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[TenTec] Scout Frequency Jumping - CW Speeds

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Subject: [TenTec] Scout Frequency Jumping - CW Speeds
From: weingaertner@nac.net (Robert Weingaertner)
Date: Thu, 04 Nov 1999 20:18:05 -0500
john.conners wrote:
> 
> After reading all the Scout info, I plan on buying one as a soon as
> possible. It seems like solutions to the jumping issue are numerous.
> 
> For those that do not want to stop periodically for the freq. update,
> maybe the VFO could be fine tuned with the appropriate temperature
> compensation parts (for a fee probably) to lessen the drift.
> 
> OR
> 
> The microprocessor that adjusts the VFO could be duplicated on a small
> PC board so that it could operate continuously, is there room to add
> a small board? Same processor, same software, just a board layout :)
> 
> Just my clueless observations from a distance!
> 

Yes, this could be done. Disconnect the lead to the frequency
compensation varactor and measure the drift from a cold start.
Compute and install the optimum temperature compensating cap. 
(Alas, I don't know where to buy N750 and N1500 capacitors.
There already is some temperature compensation in the Scout PTO
but it is probably not optimized for each PTO. With optimum
temperature compensation, the procesor won't have to work as hard
to keep the PTO on frequency. Once you have the correct value of
cap, reconnect the lead to the varactor.

Another technique is called "crystal lock". This phase locks the 
PTO to a crystal oscillator. I saw this technique many years ago
in  Ham Radio magazine, This may not be worth the effort, and there
really isn't much room inside the Scout for additional circuits.

Frankly, I'm enjoying my Scout just as it is. I'm tyrying an experiment.
I'm checking into the NJ CW net once or twice per night using a 7 amp 
hour gel cell. I'll let the TT gang know when the battery runs down.


                73, Bob WB2VUF



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