The AM Forum

Another gem from shorpy.com.

http://www.shorpy.com/node/17170 (http://www.shorpy.com/node/17170)

What a cool rig....Everything exposed.....are those pop bottle condensers in the box? And the Wiring splice on the table must be the headphone connection... Wonder what freq he was on?  From the looks of that coil it would go pretty low...Single tube...?  I can't tell if the OP is wearing a necktie...

Wonder what kind of finals that transmitter is running? I'm assuming that's it over on the left of the desk, the four tubes in the wood frame. The tubes kinda remind me of a miniature version of a Russian GM-100 triode, with the way they have therounded glass in the middle, the neck at each end, and flying leads for filament, grid, and plate connections.

What a cool photo.  I guess it shows he wasn't a spoiled millionaires' kid.   

I've had an interest in Herbert Hoover, Sr. since I was in high school.  A tremendously talented and successful man from humble origins.   

I think those "4 tubes in the wood frame" may be Home brew condensors....Made from bottles

Maybe not. That was some pretty hot stuff in 1923.

If you look at the full size image, the filaments are on, the glow is coming from the inside of the plate, not a reflection on the glass. You can also see the wires that are holding the plate to the top of the tube, and the glass insert and wires for the filament and grid. I've seen condensers made from bottles, the plate is wrapped around the outside of the bottle, like this: http://www.vintagehamstation.com/images/n4ggspark0.jpg 

They posted a another picture of the setup minus the operator.  More detail, especially the tubes.  


http://www.shorpy.com/node/17172 (http://www.shorpy.com/node/17172)

There appears to be an etching or stamping on the far right bottle (also on second from left).  Can anyone make it out?

Scott

Its a Mullard and someone on that web page says its a U30 rectifier.

Thanks Sam
The full screen view is super! The photos are from the Library of Congress and are very high quality. Paul WA3VJB, would appreciate the photos. I think he still has one of those large cameras that journalists used.
I think the early ham ops just dealt with a HOT shack full of RF. CW mode was king during that period. The RF exposure police would have a ball.
Fred

Wonderful pictures Sam and many thanks for posting them.  I will likely order a few for my museum picture display.

Joe, GMS

Fellows,

Remember to disconnect all filament batteries before leaving the shack.

He's got some long fingers.  Make a great guitar player.

  I like the wide straps (copper?) going out the top of the window. If you look at the window frame you can tell that the top half of the window is down just a little.
  The big knife switch in the back is cool too.

Bill KA8WTK