The AM Forum

Ok. It's time I got off of slopbucket. I know that AM'ers prefer antique radios but I'm more interested in using a modern rig on AM. What do I need to know in order to put out a respectable signal and audio?

Untrue.  Any method is cool if it sounds good.

What would be a good starter configuration?

Whatyagot ?

Typically, 20watt carrier outta a 100watt rig is a good start. That's decent to drive a good leenyaarrr to 200 - 300 watts carrier.

A scope is abasolutly necessary for tuning to make sure your peaks are nice and the valleys don't cutoff the carrier.

That's general info for starters.

More info here.

"How to Setup a Modern Day Transceiver for AM"

http://www.amwindow.org/tech/htm/plastic.htm

Thanks for the link. I'm operating at W1SUN untill I purchase my own rig. At least that article will give me the info I need to set up their Yaesu for AM.

Dude, welcome to AMFone and to AM!

Given the right antenna and location, 20 watts of AM can work very well.  Other times you need full strap to bust thru the static and QRM.

Full carrier and both sidebands separates the men from the boys with antenna tuners, linears, etc.  Remember that your PEP will be 4X carrier power for a 100% modulated AM signal.  That's why on a 100-watt slopbucket rig you need to keep the carrier to 20 watts or less.  200 watts carrier on a 1KW linear may overstress it as they're designed for low duty cycle modes like CW and SSB.  Even RTTY is just essentially a key-down carrier; with AM you now add the two modulated sidebands.  Just be aware, use a scope, and come on in and ask questions!

73 John

You might find this interesting, too.

http://www.classeradio.com/

http://classe.monkeypuppet.com/

Yep, still don't know how you boyz git away with usin' both sidebands...that musta bein' ellegal.

KB1JCY - welcome aboard from another of the unwashed masses. You've made the right choice. And folks are right - it doesn't matter what you run, so long as it makes a nice AM carrier with decent audio. Where you go with it from there is up to you. If you're into the newer stuff, look into Class E (a.k.a. 'The Dark Side'). Steve WA1QIX and Brent W1IA will be more than happy to talk shop with you about it. Just be sure you're comfortable and have enough to drink before getting started.

Set up whatever you have now to work well, then move on to something bigger, HB, or whatever flicks your switch. And remember - when in doubt, ask. This is the most helpful group of folks you will ever meet in radio and probably rehab too.

You can credit KA1ZGC for introducing me to the AM window.  ;)

Well, first, you should get listed on QRZ. There is no record of KB1JCY. I don't doubt your authenticity, but you might want to see about that QRZ thing.

Second, you must accept the wisdom of Ashtabula Bill, W8VYZ, regarding the philosophy of AM operation and how it differs from slopbucket mode. Such is his dedication to AM that Bill never once operated SSB. Today he is celebrated by enthusiasts the world over:

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/56/w8vyzshirton7.jpg (http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/56/w8vyzshirton7.jpg)

Thirdly, even if you use a modern radio, you must have tubes somewhere in the shack. Tubes are a source of essential mojo to the AMer. Get a 6146, or at least an 811, and ponder it as a Buddhist would his navel.

Lastly, study the sacred scrolls contained on the AM forum. "Johnny Novice's Guide To Receivers" is a classic.

Yer from Haverhill, MA?  :D  That's my parent's hometown...

Perry, Douglas R, KB1JCY (General)
37 1/2 Grove Street
Haverhill, MA 01832
Previous license class: Technician
Licensee ID: L00606331
FRN: 0008072936
Issue Date: Dec 11, 2002
Expire Date: Dec 11, 2012
Date of last Change: Mar 02, 2007 (License Modified)

dont need no stinkin QRZed

Queens R Zany is in a state of flux since their old server went QRT. I work for Sun and I happen to be the lucky guy to be helping Fred out with is new servers. There are many people that are reporting their record missing on QRZ.

Anyone have any docs/info on how to connect a condenser mic to your typical ricebox? Any info on where I could find an inexpensive scope? Any tips on setting up my audio?

Try this link... it'll give you a way to go fer setting up yer rice box for am

http://www.amwindow.org/tech/htm/plastic.htm

Your best bet for the mic hookup is the manual for the radio u own..   match the hook up and then try to match the Zeess (impedence)
Cheep?? scope....   there is always epay, but u takes yer chances .....  the other name for an o' scope is

Textronix....http://www.reprise.com/host/tektronix/home/default.asp....   Hamfests maybee... You can try getting on the 2m CB and ask..


then you can check out East Coast Sound  ( 8th line down  on the left under On AMfone, below the clock )...


   klc

Do you mean adding/hooking up a RS electret element? Here's one way....

http://www.iarc.org/~4x1mk/modifying_the_MH-31_Yaesu_microphone.html (http://www.iarc.org/~4x1mk/modifying_the_MH-31_Yaesu_microphone.html)

What I had in mind is using a mic with an XLR output (e.g. large diaphragm condenser). How do I connect that to say a Ten Tec Orion while using the rig's VOX?

Wiring diagrams?

Ah!

The studio condensers need a phantom power supply (typically 48vdc) which some people get off their outboard mixers or preamps.  This guy has info on how to connect audio chains to typical ricebox inputs.

http://www.nu9n.com/transceiver_connections.html (http://www.nu9n.com/transceiver_connections.html)

  My sister lives in Haverhell ;D Hey Doug, I have blabbed with you on the 19 Chester repeater  cawmawn......... Have not been on 2m in a while though.

I really need to see an AM station in person to understand how it works. Too bad ZGC moved. I want to see how all the pieces fit together.

Some AMers prefer hollow state, but if I ever got a rig full of sand it would be the computer-based SDR1000, with a possible amplifier.

They sound great on transmit and receive.

SO yer pals with ZGC, eh ?  Well you'd better watch yerself if you're his escort at the next hamfest up that way. We got his number.

If you're asking about audio hookups, some AMers have a real simple setup: a D104 mike plugged into a vintage tube rig like a Valiant or a DX100.  Others have "audio chains", i.e. a string of gear typically configured something like this: studio condenser mike------------------------>mixer/preamp---->compressor/limiter---->EQ---->transmitter audio input.

You asked about ricebox hookups. This guy is an ESSB freak, but his suggestions for wiring can serve equally well for AM:

http://www.nu9n.com/tx.html#Audio_Cables