- channel reproduced on a continuous band of
interference is to be found 200kHz film some five feet in length. On the
below the required signal in the RF technical aspects of the RA17, suffice to
stages, but 200kHz above the required say that when it appeared on the
signal in the second IF. Although some communications scene in the 1950s, it
attenuation of this interference is to be was a receiver ahead of its time; that
gained in the RF stage from the aerial the company has maintained that lead The degree of drift in VFO I is
range configuration and tuning controls, over its competitors ever since is determined by the extra plus or minus
greatest protection is afforded by the reflected not only in the declared 150k1-!z at the extremities of the 40MHz
tunable bandpass filter which can give profits, but also in the share value. bandpass filter frequency tolerance, and
at least 60dB of attenuation. And, of Moving with the times, Racal have the additional plus/minus 150kHz at
course, the aerial attenuator itself can branched out into many other aspects either side of the 3750kHz filter. When
eliminate much of the high-amplitude of associated equipment, such as tape VFO 1 drifts over small limits, the
second-channel interference. recorders. Their RA1770 was one of the outputs of mixers MI and M4 vary to the
Finally, there is the problem of Audio first transistorised communications sets same degree; the output of M2,
Image. The BFO, being a local oscillator to be made 'way back in the late 1960s, therefore, remains constant
which beats with the signal at IF level, and the RA1792 emerged in the 70s as a The stability of VF01 is one part in
can track plus or minus of the centre of synthesized unit accessible by computer. 103, so drift can reasonably be expected
the IF passband. With the BFO set at to be restricted to not more than
99kHz ( negative), if the IF passband is The RAI 7 was a receiver plus/minus 69.5kHz at its highest
wide enough, there will be two positions operating frequency — a value
on the kHz tuning dial which can
ahead of its time. The adequately provided for. It on the other
produce the same one kHz audio note. company has hand, VFO I strays from its current
In one position, the signal is resonating maintained its lead... setting by more than 150kHzm the M4
in the IF stage ( 100kl-h) whilst in the output (le the difference between VFO I
other, it is twice the BFO offset This will The company now market model and one of the I to 32MHz crystal-
make for reduced sensitivity and any RA1795, with even more goodies derived frequencies) moves outside the
further reduction of bandpass can result including LED display. The fact that their passband of the 37500kHz filter and is
in no signal at all! It must be stressed, latest product is barely a third of the attenuated to such a point that it cannot
however, that these problems relate to size of the 30-year-old Racal bears no input M2 to convert the one MHz-wide
specific situations and are not general relationship whatsoever to their degree signal to fall into the necessary two-to-
shortcomings of the receiver. of success! three MHz band.

M1 Vffil M4

2 32
RF CRYSTAL
INPUT DERIVED
2
f FREQUENCIES

39350 kHz 37350 kHz

to to
40650 kHz 37650 kHz

M2

3 - 2 MHz

THE WADLEY LOOP

11
 So you want to become a radio amateur?
We don't expect you to know the technicalities so you Earning the title " The Communicators" in the amateur,
need not be shy to ask. Our technically qualified staff commercial and marine fields was not gained easily, and
includes 30 licensed amateurs only too willing to help. we guard our reputation as jealously today as we did a
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Where to start? requires service with a capital ' S'. We offer free Securicor
Booklearning, for the RAE is a must, out of our top twenty delivery on major equipment, take Access and Barclay-
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£ 3.45
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HANDHELD *1 2.5/25kHz synthesizer steps.
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;S:i
 • RINGING•
•"1-111JE •
Last time, we discussed inductance and
capacitance— two things without which we
wouldn't have any wireless at all and
Resonance is fundamental
to radio. Without it
one formula has a " 1 over" term in it, or
what mathematicians call a reciprocal,
from which you'll see why reactance in-
Marconi would have been out of a job. We creases with frequency in one case and
noted that they were two different things there'd be no decreases in the other.
which are complementary to each other, So, having got that bit perfectly clear,
like bacon and egg or pencil and paper;
transmitters, receivers or we'll press on. I don't know which genius
specifically, we noted that each possesses pretty well anything else! first got the idea of connecting an inductor
a property known as reactance, which is and a capacitor gether, but I doff my hat to
in a way like resistance except that it is a It's all to do with him because that's where it all starts, as
function of frequency. Remember? No? reactances and resistance we'll see. Suppose you take one capacitor
Shame on you — go and dig it out of the pile and one inductor— say a perfectly ordinary
of old Christmas cards and even older and various other exotic bog-standard nF polycarbonate and a
copies of other magazines and take another perfectly ordinary ditto ditto 1 millihenry
look.
things. Chris Drake inductor — and connected them together,
explains. like this:
Both inductors and capacitors, as we
saw last time, have the property of storing
and releasing energy: the capacitor does it given frequency — oh yes, while we're at it,
in terms of electric charge, like the kind of why did only one person spot the deliber-
ate mistake ( oh well, all right, not that
thing that happens when you comb your to signal
hair and then pick up bits of paper with it deliberate) last month? Come on, own up!
generator
(the comb, dummy) whereas the inductor Stand up Mr Clive Dunnico of Shoeburyness,
who sent us a nice Christmas card and
does it by the induction of a magnetic field
opposing the voltage that's inducing it pointed out that we got our square roots
which induces a voltage as it collapses. mixed up and put them where they didn't
Yes, of course you remember. What do you ought to be. Well done, sir, it's nice to know
that we have at least one reader .... Ahem. Well, I know it doesn't look much
mean, I didn't put it very clearly? Well all
Well, as Mr Dunnico quite rightly points this is one of the fundamental circuits
right, just think of it as magnetism in the
out, the correct formula for the reactance in all wireless. Believe it or not, it's known
case of an inductor and charge in the case
of an inductor is: as a parallel- tuned circuit — now don't
of a capacitor and then we can all get on
worry, just hang in there and it'll get better
with it — don't ask difficult questions at this = 2rrfL
in a bit It's called "parallel" because the
stage, we'll get to the clever stuff later.
(XL = inductive reactance) inductor and capacitor are connected in
parallel as opposed to series (remember,
A couple of formulae and that for a capacitor is: resistors and Ohm's Law and all that) and
it's a tuned circuit because.
to bear in mind . . . X c = 2iTfC

(Xc = capacitive reactance)

Right, then. We know that a resistor has
This is the
a constant resistance which doesn't vary The X bit is the symbol for reactance, phenomenon
with frequency; it doesn't have reactance just as R is the symbol for resistance — as of resonance
as such because that word is reserved for we said a couple of months ago, they're the
the sort of resistance which does vary as same but different insofar as you can't add
This is where it gets interesting. Why
the frequency changes. We know that the them directly but you have to cheat a bit If
should it be called a tuned circuit for
reactance of an inductor increases as the you've forgotten the formula, go and stand
heaven's sake? Does it play a tune when
frequency goes up, and that the reactance in the corner for 15 minutes. (Actually, why
you connect it up? Well, no. Let's take a
of a capacitor decreases, etc, etc. So — did only one person spot the boob? Does
careful look at it Specifically, what happens
three components which all possess resis- anyone read this? Here I am staying up at
when we apply an alternating current of a
tance and/or reactance ( remember that all hours, sweating over textbooks and
particular frequency to it Let's imagine
since an inductor will allow DC to pass as striving to write beautiful prose about
that we connect an audio- frequency signal
well as AC, it has resistance as well as inductors and capacitors and nobody reads
generator with a frequency range of, say, 0
reactance). What happens next? it. Think I'll shoot myself . . . )
to 60 kHz to the circuit and monitored the
Let's just remind ourselves at this stage Now, now Carruthers, keep your pecker amount of alternating current which flowed
that there are a couple of formulae to bear up and get on with it; we'll even give you in the circuit at various frequencies, with
in mind in order to relate the value of an half a day off at Christmas if you work hard some suitable test equipment such as an
inductor or capacitor to its reactance at a and be a good boy. Ahem. You'll note that oscilloscope or a valve voltmeter.

34
 As we crank up the frequency from the The idea here is that the antenna feeds
bottom, we'll see — actually, not a lot. A signals into the tuned circuit but this offers
current will flow and it'll be constant, not a low impedance to earth to the passage of
changing at all as we wind the frequency all signals except those to which it's tuned.
up. But what's this? As we get to around 8 These later get passed on to the detector
kHz, the current flowing starts to decrease, diode, which was the crystal-and-cat's-
and by the time we've set the generator to whisker in Grand- dad's wireless and an
just under 16kHz there's almost no current ordinary semiconductor diode these days,
flowing! As we carry on increasing the which promptly lops off half of the AM
frequency, it comes back up again and signal and leaves you with the original
stays that way. Very odd — it seems that sound which modulates the transmitter. In
something happens at around one particu- practice, Grand- dad would have a capaci-
lar frequency and no other. Why can this tor which could be made to alter its value
be? (le a tuning capacitor, as we'd call it
nowadays) and he'd be able to tune in to
Ladies and gentlemen, we have just seen
2L0 or 5XX or whatever it was. It's an
the phonomenon of resonance — three
interesting experiment to try out — go on,
loud cheers and you may now light your
string a length of wire down the garden and
cigar and quaff the port. In fact, we can say
use the bedsprings or something for an frequency. Actually, I must admit that I
that this circuit possesses a resonant
earth. You ought to be hear something if learned once how to derive that formula
frequency of just under 16kHz (it actually
you use something like a 500pF variable from the other two but I can't for the life of
is 15.9kHz) and that single fact is most
and about a hundred turns of some suitable me remember how to do it any more.
important.
thin wire on an old bog- roll centre or Anyway, all the learned textbooks say
thereabouts. You'll need a germanium that's what it is and it seems to pan out in
The implications of diode such as an 0A81 or 0A91 — don't use practice, so there you go. Actually, Mr
silicon for this job — and any old high- Dunnico put that formula on his Christmas
this are enormous impedance headphones will do. card as well, so he obviously knew which
way we were looking. We'll have to sign him
Can you now see why it's called a tuned We'll come back to the crystal set in a
up — bet he knows how to get one formula
circuit? You can see that something happens minute because we can learn a lot from it—
from another!
when it's tuned to its resonant frequency, but let's take a closer look at this resonance
or to put that another way there's a change matter. Let's assume that we measure the
in the current flowing in the circuit when frequency at 15.9kHz — the frequency our
you apply alternating current of such a 1nF and 1 mH resonate at, that is. Why All that changes is
should it be that? Just out of interest, let's
frequency as to coincide with the resonant the nature of the
frequency of the circuit. What happens in work out the reactance of our 1nF at that
this particular case, in fact, is that the frequency. That's 1 over 2 Tr times fC, with f impedance at
circuit offers a high impedance to the in Hertz and C in farads. Our capacitor is resonance - it's the
passage of AC at its resonant frequency 1nF, which is 1000pF or one thousandth of
and offers a low impedance to anything a millionth of a farad — not very easy units, same formula
else. You might like to know, in fact, that if these! I make it 1 over 6.28 times 15,900 ( f is
you take the other form of this circuit, the frequency in Hertz, remember) times
10 to the power minus 9 ( I'll put it that way Be that as it may, you can now see how I
which is known as a series-tuned circuit (it
so that the typesetters don't mis- spell my sussed that the resonant frequency of
looks like this:)
name — of course it's 0.000000001 of a our combination was going to be 15.9kHz.
Farad. AAAAARGH . ) It's the same formula whether the circuit is
of the series- resonant or parallel- resonant
variety, by the way — all that changes is the
It seems to pan out in nature of the impedance at resonance.
So you can see that it's now possible to
practice have circuits of whatever resonant fre-
quency we like, and we can use them in all
sorts of wonderful ways. Next time we'll
According to my calculator it comes out have a look at some of them, but to end
to 99.852ohms reactance at 15.9kHz. In- with this time we can go back to the crystal
teresting. Let's see what the reactance of set. Let's assume that we've actually made
our 1mH inductor is at that frequency also. the thing — and in most areas of the UK ten
this animal works the other way about — it It's 6.28 times 15,900 times . . . well, it's a gets you one that you'll hear not just one
offers a low impedance at resonance and a thousandth of a Henry, so we'll multiply program but two or three or even more.
high impedance the rest of the time. 6.28 by 15,900 and divide that by 1,000 so Why is this? Isn't the circuit only supposed
that it comes out in the end Well, what do to be resonant at one frequency, not two
The implications of this are enormous
you know? It's 99.852ohms. or three? How come we're hearing more
because for the first time we can make
than one?
circuits that respond to one frequency and Intriguing — and fundamental. This re-
no other. We can see this, for instance, in sonance bit occurs when the reactance of Well, we'll have to look closely at this
the case of Grand-dad's crystal set. The the capacitor equals that of the inductor — next time, but the basic story is that some
circuit of that usually looked something or, to put it in stately mathematical language tuned circuits are better than others insofar
like this: for the boffins, }C c= XL. Can it perchance be as what you might call their efficiency —
that there's a formula for working out the specifically, the difference between the
resonant frequency of any tuned circuit? current flowing at resonance and the current
Yes, friends, there is as long as you know that gets through the rest of the time.
the values of inductance and capacitance There's an expression for the " goodness"
you've got. Pause for the roll of drums — of a tuned circuit, which is Q.
it's; And on that suitably mysterious note,
1 we'll leave it for now — see you next time ...
Fres = .-C—
Next month — Q and L/C ratio and all
where Fres is a natty way of saying resonant that. . .

35
 Amateur Radio magazine's special offer
on callsign badges, callsign plaques and
ARS plaques. Produced and engraved by
a\ prices‘.
Newton Engraving of North Devon - see
\So/. ofi non-11
them at many rallies and shows.
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ORDER FORM
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Send to: Amateur Radio Special Offer,
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6»

36
 APPROVED‘ APPROVECI‘
'TRIO

TEN METRES USE IT OR LOSE IT!!

Work U.S. REPEATERS
either home or mobile, with the
DE 4800 6 watt FM TRANSCEIVER.
Price £ 46.25 plus £ 2 post and packing.
6 month warranty.
MAKE TEN YOUR LOCAL CHAT BAND

Dewsbury Electronics offer a full range of Trio Equipment always in stock.

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ICS AMTOR - AEA PRODUCTS - DRAE

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Telephone: Stourbridge ( 0384) 390063. After Hours: Kidderminster (0562) 851255
Closed Thursday

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II Finding the right equipment at a price to suit your pocket —
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You need a wide range to choose from. We have it — Trio, A lot of receiver for the price ..
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_Y

You need time to look, time to listen. We provide it — with

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You may need advice from serious, dedicated amateurs. The Trio R600 £ 244.49
We've been on the air for years — HF, VHF and UHF ... and The latest in receiver technology...
there are all those local amateurs who drop in from time to
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You may need finance facilities — we accept Access and

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Above all, you need to know we are reliable and know our . a wide range of antennas for HF and VHF.
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• OF NEWPORT PAGNELL •
in Silver Street. Or phone 0908
610625

37
 NEW
Many shops have only restricted dealer- formal approval of the appointed importer,
ships, and of course they promote only the so that it can be used in the UK The price
makes that they can get hold of. In my may be cheaper, but sad stories arise when
experience some dealers seem rather in- you try and get after sales service out of a
clined to tell all sorts of cock and bull dealer. It is not fair to name names, but at

OR
stories about makes that they cannot get least one dealer imports a brand of equip-
hold of, because the main importer will not ment from distributors or shops in other
supply them. Even more strange are the countries rather than from the manufac-
number of different parallel importations turers. this is basically OK, but they fail to
going on, many of them representing im- stock adequate spares, so that one customer

USED?
ports from dealers or distributors in other (for instance) had to wait nine months for
countries such as the US, where trade a spare power transistor only to find that it
prices may be very much lower. blew immediately because the driver
transistor was also faulty. The main im-
If you want a new rig, no doubt you will
porter refused to have anything to do with
check prices and discounts from different
There are decisions to be shops. But it's not all that simple because
the equipment as it had not been bought
from an official agent. This is of course,
made before, during, and after you may be comparing products which are
very hard on the guy who didn't know the
not the same, although the catalogue
you've bought your radio number may very well be advertised as the
ropes and bought it from a shop that he did

equipment. But the first rule same product. For example, an ABC123D
from Joe Bloggs may be the genuine
is: be prepared before you product direct from Japan, with facilities
such as repeatershift auto tone burst, and
make that final move for your reverse repeater built in specifically for
cheque book... European markets; on the other hand a US
version may have different channel spacing
Angus McKenzie advises. and may have come into the country with
different arrangements for repeater
Before you go out to buy some new or
operation. Sometimes, a dealer will obtain
secondhand equipment, it is always a good
the US verison and modify it without
idea to work out exactly what you want.
Not only for immediate use, but to anticipate
your requirements for a period of a year or
two. Have a word with some of the amateurs
you have met locally and find out what
they use, what they like and dislike about
their rigs.

Joining an amateur radio club can be

highly profitable as well as enjoyable— you
may well find somebody who wants to sell
the very equipment that you want to buy. It
is always unwise to make an impulse buy at
an amateur radio equipment " emporium",
and I have heard of many cases where
purchases have been regretted within a
week.

38
not realise was not a properly appointed 'black boxes' you bought Collins if you favouring the purchaser, and a few people,
dealer, but the word will soon get around were rich or spent your money on the frankly, take shops for a ride. So what are
that you shouldn't buy Thingamepushold latest KW Electronics, minimitter or TW your rights?
from Bloggs because of bad aftersales Withers gear.
If you see something in the window of a
service. Let's take a look at what has
A few American manufacturers were shop priced at £500, then first of all this
happened to the selling of amateur radio
also around, represented by established price infers the inclusion of VAT, unless
equipment in the last 25 years or so.
companies in the UK; brands such as otherwise stated, the same law applying to
In the late 50s and early 60s, Japanese Hallicrafter, Hammerlund, National, Swan, adverts in magazines. If you go into the
industry had not penetrated the amateur and Drake being available. Quite frequently, shop or contact them in some other way,
radio scene. Many amateurs built their you found that the importers were just making it clear that you wish to buy the
own rigs (which were much easier to build general equipment importers who knew goods at the advertised price, the contract
in those days), and they bought com- next to nothing about amateur radio equip- is not complete until the shop agrees to
ponents frequently from government sur- ment and you had to choose what you make the sale. They are within their rights in
plus shops in Lisle Street near Leicester wanted from a catalogue at enormous most circumstances to refuse to sell the
Square, Webbs Radio ( now extinct) near prices. In the mid-sixties, companies such product at the price advertised. Once they
Tottenham Court Road or from many of as Trio and Yaesu came into the fore- have agreed a price, and you have agreed
the shops in Edgware Road. If you wanted ground, and slowly but surely, shops were to purchase, there is a legal and binding
established, some having originally been contract, which however, may be up to
surplus dealers who changed over to re- you to prove.
tailing new equipment.
Once the goods are purchased, many
more acts come into play. If you find the
goods not as described, either verbally or
in an advertisement, then you have re-
"Take the equipment course to the Trade Descriptions Act and
back, and insist on can insist, by law, on having your money
back immediately. You may also insist on
your money back..." payment for transport, even by taxi if this is
reasonable and under some circumstances,
damages if for some reason you are
seriously inconvenienced by the goods
The big boom started around 13 years
being in error. It is up to you, the purchaser,
ago and the earlier dealers realised that
whether you should be paid cash, a cheque,
they had to give a very good aftersales
a credit note or even a replacement —
service combined with good advice to
although the shop cannot insist on giving
attract custom. With the expansion of FM
you a replacement.
on two metres, tens of thousands of rigs
were sold, and many long established Another interesting point cropped up a
dealers equipped themselves with very year ago. If you order a piece of equipment,
comprehensive servicing workshops which even one that has to be specially ordered
allowed them to turn round faulty equip- for you, and whether you pay for it in
ment in only a few days. Amateur radio has advance or when you eventually receive
now become a very popular hobby, and by delivery or you collect it, and you find
the time this is published the 40,000 licensees when you get it home that it is not as
as of October 1982 may well have become described, or that it is faulty and therefore
45,000. you are very disappointed, you can take
the quipment back and insist on your
Many new shops have become estab-
money back plus expenses and any damages
lished in the last few years, some giving an
that are reasonable. I heard of a case when
excellent after-sales service, whereas others
a piece of hi-fi equipment was purchased
in the experience of many friends of mine,
specifically for a 21st birthday party over a
are rather lacking in such service. A dealer
weekend and which did not work. The
must live by reputation, so you should ask
shop who supplied it, and who had specially
around about the reputation of the dealer,
ordered it, had to pay back not only a
who may have made you what seems to be
complete refund, but quite heavy expenses
a good offer. It is probably useful to ask the
as it had not been checked properly,
advice of amateurs who have been licensed
although the fault was only a minor one.
for several years for they will often know
how the cookie crumbles. What happens though, if a rig goes
wrong after a month or two? The law does
I understand from discussions with
not define adequately the period during
several appointed importers of Japanese
which the purchaser can have a complete
equipment that equipment manufacturers
refund, but does state that after a reason-
in Japan only guarantee their equipment in
abe period the equipment should be re-
their home country. So, guarantees from
paired in a short time, which again must be
UK importers are very worthwhile, but are
reasonable, and returned to the user with-
the responsibility of the importers
out cost, unless the fault has occurred
themselves.
through misuse (which includes modifica-
Let's take a look at your legal rights tions). If you are prepared to let the shop
during and after purchasing in the UK. A attempt to correct the fault, but have even
number of acts of parliament give you the slightest feeling that after servicing you
many rights; these include the Trades may still be dissatisfied, or that the service
Descriptions Act, the Fair Trading Act and may take longer than you are prepared to
the Sale of Goods Act etc, all with many accept, despite promises, then you must
later amendments which were passed so state, before you agree to allow the shop to
the public gets a fair deal from the retailer. perform the service, that you wish to retain
Unfortunately, some of the clauses of your legal right to have your money back.
these acts might justifiably be said to be This should either be witnessed by some-

39
 had failed within days of purchase, and I spurious output in the middle of the IBA .
therefore had no 70cm equipment at the video carrier in the south east of England
beginning of my holiday was of no interest which might be measured at only 40dB
to the dealer who adopted this 'get lost' below the main transmission level is not fit
attitude. for the purpose of being used as a trans-
verter, since it will cause television
Many years ago I obtained a very dif-
interference.
ferent attitude indeed from Lowe Electronics
in Matlock. I had purchased some time Our laws in the UK can be seen to favour
earlier an HF transceiver which I had in- the consumer, usually quite reasonably, to
stalled in my car and late one Friday night such a degree that manufacturers and
had reached Yorkshire from London on importers require more initial profit, as do
my way to Glasgow on holiday when I retailers, so that they can look after the
plugged in an 80m mobile aerial into the rig provisions of the various parliamentary
(so I thought) and proceeded to tune up. acts.
NEW OR USED After a minute of tuning there was an
ominous click followed by an expensive
I once saw an advertisement for some RF
receive pre-amplifiers which described the
smell. I had attempted to tune up on 80m
body with you, or should be written on a front end noise figure as being 1 dB. Such a
into a 2m halo antenna! The following
shop's receipt when they take back the performance is frankly very difficult to
morning I contacted Lowe Electronics
goods. obtain, and one pre-amplifier tested had a
who said they would do everything to help,
noise figure some 2.5dB worse, whilst
Failure to reserve your rights unfortu- and their Glasgow representative changed
another was around 6.5dB worse, thus
nately removes in law any possibility that the old rig for a new one and gave me an
adding more hiss to incoming weak signals,
you can legally demand your money back exceptionally good allowance since I did
than it should have done. This might well
after unsatisfactory service, although per- not try to hide my own carelessness.
be regarded as a typical example of an
haps in some other law you might still
The co-operation that I received from alleged infringement of the Trade Descrip-
eventually be granted a refund. It is much
"Sim", who now runs the new Lowe tions Act. How about a linear for two
better to avoid misunderstandings as early
Electronics shop in Glasgow was magnificent metres which should really be specified as
as possible in transactions than to have
and I even ended up with a slightly better 400watts PEP output which was actually
legal battles later on when you are trying
rig which I then used for some years specified to me as having up to one
to assert your reasonable rights. In some
without trouble. I have also had similar co- kilowatt output? Perhaps the shop con-
circumstances, you may have a right to
operation from SMC and Thanet as well as cerned might do a good trade in new
your money back if the equipment is with
from Microwave Modules. bottles for the output stage, and 1 can
the shop but has still not been serviced,
imagine a few users attempting to get one
and this is not awaiting your collection. 1 must also mention Amcomm Services.
kilowatt output and taking over several
Your case is particularly strong if the time in Harrow, who at incredibly short notice
hundred kHz of band space caused by
that the equipment has been held awaiting supplied an Icom 740, reviewed in this
spreading in the process.
spare parts for example, can be deemed magazine, and who have a good reputation
unreasonable, I reckon that several weeks for helpful after- sales service.
is unreasonable, let alone months.
Loose specifications
If you want to purchase goods for a
specific event, such as a field day or a
birthday, then you can in law state your re- "A replacement In looking over the specifications of
quirements for delivery before the event amateur radio equipment, I am often dis-
as part of the contract to purchase. If your
was refused because turbed by the fact that they are so loose
requirement is accepted, and your holiday the dealer wanted that nobody could possibly complain. One
etc is ruined because of non-delivery, you manufacturer might specify a rig as having
have recourse to claim damages and any
the equipment 0.5uV sensitivity for 12dB signal to noise
expenses that you have incurred in making for display" ratio, or more appropriately another type
alternative arrangements at the last minute. of measurement called " sinad". The rig will
Similarly, if a rig that has only been delivered almost certainly be two or three times
to you at the last minute is faulty when you better than this, but how can the intending
use it for your holiday etc, then again you purchaser know which rigs sail near the
One interesting clause in one of the acts
are entitled to expenses/damages for your wind, and which ones are much better
is that the goods shall be " fit for the
disappointment and its rectification as wel l than spec? I prefer to see published typical
purpose and of merchantable quality" for
as your money back on return. specifications reached by say 95% of
use as advertised. In the context of amateur
samples, thus giving a far better idea of real
You should not have to assert your legal radio, this means that if for example you
performance. Many rigs ( for example)
rights with decent and honest dealers, and buy a linear amplifier advertised as
advertised as giving 10 watts output will
it should be possible to build up a good capable of being used for amplifying SSB
typically give perhaps 14 watts, whilst
relationship with your chosen dealer. Good transmissions, then the amplifier should
others will give 10 watts FM, but only eight
dealers, upon receipt of a phone call, will perform this task to a standard which must
watts of undistorted SSB.
go out of their way to send replacement be considered acceptable by the majority
rigs by Securicor or Red Star train to a of listeners to the transmission. If you wish The dreaded " Liner 2" mobile 2m SSB
stipulated destination to get you out of to complain about a 2 metre linear which transceiver that was sold a few years ago
trouble, but bad ones might tell you to get you allege is causing bad spreading on could not give more than two or three
lost, or say that they will give you a refund transmission, you must ensure that you watts output without serious problems
on your return, provided "xyand z" etc. are using it exactly as recommended by developing, and even at this low output
the manufacturer, ie that you are not over- spectrum analysis showed the presence of
When you return you might even find
driving it, that you are giving it exactly the spuâ at many frequencies both inside and
that the dealer is unavailable to you on the
specified DC voltages, and that you are not outside the two metre band. This rig was
phone and might even be on holiday. In
maladjusting controls. advertised as giving 10 watts PEP output!
one case a replacement was refused to me
because the dealer said that he had packed You must also ensure that the amplifier The subject of whether to buy new or
up the replacement equipment ready for is not amplifying a transmission which is secondhand is a tricky one indeed, for
an exhibition and didn't want to lose a sale! already of poor quality. A transverter for whilst secondhand gear will at first sight
The fact that in this case my own holiday the 70cm ( 432MHz) amateur band which appear to represent very good value for
was partly mined, since a 70cm transceiver takes an input on 28MHz and which gives a money, you must ask yourself why that

40
guy wants to sell it. It may well be a rig table Many of them require skilled servicing, quencies and can cause severe losses and
which has proved to be a late Friday and some unusual valve types are now bad standing wave ratios. A cable which
afternoon one which has missed quality getting a little difficult to obtain. Many has been well taped up to properly soldered
control and often referred to as a rogue modern short wave receivers give superb plugs can last for years and years but just a
sample. It may be one that has proved to audio quality on AM and FM, but have poor little carelessness can completely wreck a
be poor in some significant parameter, or filters for CW and SSB. Some of them are cable in one single rain storm.
one where the seller has dug inside it and reasonably priced though and can represent
If you are buying a new or secondhand
generally stirred around with a large hot a good buy. Contrast this with a monster
microphone for your rig you must ensure
soldering iron! which weighs six times as much, and looks
that it will match properly. Rigs have
as large as a tank! Old receivers that I can
Many unauthorised, unwise, or in- various input impedances, and it is no use
recommend, if in good condition, are any
competent modifications are put into rigs using a high impedance microphone into a
of the Collins range, the Racal RA17 series,
and demodification can be very difficult. low impedance input. Microphone re-
(warning — some government surplus
Some dealers, in an attempt to hot up a sponses suit some voices but not others,
samples that were flogged around two or
receiver, may change the front end transistor so try and check one out on your rig before
three years ago were hopelessly out of
type, but by doing so may affect the committing yourself to purchase. Don't
adjustment and virtually clapped out!) and
transmit performance. Changing a transistor forget that although the mic plug may
going back in time, the RCA AR88D and
for another with different parameters (even mate with your rig's socket, the pin con-
GEC/Marconi BRT400 receivers are worth
if it can give a better performance) can be nections may be different which will in-
looking at, but avoid the CR100 and CR150
tricky, for the original circuitry may just volve soldering. Yaesu and Trio rigs for
models which tend to drift like the clappers
not be suitable for the new type. One example are not necessarily compatible
as well as receiving two frequencies at
importer, SMC, actually advertised recently with one another, and may again be in-
once! (Very bad image response on high
a service for £ 10 in which they offered to compatible with [corn.
frequencies).
"de- modify" FT290s which had previously
been modified by another dealer with It is worth looking closely at the small
alleged rather sad results. SMC tell me that ads in amateur radio magazines ( turn to
they had quite a few brought to them for page 65), for the equipment and prices will
Dealers can help
this de- modification. give you a lot of useful information. If a
particular rig is very frequently advertised
This is not to say that a carefully en- This article in no way is intended to bash
secondhand, it may either have been an
gineered modification is not a good thing, dealers in general, but I hope it will show
extremely popular one a while back, but
but it is probably better done by the main that there are some dealers who are
just as likely is the possibility that many
importers or their agents. So the first thing interested in earning a good long term
people want to get rid of them because
you should do when looking at a second- reputation, and thus do good business for
they are rather poor. I have seen many
hand rig is to ask whether it has been years, as well as some who in my experience
adverts for secondhand Liner 2 SSB trans-
tweaked or modified. You might also ask are rather more interested in extracting
ceivers andlam certainly not surprised for
when and from where it had been pur- cash for the till, sometimes with insufficient
it was a poor rig. On the other hand, many
chased. Before you actually see the rig, ask regard for giving the type of service that we
Yaesu FT10 1 s of various vintages have
around, and find out what most people should all expect, and indeed do get from
been advertised, because in this case the
think of it, and if possible listen to a trans- the majority. It should only very rarely be
model has been available in its various
mission from somebody who has one. If necessary to exert one's legal rights, and it
versions for perhaps ten years, and has
relationships are good between seller and is fascinating that many dealers have
been extremely popular. Don't forget that
purchaser, it is reasonable practice to actually encouraged this article in Amateur
the Sale of Goods Act, Section 13 ( con-
borrow it for two or three days so that you Radio on the understanding that in fairness,
cerned with descriptions) also applies to
can be happy about its performance. bad dealers would not be mentioned by
purchasing seccndhand equipment.
You should be a little suspicious of name. I should point out that there are
equipment which is more than a few years some dealers that as yet lhave not had any
old, for there are so many parts that could contact with, so I may not be referring to
give trouble after purchase. RF circuits can
Aerials and cable whom you think I may be hinting at!
go way out of adjustment after a few years, Finally, don't forget that the ideal
and you may have to pay for a complete situation is to find a dealer who you can
overhaul, or spend hours of relignment if Many radio amateurs purchase second-
trust implicitly, and who does not want to
you have the appropriate test gear. hand aerials, and here I must add some
flog you equipment that he knows perfectly
words of warning. An aerial which has been
well is not very good. It is worth seeking
up for years may well be badly corroded,
that dealer's co-operation and building up
but cleaned up by the seller. Traps within
Good old receivers the elements which are part of the tuned
a relationship in which he will also trust
you, and perhaps let you try out a rig
circuits may well have become intermittent
before you commit yourself to purchase.
or even open circuit. Some of the clamps
Don't turn your nose up at an HF trans- Don't forget that a dealer is there to make a
could have rusted into position and will
ceiver which either incorporates valves profit, which he must do if he is to give a
probably break when you try and adjust an
throughout, or which has a valve output good after sales service, and thus if all his
element length to obtain the best per-
PA Even today valve output stages are customers try and squeeze the last ounce
formance. Spare parts are often difficult to
generally superior in many ways to tran- of discount, it may be half his profit, which
obtain, so look at secondhand aerials very
sistorised output stages, and give less in effect, as far as accountancy goes, may
carefully before purchase. Be even more
distortion. Many old receivers using valves, be 80% of net profit, whilst you might only
careful if you are purchasing secondhand
which may cost in the secondhand market, be saving a few percent but find that you
coaxial cables. The cable may well be
between £50 and £500 may give a very are in trouble when something goes very
waterlogged inside. It is normal to expect
much better RV performance in many wrong.
the copper at the ends of the cable to be
areas than an all-transistor set costing
black with minor corrosion, but if you cut Always be fair to the dealer. You will find
about three or four times more. They may
off a few inches from the end, the copper that if you are honest about your own
not have digital readouts, and they might
should be absolutely clean. If it too is a "finger trouble", and find after complaining
not have such good filters, but you may
nasty black colour, you can try cutting off that you misunderstood the instructions
well find that if you tune around short
more, but if the seller is not too happy and so blew the rig up, a decent dealer will
waves on them, that there are far less
about his cable gradually diminishing in go out of his way to help, far beyond his
spurii and distortion problems.
length, then avoid it like the plague. Water obligations in law. Amateurs often talk
Unfortunately, most old valve receivers in coaxial cable severely degrades its per- about rigs and even dealers on the air, and
are heavy and occupy much space on the formance particularly at very high fre- so listen around and you will soon find out

41
 In the event oía dispute arising between the dealer and the purchaser with
reference to a lack of "money back" provision, or that the goods fail to
come up to the advertised description, or are faulty, there are several
courses of action that can be taken.
By far the best is to approach your local trading standards orgainsation,
usually located at a Town or County Hall. Don't forget that you are paying
for their services in your rates. Tell them of the whole problem, and they
will undoubtedly ask you for copies of paper work and notes of telephone
calls, in addition to your submission to them of the disputed goods. They
will then determine if the Trades Descriptions Act has been contravened, or
whether they can assist you in enforcing your rights.
One dealer threatened a purchaser by suggesting that the local trading
standards would not have enough money allocated to fight the action, but
this was ridiculous. I have personally acted as consultant to several

NEW OR USED trading standards organisations, who usually go to considerable trouble

to enforce consumer rights.

who is reliable and what rigs seem to be As an alternative, you can approach your local Citizen's Advice Bureau,
causing trouble. It is probably better in- or if you are a member of the Consumer Association, as a subscriber to
cidentally, not to buy a rig too soon after it Which?, they too may be able to help with advice (you have to join their
is released, for the first production units
Personal Service section).
sometimes have minor faults; these are
A final alternative can be extremely expensive and harrowing, but this is
usually ironed out after some months.
sometimes necessary. A solicitor can assist you either to make a claim in
the small claims court, or in a higher court. Ifyou are able to get legal aid,
If you are honest then this can be the best alternative, especially since most dealers would
about your finger probably settle the matter out of court after receiving a solicitor's letter.
They will also, in general, settle quickly after receiving a formal letter from
trouble, a decent
trading standards.
dealer will help lfyou wish to make a formal complaint, you absolutely must ensure that
your problem is not due to "finger problems", and that you are operating
Don't forget that whilst American companies the equipment as described in the instruction manual. You would also be
allow their rigs to remain available for wise to get a friend who could also put his name to a letter verifying the
many years, the Japanese come out with
nature of the problem, particularly if the dealer is awkward.
new ones almost every year, and that a rig
bought a long time after it's first announced In too many cases in which a customer has returned goods for money
back, the problem has been with the purchaser and not the dealer. Do try
may well be just about to become out of
date, with a new model around the corner. and be reasonable with the dealer first, and only take further action if he is
totally and completely stubborn.

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42
 Amateur Radio visited the Electronic Hobbies Fair in London in November, and
discovered it to be an excellent centre for radio enthusiasts — let alone all the
other interests in electronic hobbies.
More information in the next issue, of course, but here we present a sort of
picture guide to the Fair, with comments by the staff...

An unpredictable whatsit for sale ( no we don't mean the

beer glass), but with an eyeglass we can make out that it's
a starwriter, for sale at only £499 plus VAT. That's around
£500 less than retail recommended!

Miscellaneous bits on
this stand. A treasure
corner, if you like. REC.
COMM,YER
IMUIS 1
The Computer
Junk Shop stand.
PCBs, other
components for
under £ 1 and we
found some nice
power supply
parts too.

A
North London Raynet did the talk in.
GB2AP, in fact. They covered all
subjects, and even told us about the
state of the car park!

41i.d ,
Lots of goodies for the computer enthusiast — keyboards, à
screens, relays etc.
 Some shortwavers have a stiff neck — they
dare not look in the dealer's store window.
These days, temptation comes in fancy
shortwave packages. Mercifully, you can
always find a good reason for buying a
second shortwave receiver. Say it's for
Grandma — or the missus — and then ask if
you can try it from time to time. Showing
the lady of the house how to use a short-
wave receiver is much less traumatic than
teaching her how to drive. 1 know.

Shortwave has a distinctly masculine

image, and the magazines usually feature
males twiddling with the impressive
electronic controls. Even the term ' radio
shack' hardly evokes visions of frilly cur-
tains and well- polished gateleg tables. Only
in recent years have marketing executives
appreciated the possibilities of female in-
volvement. Let hams beware; the equal
opportunities legislation could demand a
ladies' entrance to the radio shack! And
regular dusting!
In the US for instance amateur radio
magazines have reported the success of
female candidates for amateur radio exam-
inations. Indeed, ladies seem to get through
with flying colours — but there are too few
of them. When they get onto the air, the
ladies get plenty of polite conversation
from the gents. " It's a pity more ladies
don't know about the big welcome mat on
amateur radio," one remarked. So, as
competition for business becomes keener,
some companies are considering the possi-
bilities. An initial approach is that of design-
M. ,}+. ing shortwave receivers that have an
appeal to the feminine eye. And any
designer who can get a lady into a specialist
radio shop to talk about equipment must
be at least a 101% genius. Though the
writer must admit that his telephone
chat with amateur radio retailers in the UK
have often been with ladies who are also
experts in the noble art.
Looking around the present mouth-
watering merchandise, one would have to
op,
nominate the Sony ICF2001 global radio as
a front-runner for the feminine market. Of
course, one should never judge a receiver
purely on eye appeal, but the ICF2001 has

RECEIVERS ON
been enthusiastically received in many
markets. An Australian review in March
1981 referred to the 1CF2001 as the ' legend-
ary black box' and appropriately (in the
International Year For Disabled People)

A BUDGET
referred to the control layout's suitability
for the physically handicapped. The re-
viewer reported that he was able to perform
all operator functions by strategic use of
nose, toes, or implement held between the
teeth. With its microprocessor interfaced
David Lazell describes the latest low priced receivers with Phase Locked Loop electronics, the
ICF2001 accomplishes tuning via switches
which could, in fact, expand the hobby to a much and time clocking circuits. As you depress
wider audience. It's also a good way of getting the YL the ' up' or ' down' key, the scan circuitry is
activated for manual control. Release the
or XYL involved... key and this stepping across the spectrum

44
ceases. The stepping speed can be in-
creased as required. Normal step rate is
1KHz. In the fast mode, this is increased to
10KHz. The Sony ICF2001 uses two main
slabs for total band coverage: FM from 76
to 108MHz, and continuous general cover-
age (AM/SSB/CW) from a low 150KHz to
29.999MHz.

LCD digital frequency display and

memory pre-set readout, pre-set up to six
stations, and automatic sleep timer, are
additional features of the ICF2001. It's a
pity that the recent adjustment in the value
of sterling against other currencies may lift
the UK price of this excellent model.
It is hardly surprising that Sony's models
appeal to serious shortwave listeners,
especially those who have yet to graduate
to full amateur radio. This world-wide
electronics organisation started its career As Mr. Morita had been a lieutenant in Grundig's Satellit 3400 is
in radio, in the austerity of post-war Japan. the Japanese navy, he had to leave his post. sometimes overlooked in
A small group of electronics engineers led Thus, he joined his good friend Masaru the shortwave sales stakes
by the dynamic Masaru Ibuka took a lease Ibuka in the new company — bringing some — but at the price it's an
on a small area in a Tokyo department financial resources from the Morita family attractive proposition to
store. Mr. Ibuka had proven his flair during (who seem to have been remarkably per- the serious amateur who
the war by developing an audio frequency ceptive in the matter). The story of Sony is wants an easy to use
generator which operated at 2,000 cycles, one as fascinating as any adventure you radio. You won't see it too
to ensure privacy of official telephone will see on television — and is based very often in Grundig retailers,
conversations. However, the bread and much on original design work, plus per- unfortunately, due to lack
butter income of the young company was sistence. When, in the course of some of demand.
hardly glamorous. Basically, it was derived work for NHK ( the Japanese broadcasting Far left: Philips D2924 is a
from the repair of radio receivers. The war- company) Masaru Ibuka saw a prototype budget priced receiver
weary citizens of Tokyo — like those in tape recorder owned by an American with a price tag of around
Britain and Germany — had a hunger for official, he believed that he had found a £100. It's a pretty device —
radio entertainment, one of the few com- new consumer product worthy of further one for the ladies who
pensations for a persistent austerity. development and marketing. Despite the want to share the secrets
unavailability of plastic materials for re- of the shack . . .
cording tape, the company developed a
Never judge a recorder that used a tape with a paper product diversity, Sony has not con-
receiver purely on base. This G Type machine appeared in centrated on shortwave receivers, but
eye appeal 1949, but a smaller, less expensive machine every now and then comes up with a clear
(the H.1) came along in 1951, and as winner, like the ICF2001. It cannot match
plastics at last became available in Japan, receivers costing three or four times its
Akio Morita, who subsequently became
Sony became a world leader. price, of course, but the ICF2001 is an
Chairman of the Sony Corporation, shared
electronic attraction for the fair sex, as well
Mr. Ibuka's vision of a new range of Of course, the marketing of so novel a
as to males. Neatness, and ease of operation,
products, true innovations in consumer product had its problems. Akio Morita,
may not figure high in the preferences of
electronics. More than ten years younger with his sales director, visited schools to
mature amateurs — but the ICF2001 shows
than Mr. Ibuka, Akio Morita had been astonish the children and persuade the
that design can help expand the shortwave
educated for a career in a family brewing teachers of the benefits of tape recording.
hobby interest.
business. From childhood, however, he In the 1960s, Sony came to an agreement
became fascinated in electronics, becoming with Philips, by which Sony used the Philips
a radio ham and an embryonic engineer 'compact cassette' as its standard ( though It's lost in the
courtesy of Meccano kits. Sony did try later to market a larger, high general Philips audio
fidelity tape cassette — the Elcaset).
At Osaka University during the early catalogue
1940s, Akio Morita was already assisting a Whilst Sony — as a young company, born
distinguished academic in the preparation in the mid 1940s — based its product
Sony's commitment to global radio is
of newspaper articles on popular science innovation programme on the tape recorder,
interestingly confirmed in a new Directory
subjects. His talents seemed to point to a it also concentrated on high quality radio
of World Band Radio available in the USA
fife- long career as a university professor. receivers, with a continuing interest in
at around eight dollars. Published by Sony,
That ' might have been' was prevented by shortwave. The Japanese shortwave en-
this useful publication is designed for the
no less a person than General Douglas thusiast is eager to have the latest, and
non- technical reader, yet has a lot of
McArthur. Just at the time that the 25- best (within his financial well-being) and
information for the real enthusiast. Sony
year-old Morita was developing valuable Japanese companies are acknowledged as
dealers have found this an excellent aid to
professional work at the Tokyo Institute of world leaders in receivers and transceivers.
shortwave receiver business. Let's hope
Technology, General McArthur instructed In Australia and for that matter, the US
we will soon have the publication in Britain.
that no former officer of the Japanese products have familiar enough brand
armed forces could hold a civil service names, Kenwood, Trio, Panasonic, Yaesu, Philips have a new model, the D2924
post. Icom, Sony and Sanyo. With its policy of which has some similarities to the ICF2001,

45
 Sony's 1C72001 is a
synthesised receiver
with direct push-
button frequency
selection, preset
memory tuning
tuning scan and
FM/AM/SWCW
global coverage.
Keyboard provides
for direct entry of
frequencies, and
these are scanned
from low to high in
units of 3kHz for AM
and 100kHz for fM.
This remarkable
global radio is
widely acclaimed for
its efficiency and
facilities.

although the Philips model costs con- were developing their small Tokyo-based many places, offer the only continental
siderably less. The Philips D2924 has syn- business, Max Grundig was building his competition to the handsome selection
thesised tuning bands. It has keyboard company at Fuerth in West Germany. from Japan. It is to Grundig's credit that
entry for precise tuning on a Liquid Crystal Recognising an impressive public appetite their product range includes shortwave
Display, with six memory buttons for pre- for radio entertainment, Max Grundig receivers that easily relate to the non-
selection across all eight wavebands. Here, opened a business in 1947 for the distribu- technical consumers' experience. The two
as with the Sony ICF2001, its slim sophisti- tion of Heinzelmann radio kits. He was Grundig Satellit models are well known in
cated appearance could make this an soon designing the first Grundig radio the US as well as in Australia.
excellent gift to a lady who is just beginning receivers and took a keen interest in
The Satellit 1400 is less than £200 and
to appreciate shortwave. It is, perhaps, a VHF/FM broadcasting. Early transmitters
pity that this useful model is a little lost in were in use in the early 1950s, and the West has six shorwave bands with coverage of
11 m to 169m, as well as normal domestic
the general Philips audio catalogue. Sony Germans took a keen interest in this broad-
frequencies on medium wave, long wave
(like Grundig) provide separate, detailed casting medium long before most Britons
and FM. Other features include MVC/AVC,
literature on its global radios. Philips itself were even aware of it. In addition to
SSB capability, Local/DX switch on short-
began business as long ago as 1891, developing high quality radio receivers,
wave and fast/fine tuning. As the lady of
specialising in the development of in- Max Grundig developed the tape recorder.
the house likes listening to music — and
candescent lamps. But from the time of the Indeed, the first European reel-to-reel tape
much less to technical discourses from her
first world war, the company developed its recorder, the 500L, was a heavyweight
husband — the Satellit 1400 has the benefit
radio interests. Radio valves were produced success, almost indestructible. Followed
of good sound quality. There is a claimed
by Philips as far back as 1917, with a busy by a smaller but no less robust model, the
output of 7.5watts, and the twin loud-
decade in microphones, loudspeakers and 700L, the Grundig recorder developed the
speaker system has a switchable tweeter.
amplifiers from 1926 to the outbreak of war British taste for recording.
The more expensive Satellit 3400 (some-
in 1939. Philips — you might say — grew up
Max Grundig — now in his early eighties— thing over £400) has eighteen shortwave
with radio ( and television) and is today the
has had a profound influence on consumer bands, with a coverage of 10m to 187m
fifth largest industrial group in Europe.
electronics ( to say nothing of European inclusive. An LED digital frequency in-
With an impressive range of industrial and
business). Grundig shortwave receivers, in dicator has an accuracy of plus/minus
commercial activities, Philips is deeply in-
volved in business communications and
broadcasting, eg, through its Pye
organisation.

Other companies are

launching shortwave
radios

Some 45% of Philips' activity is in the

professional, capital goods and com-
ponents sector. The company remains
committed to sophisticated consumer
electronics products — and the value- for-
money D2924 could be the beginning of
further shortwave receiver developments.
Yet it was Philips' partner in the V2000
video project — Grundig — that has most
similarity to Sony in a world-wide business
based on high quality radio and tape
products.
Whilst Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka

46
 •

101(Hz for FM and 1Hz for AM. Other

facilities include an LCD quartz clock, six
preset FM station selectors, three position
AM bandwidth switch, ANL, etc. A carrying
case is also available for the 3400, which
may be fixed to a permanent position, eg
World-wide cards exchanged by amateurs who have made successful short-wave contacts. on board ship. Output is rated at 7.5watts.
Specification sheets are available from
Grundig.

SHORT-WAVE ADVENTURE Other companies are also launching

shortwave receivers to stimulate consumer
interest in world radio. To quote the late
The hour restored to B.B.C. programmes next week will be and great Al Jolson: 'You ain't heard nothing
missed by a fascinating world of late-night chatterers. yet'. Of course, veterans in amateur radio,
with existing heavy investment in equip-
T HOUSANDS of people, all over th
e formal exchang e of ca ll- si
gns and locations, ment, may suggest that shortwave receivers
-I- British Isles, searching the air f
or Casablanca started to chat, begi nn i
ng hi s are just for beginners. Well, maybe they
entertainment after eleven o'clock, ha
ve conversation with: '" Ull o, Lady! Good
been turning the waveband- switches 4:3 n Evenin g , W oman !"
are, but because many newcomers to
their receivers from ' Long' or ' Medium
' Another ' personality' of the 20- metre
shortwave/amateur radio join the ranks of
to the unfamiliar ' Short- Wave ' pos i tio
n. band is a South London policem an , known hobbyists, it is worth knowing about
There they ha ve discovered a boundless
receivers that cost below £200 ( and, in the
frontierless world of ad ven ture, w here firs , as Syd. He has a formidable list of long-
names are bandi ed across the ( weans t distance contacts—or ' DX,' as they are case of the Philips D2924, considerably
These ' Short- Wavers' find th ei r happ
called; he has ' logged' 2,500 conversations lower). Cost-conscious customers will like
hunting ground on the 20- and 40-metry with America alone in the past two years. the appearance, as well as the facilities, of
bands of the or di nary domestic three-way e But on nights when conditions for DX work-
the new models aimed at a non- technical
receiver; they fi n d, a l so, that tuning is mue e ing are bad —and the short-wave listener soon
h discovers that conditions change mysteriously market. US enthusiasts can subscribe to
mro
b or eescastb
ahd diffi cult
al from nignt to night, and indeed from hour to equipment information newsletters, the
culan
tt
a nat he dttiif:nch ha
d n
th o
e yn master
the n o rtin h e
Butcrithticeaml
ern
while a tiny t ouch
on the tu ning -k no hour—Syd likes to tell stories to his friends best-known of these being the Market
will .pass over half a dozen amateur stationsb in the London area. Place Report from the Marc DX Equipment
patience and prac ti ce for a few nights , He relates strange adventures, ranging Committee (3 Camrose Crescent, Scars-
soon
from his experiences ' on the beat' in the
bough, Ontario, Canada, M1 L 2BS).
first degree , at l
east, of the strange and West End of London, to the tale of the
wonderful freemasonry of wor ld- w id e amateur
Retired Watchman who Bought a Hole in Having a shortwave radio equivalent to
radio transmission and reception. the Ground. Indeed, so engrossed does he
Which? magazine could be very useful,
become, that he has to be reminded that
Twelve Different Countries given the impressive choice of equipment
the terms of the G.P.0 ' s Amateur
I listened one ni
g ht to a London ' ham ' Radio Transmitting Licence forbid trans- — but perusal of magazine reviews and
(amateur) r
ea di ng out the list of hi s latest missions of more than ten minutes talks to well- established dealers are also
contacts He had ' work ed' twe l
ve di fferent without a break I important. Shortwave receivers, States-
countries on speech ; an d hi s score of contacts The short-wave addict soon gets to know side, can cost less than a hundred dollars.
in Morse code covered no fewer than seventy the mysteries of his New World. The loud, The Realistic brand products, available in
different lands—including on e w ith an unintelligible squawk and bark, only just
exploring expedition in the jung l of the
Britain via Tandy stores, are popular in the
e recognisable as a human voice, which he will
Amazon. The stati on t
o w hi ch he was talking find at several points on the scale, is merely USA A Tandy dealer here in Britain also
when I picked him up queried on e call- si
gn, speech on the Transatlantic telephone, confirmed a growing interest. But the
with an un fam ili ar ix, which
pref he had
'scrambled' by the G.P.O. for secrecy. ladies, it seems, unlike the sets, have yet to
mentioned. In his reply, he mentioned quite So successful is the ' scrambling' process be switched on.
casually that it had been a Greek station: that it is impossible to toll what language is
' A Greek guerilla wh o said he was hid den in being used, or whether the conversation is
the ' Free Mo u ntains o f Greece ' !" between stockbrokers, newsmen, or passionate Readers Notes for Literature
The same night I hear d American soldier lovers.
an
The Sony Global Radios Leaflet may be
in Germany asking an amateur in Cambridge Please Keep Off . . . obtained from the Sony Showroom, 134,
to give him a ti me-
chec k. " One thing you

got over there, boy—Greenwich I Seems like

He will find out that when he hears a Regent Street, London, W1R 6DJ or from
I never get m y wa t
ch set ri
ght, without I
'ham' in London, or one of the big industrial the Public Relations Dept., Sony UK Ltd.,
areas, talking ruefully about ' BCL-trouble'
take my time from the British !" He went on
or ' TVI-difficulties,' that this refers to com-
Staines House, 1580162, High Street, Staines,
to describe his morn i
ng '
s bag o f contacts--
Middlesex TW18 4AZ. (John Locke, Public
plaints of interference by broadcast listeners
this was on a Sun day forenoon, the ' ham '
s'
or television viewers, living within a few Relations Officer).
best weekly tim e— an d th ey included talks yards of the amateur transmitter's aerial.
with amateurs in Melbourne, Australia Interference does occasionally happen and th Details of the Philips D2924 Global Radio
Atalanta, Georgia, and H ono l
ul all between ham must take immediate steps to cure the
u,
may be obtained from the Public Relations
7 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. trouble, or else stay ' off the air' until domestic
broadcasting closes down. Dept., Philips Audio, City House, 420/430
Call Of The Woman He will hear the scramble to be ' first to London Road, Croydon, CR9 3QR ( Leigh
reply' to a general call from a far-distant Robinson, Public Relations Officer),
Several British amateur-transmitters have
station. The other evening I heard four
built up their own sm a ll groups o f ' f
ans. '
British amateurs respond simultaneously to Specification Sheets and Literature on
One such ' ham,' for examp l
e, i
s a London
a ' CQ DX' ( General, Long Distance) call from
Civil Servant who operates from his Chelsea a Colombian amateur. He apparently found the Grundig Satellit receivers may be ob-
flat. One night, t
a lki ng t
o a f
rien d over the the strongest answer came from a young man tained from Public Relations Dept, Grundig
air, he mentioned hi s address, so that some in the North of Scotland. Ten . minutes later,
International Ltd., Newlands Park, London
small gadget that th e o th er had promised him an American weather-service official in Green-
land put out a call; I could hear amateurs SE26.
could be posted. The next few day s brought
replying from five countries.. He preferred his
him twenty-five letters f
rom chance listeners.
homeland, and in a few moments was chatter-
Nearly every one of th em wro t
e th at he— 47
ing happily with a friend in New York.
or she, for there are several from wome n — Mr. John Clarricoats, Secretary of the
had only discovere d th e inv•1 of Radio Society nf •
 REVIEW

POWER TX POWER AMP PRE AMP

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excellent and not unreasonably priced linear
amp which can be used for SSB, CW, FM, etc.
With the popularity of semiconductor linear drive their linears properly, as opposed to which means that it can be used for SSB,
amplifiers increasing apace, we thought it there being an inherent problem with the CW, FM or whatever mode takes your
was about time we had a good look at one device itself. As far as solid-state linears fancy.
in order to see how well, or not, it performed. are concerned, however, we wondered
This type of linear, which costs relatively whether the same was true — which is why The " linear" bit, as always, means that,
little and requires no more than a decent we were intrigued to get our mits on the in theory at least, it has what our technical
power supply to get it up and running, is Microwave Modules 30 watt machine. department calls a linear transfer function
becoming much more common these days and what thickos like me call — er — "well,
than the valve jobs with 4CX250s and the the output is an amplified version of the
like. Switched input, innit?". It also, as is the fashion these
days, contains a receive preamp. This
out if needed
The thing is that, having listened and particular specimen has a gain of 12dB and
taken part in more contests, Field Days and a noise figure of less than 1.5dB according
whatever than we care to think about (we Now we must say straight away that you to its spec, and the good thing about it is
still have the scars, and the antenna's probably wouldn't use a linear in this class that it can be switched out of circuit if it
never been the same since) we don't for an all-out Field Day — you'd want 10dB isn't needed.
exactly feel impressed with the quality of more power if you were in for it at all
This is definitely A Good Thing because,
the majority of the signals we hear. Not so seriously — but we figured that ( a) lots of
as we've said Ln the past, the best place for
long ago, it was fair to say that a lot of that people might well want this type of linear
any preamp nine times out of ten is at the
was down to problems with the receiver in for base or mobile use, and you're likely to
top of the mast to overcome feeder losses,
the presence of strong signals— inadequate hear them in use more often than the
etc — there is something to be said for ye
front-ends, inadequate IF filter stopbands occasional contest and ( b) it would give a
olde preamp in a mobile situation maybe,
and so on — but with the availability of good insight into how an average everyday
but we're certainly wary of them anywhere
better technology (you have to say that in add-on amplifier would perform. So we
else because if the receiver designer has
an American drawl . . .) we still feel that the thought we'd give this one the once-over
done his job properly he'll have sussed out
quality of most high- power stations leaves to begin with and then take a look at a
the gain distribution in the front-end and
a lot to be desired. larger one later on.
the IF strip, etc, and sticking 12dB in front
Now valves tend to be able to produce So — this particular beast from Microwave of that is quite likely to cause various
better linearity than transistors insofar as Modules (who are known affectionately to messy and distressing problems of front-
RF linear amplifiers are concerned, and we everyone as Mickey Mouse for some end overload when you get lots of strong
have a sneaking feeling that many signals obscure reason; they don't seem to mind signals around — viz an opening or a
which turn out to be about 30kHz wide are too much . . .) is a 30 watt output- for- 1- or- contest. So full marks to MM for making it
down to people who don't know how to 3- watts- input 144MHz linear amplifier, switchable.

48
 Anyhow, back to the amplifier itself. It
came packed in some very nice bubbly
plastic (the secretary in the office had a
ball busting the bubbles with her finger-
nails) and it consisted of a nice black-
anodised heatsink with some switches and
LEDs on the front panel and three con-
nectors and a chunky pair of wires on the
back. The connectors were for RF input
and output, and were the usual S0239
types — the other connection was aphono
socket for the PTT line. The idea of this is
that by extending an earth to this socket,
the beast goes into the transmit condition;
since lots of rigs have a connection some-
where to do just that when they go to
transmit, the whole system can do its stuff.
Mind you, MM have gone one better and
also have RF VOX built-in so that a whiff of
RF from the main rig will also put the linear
into transmit The delay times on the RF
VOX are switchable, which is just as well —
we've heard some comical things from
earlier generations of amplifiers whereby
they didn't switch in until the man said a supply lines. Should you do a whoopsie The MM 144/301S linear amplifier with the lid
few words and, since they switched out and connect up the volts the wrong way off Most of the circuitry sits on a well-made glass
again when he stopped speaking and the round,the diode would conduct and blow fibre PCB.
RF disappeared (it does that with SSB, you the fuse ( it did, too, when we tried it out)
know, but you wouldn't think the linear thus saving any embarrassment.
makers knew that ...), the net effect was decreasing the length". Er — well, it's
'orrible! The MM machine switches in a We liked the way all the connections off different! The funny thing is that, when
much longer delay for SSB to hold the amp to the front panel were nicely sleeved so as Technical Maniac fished out his clever
in until you say another word or two. to give them some support, with heat- calculator and did some sums, he thought
We liked the facility for a switchable 1 or shrink sleeving; that's not usually done in that the input impedance of this amp ought
3 watt input because lots of current wire- consumer-type electronics, and is a nice to be about 57ohms plus j6ohms, which
lesses have this order of output and it detail. All in all, the only two points our ain't worth bothering about in terms of a
makes for extra versatility. Yer average technical whizz muttered about were that possible mismatch! So why MM put that in
handheld seems to produce just under one the solder joints weren't defluxed and that their otherwise nice operating notes remains
or other of these figures. he wasn't at all convinced that the main a bit of a mystery, and the bit about
on-off switch was man enough to handle changing the length of the cable sounds
four amps, which is what the machine distinctly weird to us. Maybe they don't
Super conductor of takes at full chat. want it to be a resonant length, but it
heat is beryllium oxide Well, it wouldn't be asked to switch four
shouldn't matter anyway. Have we over-
looked something?
amps or at least not very often, and as for
Anyway, the first job was to open it up the defluxing it's a minor detail— you'd do it
and have a peep at the works in con- if it was to a professional specification and This is the recognised
you were paying a professional price, and if
junction with the circuit diagram supplied
it bothers you you can get some cotton
way of looking
with the beast. We duly noted the warning
about beryllium oxide on the bottom panel, buds and some propanol or similar and do at linearity
which is a good point — lots of modern it yourself. Personally we wouldn't bother,
power semiconductors contain this stuff and we told Technical Person off for being Be that as it may, it was time for the tests.
because it's a super conductor of heat as a Clever Dick. He retaliated by forgetting to The first thing to inspect was the output
well as being an excellent electrical in- make some coffee for us when it was his power, and we fed in three watts of FM and
sulator but it's LETHAL. For heavens' sake turn... measured the output on a recently-
don't ever try breaking open any of this recalibrated Bird RF Analyst — the box
By the way, Technical Brain Box had
sort of device, or sawing it up to see what's developed 36 watts into 50ohms, which
been gawping at the circuit whilst we had
inside, because a minute amount of beryllium was better than its spec. We then switched
been making with the screwdriver, and to
oxide can cause the most unpleasant and to the one watt position and fed in exactly
judge from the grunts and hmms he was
painful illness. We know of someone who one watt — bingo, out came 38 watts! This
quite taken with it. He liked the matching
inhaled a tiny amount of the stuff and was with 13.8 volts input, by the way. At
into and out of the PA device and looked up
ended up in hospital for two months — he that, it was drawing 4.1 amps from our
the spec of the transistor itself. MM claim
emerged minus a fair number of his internal supply, so if you're so minded you can
that it's rugged, and we thought that ought
organs, so DON'T mess about with the calculate the efficiency; not that it means
to be true. We were a bit baffled by one
stuff! much.
statement in their literature, though. They
When we looked inside, the first im- say that " Certain transceivers have PA Next on the list were measurements of
pression was " limmm — that's rather nice". protection circuitry which can be unreliable linearity, and we decided to feed in two
The majority of the circuitry sits on a well- when used in conjunction with a linear tones at 700 and 1700Hz and see the third-
made glass- fibre PCB, in a rather attractive amplifier. This can be due to a mismatch order product relative to one tone at the
and certainly robust layout with every- which can occur on the coax cable between 30watt level. This is a recognised way of
thing solidly soldered and clearly arranged. the transceiver and the amplifier . . ." Well, looking at linearity, and we'll explain all
Two rather dinky flat-pack relays look if that's true the input impedance of their these things in a future article on how we
after input and output switching; they amplifier must be rather a long way from go about testing things and what we look
aren't coaxial, but the contacts looked 50ohms, which isn't exactly a desirable for. Suffice it to say for now that this tells
sufficiently hefty to us. The power cabling situation. MM say that you could cure it by you a lot about what happens when you go
had splendid rectilinear runs, and a nice "... altering the length of the offending on the air with it and how wide the signal
touch was a chunky diode across the cable, generally by increasing rather than will be.

49
 nilcR:t
- - JAvE n J' LSD
¡AS .e v,
MML 144/30- LS, 144 MHz 30 WATT ov 7.1_ 14/eitli
LINEAR POWER AMPLIFIER /144 G His /

[
L see pallzilve.

FEATURES 11 %%Zai(9
$
* 30WATTS OUTPUT POWER
* SUITABLE FOR 1 OR 3 WATT TRANSCEIVERS
* LINEAR ALL MODE OPERATION
• STRAIGHT THROUGH OPERATION WHEN TURNED
OFF
Oh
; iàit
.....• ur .... * ULTRA LOW NOISE RECEIVE PREAMPLIFIER -
FRONT PANEL SELECTABLE
4
44 194 NINe 30 WATT '. t.14 Alib t'

4 LINEAR AMPtIFIER L144 30

* EQUIPPED WITH RF VOX AND MANUAL OVERRIDE
* LED STATUS LIGHTS FOR POWER, TRANSMIT &
PREAMP ON

SPECIFICATION
'LINEAR AMPLIFIER RECEIVE PREAMP
Power output : 30 watts RMS typ

Overall gain 12dB typ

Power input 1 or 3 watts
Front panel selectable
Overall noise
figure Better than 1 5dB
Frequency
bandwidth 144-146 MHz at — 1dB
Frequency
bandwidth 144-146MHz at — 1dB
Power
requirements : 13.8V DC at 4 Amps
Receive
current 200mA
Quiescent
current 800mA

GENERAL
RF connectors S0239 Size 205 x 115 x 55 mm

Weight 1Kg

DESCRIPTION
This new 144MHz solid state linear amplifier, MML144/30-LS has been introduced as a result of the advent of the many popular 1 and 3 watt 2 metre
transceivers currently available.
When used in conjunction with such equipment this linear amplifier will provide an output power of 30 watts. An internal attenuator, controlled by a
front panel mounted switch, allows both 1 and 3 watt input levels, thereby affording maximum versatility.
Several other switches controlling the internal switching circuitry, allow the unit to be left in circuit at all times. The linear power amplifier and low- noise
receive preamplifier can both be independently switched in and out of circuit. In this way, all four operational combinations are possible.
By means of an RF vox circuit the linear will automatically switch onto transmit, when 144 MHz drive is applied to the input socket. it is possible to
override this facility by the connection of an earth to the phono socket located on the rear panel. This connection is compatible with all current transceiver
PTT lines. The RF vox has switched delay times for SSB and FM modes.
The inclusion of the latest state of the art power transistor ( rated at 65W dissipation) guarantees highly reliable and ultra- linear performance, thus
making the unit ideal for all modes of operation. ( SSB, FM, AM & CW).
The amplifier utilises recently developed matching techniques, which allow safe operation even when improperly subjected simultaneously to
50% overdrive and a supply voltage of 15V. The PA transistor is thermally tracked against temperature variation and operational temperature rise.
The receive preamplifier uses one of the latest dual gate MOSFETs ( 3SK88) in a noise matched configuration. This technique together with careful
optimisation of overall gain makes the preamplifier ideal for use ahead of any popular 2 meter transceiver. The sensitivity of most current transceivers is
such that a preamplifier gain of 12dB is sufficient to ensure an excellent overall system noise figure. A preamplifier with gain in excess of this figure will
prove unduly detrimental to the strong signal- handling performance of the transceiver.
All circuitry is constructed on high quality glass- fibre printed circuit board and protection is included against reverse polarity. The unit is housed in a
highly durable extruded aluminium enclosure. RF connectors are located on the rear panel together with the power lead and PTT phono socket. All
necessary plugs are supplied.

THIS EXCITING PRODUCT IS AVAILABLE FROM STOCK AT £ 69.95 inc. VAT ( p&p £ 2.50)

BARCLAYCARD MICROWAVE MODULES HOURS:

MUM BROOKFIELD DRIVE, AINTREE, LIVERPOOL L97AN, ENGLAND MONDAY- FRIDAY
Telephone: 051-523 4011 Telex: 628608 MICRO G 9-12.30, 1-5.00
WELCOME CALLERS ARE WELCOME, PLEASE TELEPHONE FIRST

50
 A I, /

O' OFF I
A

REVIEW
Rt.t8 0„
/

toe
re ,,î 3ir T T ri ,i7E_ew
Goe _L RUH--
The result in this case was that the third-
order product turned out to be 25dB lower
Set-
than one tone of the two tones at 30watts. 3SKete
gats
This is a typical figure for a transistor linear ••1
4,«eter
n
amplifier, and indeed it's about the same 21,2£,tTié"1-

order of performance as you'll get out of

your average black box. If you came down
to 25watts, the figure improved to -31dB.
However, at 35watts it was only -22dB, so
we'd reckon that MM's figure for output
power of 30watts is about right. We estab-
lished that the maximum power you could
Fmasit
get out of the device by driving it hard was Lob

41watts — ie that's when the PA device

went into saturation — and (a) that's un-
healthy for the PA as MM stress in the fv«,..s, Pr T
instructions and ( b) the linearity at that mmt_ 11 ,
9130- Ls sS 6 Frn _•
Al
output level is pretty awful. So don't try
and get more out of it than it's rated for — thus, of a higher resistance than was a One of the very helpful diagrams you will find
it's that sort of thing that makes amplifiers good thing. Bingo — the amp didn't like that in the Microwave Modules operating manual
sound lousy in contests, and gets them — at all, and we were 10kHz wide. So we got
and us — a bad name. the heavy cable out and made it about a
foot long — yes, you've guessed it, the
tests and openings and what- have-you!
problem went away.
A good time to FM operation presented no problems,
This little test proved what we've often
take a close look thought — viz, that transistor amplifiers like
and we spent a happy hour or so working
some stations in northern France since
at the preamp this positively demand a really well-
conditions were a little bit up at the time.
regulated supply and that a lot of the
The heatsink got fairly warm, but not
problems you hear are down to silly things
So they were the basic parameters of the dangerously so, and we switched off about
like connecting cables that are too thin.
amplifier — we then thought we'd better midnight with no complaints.
This problem must be a lot worse with the
take a look at how it stood up to sillies like
higher-power amplifiers used on SSB, So there it is — a nice little amplifier that's
the antenna coming undone, etc. (we all do
where the varying current demand, and a good for making a little handheld or there-
it . . .). It survived everything we threw at it
high current at that, asks a lot of the PSU. abouts into a potent base or mobile station.
— it finally blew the fuse when we asked it to
It's just like valve linears, where so many of It seems unbustable to us, and there's a
supply full power into a short-circuit, with-
the horrid thingies you hear are because good preamp if you need one— like if you're
out doing in the PA device, and it also blew
people don't appreciate that the power mobile and/or your wireless is rather deaf.
said fuse when we connected the power
supply is just as important from the design Its performance as a " linear" is the same as
the wrong way round.
point of view as the RF bit of the thing. We the usual black box — ie acceptable, al-
Having survived that, we thought it was bet that if people paid as much attention to though not in the 4CX250 class — and it's
time to have a quick look at the preamp. their PSUs — both for valve and transistor well priced. Nice one, MM — can we have a
This turned out to have a gain of 13dB amplifiers — as they do to the RF side, the look at a meaty one soon? And if only all
rather than 12 and a noise figure of about VHF and UHF bands would be a sight more amateur things were as well made as this
1.4dB. This is about par for the course for sanitary than they usually are during con- one...
the 3SK88 device in this sort of circuit, so
no moans there.
MANUFACTURER'S COMMENT transceiver can be somewhat inaccurate,
So it was time to connect it up and go on
since it will have been aligned via a non-
the air with it. We used an IC202 on SSB and In response to the review, we would like to
constant impedance connector, and this
the office IC-2E for FM, and everything clarify the situation with reference to the
will cause the output impedance to be
performed very well. On SSB the delay time matter of coaxial cable lengths and im-
something other than 50ohms.
worked exceedingly well — the amp only pedance matching.
dropped out after about three seconds In order to avoid the most obvious
The impedance match between a trans-
without any RF in the VOX mode, and went problem of the transceiver PA " shutting
ceiver and a linear amplifier is dependant
into transmit with about a picowatt of RF. down", it is occasionally necessary to alter
on certain factors, irrespective of the pre-
Stations we worked couldn't hear any- the length of coax cable between the two
thing untoward. The only time they could defined impedance of the two units. Under units, which can be of assistance in correct-
was when we deliberately tried a power normal conditions, both equipments would ing the mismatch. Whilst we offer this
supply with rather poor regulation — we have a nominal impedance of 50ohms, but advice in our operating notes, it is intended
noticed a fall in output power our end, and the use of the highly popular S0239 con- purely as a guide and the effect mentioned
nector immediately introduces a non- above is rarely encountered in practice.
the distant station told us we had a much
wider transmission then before. Technical constant impedance into the system. MIKE WOOD, MICROWAVE MODULES LTD
Bod was looking at things with his spectrum The resultant effect is that the load Fair enough — but personally we're not
analyser, and confirmed that linearity was presented to the output stage can begin to sure that S0239s are all that bad at
much worse. Full of curiosity, we went "look" inductive, to a varying degree, and 144MHz, but they do vary, depending on
QRT and fetched a car battery into the is somewhat worsened by the total number whether the maker is reputable or not.
shack; we then connected it up via some of these connectors used in the system. As they say, it rarely happens; full marks
rather long leads that were thinner than to MM anyway for clarifying it from
they ought to have been and they were, Also, the alignment of the PA of the their side. — Editor.

SI
 SHOPTALK
Equipment available today. From hand-held radios to full
blown bench equipment, there is enough to suit all tastes
and requirements. Here is a selection of things available in
the shops currently.

First off, there's a Mitsubishi thumb- type button which you Passing hastily on, we note
LS! Data Book, which has got could use for on-off switches that that clever gang down at
all sorts of useful sections on or changing range on a Mutek in North Devon have
RAM, ROM and things like frequency meter or DMM, for just brought out a front-end
that — if that's your scene and instance. There's also a board for the lcom 211/251
you're desperate to know just choice of the display aperture series. If it's as good as the
what the microprocessor chip size (the size of the 'ole at front-end ditto for the Yaesu
in your wireless gets up to, the top, Brian), so you can machines it's going to be well
the tome costs a fiver from stuff in whatever sort of worth getting, so if you want
Altek Microcomponents Ltd. display you have in mind. to give your ageing 211 a
at 22 Market Place, How about one of those new birthday ( they certainly were
Wokingham, Berkshire RG11 multi- colour LCD displays a bit deaf in our experience)
1AP. that are just coming on to the give Chris a ring on 040924
market? 543 and ask him for details.
Still in the world of books,
Want a 1000MHz frequency
we heard a few GB2RSes ago West Hyde are at Unit 9,
meter? Sabtronics is a well-
that the RSGB have just Park Street, Aylesbury, Bucks
known name in the market
brought out the new edition HP20 1 ET, or you can give
place, and they've just
of their Teleprinter them a bell on 0296 20441.
Handbook; one chap we Their catalogue is well worth
know who eats and breathes converter to work . ) getting, so give them a whirl if Left 24 or 48 volt soldering
the things went to Potters Bar Right — what about you want to put your digital irons from Electronic Hobbies
and bought one and he says something a bit more down- whatnot in a nice case and cost from £5. Below: new
it's extremely good. We to-earth like a soldering iron? hear all the oo's and aah's at range of hand-held cases
haven't actually seen a copy Electronic Hobbies have just the club. Actually, at my club from West Hyde
yet ( note to RSGB — any brought out a new range it's usually " cor stone me, Developments — just right for
chance of a review copy?) called the Simplex and they're what on earth's that?" ... that digital read-out
but apparently it's extremely low-voltage types using 24 or
comprehensive and contains 48 volts. This is an increasing
all sorts of useful facts, hints trend in industry, and there's
and tips and there's even a a lot to be said for it from the
glossary. So for all you RITY safety point of view, so full
buffs, it's the book to get. marks for someone making
Give the RSGB a ring on an affordable low-voltage type
Potters Bar 59015 and ask as opposed to the
them about availability and "professional" type with what
price etc. We tend to like we think of as a " professional'
their publications, and we price tag! These will cost you
also can't imagine how they £5 plus a quid for p&p with
do some of them for the the dratted VAT on top of
price, so 10 out of 10 for that. that, and you can have an 18
or 23 watt version. Electronic
Word has it that the RSGB
Hobbies are at 171 Broomfield
are shortly bringing out
Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1
another edition of the VHF-
1RY.
UHF Manual, or so someone
told us on the air the other West Hyde Developments
day. About time, too — that's (remember their front panel
the one RSGB publication we furniture in our second
don't rate at all. The present issue?) are at it again —
one is more than a bit out of they've just sent us another
date, and we've heard many catalogue and a witty press
stories about how some of release all about a new range
the designs either don't work of hand-held instrument
or need a lot of messing cases. As you can see from
about to make them work — the pic, it's just the thing for
so let's hope the new edition the electronic oojah you were
is a lot better. That would thinking of building with a
fill the one gap they have, as digital readout — basically, it's
that book does let the side black, although if you're
down. The theoretical prepared to order " large
chapters are fine, but the quantities" ( it says here) you
practical side of it has given can have them in other
us some problems in the past colours.
(he said, with bitter memories There's a separate battery
of trying to get a 2 metre compartment and an optional

52
brought out the Model 8000 tell us in their literature how components and we've the latest products to come
9- digit device which uses accurate it is, how much it always found Maplins to be from this company ( London
battery or mains power and drifts, does it have an oven, pretty good when it comes to Road, St. Ives, Huntingdon,
covers three ranges. The etc, etc. We thought about delivery; their prices aren't Cambs. Telephone 0480
sensitivity of the beast is starting a campaign for had either, although some of 64646) is an addition to its
quoted in the press blurb as .eir semiconductors seem to range, a 1000MHz high
being 20mV at 10Hz to 35mV So, where now? We haven't cost way, way above the odds sensitivity prescaler called the
at 1GHz, and the maximum heard of any magnificent new to us. Semiconductors tend to TPI000. It's for use with the
resolution is plus or minus 0.1 rigs for a while so we can't come down in price all the same company's range of
Hz on the 10MHz srange, 1Hz tell you about those. Have time, though, so maybe we're frequency meters.
up to 100MHz and 10Hz on you seen the new Maplin comparing them unfavourably
catalogue? As always it's It is designed primarily to
the 1GHz range. Sounds good with people whose catalogues
Meaningful British Press extend the upper frequency
to us, and you can get a full get revised much more often
Releases, because they so limit of the TF200 10Hz to
spec from Black Star Ltd, 9a than theirs. You can get the
often don't tell you all the 200MHz bench portable
Crown Street, St Ives, Cambs catalogue from practically
important things that a buyer counter. This new prescaler
PE17 4EB. Or ring them on anywhere, it seems — certainly
might need to know, and now allows measurements of
0480 62440. This beastie W.H. Smiths have them, and
West Hyde are in the lead so up to one gigaHertz.
would set you back £ 155, at a bit over a quid it's very
far — can we please have Physically, the TP1000 is
which is cheap for this sort of much a good buy for anyone
press releases that tell us connected directly to the
gear and very much A Good who's the slightest bit
something useful and not just counter via a BNC input
Thing if you're seriously into interested in building things.
what colour the knobs on the socket, and it's powered
the more advanced aspects of
front panel are? Thanks, lads. Another catalogue that's from a separate adaptor
the hobby.
fallen on to our desks here at (supplied). Incidentally, the
Mind you, we wish they'd So, where now? We haven't Bicester is a well- input connector to the
Below: From their new heard of any magnificent new documented one from prescaler is 50 BNC. Price is a
catalogue comes this very rigs for a while so we can't Thandar Electronics Ltd. It mere £65 plus VAT.
neat frequency meter for tell you about those. Have covers counters, multimeters,
According to friends,
10MHz-200MHz The Prescaler you all seen the new Maplin oscilloscopes, thermometers,
Thandar instruments seem to
below it allows measurements catalogue? As always it's generators, logic analysers
be " conservatively rated"
of up to one giga Hertz chok-a-block with and accessories. But one of
which means the
performance often exceeds
the published specs. The
company's range of
accessories includes a goodly
number of things like bench
racks, adaptors, test leads,
adaptors, and a video monitor
and video printer.
Well, that's about it for this
time — don't forget that the
ideas of this page is to feature
anything that's new and if you
come across something that
you'd like to recommend to
the big wide world don't
hesitate to drop us a line and
tell the world about it via us.
If you're a manufacturer,
tell us about anything you do
oops!

If you're a manufacturer,
tell us about anything you
do that interests amateurs
and listeners — and make
the press release worth
reading because we tend to
start yawning and mis-
spelling out words after a
while and the MD calls us
in and makes life a misery
and keeps us off the
wireless for the rest of the
day!

53
 The idea of this feature is to
provide an easy- to- understand
guide to all the currently
available wirelesses of interest to
the amateur and SWL; we list HF
transceivers, VHF transceivers,
VHF and UHF hand-helds,
mobiles and HF receivers. Where

HF transceivers Collins KWM380 £2195 It ought to be

Icom IC720A £690 Good performer, good for the price!

includes general 1CW/Ten-Tec Argosy £? A good name, but

coverage Rx we don't know

Icom IC730 £580 Good, aimed at the rig.

mobile use, but

nice
VHF transceivers
!corn IC740 £725 Lovely rig - see
Trio TS780 £799 Covers 2m and
review in last issue
70cm; good
Trio TS530S £520 Very good rig for
reputation; bit
the newcomer
deaf!
reliable
Yaesu FT29OR £265 Base-cum- portable
Trio TS830S £645 We love this one -
2m rig; rather nice
see our review
multimode
TS930S £ 1000 We don't know
Yaesu FT79OR £325 Ditto for 432MHz
approx anyone who has
Trio TR9130 £395 Very nice 144MHz
one
multimode -
Trio TS430S £698 Very new
reliable and solid
Yaesu FT102 £785 Nice - see review
Icom 1C251E £499 Good 144MHz
last issue for full
multimode, even
info
better with Mutek
Yaesu FT980 £ 1115 New, and we
front-end board
haven't yet seen
Icom IC451E £630 Ditto for 432MHz
one
Yaesu F1726 £649 Brand new
Yaesu FT1 £ 1349 It's a lot of radio,
but a lot of bread
too VHF and UHF portables
Yaesu FT902DM £885 Rugged, reliable, 'corn 1C2E £ 159 Super 144MHz FM
nice machine handheld; cousin
FT101Z £559 Has got whiskers of the IC4E
now, but a good Icom IC4E £ 199 We loved this -
old rig see our review last
F1707 £509 Didn't like this one issue but one
much, but it's
FDK Palm 11 £ 109 144MHz 6-channel
adequate.
FM hand-held
Drake TR7A £ 1199 A lovely machine,
FDK Palm IV £ 109 Ditto for 432MHz
great signal
handling Azden PCS300 £ 179 144MHz

Drake IRS £657 We'd love to synthesised

review one . . . handheld; good Rx

54
we know something about the
radio we've appended a comment
or two - if the column's blank it
doesn't mean that we'd be sued if
we said what we though4 but
that we haven't come across one
or heard anything either way
about it.
Trio TR2300 £ 144 Big portable FM 144MHz
144MHz box mobile/base
Trio TR2500 £220 Keypad- station ( FM)

synthesised Yaesu FT73OR £285 Ditto on 432MHz —

144MHz handheld: 10watts. Rx a bit

quite nice deaf

Trio TR3500 £? As above but very Yaesu 48OR £369 Multimode

new 144MHz rig; some

Icom IC202 £ 169 SSB 144MHz have had problems

`portable",
. still Yaesu FT78OR £325 Ditto for 432MHz

going strong Yaesu F1720 £ 199/229 You can get a 144

Icom IC402 £245 ditto for 432MHz or 432MHz head

Yaesu F1'208R £ 199 2.5w FM 144MHz for these

hand-held — eats Icom IC25E £269 Nice 144MHz FM

batteries! mobile rig — tiny,

Yaesu FI 108R £230 lw FM 432MHz two VFOs

hand-held — very Icom IC290E £379 144MHz

good Rx. multimode with a

25watt brother
(IC290H)
Standard C5800E £359 Lovely 25watt
VHF and UHF mobiles
144MHz
There are many and they change almost every
multimode
month, also allow for changes and new
KDK FM2030 £ 199 Compact
introductuions.
mobile/base
FDK M700AX £ 180 144MHz 25watt FM
144MHz 25watt
— nice audio and
FM; good
good Rx
FDK M750AX £269 144MHz
multimode, 10 watts HF receivers
Trio RI000 £297 Synthesised, good
Trio TR7730 £268 25watt 144MHz
performer
mobile, nice to use
Trio R2000 £391 Lots of facilities,
Trio TR7800 £257 Much as above
only bigger! Icom IC- R70 £469 See our review

Trio TR8400 £299 A mobile 432MHz Yaesu FRG7 £ 199 The old " Frog"
FM machine, good Yaesu FRG7700 £330 Reputedly rather
Rx, apparently good.
Trio TR9500 £428 Multimode mobile NRD515 £985 Very nice,
lOwatt 432MHz although not
Yaesu F123OR £239 25watts on without its faults

55
 •ON THE BOX•
Following the publication
In the second of our series of home-brew projects, The input signal
of a little transmitter for Rev. George Dobbs constructs a low power receiver and the VFO being on
the 14MHz band, named to interface with the OX described in the last issue of the same frequencies
the " OX" in the last issue will produce beat
Amateur Radio. He calls it the ROX . . .
of Amateur Radio, readers notes in the audio
have written to enquire frequency range either
about the possibility of a matching simple The chosen design is direct conversion side of the zero beat centre frequency.
receiver. As any constructor in our hobby because this offers the easiest approach to This is the principle of the Beat Frequency
will tell you, building " simple little" trans a beginner. The principle of the direct con- Oscillator ( BFO) in the superhet receivers
mitters is child's play but a viable receiver verison receiver is very simple and is we all know so well. The resultant beat
for the HF bands is another matter. shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1. The signal notes will demodulate any audio infor-
The receiver is the most crucial part of mation on the signal. The RF content of the
an amateur radio station — as they say: " If signal is filtered out and audio filtering can
you can't hear 'em you can't work 'ern". In Even the seasoned be applied before the audio signals are
the current state of the hobby which amplified. That's all there is to it.
constructor never
seems to embody an assumption that to
begin in amateur radio one has to spend loses the thrill of Unlike a superhet receiver which con-
verts the incoming signals to an inter-
half a grand, my only reply to this hearing the first mediate frequency ( IF) and performs the
erroneous idea is that if you must spend
money, spend it on a good receiver.
signals of a home- functions of selectivity and gain at this
frequency, the direct conversion receiver
Simple receivers can be a problem, but built receiver . . .
does it in one step. Most, if not all, the gain
what is offered here is an inexpensive,
is in the audio stages and the selectivity
easy-to- build device that puts up a very
received from the antenna is fed into some must be produced in the front end or by
creditable performance on the 14MHz band
form of input circuit. This may be an RF audio filtering.
— an ideal companion for the OX transmitter.
amplifier and offer some gain or it can just
The OX was so named because the original Direct conversion receivers have their
be tuned circuits. The very simplest receivers
circuit idea came from George Burt, opponents, I guess because they are so
use one tuned circuit but this is generally
GM30XX, and was published in two forms simple. I have used the technique for many
unwise because a simple receiver requires
as the OX0 and Super OXO, a play on his years and it does work Usually the op-
quite a measure of front end selectivity.
callsign. ponents are those who have never built
Both circuits appeared in Sprat, the Come to think of it, any receiver requires and used a direct conversion receiver.
Journal of the G QRP Club. The little good front end selectivity hence the dread- They are simple to make and give amazing
receiver described here presents no prob- ful cross modulation found in some of the results for what they contain. A direct con-
lems, is easy to build and works well. expensive new receivers with broadband version receiver makes an ideal first receiver
So if you have never attempted a receiver front ends. From the input circuits the to build. Building up little transmitters and
before, this might be the one for you. I have signal passes to the mixer where it is mixed using them on the air is very satisfying, but
named it the "ROX" to match its brother. with a local oscillator. This variable that is as nothing compared with the
sorry sister.., sorry fellow person, the frequency oscillator (VFO) is tuned on the satisfaction of receiving signals on your
"OX". frequency that is to be received own home-built receiver. Did you build a

56
crystal set and bore your family by clamp- avoided it in my better receivers because it Many radio stockists sell such board but
ing a set of headphones on each of their can be noisy and lack stability but in this if in doubt it can be obtained from the
heads in turn so that they could hear the circuit arrangement it is very stable and national chain of Tandy Stores as "Pre-
signals that you had conjured out of the more than adequate for the task The drilled Phenolic Board". The ROX is built in
air? Even the seasoned constructor never output impedance is 8ohms and a small three sections, the VFO, a Main Board and
loses the thrill of hearing the first signals speaker may be used but it is much better an Audio Board This method of sectionalised
on a homebuilt receiver. to use headphones. Steal the household building is to be advised especially for the
stereo phones if needs be and wire the jack beginner. It enables a small section of the
The circuit for the ROX is shown in
socket for mono use. circuit to be built at a time and tested.
Flg.2. The VFO is shown in the top left hand
Construction can turn to frustration if
corner and is a simple Hartley oscillator
large boards are attempted with many
using a Field Effect transistor and a single Components are stages on them only to find on completion
tapped coil. As this receiver matches the
OX transmitter, its tuning range is very
pushed through the that they do not work " Build a bit and test
limited to cover the bottom 100KHz of the holes and a bit" is the better way.
Our completed VFO is shown in Fig.3.
14MHz band Li and CI form the tuned interconnected with This shows the top of the unit. The VFO is
circuit but enough frequency excursion
can be had by having the variable capacitor wires on the mounted in a small metal box, aluminium
or tin plate are suitable. The variable
VC1 in the tapping of Li. The prototype underside capacitor, being the main tuning control,
ROX ran from a 9 volt battery so some
requires some form of reduction drive for
degree of stabilisation is added to the
OX was built on Veroboard but this little ease of tuning. The prototype used a small
VFO by the zener diode, ZD1. Quite a basic
receiver is built using another method of in- line epicyclic drive which also allowed a
oscillator for 14MHz but in practice it
construction that is ideal for beginners. All circular scale to be used which is behind
proved to be surprisingly stable. The
the sections of the circuit are built on what the front panel and visible through a small
capacitor, 0, couples the output to a
our American bretheren call " Perf Board", window. The most important factor in
simple two diode mixer D2 and D3, with R4
that is plain board with a matrix of holes. In building oscillators at radio frequencies is
acting as a load.
effect it amounts to Veroboard without the mechanical stability and rigidity.
ROX's front end is a single common gate tracks. The components are pushed through Build it to be kicked around without
amplifier, TR2 which receives the input the matrix of holes and interconnected damage and the chances are the VFO will
signal from a 1K potentiometer, VRI, which with wires on the underside. For these be stable. The variable capacitor, VC1,
acts as a simple RF Gain Control. The input boards, a perforated circuit baord with should be a good quality airspaced com-
selectivity is achieved by two tuned circuits, hole spacings of 0.1" is required. ponent. This could be the most expensive
L2/C7 and L3/C8 loosely top coupled by
C9. These tuned circuits are not variable
but this is not necessary over the 100KHz
range of the receiver. The output from the
VANTENNA
mixer is RF decoupled by the C10, R5, Cil
combination and passes to an audio pre- INPUT AUDIO AUDIO
MIXER --)—
amplifier TR3. The audio passes via a CIRCUIT HLTER AMPLIFIER
Volume Control, VR2, to an integrated
circuit amplifier, ICI. Fig I
This amplifier is used because of its TYPICAL DIRECT
VI'. O.
simplicity rather than its merit. The LM380
CONVERSION RECEIVER
is a very cheap audio IC and requires very
few external components. I have usually

57
 ON THE
• BOX •
item in the whole receiver if bought from a
mail order firm or a local shop. Ideally, the
constructor will have built up a supply of
variables at rallies and junk sales; if not,
start doing just that very soon to avoid
spending the full price on such components
again!

Layout of the top of the board is clearly

shown with the relative placings of all the
components. They should all be easy to
get hold of as the particular types are
uncritical if the values are correct. The
Above: The method of
only exceptions are the capacitors around
making the VFO section
the tuned circuit, Cl and C2, which ought of the ROX Build it as
to be silver mica capacitors or, failing that, though you were going
polystyrene. to drop it from a great 0
height and it will be
stable. This is the most .1 it , --•-•
45
Maplin sell a suitable important part of the Fig.3.(b)
receiver
coil former with an
iron dust core UNDERSIDE OF
V.F.O. BOARD
The coil Li is homewound from the in- (ACTUAL SIZE)
formation in the coil winding table. The
former is a very common item and ought six pins for their 722 formers. The 9-volt Above: Underside of the VFO board. Here
to be available as a surplus item, but failing supply line and the output are taken again, solid construction and good soldering
that Maplin sell a suitable coil former as through the back of the case using lead- will be generously repaid
Type 722 with an iron dust core Type 4. throughs. The leadthrough for the supply
Although not essential, I used a base plate can be of the 1,000pF capacitive type to
with my coils because I had them in my give additional decoupling of the line. O and
box. This is shown in the diagram and R2 are both mounted in the air with direct
again Maplin sell a suitable baseplate with leads to the leadthroughs.

58
 shown in Fig. 4. No layout for the underside
is given this time but it is simple to insert
the components in the relative placements
shown and interconnect to follow the
circuit diagram. The output coupling
capacitor in the prototype was a vertical
mounting PCB type but a conventional ,
axial type could be used. C14 is also
mounted vertically and the input wire from,
the screened lead from VR2 is soldered to ,
the top end lead. It is quite a good idea to
use an IC holder far IC1. These cost a few'
pence but are worth it if the IC ever needs
to be removed. The negative lead from C18 '
has to pass through a gap in the board
wiring to reach the ground connection on
the board.
Testing the Audio Board is quite simple.
Above: The layout of A small 8 ohm speaker or pair of head-
the main board Note phones is connected to the output and
that the 12 and 13 are some kind of audio source is fed into the
the same type of coil
input Simply touching the input lead is an
former as used in LI in
the VFO box You can adequate test as this should generate
get them from Maplins enough hum for a basic test. Try the test
(not the holiday with VR2 in circuit. This will not only show
camp ...). Left: The if the volume control works but also check
audio board. The it is wired correctly to give an increase with
LM380 could not be clockwise rotation. An on/off switch could
FROM LU described as a state-of
VR2 1 -4
be incorporated with this control although
the-art IC but is very I used a small toggle switch to switch the 9
CIS R8 RFC CI6 C17 cheap and perfectly
volt supply.
adequate for the job.
Fig 4. AUDIO BOARD LAYOUT
(ACTUAL SIZE)
Simply touching the
input lead is an
Left Technical data for
adequate test as this
ROX RECEIVER COILS
the coils used in the should generate
ROX
enough hum for a
15 turns 28 s.w.g enalL
basic test
LI (tap 4 turns from ground) WOUND ON
3/16" DIA FORMER
-I- CORE The Main Board is the largest of the
L2/L3 15 turns 28 s.w.g. enalL (SEE TEXT) three and can be built from the layout in
15 turns 28 s.w.g. enalL Fig. 5. Once again the small coil formers as
in the VFO are used for L2 and L3. Almost
any germanium diodes will serve for D2
R.F.C. 7 turns 32 s.w.g. enal1 and D3, or come to think of it almost any
on FERRITE BEAD
diodes at all... so look in the junk box. C9
loosely top couples L2 and 1.3 and should
The Perf Board method of construction When the VFO is completed it can be be a value that is small enough to allow a
selective input circuit but high enough not
gives a very similar effect to a printed tested by listeLling for the signal on a
circuit board; in fact the more experienced to reduce the signal input. The value stated ,
receiver tuning the 14MHz band. VC1
seemed about right but again individual
constructors may like to etch their own should give about the correct coverage for
constructors might like to experiment with
boards for the receiver. Fig.3.(b) shows the 14.00 to 14.10 CW portion of the band.
small signal reception when the receiver is
exactly how the interconnections between The actual coverage can be adjusted using
the various components on the VFO Board the iron dust core of Ll. With the vanes completed. If doubtful about building the
whole board in one go, build just the audio
are made. The joints are made with wire on VC I fully meshed, the core is tuned until
but there is no need to use additional the note from the VFO is heard at 14.00MHz. preamplifer stage first — C12 onwards. This ,
stage can be tested with the Audio Board
lengths of wire as the surplus lead lengths The oscillator is very simple and will shift
on the components can be taken along the frequency when loaded so the adjustment as described above.
When all the boards are completed the
correct routes under the board to provide will have to be repeated when the VFO is
whole receiver can be assembled for testing
the connections. finally mounted in the completed receiver.
It ought to be built into some form of metal
The coupling capacitor C3 is quite large as
The only additional wire that may be case. Not all of us are skilled at case
the passive mixer requires a fair injection
required is for the ground line, the bottom building; like most I struggle along with my ;
of signal. The value of C3 can be adjusted
long line in the drawing, which is also power drill, hacksaw and workmate in the
for optimum results in the finalised receiver
connected to a 6BA solder tag. This tag is garage, so I used a ready made aluminium
to give the best small signal reception
used under the single mounting hole on box which measured 4" x 2" x 6" deep. This
although the stated value should give good
the board with a standoff added between is a standard case sold by Minffordds of
results.
the board and the bottom plate of the case. Sun Street, Festiniog, Wales. This company
The finished result should be neat and Once the VFO is built and working, the will send a price list of their inexpensive
gives the nearest equivalent to a printed Audio Board can be built. This is tackled range of cases and hardware for a SAE.. All
board layout without having to etch a next because it can be tested in its own the boards are mounted using 6BA nuts
copper clad board. right. The complete layout for this board is and bolts with standoffs to raise them

59
 • ...... .. . 4

THANET GUIDE
Just a few stars to choose from the fabulous galaxy of Amateur
Radio Equipment available at Thanet Electronics.
IC-25E £269.
45E £289 inc. CLJJ 0§§ antennas
The BEST in recen tests and really well made too. Send for a
catalogue of these DX antennas. Here's part of the range:-
4eI2m yagi VHF 4144A 8 dBd £24.93
0.1., N•
10e12m yagi VHF 10144 11.4 dBd £45.16
al.
.r•a•••
nil 15eI2m yagi VHF 15144 14 dBd £63.00
17e170cm yagi UHF 17432 14.5 dBd £48.00
a..
4/5e1 HF Beam DUO 2 ( 14/21 MHz) 9/8 dBd £356.71
All matching cables, clamps and booms available for stacking
10 and 15 element yagis.
--
Amazingly small, yet very sensitive. Two VFO's. five
memories, priority channel, full duplex and reverse. LED S- meter.
25KHz or 5KHz step tuning. Same multi- scanning functions as
the 290 from mic or front panel. All in all the best 2M FM mobile IC•505 £299 inc.
ICOM have ever made.

IC-290E £379.
490£ £429. 290H £399 inc.

As you know, the Home Office have given permission for the
50MHz band to be used by holders of special licences - the issue
/A • ..•'* of which is to be controlled. This must be one of the
most exciting things that has happened to the Radio Amateur
since the invention of sliced bread ( or should I say the micro-
This very popular 2m multimode the IC- 290E now has a big processor?). As you know, there are many countries in the world
brother, the 25 WATT IC- 290H as well as a 70cm cousin the who already have 50MHz - so there is already some exciting
IC- 490E. Both of these newer models have a GREEN display. equipment available. One of these is the ICOM IC- 505 which is a
All three have 5 Channel memories. scan facilities on either multi- mode portable offering a choice of outputs of 3W ( portable)
memories or the whole band, tone- call button on the microphone or 10W ( fixed). We have imported a few of these excellent little
and instant listen input for repeaters. Why not call us now for transceivers and they are available at £299. inc. VAT so why not
further details - or even better visit us. or one of our dealers or think about trying out this excellent band? Call us or send for
agents for a demonstration? technical details.

Securicor
or post
despatch
free.

eeeeee
 0 THE GALAXY
mamma*
And remember we also sell Yaesu, Jaybeam, Datong, Welz,
G-Whip, Western, TAL, Bearcat, Versatower and RSGB
:44eire publications from our shop and showroom at the address shown
•Iiiiîrommaim
below.
• ellalkelseed e Come in for a demonstration or just a chat, our qualified sales
staff and technicians will be glad to assist you.
Listed below are other sets available from Thanet Electronics,
a more detailed specification of these will appear in future
advertisements, prices are inclusive of VAT. IC-730 £629,
IC-720 £949, IC-2KL with PSU £ 1149, IC- 100E £349, IC-SP3
£39, IC-410 £379, IC-AT500 £339, IC-251 £559, IC-2E £ 169,
IC-4E £ 199, IC-AT100 £ 249, IC-551 £ 369, IC-PS20 £ 139. .
IC-PS15 £ 119. IC-ML1 £ 59, IC-451 £689,
IC- R70 £469. IC- 740 £ 725.

Can YOU read the many RTTY and CW stations to be heard on

the air?
Short wave listeners and amateurs are able to take more
trap dipole £49.50.inc.
interest in other modes of transmission than speech with the new The MT-240X Multi- band trap dipole antenna ( 80m -
ranges of decoders and senders available. As well as amateur 10m) is a superbly constructed antenna with its own Balun
transmissions there is loads of interesting news and other • incorporated in the centre insulator with an S0239 connector.
broadcasts which can be read using these space-age devices. As Separate elements
UK importers of the world renowned TONO and TASCO products of multi-stranded
we can offer you a wide range of devices from a simple morse heavy duty copper
and RTTY reader which can be plugged into your TV to complete Balun wire are used for
send and receive systems with memories and built-in displays or 60 MAX 80-40-15f and 20-
outputs for a high definition VDU. MR- 250 £325, 9000E £699, 10 Metres. Really
CWR-670 £ 289, CWR-685 E £789 and CWR-610 £ 189. Please one up on its
call us for further details or visit us or your dealer for a competitors
demonstration.

Code MaIei CW/RTTy

Agents ( phone first - all evenings and weekends only.

"fflarehli:rurme
0 0.«

except Scotland).
Scotland - Jack GM8 GEC (031 665 2420)
Midlands - Tony G8AVH (021 329-2305)
North West - Gordon G3LEQ Knutsford(0565)4040
Ansafone available
•

419e 4N° 4;94

/
4
1 A 1 1):vb•
te ib
eeee Cri

%le 4D•z)
ee,0
1%eV, ete

S v
4 e> r e eece
„pi •
ON THE
and it beats aerosol- painted front panels tune in both sides of zero beat on a signal.
which tend to form ridges on application So if it is being used with the OX, practise
and often chip off in later use. zero beating onto the transmitter so that

• BOX •
the receiver and transmitter are in step for
So there you have it, a simple 14MHz
a QS0.
receiver. The antenna input impedance is
50ohms, which matches the OX so an It is normal to tune low to high frequency
antenna of similar impedance or an ATU on the 14MHz band but if there is QRM on
above the bottom of the case. All the signal must be used. This receiver matches the the low side try the signal on the high side.
interconnections are made in screened OX in only covering the CW portion of the It might be clearer.. . a little advantage of
wire. The sockets for the audio output and band but if SSB signals are required the direct conversion! It doesn't cost much or
antenna are on the back and the large VFO core in Li can be adjusted to cover this require much skill to build, so try it I think
tuning knob has a small window cut above end of the band. It might not beat a £200 you will enjoy it
it for viewing the homemade circular tuning receiver, but it will pull in plenty of signals
dial. This dial is calibrated against an on the band.
existing receiver, listening for the VFO and Sprat: The Journal of the G QRP Club,
lettering added ( Letraset). Don't forget you will hear the signals from 17 Aspen Drive, Chelmsley Wood,
twice, since direct conversion receivers Birmingham, B37 7 QX.

Covering the whole

front with a layer of ROX RECEIVER COMPONENTS LIST
clear plastic film RI IM TRI 2113819 C7 100pf
R2 47R 7R2 2N3819 C8 100pf
R3 2.2K 7R3 BC108 C9 lOpf SEE TEXT
Front panel appearance is important R4 56K ICI LM380N CIO 400pf
4 watt
/
1
and I used my old trick of covering the R5 10K /" JACK SOCKET
4
1 CI I In
front panel with a sheet of tinted paper, R6 IM ANTENNA SOCKET C12 0.22uF
applying the legends to the paper and R7 4.7K EPICYCLIC DRIVE CI3 0.22uF
covering the whole front with a layer of R8 15K CASE .6"x4"x2" deep CI4 I uF 50v.
clear plastic film of the type sold for VRI IK LINEAR CARBON PERFORATED BOARD 1" MATRIX C15 00pf
covering books. This is quite simple to do I V122 10K LOG CI 100pf (silver mica) C16 0.1 uF
DI IN914 C2 15pf (silver mica) C17 100uF 16v.
just cut the paper to fit the front, Blutack it

D
1
{AAI19 O 79p! SEE TEXT CI8 100uF 35v.
onto the front panel and mark where the
holes go. The paper can then be lettered
and the holes cut with a sharp modelling
2
11?
ZD1
or similar
SEE TEXT
75v. ZENER
C4
C5
C6
0.1 uF
0.1 uF
0.1 uF
VC/ 25 or 30 pf
airspaced
SEE TEXT
knife. The paper is glued to the front and BZX85 or sim.
covered with the plastic film. Easy to do,

Many of you reading this publication will have just become interested in the

WATERS &
hobby. Congratulations and welcome. You are embarking on a hobby that
will bring you a lifetime of pleasure and bring you friends from all over the
world. Whether you are interested in the technical side of the hobby or
simply chatting to friends in other countries, Amateur Radio will provide a
level of pleasure and friendship few other hobbies can match. I have per-
sonally been licensed for 22 years and can therefore give you the benefit of

STANTON
my vast experience. If you are a beginner please do not hesitate to contact
me or one of my staff for good honest advice. My company is now enjoying
its 10th successful year in amateur radio retailing and you may rest
assured of a good deal from us. The lads in our service department are
there to help you with any technical problems as well as giving speedy

ELECTRONICS
back-up service should any equipment require attention. Our lassies in the
mail order department make sure that your goods go out the same day your
order is received. On the ground floor we have the largest display of
amateur radio equipment in the South East and full demonstration
facilities. If you are some distance away from us we can offer an excellent
mail order service. Either send us a cheque of telephone your order in
18 20 MAIN ROAD, HOCKLEY, quoting credit card number. If you can visit us then you will be very
ESSEX TEL ( 0702) 206835 welcome to come and discuss your requirements. We are 5 miles from
Southend on Sea. I look forward to hearing from you.

PS. Send SAE for copy

of our latest catalogue.

If you're a beginner just starting out in radio you'll be delighted with the performance that the R600 offers you.
£224 Considering the electronics that are packed into this receiver, the price is remarkably low. A few years ago this
performance would have cost you twice as much. Full digital readout and really simple tuing in SSB signals
makes this one of the few top receivers that the beginner should consider. With all the gloom and doom one
carriage hears about it in the news these days, why not put a pair of headphones on your head, plug them into the RIM and
free whisk yourself away into the wonderful world of wireless. Signals from the Australian outback or the flying
doctor, radio amateur expeditions on some remote Pacific island, signals from Russian amateurs or young
American novices, the latest World news before the BBC reports it, aircraft over the Atlantic, shipping distress
frequencies; all this and much more is possible on this little receiver. So don't delay any further, send today for
full details and introduce yourself to an exciting new hobby.

The FRG7700 is for the advanced listener or for the enthusiast who demands the best in short wave reception.
The receiver covers the complete spectrum 200kHz to 3OrnHz with a highly accurate digital display. The receiver
offers excellent sensitivity and selectivity and has separate detectors for AM. FM and SSB, plus switched
bandwidth on AM. Other controls include automatic gain control, noise blanker, attenuator, squelch, rf gain
£19
control and clock with timer. There is also facilities for fining an optional 12 channel memory unit. The receiver carriage
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62
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63
 In the average shack there are two common the neighbours, other residents of the
forms of audio output device — loud- house, or the cat. Headphones help when
speakers and headphones. Most modern copying weak signals for two reasons.
rigs have internal speakers, but the audio First, they exclude some external noise, so
quality from these usually leaves much to allowing concentration on the signal itself.
be desired, presumably to keep costs and Second, only the direct output of the
size down, and tucked away at the top, receiver is heard, whereas with a loud-
bottom, side or even back of the rig, speaker there are reflections from the
seemingly as an afterthought. walls of the shack which cause interference
By the time your rig is cosily buried under and so degrade the frequency response.
a few other boxes, a pile of QSL cards,
The choice of what sort of headphone to
several half- completed projects, and the
use is very much a personal one, the main
cat (surely those immaculate looking
consideration being comfort. Remember
shacks we see in mags must have been
that they may be worn for several hours at
specially prepared for the photographer,
a stretch, and so light weight is important if

KEEP
the carefully tailored audio response
pains in the neck are to be avoided. They
curve specified by the manufacturer be-
should be neither loose so that they are
comes a little bit academic!
constantly in imminent danger of slipping
For these reasons those of us who just
off the head, nor tight so they grip like a
never seem to be able to find time to get
vice. Spectacle wearers in particular may
round to having a general tidy up, or have

AHEAD
need to try several models until a pair
vicious cats who resent being disturbed
which does not force the arms of the
from the top of a nice warm rig, often fit an
glasses into the backs of the ears is found.
external speaker. To make this easy most
Most people find that cheap stereo " hi-fi"
new sets come fitted with an external
types with the two sides fed in parallel are
speaker socket which is arranged to mute
If you can't hear ' em, you the internal speaker when the appropriate
quite satisfactory, and these have the
added advantage that they can also be
can't work ' em. Or so they plug is inserted. Alternatively, the head-
used for listening to cheap stereo.
phone socket may be used but care should
The 'phones socket on most rigs is
say. So if reception is a be taken as some rigs have only a reduced
located on the front panel. Although this
audio level available at this point. Failing all
problem, buy a pair of else, it is always possible to get inside to
position is convenient for access, it has the
disadvantage that the lead trails over the
headphones, says disconnect the wires from the speaker
desk in front of the rig, which can be an
(carefully — you may want to sell the set
annoyance. When headphones are plugged
John Morris. one day), and attach a lead from the
into the rig then the loudspeaker, internal
outside world.
or external, is usually silenced. This is the
normal requirement, but there are occas-
ions when it would be preferable to have
Weak signals both outputs working simultaneously, such
as during a contest, with the operator
wearing the headphones and onlookers
The type of speaker and enclosure used
monitoring the activity via the loudspeaker.
can have a surprisingly large effect on the
For the lone operator the transfer from
intelligibility of noisy signals. It should be
speaker to phones, or vice versa, can also
remembered that a loudspeaker is to a
be frustrating; between inserting or remov-
receiver what a microphone is to a trans-
ing the plug and donning or doffing the
mitter, and the frequency response of one
headset there is an inevitable annoying
is just as important as that of the other.
gap when neither can be heard, and this is
Surplus or ex- commercial mobile radio
often exacerbated by the need to adjust
units are very useful, as they have been
the volume control. In many ways it is
specifically designed for good communi-
more convenient to keep the headphones
cation quality in noisy surroundings. In
running all the time, so that they can be put
particular the familiar blue Pye remote
on or taken off at convenience, without
speakers have been found to be very
more ado.
effective for amateur use, and these com-
pact units are often available at rallies at A small adaptor box, with a circuit such
quite reasonable prices. as that shown in Fig 1, is a very simple but
nevertheless useful accessory which can
Headphones serve two purposes. They be easily built in a spare hour. The audio
act as an aid in copying weak signals, and input is taken from the external speaker
especially important at night, they allow socket (or suitable alternative) of the rig
the station to be operated without the and split two ways. One path goes through
penetrating noise of the receiver disturbing a level adjusting variable resistor to a
headphone socket. The other goes via a
switch to either the external loudspeaker
or a resistor. This circuit keeps the head-
phones constantly in operation so that
they may be put on whenever desired with
no hiatus in reception. The loudspeake is
turned on or off by the switch to allow
either simultaneous use of both head-
phones and loudspeaker, or just the head-
phones alone.
R1 acts as a dummy load for when the
speaker is switched out. Its resistance
should be the same as the impedance of
the loudspeaker, so that whichever posi-

64
tion Si is in, the same impedance is
presented to the audio output stage of the Circuit of a simple headphone Input from external
rig, so keeping the output level, and hence adaptor unit. speaker socket
the headphone volume, constant. The
impedance of a louspeaker is not a parti-
cularly easy thing to measure, and should
this not be known for the unit in use then
the value of R1 is best determined by
experiment. The impedance of most loud-
speakers is four, eight or 16Q

For those without suitable components

in the "junk box" the quick and easy Output to
method is to purchase two 8.2Q1w resis- loudspeaker
tors. Initially only one of these should be
used for R1 . If the headphone volume stays
constant when Si is moved from one
position to the other then all is well, and
the second resistor may be kept as a spare.
If the volume in the headphones is greater
with the loudspeaker off then the second
resistor should be fitted in parallel with the
first, to give an overall resistance of just 4Q
If the headphone volume is greater with
The headphone/switchable cost for everything except get somebody with more
the loudspeaker switched on, then the two
speaker adaptor is one of the headphones and experience to look it over
resistors should be used in series to give
the simplest projects and loudspeaker should be less before plugging it in.
16.4 Q. R1 must also be capable of with-
presents few problems in than £. although there is very little
standing the audio power from the rig. A
construction. You will that can go wrong.
lw rating is normally sufficient, unless the A few inches of
need a box of some sort,
volume control is habitually turned up to connecting wire will be Once you are satisfied
but this can be anything
very high levels for long periods. needed. You can save that everything is ok, plug
convenient Its only
money here by chopping the 3.5mm plug into the
purpose is to mount the
about six inches off the rig's external speaker
bits and pieces on and
two core cable and socket, and off you go.
hold everything together.
Very simple Specially-made project
splitting the two wires for Check that the headphone
this. volume stays the same
boxes tend to be a bit
Once you have all the when switching the
expensive. A cheaper
components, drill three speaker on and off. If it
A stereo jack socket with the two signal alternative is a small
holes in the box suitable does not then fit the spare
lines connected together is recommended plastic foodbox, such as
for the switch, jack socket resistor, as described
for Ski to make the unit compatible with those sold for storage of
and potentiometer. Then earlier. Unplug everything
normal stereo headphones. A stereo socket stuff in fridges and
drill two more holes at the before doing this
wired in this way can also be used with a freezers.
back of the box just big modification.
normal mono jack plug, although it may be You will also need 2m of
enough for the two-core
necessary to only partially insert the plug. two-core cable; one metre
cable to go through. The Headphone and
Construction is not at all critical, and any running from the rig's
diagram above shows loudspeaker notes
convenient box may be used. All of the speaker socket to the
how the components
components except R1 are mounted directly adaptor, and the other
should be fitted and wired. Any headphones can be
on the box, and the resistor may be simply from the adaptor to the
Start by fastening in the used, without alteration. A
wired between the earth terminal of Ski external speaker. Two core
switch, socket and stereo jack socket is used
and the appropriate tag of Si. Screened mains cable — or even twin
potentiometer. Then do all in the adaptor, but with
cable is preferable for the leads from the "lighting" flex, is fine.
of the internal wiring in thethe left and right channels
rig and to the external speaker. The other components
box. Finally connect the connected together. Most
Setting up consists of simply plugging are a single pole, double
two cables and pass their headphones from hi-fi
everything in, switching the loudspeaker throw (often called "SPDT"
ends through the holes at shops come with a stereo
on, and adjusting the volume at the rig to in the ads) toggle switch
the back of the box. Tying jack plug fitted, which
give a normal listening level from the (these can be tricky to get
knots in the cables on the means they can be
loudspeaker. VR1 should then be set to hold of, but it is quite all
inside of the box helps plugged straight in without
give the required volume in the headphones. right to use a two pole
prevent smashing of the further ado. The most
switch and only use one
Although this type of unit is extremely circuit when a wire is important criterion in
half of it); a panel
simple and relies upon no technology pulled too hard by selecting headphones is
mounting stereo jack
more complex than Ohm's Law, it can accident. what you find comfortable.
socket; a 1000 linear
prove very useful and is well worth the Finding a suitable
potentiometer; two 8.2Q Take care when
small effort needed to build it. For example, external loudspeaker can
resistors; and a 3.5mm attaching the 3.5mm plug,
the writer now keeps the headphones be a bit more tricky. After
jack plug to fit the external as it is very easy to end up
permanently plugged in, and when a signal a while loudspeakers from
speaker socket of the rig. with the two wires
starts to disappear into the QRM it is a dead radios and televisions
If your rig does not use a shorting together.
matter of moments to put them on, with no tend to accumulate in
3.5mm jack for the Remember to slide the
need to fiddle with plugs and sockets or many amateur's shacks, so
external speaker ( most plug cover onto the wire
volume controls. The adaptor is also con- it might be worth asking
do) then get whatever before soldering the plug,
venient when experimenting with or using around. Alternatively a
plug is appropriate instead. otherwise you will have to
circuits which use the audio output from "mid- range" hi-fi speaker
unsolder it again — very
the rig, such as RITY terminal units, as a If there is no handy can be bought for a few
frustrating!
suitable signal can be taken from the electronic components pounds. This will also give
headphone socket and the loudspeaker shop near you then take a If this is your first you the chance to exercise
switched off on or for monitoring as desired. look through the mail constructional project it your carpentry skills
order adverts. The total might be a good idea to building a box for it.
The cat likes it too.

65
 CLUB
East Suffolk literature from a professional
service engineer, now retired,
Wireless Revival
and these go right back to
This popular annual mobile
before the second war. Any
rally for radio amateurs
assistance the museum might
happens on the Bank Holiday
give is entirely free of charge,
Sunday, May 29th at the usual and in the first instance, we
venue of the Civil Service

NEWS
suggest you ring the Hon.
Sportsground, The Hollies, Curator Douglas Byrne, at
Straight Road, Ipswich
Ryde ( 0983) 62513. More
(between Bucklesham Road information about the
and Felixstowe Road A45, and
museum itself in the next
adjacent to the Suffolk Show issue of Amateur Radio!
Ground).
Tell others about what's happening in your club- give
Newport AR
The rally opens at 10am
and will be similar to previous us the information and we will try and print it here. Society
events except that the Bring The Newport Amateur Radio
and Buy will be replaced by a
The work of the Radio G-QRP Club Society meet at Brynglas
Interference Department of The club, as you probably House, Brynglas Road,
"fleamarket" and " car boot
BT. April 26th The workings know, is " devoted to low Newport, Gwent each Monday
sale". The transceiver clinic
and aerial testing range will of the VHF Contest power communication" and evening during school term
Committee. April 12th ( to be their 1983 activity list has times, at 7pm.
be there as usual, in addition
confirmed) Demonstration by been released. Included are Correspondence can be
to the traders and stands,
SMC — an opportunity to part- the following: Spring QRP CW addressed to Brynglas
and displays for the whole
exchange your AR88, HRO or Activity Weekend on March House; please mark for
family.
C58 for a modern rig. Cheque 19/20th. And the QRP Winter attention c/o Newport A.RS.)
This rally, in the heart of books not obligatory! May 5th Sports ( CW) happens from or at Pontypool 56348. By the
Constable ( not policemen!) Away round of the December 26th to January 1st way the above address is
country and the East Anglian Maidenhead club quiz. May 1984. Times and frequencies QTHR
touring region, including the 10th HF receiver parameters for both the above events are Royal Naval AR
new and spectacular Orwell — Peter Chadwick G3RZP of available from Christopher J.
Bridge, makes an extremely Plessey on how to drag the Society
Page G4BUE, "Alamosa," The
good day out for the last dB from your HF rig. It's an outing for the whole
Paddocks, Upper Beeding,
enthusiast and the family. If family, and extremely useful
you're interested in taking a
Edgware & D RS Steyning, West Sussex BN4
3JW. to anybody interested in
stall, get in touch with George The " SKE" ( straight key mobile amateur radio. It is the
Spencer G6CRN, 83 evening) is to be held by this Information is also available
RNARS Mobile Rally 1983 and
Tuddenham Avenue, Ipswich club on suggested frequencies on the Late Spring QRP SSB
it takes place on Sunday June
IP4 2HG (0473 218285); Jack 3.520 - 3.580MHz, QRP around Activity Weekend on May
12th at HMS Mercury, near
Tootill G41FF, 76 Fircroft 3.550MHz. Call CQ SKE. 7/8th, and the Late Summer
Petersfield, Hampshire,
Road, Ipswich IPI 6PX (0473 It begins at 1900 BST and QRP CW Activity Weekend
starting at 10.30 and finishing
44047), can answer general finishes when your arm (sponsored by the World QRP
at 17.30.
enquiries. The rally is collapses. The club presents Federation) on September
"The Ultimate Keyer" — 10/11th. Main purpose of the Events include model
organised by Ipswich Radio
continuously adjustable last-mentioned weekend is to steam train rides, radio
Club and Martlesham Radio
speed, even while sending, promote intercontinental QRP controlled boats, archery, and
Society.
infinitely variable dot- dash QS0s, and member clubs of there will be hot and cold
Reading & District ratio, no mains or batteries, the World Federation are meals laid on, along with the
AR Club and so on. You are welcomed invited to suggest their own inevitable drinks. Trade
to take part in an on- the- air times and frequencies in stands stands will be there,
Visitors are always welcome
demonstration on 80m CW, accordance with propagation under canvas, and they
at the above mentioned club
Thursday, March 31st. conditions. For Europe the include the RSGB and
meetings held at the
Contact John Bluff G3SJE following are suggested: Rallymaps of West Wellow.
Clubroom, White Horse,
(G3ASR), 52 Winchester Road, 0700 - 0800 Europe - Oceana Further details from A.G.
Peppard Road, Emmer Green,
Kenton, Harrow, Middlesex. 0800 - 0900 Europe - Japan Walker G4DIU, 103 Torrington
Reading, Berks, on alternative
Tel: 01-204 1034. 1600 - 1800 Europe - North Road, North End, Portsmouth
Tuesdays. Contact GB3BK
America P02 QTN or from HQ station
(RB11) on 70cm and S13 on Northern Heights 1900 - 2000 Europe - South G3BZU.
2m for details. Chris Young AR Society America/Africa. All of these Denby Dale ( Pie
G4CCC is Secretary of the
New members are also on the highest HF band which
club, and he is flanked by the
welcome at the meetings of
Hall) & D AR
is open. Remaining times for
following main members: Society
the NHARS and their future general QRR QS0s on 3560,
Chairman Andrew Barrett
arrangements include the 7030, 10106, 14060, 21060, Noggin and natter nights
G8DOR, Treasurer Bryan
following: March 9th Talk by and 28060. are held on alternative
Taylor G3AKF, and ordinary
J. Fish G4MH, March 23rd Wednesdays (punctuated by
member Vin Robinson G4JTR
Chris Young's address is 18
Visit to Bradford Police HQ, National Wireless club fox hunts), while other
April 6th AGM, April 20th D. Museum dates for future meetings
Wincroft Road, Caversham,
Smith G4DAX on the RSGB, include the following: March
Reading, RG4 7HH. Any reader requiring a service
May 4th Visit to 5/6 Visit to RSGB exhibition at
sheet or workshop manual for
Some of the club's events Leeds/Bradford Airport, May NEC, March 9 Oscar, by G4JJ,
an old radio or television
are as follows: March 1st 18th Construction March 13 Component rally at
might be able to obtain a
Alignment evening — bring competition. More Southport. In April there is a
copy from the National
along your sensitive receiver information from the visit by Lowe Electronics on
Wireless Museum at Arreton
and learn the truth! March Secretary Brian Aspinall the 13th. More information
Manor, nr Newport, in the Isle
15th RF hazards and the G6CJL, 11 Buck Street, about future meetings in the
of Wight.
amateur — Ian White G3SEK of Denholme, Bradford BD13 next issue of Amateur Radio.
the NRPB talks to members. 4BY. Telephone Bradford The museum has just been Incidentally, meetings are
March 29th ( to be confirmed) 834442. donated a second car load of held in the Pie Hall, Denby

66
 CLUB
Dale, Huddersfield. More Skelmersdale & D
information from the AR Society
Secretary J. Clegg G3FQH, 8 The club meets every
Hillside, Leak Hall Lane, Thursday from 7.45pm at the
Denby Dale. Dunlop Sports and Social
Club, White Moss Road ( next
Tynedale AR Club to the football ground), in

NEWS
This club is active on HF, Skelmersdale, and at the
VHF, UHF, including RTIY, moment the club is
and ATV with action station concentrating on RAE classes,
Tx/Rx ATV. Other special but anyone is welcome to
activities include Morse attend meetings.
tuition as required, and
They are now preparing a
probably most important of
newsletter entitled
all, refreshments are available the reverse path. The large
Lincoln SW Club "Feedback" which should
in the restaurant of the audiences in both club rooms
The club's programme circulate in the NW;
Falcon Hotel, Prudhoe upon were able to enjoy a close
includes the following: March advertisers are welcome to
Tyne, Tyne and Wear, where contest, which Warrington
9th Lecture on satellites by £20 per page for a whole year
they meet! eventually won by a narrow
G4CUO: March 23rd (12 issues) which sounds like
Meetings are held on the Lecture/demonstration Fast margin. good value. More info from
first and third Tuesdays of Scan TV — G8CTG & G6HMS. The video equipment at the Joe Singleton, 3 Willow Drive,
each month, in the room at Bury end of the link was Skelmersdale, Lancs WN8
the end of the bar. So, come 8PR
Sutton Coldfield RS provided and operated by
early, stay late... Enquiries Mike Horrocks, G8GTP.
to Ken Hatton G4IZW,
These are the meetings to Maltby AR Society
be held in the Central Library, Picture quality was excellent
Secretary, at 0632 678828. MARS, as they call
Sutton Coldfield on the using a Parabeam antenna
themselves, have a full
second and fourth Mondays erected just before the quiz
programme of events, and
Thornton Cleveleys of each month at 7.30 pm: under cover of darkness!
those for March include the
AR Society March 14th Natternite; March Meetings of Bury Radio following: March 4
This club meets every 28th Setting up an amateur Society are held at the Microwaves, by G3PHO,
Monday eyeing (7.45) at the station by Fred Ward G2CVV; Mosses Community Centre, March 11 Power supplies
1st Norbreck Scout Group April 11th Natternite; April Cecil Street, Bury, every construction, by G6RIL,
Hut, Carr Road, Bispham, 25th Spring Clean junk sale — Tuesday evening at 8pm. March 18 Film " Hams
near Blackpool, Lancs. reserves allowed, 10% Main meetings are held on Worldwide", and March 25
Usually, the meetings open commission to club funds. the second Tuesday of each AGM.
with a talk, quiz, discussions May 9th Visit to Bournville month. The remaining
etc, and then the station is Police Communication Centre Group activities will be
meetings are informal.
"aired" through callsigns — 15 members only — enhanced by Simon G8NVS
G4ATH and G6GMW. The Natternite for remainder; May Newcomers are invited to bringing along his computer
club's programme for March 23rd Operating techniques contact the Secretary, Brian every fortnight, and Mick
is as follows: March 7 Talk by and procedures, by Tom Tyldsley, G6OKE, 4 Colne G6PCX coming along with his
Tony G3CLX from Dewsbury Douglas G3BA; June 13th Road, Burnley, telephone FT48OR 2m multimode, and a
Electronics, March 14 Natter Further visit to Bournville Burnley 24254, for further telescopic antenna mast to
night, March 21 Film on Police Communication Centre information. enable a station to be set up
atomic energy (hopefully), for 15 members — natternite will be supplied by George
March 28 Radio controlled for remainder; June 27th Slow Bates G6RIL. Secretary is Ian
Burton upon Trent Abel G3ZHI, and meetings
model aircraft, by Tom Anyon and fast scan TV, by Haden
G3YEI. Get in touch with Jen Bate G8AMD; July 11th RS take place at the Methodist
Ward G8YOK, QTHR or phone Natternite. In February (just too early for Church, Blyth Road, Maltby.
Poulton le Fylde (0253) this issue) the society MOre information by ringing
More info from Reg Smith arranged a direction finding, Ian on Maltby 814911.
890114.
G3XXJ, 29 Coldstream Road, and they hope to enter the
Warlmley, Sutton Coldfield, HF NFD. The society meets
Vale of White Biggin Hill AR Club
West Midlands B76 8NW. once a week on Wednesday The BHARC's 1983
Horse AR Society evenings at the Stapenhill programme includes a
... are hoping the landlord of Bury Radio Society Club and Institute, Main number of interesting
the White Hart, will turn the Many of the members of Bury Street, Stapenhill, Burton on meetings at the Biggin Hill
double clubroom into one Radio Society thought that Trent. Memorial Library, all starting
with some atmosphere ( not their recent quiz with
at 8pm on the following
the crackly kind), so they will Warrington Radio Society
dates: March 22nd Junk Sale,
want pictures, posters, club could possibly be a ' first' for North Staffordshire April 19th Home construction
awards, pennants and so on. the UK
AR Society techniques, by Ian Daniels,
Programme for the next On January 25th Bury and This society are in the May 10th Visit to Kent police
few months includes: March 1 Warrington Amateur Radio process of arranging their HQ ( advance bookings only),
Repeaters, by Chris Young Societies held an inter- club 1983 programme as we go to May 17th follow up to April's
G4CCC, April 5 Junk sale, May quiz in which neither of the press, although they do plan meeting, May 24th follow up
3 Morse, by Dave G3BLS, teams had to leave the to run summer fox hunts, for to Kent police meeting. Pat
June 7 Computing and the comfort of their respective which the Dave Turner Hawker, who writes for
amateur, by John Morris club rooms. Contact was Trophy goes to the winner. Amateur Radio, spoke to the
(who writes for Amateur maintained by speech and They also hold a construction club on February 15th on the
Radio!), and July 5 the AGM. video links in the 144MHz and contest each year. More subject of " Secret listeners".
More information from the 432MHz bands throughout information from Kevin Balch Intriguing. For further
Secretary Ian White G3SEK, the quiz, with colour pictures G8FGR, QTHR Meeting place information, contact Ian
52 Abingdon Road, Drayton, from Warrington being is the Harold Clowes Mitchell, G4NSD, Secretary, at
Abingdon, Oxon. Tel: 0235 received 18 miles away in Community Centre, Bentilee, 37a The Grove, Biggin Hill,
31559. Bury and black- and-white for Bucknall, Stoke on Trent. Westerham, Kent

67
 THE RADIO
THE RADIO AMATEUR LIIVALID AND BLIND CLUB
.111.1A1.0 TO t. 113011

I - N"..INDIED Ift.

7e elide"

AMATEUR
MAY/JUNE , 1982
Vol. 27. No. 2
Headquarters Address: R ADIAL
9 Rannoch Court, Adelaide Road,
Surbiton, Surrey. 616 41E.
Chairman
Vice Chairman 8111 Scarr , M A
Secr etary/Edito r 'Digs' Acheson G2W5
Treasurer 03WJT

INVALID
Net Controller John Carter G3LWY
Tapes Manager John Moseley G3KYH
Technical Aids Bert Retter G4EUU

ngHL s
Allen Orybrough G4JBG
G8HEV

Cheshi re 10 am Tuesdays 558 controlled by G4EUU ( G4IBC)

5 2 pm Wednesdays 558 controlled by G4H01

AND BLIND
1.30 pm Thursdays 7080 kHz approx.
Bournemouth Group SSB controlled by G4EVM
oup
145.4 mHz 10.30 am and 2.30 pm daily.
S. West Scotland
8.00 - 9.30 pm Fridays. 5.20 - 5.22.
8.30 pm Tuesdays. 5.20 - 5.24.

û * * SUNDAY 23rd MAY 1982 * * *

R.A.1.B.C. PICNIC AT THE FAIRGROUND,

CLUB
BROADLANDS ESTATE ROMSEY HAMPSHIRE

The Southampton R.S.G.B. Group are onceagain playing host to us

at The Fairground by kind permission of Broadlands Estates. The
entrance to the field IS on the A.31 Romsey bypass between the
junction with the A.3057 and the gates to the Broadlands House
itself. There will be the usual attractions, and we have been
given a Star Raffle Prize by our member Alistair H airstens - the
R.S.G.B. Handbooks Ed. V. Bring your contributions to the junk

We take a brief look at the good sale, the 'bring a buy' stall and raffle, your picnic and yourselves.
There will be a Committee meeting as previously announced. Talk- in
will ngbeyouth ere.
2 metres, from approx. 10 .30 am. Looking forward to
work carried out by the RAIBC.
seei on

Report by Chris Drake.

Founded in 1954 by a handful of disabled Although all help is voluntarily given and available for blind candidates. The City &
amateur radio enthusiasts, the club is a RAIBC appeals for the time and expertise of Guilds of London Institute makes special
self-help organisation that caters for the amateurs rather than for funds, many local arrangements for candidates to be exam-
needs of invalids and blind people by radio clubs make annual donations as well ined in their own homes, orally if necessary;
providing a focal point for information and as helping members in their area, all profits and the morse test at 12wpm can also be
a network of voluntary helpers throughout from the Worked All Britain Award scheme conducted at home by special arrangement
the British Isles with close ties with similar are given to the club, and many amateurs with the authorities.
groups in other countries. leave their radio equipment to RAIBC in
The club is affiliated to the RSGB and
their wills as well as making dopations
Membership falls into three categories. close ties are maintained. The AGM usually
during their lifetime. Thus the club is able
Full membership for all disabled, invalid takes place at the National Amateur Radio
to purchase radio equipment which is then
and blind persons; Local Representatives Exhibition where RAIBC is given a stand.
loaned to individual members until such
who pledge their help to eligible members The club is also given space at the Amateur
time as they can obtain their own, or on a
living in their area; and Supporters who Radio Retailers Association Exhibition and
permanent basis in the case of those who
give financial support and encouragement. is represented at many of the leading
are under financial hardship.
In all categories the annual subscription is rallies that take place during the year.
a minimum £ 1.50 which covers the eight Volunteers, led by the Rallies Manager,
copies of the club newsletter Radial distri- ensure that members get a chance to meet
buted each year, currently to approx 1200 Some 80 members take each other at these rallies by providing
addresses! transport; and the club has its own ' Picnic'
the RAE each year
organised by the Southampton RSGB Group
Recognising that disability can occur in each year which is a very popular event.
all walks of life and that people's needs are
not necessarily financial, but for friendship, The committee consists of Chairman,
Those qualified to do so are very ingenious
advice, therapy in re- habilitation as well; Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Net
in adapting equipment for special needs,
the aim of RAIBC is to help the members to Controller, Tapes Manager and Special
and the information thus gained is invalu-
help themselves and a great deal of the Aids Rep. who all play a part in the day-to-
able in helping others to obtain in the first
work of the club is done by people who are day running of the club. Despite the
place the equipment most easily operated
themselves handicapped. The work of increasing membership, every effort is
under their particular handicap and in
preparing cassettes of Radial for blind made to preserve the ' family' atmosphere
adapting it for ease of operation. A Special
members is undertaken by radio amateurs of the club which is so important to those
Aids Representative makes a band-edge
who are themselves blind, and among cut off from the outside world, and to
marker and an audible field strength indi-
those offering morse tuition are both blind enable them to enjoy one of the few
cator for blind members and there are
and paraplegic members. hobbies which is open to all, whatever
many other circuits for audible meter
their disability, on equal terms. As a
As well as by Radial, members are kept reading etc available which local clubs and
member expressed it: " How wonderful
helpers can make up for their members.
in touch by weekly ' nets' on 80 metres that at last I have found an organisation
under the club callsign of G41BC, any Some eighty club members take the that really cares for the disabled and treats
interested amateur can join in these nets Radio Amateur Examination for a trans- them like ordinary humans!"
when news and views on many topics are mitting licence each year, in many cases
discussed. The Cheshire Homes Amateur helped in their studies by local helpers if Ifyou are interested in joining the club
Radio Society also has a weekly ' net' on 40 their disability prevents them from atten- or at least getting involvert contact
metres and there are several ' nets' on VHF ding courses at technical colleges. Mrs Frances Woolley, Hon. Secretary,
throughout the country which meet regu- RAIBC 9 Rannoch Court Adelaide Road
larly to keep local members in touch. A course of instruction on cassette is Surbiton, Surrey KT6 4TE

68
 Q•tivA
We've had a fair few letters A There's certainly something to some amateurs being let when even top-grade Morse
asking some technical to be said for buying the loose on it so that they could operators can't detect that
questions — our technical transceiver, for instance, isn't see how some of the systems *there's a signal there at all
department has been seen that you want to buy apparently used around those You sometimes hear it in
poring over textbooks and commercial gear as opposed frequencies would stand up to various places in the HF
what-have-you in order to to making something the an environment of assorted bands, and indeed we heard
provide the answers. Fine — thing to watch is that you signals from all sorts of one on the I8MHz band the
keep them coming and we'll might become interested in directions. other week It sounds like
do our best to provide something completely The idea of a whole new someone tootling away on the
answers which make some different after you've passed generation of amateurs, and piccolo, which is where the
sort of sense and publish the RAE and find that an HF vastly increased activity, system gets its name from. If
them in these pages. transceiver, for instance, isn't apparently wasn't acceptable anyone would like to write a
what you really wanted to the primary users, and to readable account of how it
because you've suddenly be honest we can quite see works and leaving out all the
become fascinated by VHF why — it is their band after big words, we'd love to hear
Q " I've just started the RAE DX aft and they make the rules. from you!
course and I'm confused
about the difference between
Also, you don't have to buy Much as we enjoy the •
anything in order to get on occasional foray on Four, Q " I really enjoyed the article
sound waves and radio
the air — you might get a lot we're mindful that it isn't on the AR88 and I'm thinking
waves. Are they the same or of fun, as well as a lot of really an amateur allocation
somehow different? Also, can of buying one, but are there
solid practical experience, if to be fought for and defended any other receivers like it that
you modulate a radio wave as though it were
•you built something instead. I could look out for?"
with any frequency you like?"
Why don't you have a go at internationally allocated to AL White, Crowthome.
CR. Lloyd, Cardiff. the amateurs — we don't see
the OX receiver in our last
A Weft a sound wave is issue, for example? Amateur that the refusal to let Class B A Yes, there are, and we
known technically as a radio, as someone once said, people use it is the slightest cover one of them in this
pressure wave; it's formed by is a house of many mansions reflection on them or in any issue in the shape of the
compression and rarefaction and there are many parts of way implies that they're Racal Such oldies-but-gokhes
in the air, rather like the it that you might want to second rate citizens. as the BC34e the 19 Set the
ripples on a pond when you specialise in. So don't commit It sounds like a reasonable PCR3, the CR100, the B40, any
drop a stone into it Sound yourself way of limiting the numbers of the old Hallicrafters
needs a medium of some sort Having said that an HF on a rather odd part of the machines, the R1155 and the
like air or water or brickwork receiver is always handy for spectrum, that's all We 52 Set are all worth a look
or whatever, to travel in. all sorts of things, which is assume that if we get an although the AR88 is
A radio wave is a complex why we tend to suggest allocation at 50MHz there'll probably the best of this
interaction bétween an getting hold of an AR88 or be no reason on the Lord's bunch — the 75A4, PR155 and
electric and a magnetic field similar if you're just getting earth why Class Bs won't be the R390 are rather higher up
— it's known as an started. As for antennas, there given it; don't forget that the social scale, as is the
electromagnetic wave, as are hundreds! Try a long what's agreed at WARC isn't immortal RA17 and its later
opposed to a pressure wave — length of wire down the the be all and end all and bretheren We'll run features
an unlike the latter, radio garden to start with, or round that the Home Office can on as many of them as we
waves travel quite happily in the flat if you don't have a really allocate what they like can in the months to come
garden — meantime, read a — or don't That's why we
a vacuum. As regards
modulation, the gospel book like Simple Low-Cost have an experimental 50MHz •
according to messrs. Shannon Wire Antennas by Bill Orr allocation, which wasn't Q " In a recent issue you said
and Nyquist and all sorts of and try a few of the ideas in agreed at WARC at all! that an electric-fire element
had a high reactance, which
other clever people is that the
highest modulation frequency
that It's all part of the fun...
• is why it didn't take
of a radio wave cannot be • Q " In connection with Morse enormous currents. Surely its
greater than one-half of the Q "Why can't Class B in the last issue, you reactance is pretty minimal at
frequency of the carrier, or, in licencees use the 70MHz mentioned something called 50Hz, and it doesn't take high
other words; if you have an band? One of the resolutions Piccolo used by the currents because it's made of
RF carrier of 1MHz the at the 1979 Conference was Diplomatic Wireless Service. wire with a high
highest frequency you could that a Morse test was not What is it?" L Ross, resistance?"H. Leeming,
modulate it with would be required for amateur use of Glenrothes. Blackburn,
500kHz Not that you'd want frequencies above 30MHz, but A It's a bit difficult to explain, A Oh dear — was our face
to modulate it with much the Home Office say that but basically it's a teleprinter red! Quite right sir, and
above 5kHz most of the time, there are no plans to open system based on 32 (or is it we've kicked the author. He
mind you, let alone 500! 70MHz up to Class Bs. Isn't 36? Different books say was thinking of transformers
this another piece of at the time and blundered on
• discrimination?" S. Cooper,
different things) tones in the
audio-frequency range. Letters without engaging his brain.
Q " Is there much point in LiverpooL are indicated by tones of Thanks a lot for pointing out
buying an HF receiver if different frequencies, and the goof — at least it shows
you're going to go for an A Unfortunately, it isn't The there are things called we're human. Electric fire
amateur licence? Shouldn't I snag with 70MHz is that it "quenched resonators" in the elements are usually made of
buy a transceiver straight isn't an internationally receiver which regenerate something like Nichrome, if
away and not use the allocated amateur band; we and decode them. It's a very we remember rightly, which
transmitter until I get the have it in the UK very much complex system, actually, full has a high resistivity —
ticket? Also, can you suggest as a special concession from of mathematics and words reactance of a coil like that at
a good HF aerial for general the primary users; who are like "orthogonal" but it works 50Hz is bound to be pretty
listening?" J.E. Blake, the military, and the story exceedingly well Apparently minima t as you so rightly
Stafford. goes that they weren't averse it produces 100 per cent copy say.

69
 Classified Ads
• TWO ITT Starphone single • WANTED urgently trade or • G3RHT DE surplus 2 metres • WANTED 4 metre antenna.
chanel UHF handhelds £ 30, each private SWR/power meter for equipment. Power packs 600- Linear amplifier also 6 metre
with Ni -
Cads. Mains charger for 934MHZ. Phone Ipswich 830147. 500V. Transmetter QQV06-40 transceiver. Phone 01-856-
above £ 10. Also Video Genie output 80 watts. Modulator 2 x 4123.
with 12" monitor, books and • HAM INTERNATIONAL 807 80 watts. Plus sockets
• WANTED: 3.5 and 7Mc/s
programs, £ 325. G8KNC QTHR Jumbo 480 channels and Yagi 3 meters. GEC 2 metres transmitter
crystals C W end also Raymart
or Tel Lewes 77194 ( Sussex). ecement beam with rotor and QQV06-40 output with circuit no
type 140 VAR condensers ( 2)
control unit plus coax all is 5 valves. Best offer for above. LS.
• WAMTED information on an type that can be ganged. Mr.
months old, all boxed, excellent Ellsmore, 9 Barston Road, Warley,
Hallicrafters V.H.F. receiver J.W. MacKay ( G2 BYP), 11
condition, offers over £275. Tel: West Midlands B68OPT.
Model S37. Any information Lansdowne Grove, Hillcrest,
Tatsfield 384.
welcomed Wegg, 23 Kerdane, • HEATHKIT 1680 amateur band Whitehaven, Cumbria. Tel: 0946
Dane Park Road, Hull, HU6 9EB. • FANTASTIC Gen/Coy receiver. communications receiver and 4910.
Tel 855052. 150kHz-30mHz SSB/CW/AM. speaker very good condition.
£75 ono or exchange for ATU. SIRIO 9000 £220. 8 element
Realistic DX100L. Superb recep-
Mr B.J. Radford, Ryecroft, 9 New Quagi £ 20. Rotator £ 15. 70cm
• STANDARD C58 2 metre tion of amateur broadcast bands:
Road, Bolehill, Derby, Wirksworth convertor £ 10. Mobile safety
synthesised multimode portable 5 months old. Senistive meter,
2866. microphone headset £ 15. Con-
£215. Standard C78 70cms syn- coarse/fine tune, extemal antenna
tact Steve G6CVZ. Walsall
thesised FM portable £ 200. socket, plus onboard telescopic • MARCONI HR71 receiver 3 612451.
Matching 10watt linear CPB78 whip. Absolute giveaway: £ 120 MCS to 25 MCS in four bands.
£50. Both complete scanning/ ovno. Reason??? New G4/Ticket. New original manual. Valve set • COLT EXCALIBUR home base
mike case mobile bracket. East Tel (0670) 816078. weighing 6cwt. Best offer by 240 volts 4 bands. AM FM BSB-
G410F 01-486 8286 ( daytime) March 14. Phone evening or LSB plus Bremi 200 linear £ 320
01-722 7040 ( evenings). • FOR SALE: Complete RAE cor- ono. Mr N. McAllister, 36 Kinneff
weekend to Ray Knutsford (0565)
respondence course £25. F. Bull, Crescent, Dundee, Scotland. Tel
54362.
• TRI BANDER complete with 50 Woodlesford Crescent, Moor (0382) 815173.
Stoll regulator and rotator stays End Road, Halifax HX2 ORB. • WANTED: KW2000B clean in
and feeders EX Silent Key £ 80 Phone 0422 53979. good working condition. PYE • YAESU general coverage
ono, collect. 0TH G4NBU Win- Hamble PM125/12 good clean communications receiver FRG- 7
chester 69155 evenings. • YAESU FR5OB amateur band working condition. Mr O. Gunnill, 0.5mHz thru 29.9mHz with
receiver 10-80 metres instruction 6 Lawnswood Grove, Elton, 10kHz readout. As new little
• REALISTIC DX.302 receiver manual. Good condition room Chester CH24PB. Tel ( Works) used for sal £ 100. Telephone
coverage 10kHz to 50mHz LED wanted, ideal for SWL £ 30 plus Warrington, 6500. Boston 0205 61952 QTHR G6
digital readout six band tunable carriage or collect. Ring JUC.
• RACAL RA63H SSB adaptor
preselector quartz locked tuning Southampton 883403.
for RA17/RA117, £ 65. RA137A • WANTED: Morse training
AC or 12v DC, cost £ 289.95, as LF ( 10kHz-90kHz) adaptor for cassette course and Tony
new in box £ 175.00. T. Norwood, • HALLICRAFTERS SX100
RA17/RA117 £ 70. Creed 7B Hancock cassettes, half hour
11, Keats Ave, Romford, Essex. commmunications receiver, good
teleprinter £ 5. Monochrome radio and television shows in-
Tel Ingrebourne 47989. working order new valves £ 75.
camera with F1.6 lens suitable cluding the Radio Ham etc. Write
Phone evenings Glous. 728985
for amateur television £ 85. 10, Rolleston Road, Blackburn,
• HAM INTERNATIONAL Multi- daytome Glous. 500408.
Carriage extra on all items. Mr Lancashire, BB2 6SX.
mode Il USB, LSB, AM, FM ex- • SWOP MY IC2E handheld 2 S.J. Haseldine G8EBM,
cellent condition £ 140 ono. • EXCHANGE .two RCA 813
metre transceiver 2 battery packs Leamington Hovie, Windley Lane,
Antenna Hi- Gain 473 CLR Mk II valves with ceramic bases for
charger full lOmeg coverage for Weston Underwood, Derbys.
OHNI-directional £ 20, 3- range reasonable comm. receiver
synthesised airband receiver or 033 528 ( Brailsford) 755.
power-SWR-modulation % meter AR88 etc. A.J. Reynolds, 139
digital H.F. gen/cover receiver or
£20, 9 metres RG58 Coaxial • NO19 TRANCEIVER P.S.U. Collenswood Road, Stevenage,
W.H.Y. K. Wyeth, 10 Old Palace
cable £ 7. J. Hunter, 22 King ATU. Two sets working £ 50 each. Herts SG2 9HB. Stevenage 55325.
Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13
Street, Armadale, West Lothian. TVDX station H. Cocks Varicap
8P0. • WANTED: Circuit diagram or
Tel 0501 30030. tuner £ 20. Fuba UHF Beam £ 20.
servicing data for Geloso G209
• EDDYSTONE receiver required B1.111, 1V/V antennas beaks
communications receiver.
• ICOM IC202S £ 110. Standard by old timer, short wave listener, dipoles also HF5 5 band vericle
S. Moring, White's Cottage,
C78 70CM portable, with mobile or what have you. Current price £20. Wanted VDU, QRP rig, 70cm
Tawney Common, Epping, Essex.
whip, carrying case, mobile will be paid. Tel: 051 489 3131. transverter. Syd Thompson, 15
Tel 037882-3488.
mount and ni - cads, £ 150. G. Carman Walk, Crawley, W Sussex.
• CPR 62ABD slotted line 12Cm
Braund, 17 Ye Meads House, 0293-515711. • ICOM 720A all band trans-
slot. Connectors, extension
Marsh Lane, Taplow, Maidenhead, ceiver and PS20 power supply
couplers, 12 pieces, offers or • YAESU FRG7 with fine tuner
Berks. with built in speaker. One year
exchange VCR139 Type Cat or £135. Sony CRF 160 £95. Halli-
old in mint condition. Boxed,
frequency counter module or crafters SX110 £ 80, SX43 offers.
• HW100, HUSKY Home- Brew £750 ono. Phone 01 579 0728,
W.H.Y. Critchley, 16 Finch Mill Sony 5090 general coverage plus
PSU MIC, spare valves and manual Mr Berry.
Avenue, Appley Bridge, Wigan, airband, BFO £ 90. Grundig
working needs only slight at-
WN6 9DF. Satellite with BFO £90, wanted • NATO 2000 CB radio USB
tention to bring up to mark,
Sony 6800. Tel York ( 0904) LSB AM FM £ 130ono. Also -
hence only £ 95, ( buyer collects)
• DATONG Fil freq agile audio 59035. Bremi BRL200 linear amplifier
G3LXB 0TH R. S.W. Jones, 43
filter, new with bty leads, ins- £70 ono. Genuine reason for
New Street, Chase Terrace, • EDDYSTONE EC10 550 Kc/s
tructions £ 50. Datong speech sale. Phone after 6.00pm 969
Walsall, Staffs. to 30 Mc/s communications re-
processor £ 20 or swap both for 5357, Cheshire.
ceiver, battery or mains operation
good ATU like FC301 or ST3 or
• FOR SALE Sony radio ICF - excellent £ 65, also Sinclair • SENTINEL- X 2 metre conveter,
similar. 0202 579115 anytime.
6800 W FM AM multi- band re- ZX81 with 16K Ram - £ 60. converts 144/6m Hz to 28/30m H z.
ceiver new 10.1.82, cost £ 367 • SUPER STAR 2000 CW LSB Microwave modules 2 metre Built in PSU for mains/battery
accept £ 230, buyer collect. Mr USB AM FM excellent condition convertor 4-6Mc/s output £ 10. operation. Bought in October'82.
W. Flatt, Thurlow, Suffolk. Rink ideal mobile and home base. Phone evenings / weekend Complete with leads, plugs etc,
Thurlow 544 evenings. With frequency counter, only Sheffield 488564. £18. Telephone Oxford 66075.

70
• FOR SALE or exchange Belcom • YAESU FT 707, FP707, • FOR SALE: DX200 com- • YAESU FT75 80-10m trans-
LS1OZL transceiver. Exchange for FC707. Not used mobile mid. munications receiver, mint con- ceiver, mains PSU, 12v PSU, FV-
FRG7700. For sale: ICOM ZZA 2 Instruction book, any trial. £ 540 dition, manual supplied with re- 50 13 VFO, manuals. Tel 01-
metre VHF transceiver, £ 80. Also, for good value, Tel: David on ceiver, immaculate bargain at 317-9200. Weekends only
Motorola SWR power MOD meter 0235.20230. £125 ono. Mohammed Mehta, £100. WHY.?
13 volt in antenna tuning unit for 32 Blenheim Road, Gloucester
26-27-28 MHZ £ 25. M. Hilton, • COLLINS R390 Receiver 0.5 • FOR SALE 2 Robot 400 SSTV
GL1 4ER.
30 Batford Road, Harpenden, - 32 MHz. Very good working PCB's with manuals etc. £ 50
Herts. Tel. 64349 Harpenden. order £ 575 ovno. Delivery • FT1012D Mk1 fitted fan c/w each. Microwave Associates
negotiable. Darlington C03257 filter absolute mint £400, prefer 10GHz Gunnplexer transceiver
• WANTED for cash 720A ICOM 67068. Full circuit and mainten- buyer inspect/collect. IC2 E £90ono. Ring 0453-83-3411 or
with ATU etc. Dealers quotes ance manual available. T. D. charging adaptor 2 nicads car 0453-45461 evenings/weekends.
welcome. Offers to M. - Edwards, Grantham, 1 Rossway, Barmpton charging adaptor £ 135. Again
c/o Salammbo, Vilamoura Marina. mint. FL3 Datong audio filter • DISPOSAL near int Hallicrafters
Park, Darlington. Tel: 0325
Louie 8100 Portugal or Phone hardly used £ 100. Tel 0242- S36A 240v 50Hz with handbook
67068.
London 640-3597 after 6pm. 23042 Ron Smith G4 LZY also clean " AS IS" Hallicrafter
• EXCHANGE NEC- 500 B.W. S27 240v 50Hz. no mods either,
• SWAP Old valve plus battery Cheltenham.
portable TV ( 5 inch screen) with offers or swap Bolex STD 8 cine
radio, Pye Cambridge MW LW, TRIO R.600 communications re-
built-in 2 band radio. Runs on gear. W.H.Y.? Hounslow, Npton
cevier £ 150. Datong FL.2 audio
needs slight attention. Aerial in battery/mains and cigarette 64583 anytime.
filter £45. Datong AD.370 out-
the lid over 25 years old. Swap lighter in car- for a good HF
door acting antenna including • FOR SALE Yaesu FT207R
for old valve communications transceiver, will add a bit of
mains PSU £ 45 ( unused), all mobile/home 2M rig, Microwave
receiver. Total value £ 35. Must money if the radio is a smart one.
go in very good condition. David items mint, boxed. Phone How modules 25w linear, car power
Tel: Malvern 64327.
Caple 205 ( Hereford) evenings. unit, Nicad charger, extension
Haigh, 3 Brora Close, Lakes
Estate, Bletchley. Tel: Milton • FOR SALE: National Panasonic MIC, mag mount and aerial, carry
Keynes Mk2 3 MD. 32 band sythesised double super- • NORDEMEHDE world radio case and mobile aerial, instruction
het RX. Type RF3100 FM 88- SSB etc. Mains battery portable manual, ideal set up for 2M
• HAVE CHINON CE- 4 camera 108MHz LW MW plus 29 SW £125. SRG two meter 12 volt mobile use. Bargain at £ 180
100- CB flash PW540 power bands 1.6-30MHz. BFO wide/ Monitor £30. Phone Bradford reducing £ 5 per week after 4/3/83.
winder Prinzflex tele-macro lens narrow selectivity. Digital readout. 676556 after 6. Phone Leeds 507453.
70-162mm carrying case £ 150 Portable battery/mains still under
ono or will exchange for good RX guarantee, £ 150. GM3TBV. Tel:
FRG7 R600 or similar. S. Lee, 0250-2520. Amateur Equipment bought and sold, cash waiting. Contact
310 Brighton Road, Shoreham- G3RCQ, Hornchurch 55733 evenings.
by- Sea, Sussex. Tel: 64623. • SELLING PANASONIC
DR26 FM ( 88-108MHz) LW MW
• WANTED Pye Bantam low SW ( 1.6-18.6MHz) receiver. List- A- Rig. A service offered by G3RCQ Electronics to
band VHF AM hand held two way Double superheterodyne, digital introduce buyers and sellers of used amateur equipment.
radio or similar must be standard display, tape in/out, BFO, Buying? It's free, just send an s.a.e. Selling/wanted? Send
not modified, plus Bantam service mains/battery. 180 countries s.a.e. for details on how to join the fast-growing list. List- A-
manual. Alan Roy Batho, 28, received. £ 65. Will pay carriage. Rig is sent and updated daily; no waiting, no deadlines. -
Ancaster Court, Scunthorpe, Original packing. Mark Cooper, List- A- Rig ( AR), 65 Cecil Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex RM11
South Humberside. Tel: Scun- 33 Park View, Royston, Barnsley, 2NA.
thorpe 845735. South Yorks.

MIMI BIBB MIMI MIMI IIIIIIIIIIII MBE BIM IMIIM

FREE ADS: Sell your radio equipment and spares for profit!

AMATEUR RADIO Name

Classified Order Form Address

Copy Deadline for Advertisements:

March 7th
The Advertisement Manager reserves the right to alter, reject or suspend an
advertisement without assigning any reason. Advertisements are accepted subject to Tel .
approval of copy and to the right of the Advertisement Manager to alter, reject or cancel
any order or part of order without explanation. The Proprietors are not liable for any loss
from any cause whatever, nor do they accept liability for printers errors. The
Advertisement shag indemnify the Publishers in respect of any claim, costs and
To: Amateur Radio,
expenses arising out of any libellous or malicious matter or untrue statement in any
Classified Dept,
advertisement published for the advertisers, or any infringement of copyright, patent or
design therein. The placing of any order wit be deemed to be an acceptance of these 27 Murdock Road, Bicester, Oxon.
conditions.

Don't forget - the April issue of Amateur Radio

appears on March 24th, 1983
ilmmmzmwmmmmczmmzzmm.mummmm.m.i
71
 • INSURANCE for amateurs. • WANTED Ten TEC Century 21 • WANTED MULTIMODE 10- • WANTED 2M RECEIVER by
Policies effected with leading CW transceiver, also any type of 11 Metre transceiver, preferably new listener, example SR9. Must
and old- established insurer. For transmitter. Large table top types 26-30 megs with freq. readout. be cheap as unemployed. Contact
quotes to compare our cover and for CW, any condition. G3YRQ Also HF 10 metre beam, or high Malcolm on Middlesbrough
premiums write to Pat Urquhart, Ian Parkinson, 207 Hurst Street, gain vertical 10 metre antenna. 597308. ( 0642).
7 Padwell Lane, Bushby, Leicester Leigh, Lancashire. Tel: (0942) Mr M Thomas, Delaville, 42
• COBRA 148GTL DX Four
or Ring G4DR 0533-412138. 679948. Wyndham Road, Abergavenny.
element beam, rotator CO- AX
Tel: (0873) 7141.
• TR IO TR2400 FM handheld • YAESU F RG7000 digital com- and cable £ 190 ono or will
and soft- case SC1 £ 125. TRS-80 munications receiver 0.5-3Orr,Hz • EXCHANGE 12 BORE Savage separate. Ian Crosby, 80 Burr-
microcomputer, 16K level 2, VDU little used and immaculate £ 200 Repeater Shotgun for 2 metre wood Drive, Adswood, Stockport.
and cassette, some software also Eddistone EB35 transistor transceiver mobile or portable Tel: 061 4566314.
£165 ono. 061-320-7136. communication receiver requires handheld ECT. Licence holders
• EDDYSTONE EC 958 pro-
repair £ 35. 19, Central Drive, only! Tel: Aylesbury 86916 After
• WANTED desperately, hand- fessional class receiver 10KHz-
Bramhall, Cheshire. Telephone 6pm.
book by RCA for AR88D receiver 30MHz. £425. Marconi M230I
061-439-9637.
your price paid for clean copy. • RACAL RA17L 0.5-30mHz (880/2) . 5-30MHz 30 bands.
Phone or write to Eddie, 23 • YAESU FRG7700 communi- grade 1 RX.C/w matching 19" £235. CR91 ( AR88) rx. £ 60.
Priory Terrace, London NW6. cations receiver AMEtFM LSB, cabinet £ 260. K.W. Viceroy 80- Hugh Cocks DX TV upconverter,
Phone 01 624 2546. USB, CW 0-30mHz, FRT7700 10m TX. C/w P.S.U. and manual built in psu. £ 28. Jaybeam 14 ele
ATU, Datong 2m converter, m/m £30. SMC. SP4. Speech processor Parabeam, new condx. £ 35.
• WANTED: Trio JR310 with 70cms converter, Datong AD 270 G4AFY QTHR, Tel: Kidderminster
£40. Morse key ( ex naval) £ 25.
SSB filter any condition. I used to active antenna, 2m antenna, Ring Alan ( G4 PSU) Abingdon (0562) 753358.
service AR88D receivers anyone wideband preamp, antenna switch, (0235) 23034 after 6pm.
want any info. Mr W. Handy, 105 • FOR SALE Ham International
headphones £ 295. Tel: Rilla-Mill
Humber Avenue, Coventry, CV1 multimode Il £ 100. Tel: David
62668 ( Cornwall). • DATONG DC144128 high
2AU. Tel: 0203-22201. Hewson, Sittingbourne 72091.
performance 2m converter £ 20
• TRIO TR2400 2m FM handset
MM 70cm converter 28mHz 1F • DX160 communication re-
• FTDX560 transceiver 80- for sale. 112 w output fully syn-
/
£15. 144m Hz circularly polarised ceiver property of deceased SWL
10M 10m Hz RX, 2 auxiliary bands thesised with spare nicads, soft
crossed dipoles £ 5. Cast gutter £60 onon apply H.C. Hemmens
(can add WARC), just serviced, leather case, charger and speaker-
mount with coax assembly £ 5. GW4KUS 3 Gorseinon Road,
560W input. £ 235ono ( carriage mic. Still boxed and in as- new
Ring Alan ( G4PSU) Abingdon Penllergaer, Swansea. Tel (0792)
at cost). R.K. Bowles GM4KAV condition. £ 150ono. Telephone
(0235) 23034 after 6am. 892165.
37 Albany Terrace, Dundee DD3 Ron G6JCN on Hartlepool 0429-
6MS. Tel (0382) 24362 evenings. 76840. • FOR SALE Hi Gain V 120
• WANTED: Non working re-
Channel AM FM SSB easily con-
• YAESU FC707 still guaranteed ceiver or transceiver or ancillary •
• PYE AUTO/REVERSE car/ verted to 10m, Zetagi BV131
£75ono. Yaesu YD148 desk mic equpment to aid me in my Ham
stereo cassette. Pye car/stereo 200w linear mint condition, SWR
still guaranteed, £ 15ono or will and electronics course must be
radio cassette. Pye stereo cas- Matcher and FS metre. 10 or 11
swap both for multimode 2 meter cheap will collect. John S.
sette. Philips Auto radio. Philips metre Ariel ( half wave) 15m of
rig, also 2 meter Cambridge £ 50 Devanney, 14 Wellgate, Conis-
cassette car/radio stereo. Ex- RG58 connectors and plugs.
ono. M.J. Smith, 62 Feltree Close, brough, Doncaster, Yorkshire.
change for Hallicrafters SX28 Possible exchange for 2m multi-
Ford Estate, Birkenhead, Mersey- Tel: Rotherham 867730.
Hammarlund SP600 or similar. mode transceiver or general
side. Tel 051-653-7170.
W.T. Millington, 26 South End, coverage receivers. M. Maynereid,
• HAM INTERNATIONAL
Hogsthorpe, Skegness. Tel: C/0 Salter Bros, Folly Bridge,
• MULTI MODE Nato 2000 rig. Concord II as new. £ 90. Wanted.
Skegness 0754 73329. High, low, super low, and FCC Oxford.
Good quality receiver prefer older
• SALE FT.707 Yaesu £ 370 or channels plus FM. UK ( legal) all valve type. AR88 or similar. • WANTED Hammerlund Triple
will P.X. for good receiver or VHF bands USB, LSB, AM, FM or CW. Something to build on. W.H.Y. Conversion general coverage
equpment. Tel Derby 372696, Weeks old. Tel: Horley 4115 Phone 02-9922-279 ( Clows Top, receiver HQ180A. Good price for

o
Mr Ian Hatton. (After 6pm). £ 150 ono. Worcs). clean working model.

... on subscription
Make sure of your copies of Amateur Radio. Order 12
issues for the basic price of £ 10.80 - no extra charges

Just complete the coupon and send it, with a cheque or postal order for £10.80 (£16.80
surface mail outside UK) to: Amateur Radio Subscriptions, 27 Murdock Road, Bicester,
Oxon OX6 7RG.

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made out to Goodhead Publications Ltd., in the sum of £ 10.80 (£ 16.80 surface mail outside
UK). Please write clearly.

Name

Address

72
 TRADE
Advertisement
List ANNOUNCEMENT
Bredhurst Electronics 2
A major company dealing only with the trade has
recently negotiated the sole U.K. Rights to an
Wood and Douglas 9
established range of Amateur Transceivers and
will be initiating a new marketing policy involving
Radio and Electronics World 22
a National Dealership Network offering:
South Midlands
• Products at a realistic price
Communications Ltd 32/33
• Units to cover all Amateur Bands
Dewsbury Electronics 37
• Full service and technical back up
Photo Acoustics Ltd 37
• A Nationally co-ordinated advertising campaign
Telecomms, Portsmouth 42
• Full range of branded accessories
Microwave Modules Ltd 50
If _you want a dealership don't hesitate, write to
Thanet Electronics 60/61

Waters and Stanton Electronics .. . 62 P.O. Box AR001

ICS School of Electronics 63 Goodhead Publications

27 Murdock Rd, Bicester, Oxon.
Telecom, Barnsley 63
(All enquiries will be treated as Private and Confidential)
The CO Centre 63

Reg Wood & Co Ltd 63

Myers Electronic Devices 73

NEW AMATEUR SUPPLIES
Goodhead Publications Ltd 73 A VERSATILE BENCH POWER SUPPLY. Contains a high quality transformer made to a high
quality special occasions. Gives a 20V 3amp D.C. output. Also a 20V - 0- 120V 3 arnp D.C. Output.
110-250 uc/s. Bridge rectification. Contained on robust metal chassis with metal cover. Size approx.
7" x 5" x 4". Easily modified to give 50V and 80V output. Makes an ideal variable power supply.
RAS Nottingham Ltd 74 Originally costs £60. Our price, as new with circuit £ 8.50 cardage £ 3.00. 2 units £ 20 carriage free.

HOW TO MAKE 2M AND 4M CONVERTERS FOR AMATEUR USE Fully comprehensive.

Contains circuits, layouts, component lists, diagrams, and fully instructional notes. Ideal for the

Garex Electronics 74 beginner or licenced amateur. Price £2.50 inc. postage.

LIGHTWEIGHT HEADSETS. ( Govt release). Brand new 600 ohms impedance. A bargain at
£3.50 p.p. £ I. 2 pairs for £ 7 post free.

Davtrend Ltd 74 CAPACITORS FOR THE AMATEUR TRANSMITTER. Bisconol high voltage caps. 0.25
mfd. WA K. Brand new size approx. 7" x 2" dia. Ideal for transmitting and linear amplifiers. Useful
for high voltage power supplies. Normally over £ 20 each. Our price brand new £ 3.75 postage £ 1. 2
for £8.00 post free.
Holdings Photo Audio Centre 74 GENUINE AFV TANK HEADSETS AND MIKE £3.50 per pair. p.p.£1. 2 pairs £ 7 post tree.
All headphones fitted with EX- ministry plug. Standard jack plugs available 25p each. 2 for 40p.
Headphone extension sockets available at 25p each. 2 for 40p. Impedance of fa- su two items
600ohms. All headphones in good condition.
Arrow 75

OCT 76 SCOOP PURCHASE

PYE POCKET PHONE RECEIVERS. Type PEI normal freq. 450 mHZ. Supplied in used
condition less battery. £ 4.50 each. Carriage £ I. 2 pairs £ 9.00 post free. 4 pairs £ 16.00 post free.
THE GOVT. SURPLUS WIRELESS EQUIPMENT HANDBOOK. Gives detailed infor-
mation and circuit diagrams for British and American Government Surplus Receivers Transmitters
and Test Equipment etc. Also suggested modification details and improvements for Surplus
• • • equipment. Incorporated is a Surplus/Commercial cross referenced valve and transistor guide. The
standard reference work in this field. Only £ 7.50 p.p. £ 1.50. No VAT on books.
New release of MODERN DYNAMIC MOVING COIL MICROPHONES. 200 ohms
impedance, Switch incorporating. Mostly with lead and DIN plug. Used but in nice condition. 3
Now turn to page 71 for your designs of case housing. Price one mike our choice £ 2 plus 50p p.p. Bargain offer all 3 mikes £ 4.50
P.P. £ 1.

opportunity to include a free GENUINE EX- GOVT COLLAPSIBLE AERIALS. A fully adjustable highly efficient whip
aerial in 5 sections. Length 114 metres. Closed 300m/m. Copper plated sections. As used on Ex Govt
Manoacks. Brand new in makers boxes £ 2.50 each no. 75o. 2 for £ 5 oost free.
private classified ad in the next TRANSFORMERS. I7V - - I7V 3amp transformers means output high quality. Limited stock
price £ 2.95 postage 50p. 2 transformers for £ 5.50 post free.

issue of Amateur Radio! HAVE YOU SEEN THE GREEN CAT.1000x of new components, radio, electronic, audio at
unbelievably low prices. Send 50p and receive catalogue and FREE RECORD SPEED
INDICATOR.

PLEASE ADD 15% VAT to all orders including carriage and pp.

•••
It pays to advertise in
De'ylece
Dept AR2 12/14 Harper Street, Leeds LS2 7EA. Leeds 452045.
AMATEUR RADIO New retail premises at above address ( opposite Corals). Callers
welcome 9 to 5 Mon. to Sat. Sunday 10 to 1 by appointment. Govt.
surplus items always in stock.

73
 G8UUS GAREX
R.A.S. (NOTTINGHAM)
IG3ZV1)

SX200-N
Radio Amateur Supplies THE ULTIMATE
Tel: 0602 280267 SCANNER

Visit your Local Emporium IZIŒ113:1

tmoà8o6c166
it; a trim it t5 rtt
Large Selection of New/Used Equipment 1:31111ZI el n7-4 COMPARE
on Show. ClfE1C1 ir
THESE FEATURES

AGENTS FOR: ACCESSORIES: *SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR EUROPEAN MARKET

*MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED 32,000 CHANNELS
F.D.K. Welz Range *AM AND FM ALL BANDS
*WIDER COVERAGE: 26-58, 58-88, 108-180, 380-514MHz; includes 10m,
AZDEN Microwave Modules.
4m, 2m and 70cm Amateur Bends
*5kHz and 123kHz FREQUENCY INCREMENTS
ICOM *16 MEMORY CHANNELS WITH DIRECT ACCESS
Adonis Mics. *2- SPEED SCAN/SCAN DELAY CONTROL
YAESU *2- SPEED SEARCH UP AND DOWN

SONIMERKAMP
Mutek Pre- Amps. *SEARCH BETWEEN PRESET LIMITS UP AND DOWN
*3 SQUELCH MODES inc CARRIER AND AUDIO

Packer Communications.
* RELAY OUTPUT FOR Aux CONTROL
FORTOP ATV *INTERNAL SPEAKER
*EXTERNAL SPEAKER AND TAPE OUTPUTS
*LARGE GREEN DIGITRON DISPLAY BRIGHT/DIM
AERIALS: Tonna, Halbar, New Diamond Range of *AM- PM CLOCK DISPLAY
Mobile Whips. *12V DC, 230V AC OPERATION
*12 MONTH WARRANTY FACTORY- BACKED SPARES AND ' KNOW-HOW'

PLUS OWN AND THE ALL-IMPORTANT PRE- DELIVERY CHECK BY GAREX, THE
MAIN SERVICE AND SALES AGENTS. £299.00 inc VAT Delivered
*NEW* * REVCONE* * NEW*
"Special" G.R.P. GW5 HF 5 Band Beams. A new top quality 16- element, all British made, VHF/UHF broadband fixed
station aerial from Revco. Ideally suited to SX200 and other VHF/UHF

can JUST GIVE USA RING Receivers.

PRICE £ 24.95 inc
MAIN DISTRIBUTORS OF REVCO AERIALS & SPECIAL PRODUCTS
(trade enquiries welcome)
PRICES INCLUDE UK P&P and 15% VAT
3 Farndon Green, Wollaton Park, Off
GAREX ELECTRONICS
Ring Road between A52 ( Derby Rd) &
7 NORVIC ROAD, MARS WORTH. TRING, HERTS HP23 4LS
A609 ( Ilkeston Rd). Phone 0296 668684 ( Callers by appointment only) 1,1071.1

E2
1 19 Fl Ej
AMATEUR THE YAESU EXPERTS
RADIO G3LLL AT WORK
VVV PRODUCTS Referred to recently by one magazine
editor as the U.K. leading expert on
All fully protected, including over F1'101 s. Let us repair your rig.
voltage crowbar circuit. Can you
POWER SUPPLIES afford to buy a cheaper power supply?
CAN'T AFFORD A NEW RIG? We will
overhaul your FT101, fit double
balanced mixer and R.F. processor,
and make it better than new.
4 Amp PSU £ 30.75 DOUBLE BALANCED MIXER
El 50 carr MODULE. Cuts down cross modula-
tion and noise on receive, vastly im-
6 Amp PSU £49.00 proves 40m after dark: very simple to
£2 50 carr fit for FT101 Mk2 — E £ 12 p&p. For
FT101 Mk1 £ 12.50 uses Plessey high
12 Amp PSU £ 74.00 level mixer I/C. S.A.E. leaflet.
+ £2.50 carr, G3LLL FT101 RF SPEECH PROCESSOR. Still widely held as best RF speech
processor ever. Only for FT101 Mk1, Mk2, Et EE. More RX gain and selectivity plus
VHF WAVEMETER 24 Amp PSU £ 105.00 super harmonic distortion, free speech processing on transmit— over 1000 sold in
£3.50 car, U.S.A. £35.75 post paid. Or painted circuit only wired and tested ‘ you supply box
wiring pot and switch) £26 post paid S.A.E. circuit and full details. FT101 Mk1 — E
The 'DRAE' morse tutor, a self AGC improvement kit, £1 plus S.A.E.
contained unit for learning morse YAESU ON DEM. FT101, FT102, FT208, FT708, FT290, FT230, FRG7, FRG7700
£49.00 + £ 1.00 carr etc. plus FDK, Datong, J Beam, Welz, S.M.C. A.R.R.L and R.S.G.B. books, all the
best on show. Securicor Delivery.
10MHz, 18MHz, 24MHz with FT101Mk1 — E? S.A.E. for leaflet.
VHF Wavemeter designed to CW FILTERS, 250Hz ultra sharp FT101, FT901, FT707, FT101ZD, £ 25 post paid.
meet the Home Office re- FREQUENCY COUNTERS.
quirements for amateur VHF Soar FC845 — see review in Jan. 83 OLIN rep,
ermin g lin
,seSC-abb
operation.
MORSE TUTOR £27.50, Carr free.
Practical Wireless±3ppm 1Hz resolu-
tion 2MHz. 100Hz @ 160MHz looks
professional and functions accordingly.
£67 pp with batteries, £ 72 with Et • ,1:Ze! •.,"
OTHER PRODUCTS mains unit post paid. Also Ramsey 8/ 2
1

digit 600MHz counters, £ 99 with

mains unit. S.A.E. enquiries.
24v to 12v 6am p switch mode converter VALVES FOR YAESU ( only these types stocked). The wrong make of PAvalves can
24v to 12v 10amp switch mode con-
verter custom built linear and switch give noise on receive, spurious outputs, impossible neutralization or even smoke!
mode power suppli.s 6JS6C Toshiba £ 35 pair, NEC £ 17 pair, unstamped O.K. 101 £ 13 pair. 12BY7A
Toshiba £ 15 each, NEC £ 3 each. 614613 General Electric £ 19 pair, £ 28 matched
Davtrend Ltd. Please phone for further details
triplets. 6KD6 NEC £17 pair, Toshiba £35 pair. Post 75p an order. Special offer
61468 O.K. but noisy in Yaesu £4.25 each post paid.
89 Kimbolton Road ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT Barclaycard, Access, Cheque, Cash!
PORTSMOUTH ACCESS CARDS ACCEPTED
Hampshire P03 6DA. HOLDINGS PHOTO AUDIO CENTRE
Ports. ( 0705) 8162 37
A A A A 39/41 Mincing Lane, Blackburn BB2 2AF
/ Imo/ Tel: ( 0254) 59595.
Closed Thursday.
V V V
74
 AItROW 7 Coptfold Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4BN
Tel: 0277 226470 or 219435 Ansafone on 219435 Telex: 995801 ( REF: A5)

eee le
etee
Gel 1.1.1.b 1
°° ACCESS • VISA • INSTANT HP • TWO YEARS' WARRANTY
• BEST TRADE-IN PRICES
orleq d

YAESU ALINCO
FT 77 New model P.O.A. C 290H 2m multimode mobile 25W P.O.A AL 230 2m 30W Linear 1-3W in FT 290R
FT 700 New model P.O.A. C 2E 2m FM synthesised handheld 169.00 etc. 39.00
FT 675 New model P.O.A. C 4E 70cm handheld 199.00 AL 710 70cm 10W Linear 65.00
FT 980 New model P.O.A. CL1/2/3 Soft cases 3.50 AL 730 70cm 30W Linear 79.00
FT 730 New model 269.00 C HM9 Speaker/microphone 12.00
3.20 SAGANT
FC 102 ATU 209.00 C CP1 Car charging lead
SP 102 Speaker 65.00 C BP2 6V Nicad pack for IC 2E 22.00 MT 240X HF 80-10m Wire array 49.50
FT 102 160-10M 9- Band Transceiver 785.00 C BP3 9V Nicad pack for IC 2E 17.70 MTE 40X 80m + 40m array 45.00
FT ONE Gen. Coverage Transceiver 1349.00 C BP4 Empty case for 6 X AA Nicads 5.80 BL 40X 1:1 Balun SO 239 12.65
FT 790R 70cm all-mode portable 325.00 C BPS 11-5V Nicad pack for IC 2E 30.50 COMET NEVVII
FT 101ZDFM 160-10m 9- Band Transceiver 665.00 C DC1 12V adaptor pack for IC 2E 8.40
DCT 101Z DC Adaptor 42.50 7/8 Wave 2M 4.5DB Whip 13.95
112.00 TR 10 8/8 Wave 2M 5.2DB Whip 15.85
FV 101Z Remote vfo
FV loi DM 239.00 CI 303G Communication scope 170.00 Send for details NEW RANGE.
FT 902DM 9- Band AM/FM Transceiver P.O.A. PF 810 Power/SWR meter 85.00
HALBAR
FC 902 9- Band atu, swr/pwr etc 135.00 Catalogue of Trio instruments send SAE.
FTV 901R Transverter fitted 2m module 285.00 LIN 5 70cm 5 el. Vagi 7.99
430 TV 70cm module for above 185.00 TONNA STR 5 2m 5 el. Yaw 9.99
144 TV 2m module for Transverter 100.00 20117 2m 17 element 35.19 FOLDI 2m 5 el. Foldup 13.00
70 TV 4m module for Transverter 80.00 20505 50MHz 5 ele. 31.74 TWIN 2m Vert. 14.95
FV 901 DM Remote vfo for 901 260.00 20104 2m 4 ele. 12.99 TWIN 70 70cm Vertical 7.99
SP 901 External speaker 31.00 20109 2m 9 ele. 15.44 DIP 2 2m Dipole 3.95
FL 21002 9- Band 1200W linear 445.00 20209 2m 9 el. port 17.45 HALO 2m Halo 5.50
FT 107 with FP 107 740.00 20118 2m 2 x9 el. cross 28.51 LPA Log periodic 70cm 15.00
FT 707 8- Band solid state 100W 569.00 20113 2m 13 el. port 27.20 QUAD 6 2m 6 el. Quad 25.00
FT 707S 399.00 20116 2m 16 el. 29.95 QUAD 4 2m 4 el. Quad 17 50
FP 707 230 volts AC power supply 125.00 20419 70cm 19 el. 18.12
DAIWA
FC 707 Aerial tuner 85.00 20438 70cm 2 x9 el cross 30.05
MMB 2 Mobile mounting bracket 16.00 20421 70cm 21 el. 25.98 DR 7500X Up to 3 el. HF beam preset
FRG 7 0.5-30MHz receiver 189.00 20422 21 el. ATV 25.98 controller 98.00
FRG 7700 SSB/AM/FM recvr. 335.00 20199 2m + 70 Oscar 30.05 DR 7500R as above round cont. 125.00
MEM 7700 Memory unit for above 89.00 Full range of Tonna accessories stocked. DR 7600X Heavy duty w preset cont. 141.00
FRV 7700A 118-150MHz Converter 69.75 DR 7600R as above round cont. 152.00
FRV 7700B 50-60MHz Et 118-150MHz 75.50 G- WHIP MOBILE ANTENNA RANGE KSO 65 Stay bearing 18.50
FRV 7700C 140-170MHz 65.95 CS 201 2-way switch 0 500MHz 13.80
Tnbander helical for 10/15/20 metres 25.80
FRV 7700D 70-80MHz Fe 118-150MHz 72.45 CS 201N above w. N sockets 21.00
Base mount single hole fixing + 3m cable 6.30
FRV 7700E 140-160MHz Er 118-130MHz 71.30 CS 401 4 way w SO 239 38.00
LF 40m coil for above aerial 6.55
FRy 7700F 150-160MHz, 118-130MHz F1 RM 940 Infra Red mic 45.00
LF 80m coil for above aerial 6.55
170-180MHz 71.30 CN 520 1.8 60MHz SWR PWR 40.60
LF 160m coil for above aerial 6.55
FAT 7700 Receiver aerial tuner 37.85 RX 110G 2m GaS Fat Preamp NEW 39.00
LF telescopic resonator whip 4.25
FT 480R 2m all- mode transceiver 365.00 RX 430G 70cm GaS Fat Preamp NEW 63.00
We also stock flexiwhip b muttimobile G whips.
FP 80A 230V AC power supply 63.00 RF 670 RF Speech Proc NEW 44.00
FT 780R 70cm all- mode UK rpt. shift. 399.00 VVELZ FD 3OLS Low pass Filter 11.50
FT 290R 2m all- mode portable 265.00 FD 30M LP Filter HD 19.50
SP 10X Mini meter 1.8 160MHz 200W 21.95
NC IIC AC charger 8.00 CN 650 118.75
SP 15M 1.8-150MHz 25W 20W 200W 32.00
MMB 11 Mobile mounting bracket 22.25 CN 620 66.00
SP 45M 2m/70cm 100W 45.00
FT 208R 2m synthesized portable FM 199.00
NC 9C AC charger 8.00 SP 200 1.8 160MHz 20W 200W 1kW 61.95 MISCELLANEOUS
209.00 SP 300 1.8 500MHz 20W 200W 1kW 85.00
FT 708R 70cm hand held CANTENNA Dummy Load 14.95
21900 SP 350 1.8 500MHz 200W 55.00
FT 23OR 2m FM mobile ARROW 15Amp PSU with meter 86.00
SP 400 130-500MHz 5W 20W 150W 61.95
All Yaesu accessories available - mostly ex stock. COAX SEAL for sealing antennas etc against
SP 250 1.6 60MHz 2kW 45.00
weather 20p foot
TRIO-KENWOOD SP 380 1.8 500MHz 20W 2013W 49.95
SWEDISH KEY Brass on Teak beautiful straight
AC 38M 8 band ATU 59.00 49.00
TR 7930 2m XCVR NEW P.O.A. key
CH20A <450MHz coax switch 15.95 VIBROPLEX various types in stock
R 2000 Receiver NEW P.O.A. 80.00
CT 150 150/400W D load 32.00
TR 3500 70cm Handy NEW P.O.A. Microwave Modules stocked.
CT 300 300/1kW-250MHz 0/load 45.00
TS 930S Gen. coverage transceiver 1149.00 KENPRO KP 100 Keyer 69.00
TS 430S HF Transceiver NEW 690.00 G4MH Mini- Beam 3 band 80.00
TONO
TR 9130 2M All- mode 411.00
TR 2500 2m FM synthesised handheld 207.00 THETA 9000E RTTY(CWASC11 650.00 JET
DM 801 Dip meter 60.00 THETA 550 The latest - a winner! 299 00 HE 33SP 3 el. Tri Bander HF Beam 189.00
R 600 Gen, coverage receiver MV 3BH Tri- Band vertical 40.25
TASCO
All Trio-Kenwood accessories available. MV 5BH 5 Band Vertical 71.25
TeleReader CWR 685 RTTY/CVV/ASC11 699.00 SG YO8 8 el. Cluagi 2m 48.96
SOMIVIERKAMP TeleReader CWR 670E As above RX only 259.00
TS 280FM 2m Mobile 50W FM 189.00 MorseMaster CWR 600 As above basic unit 189.00
FT 78 HF Transceiver 399.00 MorseMaster CWR 610 As above basic unit 189.00 CARRIAGE Et VAT:
FT 902DM HF Transceiver 799.00 ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT. ITEMS OVER £50.00 VALUE OR
799.00 ADONIS MICROPHONES TOTAL ORDERS OVER £50.00 ARE CARRIAGE FREE
FT 102FM HF Transceiver
MM202S Safety mic. Lapel type 20.95 SECURICOR ( OUR OPTION) FOR MAJOR ITEMS. ALL
ROTATORS MM202HD Safety mic. head band 29.00 DESPATCHES ARE INSURED BY US NO RISKS TO YOU IF
KR 250 Kenpro Lightweight 1-1 1
4 - mast
/ 44.95 MM 202HM Headphone 8. mic. 39.00 LOST OR DAMAGED
9502B Colorotor ( Med. VHF) 55.00
KR 40ORC Kenpro - inc. lower clamps 129.00
KR 60ORC Kenpro - inc. lower clamps P.O.A. BARGAIN "PHONE YOUR ORDER FOR TODAY'S
ICOM OFFERS
FT29OR +30W DESPATCH. ALL WE NEED IS YOUR
IC 740 Multienode H.F. transceiver 699.00
IC 720A HF transceiver and gen. coy. rec. 799.00 LINEAR £265
el OR = NUMBER, SMALL
IC 730 HF mobile transceiver 8- band 586.00
ICR 70 Multimode receiver NEW 469.00 SPARES - PLUGS - AERIALS -
EM400 NEW
PS 15 Power supply for 720A 99.00
Aunco
IC 251E 2m multimode base station 499.00 PHONE FOR A QUOTE FOR THAT NEW
IC 25E 2m synth compact 25W mobile 259.00 Rotators
£87.50 RIG!"

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