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Re: [TenTec] In praise of older technology

To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] In praise of older technology
From: "Bob McGraw - K4TAX" <RMcGraw@Blomand.net>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2014 07:06:10 -0600
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
Yes, different hearing will cause one to "tune in" a signal slightly different. Plus the absolute frequency as displayed can be +/- 50 Hz with most radios. Thus if one chooses to set the radio, such their display is a specific number, there's no assurance the radio is absolutely on that frequency. If you challenge this point, try the ARRL Frequency Measuring test that takes place later this year.

I find it MUCH easier to operate SPLIT in a round table QSO. Set the frequency of one VFO where you think it should be, press the = to make VFO A = VFO B and just tune to station to station as your ears so choose. I find that much easier than operating with the RIT function, which operationally on most radios is more of a nuisance. Plus one likely forgets it is ON and thus on the next QSO or NET you are likely "reported off frequency".

Just remember in a NET, by normal practice, the net control establishes the net frequency. Usually it is net frequency +/- QRM and there is no assurance that it will be on an absolute frequency with the number ending in several 00000's.

73
Bob, K4TAX


----- Original Message ----- From: "k6jek" <k6jek@comcast.net>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2014 2:30 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] In praise of older technology


They don't complain. They just advise. BTW, Jon, you're 50 Hz high or whatever. When we aren't doing a round table but just jumping in, I know it's annoying to be pushing the RIT whenever party X transmits. And how about when X is 50 up and Y is 50 down?

In addition to using the latest greatest stuff, I like to see just how good I can get the old stuff to work without inappropriate modifications. The 100V didn't start out sounding better than anything else on the air. I had to wrestle it into submission.

Being actually on frequency is part of getting high performance out of old gear. How can you argue that?

Jon

PS: I would venture that my buddies aren't the simpletons you seem to think they are.

On Feb 22, 2014, at 11:45 PM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:

Jon,

If I had buddies who got annoyed with me being 20 or 30 Hz off frequency,
I'd look for some new buddies.
Those are probably the same buddies that pray to their SWR bridge.

73 - Rick, DJ0IP
(Nr. Frankfurt am Main)

-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of k6jek
Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2014 12:02 AM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] In praise of older technology

I know. As an aficionado of vintage equipment I agree in spirt. But on SSB it really is delightful to talk with people who are actually on frequency, a
rarity with vintage gear but the norm now with new equipment. People just
sound so much more human when their speech isn't shifted 30 Hz or 20 or even
10.

I have a Corsair (I) and have not considered replacing the PTO with a DDS
unit but might just find a way to get a better read of my actual frequency. Shouldn't be hard. That way I can talk with my buddies on their Flex Radios (*), ICOM 7600's and such without annoying them while still enjoying my fine
old stuff.

Jon, K6JEK

* I have all that modern stuff too, an SDR, OMNI VII etc. I just don't like
it much. Heck, I think my favorites are the tube pieces from '50's.

On Feb 22, 2014, at 2:44 PM, Ken Brown wrote:

I remember when digital frequency readouts (the kind using an electronic
counter, not the kind on a R-390) started appearing on ham gear. Most people (myself included) just had to have it. We never needed it before. There were
easy enough reliable methods to make sure we stayed inside our band (or
sub-band) limits, but for some reason it seemed like a digital display of
our frequency became a necessity.

DE N6KB

On 2/22/2014 11:14 AM, Mike Bryce wrote:
I guess it was a year ago I put in a DDS replacement for the PTO. Rock
solid. Dual VFOs, speed sensitive tuning, all kinds of goodies.

I took it out and the analog PTO back in.

Yep, it didn't have the same feel. It (the DDS) made all kinds of noise
when no antenna was connected.

Sometimes, and this was one of them, older really is better


Mike, WB8VGE
SunLight Energy Systems
The Heathkit Shop
http://www.theheathkitshop.com/
J e e p
o|||||||o

A man with one clock knows what time it is. A man with two clocks is
never sure.




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