'Loose Wires' November 2023
Of course, 'vintage' also includes add-on accessories, many of which remain very useable, such as high power AMUs, signal processors, adjustable BW/notch filters and test equipment.
Some 'modern' radios, such as the Yaesu mobile/portable rigs don't have AMU/ATU on-board, and for many of these an old manual ATU may not cost much.
Many hams may not fully realise that most antenna designs are actually 'vintage', while some are truly 'antique'.
There are also some accessories, like a few Shure microphones that are better quality than many modern ones, although wiring them for a modern rig can be confusing.
A key point about 'vintage radios' is that they are not all that difficult to build into a hybrid setup: for example, using with an SDR or a DSP audio filter.
'First generation' all-solid-state radios can now be considered 'classic' or 'vintage' as many are at least 25 years old. Some of these, such as the Icom IC-735 had C-IV ports to allow computer control and will connect to almost all (later) Icom automatic ATUs. 'Second generation' solid-state rigs generally have some sort of interfacing that can be employed (with care).
Yaesu FT-101ZD - overview
The FT-101ZD was purchased by Alan G7HZZ in 2016 in very fine condition. To many people it represents Yaesu's ultimate 'hybrid' transceiver, with a solid state receiver and final transmitter output using two pentodes. The radio is in full working order and is used regularly.
The 'normal' microphone is a Yaesu MD-1B8 desk mic. of a slightly later vintage, although the original hand microphone is also available.
Latest 13/11/16: New driver and output valves (tubes) fitted to the FT-101ZD, (neutralised and re-calibrated, etc).
Kenwood TS-830S - overview
The TS-830S was donated to the PARC in 2016 and is in very good cosmetic and working condition. The donated hand microphone (a generic model) has been changed for a new-old-stock MH35S noise cancelling microphone, but a Kenwood MC-60B desk microphone is normally used.
Like the FT-101ZD, the 830S is a 'hybrid' transceiver, using the same valves (tubes) as the FT-101ZD.
Comparing the TS-830S to the FT-101ZD, the Kenwood has a rather better receiver with a 84dB RX dynamic range (vs c.79dB) plus Variable Band Width, IF Shift and a better Notch filter and AF tone control than the Yaesu. In use, the TS-830S is generally preferred to the FT-101ZD.
The FT-101ZD and TS-830S, like many other hybrid transceivers, employ two 6164B output valves/tubes. These are widely described as "rare" and "expensive". In fact, in the UK, they are neither rare nor particularly expensive and it is not difficult to find new Raytheon, GE, Philips or other US/European valves for less than Chinese equivalents. Compare a Shuguang at £37 from eBay or a UK Ham Radio store with a fresh, authentic GE 6146B from Langrex in the UK at £25! Clearly buying valves from a Ham Radio Emporium may not be the smartest idea.
6146B Links
https://ab1vl.com/kenwood-ts-530s/the-6146b-story-fact-and-opinion/
http://faculty.frostburg.edu/phys/latta/ee/6146amp/6146b/6146b.html
http://www.langrex.co.uk/new-tubes.html
Some magazine archives
American Radio History
Decca / KW 107 Supermatch - overview
The venerable KW107 Supermatch AMU/ATU was ultimately produced by Decca in a rather basic and unstylish case, but the circuit and components remained the same.
It will easily handle 500W input and a very large range of impedances in the 1.8-30MHz range. It has two antenna inputs for different antennas/bands, and a dummy load.In all, it is a very capable AMU/ATU.
6146B Valves / Tubes
Tuning up hybrids
Tuning the output of a hybrid can appear to be a complicated procedure, especially given the long-winded explanations given in the original manuals. However, it is not too difficult after a couple of trials, especially if the radio is connected to a dummy load and AMU/ATU with a dummy load.
A short guide to setting up the FT-101ZD and TS-830S will be available here shortly. Meanwhile see our LINKS page.
Other Valve / Tube Information
The 'legendary' EF50
The EF50, in its red can, was a very innovative valve used at VHF for RADAR and, later in television. However, its amazing history includes some bizzarre twists.
This superb website is weel worth a deep long browse:
The EF50, the Tube that helped to Win the War
Visit
RF Cafe
Features numerous Popular Electronics magazines from the 1950 to 1970s, although many are non-radio.
> Link <
