The Magic “Magic Eye” Radio Tuning Indicator
A "magic eye" tube is an electronic vacuum tube that provides visual indication, usually in the form of green light, on an area called the target inside the tube. The target is partially illuminated with the exception of the shadow area, which varies in size and...
W1FPZ Speaks About His Gross CB-25 Transmitter
This is the rig which formally belonged to Bill Orr W6SAI, the well known author and a former editor of the "West Coast Radio Handbook". [arve url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKGb4scXCm0" title="John W1FPZ Speaks About The Gross CB-25 Transmitter"...
An Afternoon With John W1FPZ
Born May 27, 1924, John enjoyed a very full life, as member of the US Army during the occupation of Japan, as a petroleum geologist, traveling throughout the work, as a private pilot who had owned several plans over his lifetime - holding an instrument rating, a most...
1928 MOPA Transmitter
Two Stage Telegraph and Telephone Transmitter built by AB9ZG. Though I've experimented a great deal in the field, using amateur radio satellites, as a ARMY MARS operator AAR2AJ, and even played with QRP (low power) gear, my interest tends to the early days of radio...
National HRO Coil
I’m always intrigued when some former owner leaves his handiwork or mark on radio gear from the past. I recently came across the HRO receiver coil and caught my eye how much effort the previous user had put into making up a logging scale for the set. He must have been...
1930s W1UJR Station Now Ready
Had a few minutes this morning to get Scott W9WFA's old National NC-101X out of storage and onto the new 1930s station desk. I'll be moving the other 101X over once the restoration is finished, but it'll be on the workbench for a bit, so time to fire up something...
Opening The “Catacomb” – National NC-101X Coil Set
I removed the sliding coil assembly, often called a "catacomb coil" for cleaning and service. Needed it too, 80 some years of dirt, and old grease build up make it a mess. Removed the coil sets, used a sharpie to id the location with small dots, and threw the aluminum...
The 1930s Doerle Sets – A Historical Perspective
The Doerle sets, designed by radio fan Walter C. Doerle of Oakland, CA, were a popular regenerative receiver scheme of the 1930s. In December 1931 the magazine Short Wave Craft carried Doerle's first article about a simple two-tube regen receiver. The set,...
Opening The “Catacomb” – National NC-101X Set
Continued on with the restoration of the National NC-101X today. Removed the sheet metal enclosure, which required removal of all knobs again, then carefully undid the front drive gear, part of the rack and pinion gear set that moves the "catacomb" coil holder from...
All About QSL Cards
Ham Radio QSL Cards - In the early days of ham radio, when making shortwave contact with a station across the state was a novelty, across the country was astounding, and transoceanic contacts where nearly unheard of, hams would confirm contact by sending each other...