>>> Perfectly flat matches at 3705 and 1858.
 >>> Couldn't ask for better as 1855 is where I am on 160m
 >  JE> I need to get back on CW - been off for a couple of weeks.
 >  I need to refersh myself on my letters and numbers again.
 >  I've gone from 7 1/2 wpm to less than 5 in one summer.
 >  That -sucks-.
Well, it's been said before, and will probably be said again - lay down that 
2m mic, and start practicing!   Tell the 2m group what you wanna do, and 
you might get someone to go with ya!  Work CW on 2m, at 144.050MHz!
 >  JE> Oh, it can't be -that- bad, Rob 
 >  It is when I'm out of practice on the `ear'ing side of code.
On-air is always the best practice.
 >  JE> There's supposedly a 'late-night' group that gets on down around this
 > area of the Country at about midnight or so, local time.  May wanna give
 > that a shot.  I might even try to get on, myself.
 >  Any idea on a freq they use?
Mine! };->  3.885MHz, thereabouts
 >  Most 160m activity seems to be from 1850 thru to 1890.
 >  With the exception of K1MAN intruding on the band
 > 160m can be very quiet unless you know where to look.
Intrusion?  A little 'harsh', maybe.  I think he provides some decent 
ntent.
 >  JE> yeah, but I've decided to go a different way, now.
 >  JE> Since the "solid state audio driver" circuit (reference
 >  JE> http://www.qsl.net/wa5bxo/driver1.html) is contained in an aluminum
 >  JE> chassis, I've decided to go ahead and mount the tube sockets on top 
f
 >  JE> -it-, and I've got another chassis that can hold the modulation
 >  JE> transformer as well as the filament transformers.
 >  Didn't some old 1920-1930 vintage recievers do that
 > with their audio tubes to enhance the cosmetic looks of the product?
Probably.  My problem now is (and I need some help from some more 
Tech-types!) is a filament ground return.
The two filament transformers I'm planning on using don't have Center-taps.  
Without 'em, there's no path back to ground for those electrons.
Some have suggested to connect one leg of the secondary (low voltage side) of 
each of the transformers, and tying some resistors in series - and where the 
resistors connect together, take that to ground.
I may be a little dense, but in Series with what?
If they're each comming from the transformer, where does the one leg of the 
filaments go?
Does ANYONE have a 7.5v @ 12amp Filament transformer?  I'll pay shipping on 
it!
 >  The have an old AM radio from the 20's on display at
 > the local scienice museum that has all of its tudes
 > mounted on top fro cooling and display.
 >  Should look nice if done real careful to blend in
 > with the existing cabinet metal work.
What the plans are, are to mount a 1/8th inch aluminum plate to the chassis, 
with a couple of holes cut into it to see the tubes glowing.  Plexi-glass 
over the tube-view holes, and a DC fan mounted on the bottom side to force 
air up through the chassis, and into the tube sockets.
 >>> Will have to wait and see what the new cycle brings for 6m.
 >  JE> 6m will act closer to 10/11m as far as conditions are concerned,
 > assuming the MUF gets that high.  But, it's been known to! 
 >  Yep. I leave a radio on 28.420 usb and (GASP!!) 27.1850 AM.
Where's a moderator when ya need one! 
 >  When I hear the bumble-bee noises of 200 million
 > truckers starting on channel 19 at the same time as
 > voices on 28.420 I check 50.125 and it is usually wide
 > open or just starting.
 >  Cheap,crude and poor method for 6m propagation
 > prediction,but it does work.
What else matters?
   73 = Best Regards
   -Jeff KA5THB
   ka5thb@bigfoot.com
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