My 75'r has arrived today first look.

[ka3zlr]

Packaging is Sufficient and first impression is good..

 

[ka3zlr]

First impression is good..

[ka3zlr]

Second picture.  even better comes with CD Kewell

[W9GT]

Hi Jack,

Congrats on getting your kit.  It is a great little project.  The CD contains step-by-step photos of the assembly process.  Just take your time and follow the directions carefully.  It will go together quite easily.  I sure have enjoyed my Retro 75 xcvr.

73, Jack, W9GT

[ka3zlr]

  Will do Jack I thank you Sir.

73

Jack.

[WB3JOK]

It should be able to easily drive a 4CX1500B in AB2  

[ka3zlr]

Hi Guys,

 Well it has a fifty watt rf pa device and a ten watt audio chip
so I would think it has sum capabilities..there is discussion in
the manual about power so we'll see, maybe a little change in
resistance an up the drive power a bit...

 I was considering using a real clean Johnson viking I case I
have here an I was thinking about driving a 6146 with it in the
same case using the transformer that's in there piping the power
supply for the circuit board B+ in the underneath area.

 Also being there is already a channel changer in the case adapting
it for multi-channel operation would be a bonus just clean off the
crystal deck that's there an adapt the smaller crystal sockets in and
I'd have a 5 channel rig.

So what'ya think of my idea.?

73

Jack.

[W9GT]

Hi Guys,

 Well it has a fifty watt rf pa device and a ten watt audio chip
so I would think it has sum capabilities..there is discussion in
the manual about power so we'll see, maybe a little change in
resistance an up the drive power a bit...

 I was considering using a real clean Johnson viking I case I
have here an I was thinking about driving a 6146 with it in the
same case using the transformer that's in there piping the power
supply for the circuit board B+ in the underneath area.

 Also being there is already a channel changer in the case adapting
it for multi-channel operation would be a bonus just clean off the
crystal deck that's there an adapt the smaller crystal sockets in and
I'd have a 5 channel rig.

So what'ya think of my idea.?

73

Jack.

Jack,
You may be defeating the whole idea of having a very small QRP 75 AM transceiver.  However, if it is a logical way for you to start on a rig-building project...go for it!  You might consider adding a small solid state amplifier to the little Retro75 later.  You might be surprised at how well the little 2 watter works though.  I have made many contacts with mine, although the Spring static conditions have taken their toll on using QRP on 75M.  You might consider mounting the little rig in a lunch box or similar small housing.  It makes a super little portable rig.  You could also add some batteries for portable use.  Have fun...enjoy.

73,  Jack, W9GT

[ka3zlr]

FB Jack,

 Thanks for your reply, I find QRP FB too I was just posting my thoughts on things ideas
I like my idea on using an old white face case for nostalgia I could put a very nice handle
on the top for carrying purposes build a battery compartment in the underneath
an with everything removed it would be fairly light and rugged in a Johnson sort of way  

 You know Jack I really would like to adapt a meter in for rec/trans operation. I'm
thinking about that too.

73

Jack.

[W1RKW]

Jack,
Got my Retro 75 yesterday too.  Started assembly last night.  It's going well.  I'm going to drive an MRF449a for 25 to 30w out.

I built many kits when I was younger and still like to do it. So I was excited to get started but I soon realized I can't do it as well.  I can't see close up without having to dick with glasses. These small components are brutal!

[ka3zlr]

Hi Bob,

 Same here I have everything separated circuit board at the ready..  

[W1RKW]

Hi Jack,
I managed to get all the resistors and electrolytics in place.  It's slow going but it's going and going good.

[ka3zlr]

Good Deal,

 Hey that MRF449 circuit you have a schematic on that.?

Parts list maybe..


73

Jack.

[W1RKW]

I don't have a schematic, not yet anyway.  I still have to build and experiment.  But there is a schematic from the MRF449a datasheet which is available online.  I'll probably use that as a starting point for experimenting and then go from there.

[ka3zlr]

Good Idea,

 I'd like to see it when your done, I think once
I get this in case and mounted controls fixed I'd
like to put in a metering circuit..

73

Jack.

[W1RKW]

Jack,
Just an FYI, you can use any of the other MRF series RF transistors.   I just happened to have one on hand and figured I'd use it since it's just sitting in the junkbox.

by the way, just finished stuffing most of the components.  Just need to wind the 5 coils and the board is done.