The AM Forum

I have spent 45 minutes going round in circles trying to avoid asking here however I need help and I know someone here will know. I  just received a Heathkit  twoer lunch box 2 meter transceiver. Rx works well, mic and cord were supplied but no transmit crystals. I know they should be 8 MC s something but I don't know exactly. Can someone please tell me. I have a ham not far away with the same rig (and the same problem. ) we wanted to use them for inter shack communication. (approx. 5 miles ATCF and we believe we have line-o-sight)
Thanks
Don

Don,

The crystal frequency equals desired output frequency/18. 

Ref: QST June 2013 "Vintage Radio" column, pp 96-97

http://www.wj1b.com/uploads/8/4/0/9/8409204/vintage_0613_twoer.pdf

The "Twoer" used the following method to produce a 144MHz output signal:

crystal frequency x 3 ("tripler") x 2 ("doubler") x 3 ("tripler") = crystal frequency x 18

Therefore, if you want to transmit on 144MHz, you need a crystal whose frequency is 144MHz/18 = 8MHz

Stu

Thank you both for your replies. I believe I have at least one that will do.
don

I had great fun with a Twoer back in 1964. We had an AM repeater located in San Jose, CA that was great. I also used it for local communications. It had great crisp audio. When we went mobile with it I used a surplus dynamotor that was 12 volt input and 220 volts output. We put the dynamotors in a 30 caliber ammo box to muffle the sound. I think I need a shrink to put me on sodium pentothal to help me remember what I ever did with that rig along with may others that I regret parting with ;D ;D ;D
 

" I believe I have at least one that will do. "

Approx. frequency on 2M ??

klc

Those 2 meter portables must have been much fun "back in the day".  One of my favorite Radio and Television News covers is a family picnic with a Gonset Communicator.

http://qsl.net/nz5n/TwoerGonsetRestoration.htm (http://qsl.net/nz5n/TwoerGonsetRestoration.htm)

Yes, Roger, a lot of fun indeed!

Don, you may want to consider a Squelch on that Twoer otherwise the noise on standby might drive you nuts?

The attached is my first Google look up on the subject but I am sure there must be others to make the Twoer better.

Thanks to all who chipped in to help.
Found a 8008 and a 8110 in my junk box. (I have no idea why I had them) Used my Grundig Digital Traveller to monitor some distance away. Dumb thing actually works. Pretty well too. Wonder if I could do some DX across the lake to Rochestor. I'm at about 200ft elevation and there is nothing in my way to Lake Ontario. It is all downhill to the shore (At Wellington Ontario) from here. Anyway, have to make a J pole for the chimney and get my pal to fire his twoer up.
Don
Oh yeah My brother who brought it down from my Dads where my sister left it for me (She bought it as it was a will NOT ship to Canada ebay deal and she lives in USA) asked what era it was. I said I thought about 1963. He said," You should get a photo with your 63 Dodge and yourself since you will still be 63 for a couple of more months." I had thought about the Dodge but me being 63 had not occurred to me.
And for my friend Al, VE3AJM, I finally got a plate modulated rig! Hope ur happy!
Don

I had one as a high schooler and used it to check in to the Civil Defense Net in upstate NY. It was broad as a barn but repeaters were limited to one machine in range in the area so that would not capture it. I modified a TV antenna to use on 2M and was able to get out and hear signals about 30 miles out if the other guy had a good beam and transmitter.

I use my Gonset Communicator to monitor 2m and the Aero band at the same time. Yes, they are a bit broad.

klc

Now  I want another Lunchbox.
A tener I think would be a welcome addition to my AM shack downstairs.
Don