A Christmas Present (long)

[Ed Tanton]

Hi All... I got a Christmas present you have to see to believe. About 7-8
months ago, I had some lengthy discussions with my friend Ken, W4OCW, about
how ugly the 'chassis' of my external frequency control (for my OMNI VI)
was, and how it might be improved. I even ordered several wooden "plates"
from a wood-working supply thinking I might mount the knob above one.
Didn't work. The depth below the knob needed to be at least 1 1/2 inches-or
more-to accommodate the encoder. 

Then there was the weight-or lack of it. The ugly little box Ten Tec had
mounted the knob on had some serious weight provided by a steel plate.
Hm-m-m. After more discussions, we decided a round 3/4 - 1 inch piece of
metal below the wood would do the job very well.

The next to last problem was what to do with the cord. I WANTED the bottom
to be literally flat on my table for maximum (bottom) friction against
sliding, and for better looks. The solution would be to drill a shaft
through to the central cavity in the metal where the body of the encoder
lived. Not easy, but it would look best-if it could be done considering our
resources.

The final problem was the thin panel layer required to mount the
encoder-surrounded by 1+ inch thick wood. The solution was to use a
circular (matching) brass sheet slightly larger than the excellent OMNI VI
(main tuning) knob Ten Tec had already used. A cavity was created in the
wood, clearing the encoder, and the plate was mounted to the wood.

The wood (finished walnut) was mounted-via screws-to a 1+ inch thick solid
brass cylinder, also having a cavity in the center designed to provide
clearance for the encoder. The cord shaft was done, the unit assembled, and
green felt attached to the bottom.

I cannot describe how beautiful this unit is. I will be photographing it
and hope to send it to one of the magazines with a small article in
description. Ten Tec is really going to be on the spot when this appears-to
see one is to WANT one, believe me!!!

It is really wonderful to be a part of a hobby where friendships like this
can develop. Ken took this over, did the 'project management', and found
the several people required to perform some of the tasks involved. I will
name names in the article!!!

Tunes like a million bucks, looks like a million bucks, and is connected to
the best rig money can buy-without spending a million bucks!!!  I hope this
inspires others to do this... it's really nice looking. Thanks Ken.
72/73 

Ed Tanton N4XY    EMAIL: n4xy@avana.net   TEL: (770)579-3933 V/MBX/FAX
189 Pioneer Trail
Marietta, GA  30068-3466

QRP-ARCI#7663    G-QRP#6779    OK-QRP#172    QRP-L#758    AdvRC#140
NORCAL#1779       NCDXF              SEDXC

Life Member:  ARRL     AMSAT     IDRA     INDEXA     QCWA
URL: Coming Sooner or Later

"Think you can, think you can't: either way you're right!"  Henry Ford

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