Vintage Radio- Restoration & Operation or What goes Around, Comes Around

 

Author: Roger Lowary -W9BZ

Date:29may04

 

Have you noted the increase in AM activity over the last several years?
Most modern transceivers now incorporate the AM mode. Furter, the
Quality of rice box AM has been drastically improved. However, the real
Fun of operating AM is using one of the so called boat anchor rigs of the
50's and 60's.

Several publications are now geared to vintage radio. Most notable of
These is Electric Radio Magazine. * This monthly publication features
Articles pertaining to vintage equipment and operating with a primary
Emphasis on AM. In addition, QST Magazine now carries a feature
Column entitled Old Radio. A recent survey by the ARRL established
That 50% of subscribers to QST regularly read this column.

I was first licensed in 1953 and operated AM up until 1962. Then, I
Went modern with a new Hallicrafters SX117/HT44SSB outfit. I never
Believed that I would ever return to AM, but in 1988 the bug hit again.
Presently, I work on 40 meters and usually make between 1 and 6
Contacts per day. My confirmed state count stands at 35.

Why not listen on 40 meters, 7285-7300 KHZ. Try listening during the
Late morning or early afternoon. In the evenings you may want to listen
To 75 meters, 3880-3885 KHz, or 20 meters, 14286 KHz. Activity can also
Be found on 160,10 and 15 meters. You will hear the rigs of yesteryear,
As well as, the modern transceivers.

Many present day operators use equipment manufactured by Johnson,
Hallicrafters, Multi Elmac, Harvey Wells and others. You may even
Hear a Collins KW-1 or an old broadcast transmitter converted to the
Ham bands. Perhaps you will hear someone using a rig you operated
during the golden days of ham radio.

It is very easy to get started. Push the AM mode button on your modern
Transceiver, or purchase/build an authentic AM rig. Many operators get
Started with a Heathkit DX-60 ($50-100). They work great!. If you
Want to spend a little more money, try a Johnson Viking Ranger
($200-400).

I Usually get most of my gear at hamfests. E-bay and other on-line
sources are also useful. Perhaps a ham friend has an old rig in his
garage or basement.
The fun begins after you acquire the rig. They usually don't' work!
Parts are available from Antique Electronic Supply** and a host of
other suppliers. Dust off your old technical manuals and get started.
Help, if needed, can be found on-line or you may have a friend who is
knowledgeable about old tube gear. You could give me a call.

Once your repair and/or restoration is complete and you are on the air,
you will enjoy a relaxed mode of operation and technical discussions
with fellow AM enthusiasts across the country. Further, you will have
The feeling of being master of your own equipment.

AM is certainly not the main thrust of amateur radio. My shack is made
Up of both modern and vintage gear. I can operate the so called modern
Digital modes and use the computer for numerous amateur related
Activities. However, ther is nothing like Amplitude Modulation. I enjoy
The fidelity. It is music to my ears. It's Angel Music!


Notes:
* Electric Radio Magazine is available from Symbolic Publishing
company, P.O.Box 242, Bailey, Colorado 80421-0242

** Antique Electronic Supply catalog is available from Antique
Electronic Supply, 6221 South Maple Ave. Tempe, AZ 85283