New shack configuration

[W8ACR]

I've set a record of sorts. I rearranged the shack about six weeks ago, and it still looks the same today. The key was finishing the 20 meter RF deck for the big rig. Once I did that, I actually started getting on the air and talking to people! This arrangement seems to work well, and is the optimum use of space considering I have lots of large radios in a relatively small room. From the operating position I can easily reach the three receivers. The 75A-4 is on the desk, and the two SP-600's are in the closest rack. The KWS-1 is off to the left and the big homebrew transmitter is off to the right. The Viking II is the RF exciter for the homebrew rig. Throwing the plate switch on the Viking II keys the big rig. Once the big rig is tuned, it is all controlled from the operating position. I have posted some closeups of the 20 meter RF deck. I started out with a design for a single 254W and a pi network tank, but I couldn't seem to get the proper L/C ratio or something, because with 400W input I could only get about 150W output. Something wasn't right, and I tried for about a week to readjust it, but without success. So I shifted gears and built a classic push pull triode RF amplifier with two 254W's instead. It works much better. Of interest, the plate tank coil is homebrew. I went to the local hardware store and bought some three inch diameter threaded plastic pipe and wound the wire in the threads. Works FB. So my current capabilities are SSB and CW on 80-10 meters, and AM on 160-20 meters. All classic boat anchor gear.

Ron

[W8ACR]

More pics

[Opcom]

That's a real nice looking operating room there! I like that the big tubes can be seen.

[WZ5Q]

VERY Nice Ron!! I love the rackage.

You need to post some pictures of yours Patrick, I KNOW your shack is old buzzardly!

[W8ACR]

Hey Mike,

I looked at your website and was very impressed by your big tuna. Nice work indeed! I also use OWL to a dipole through a HB tuna. But mine is not so pretty. You can see the front of the 160M tuna at the top of the receiver rack, the 20M tuna is out of view on top of the HB transmitter. My HB items tend to be functional, but mebbe not so pretty. You know how it goes - "she's got a GREAT personality".

Ron

[WZ5Q]

Howdy Ron,
Thanks for the compliments!
 
Well, Functionality and Personality is a great combination!!
I would rather it be that then perty. 

Those pics of my Tuna were when I built it, the silver and copper has deep patina all over it now, so it is aged and has ALOT of personality now!

[W3GMS]

Heck with the gear Ron, I like the desk!  Nice wooden OT desk is very fitting.  I am trying to get the same style desks for my big radio project. 

Just kidding about the gear since it looks absolutely great.   When I get the new tower and beam up, hopefully we can work on 20 meters. 

Very nice work.....

Whats your next project? 

Joe, GMS

[W8ACR]

Hi Joe,

Yeah, I like the desk too. It came with the house! Nice old North Dakota farmhouse built in 1958. Not too big, but now it's just the XYL and me, so I guess it's enough room. Our house in Montana was around 3500 square feet, so it's been a bit of an adjustment. I have another desk even nicer in the other room.

Projects in the queue of my mind:

1. 160M transmitter PP 808's X 809's

2. Single band superhet

3. Restoration of Western Electric 451A-1 broadcash transmitter (211's grid modulated)

4. Resurrection of W0ZUS 450TL rig

That's enough for the next five years.

Ron

[W3GMS]

Hi Joe,
Yeah, I like the desk too. It came with the house! Nice old North Dakota farmhouse built in 1958. Not too big, but now it's just the XYL and me, so I guess it's enough room. Our house in Montana was around 3500 square feet, so it's been a bit of an adjustment. I have another desk even nicer in the other room.
Projects in the queue of my mind:
1. 160M transmitter PP 808's X 809's
2. Single band superhet
3. Restoration of Western Electric 451A-1 broadcash transmitter (211's grid modulated)
4. Resurrection of W0ZUS 450TL rig
That's enough for the next five years.
Ron

Well Ron that is a good list of projects.  Based on the speed of execution with your last two major projects, I have no doubt you will get the list completed. 

Speaking of receivers, I have never home brewed a superhet receiver but sure would like to do so.  I found an interesting HB receiver through some internet searching the other day. 

http://faculty.frostburg.edu/phys/latta/ee/6x2rcvr/6x2interior/6x2interior.html   

The series on HBR's is an interesting one as well.   

73,
Joe, GMS

[KB5MD]

Now, that there shack is nice, don't care who ya are!  The wood desk really adds warmth, nice!