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Vintage Radio (domestic) Domestic vintage radio (wireless) receivers only. |
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2nd Dec 2021, 6:17 pm | #101 |
Hexode
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 336
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
The switch is a miniature type, so you must carefully press it.
I will add this to the description. If you broke it, the module isn't dead for such: the switch grounds a pin of the PIC when pressed, so you can always add a tiny wire on one of the left solders of the switch (i.e near the edge). To simulate a press, ground your wire for less than one second. What's the total capacity of the tuning capacitor with all sections combined together ?
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FM-DW and AM Saver modules for tube radios are here ! Tune using the dial, listen using the tubes ! |
2nd Dec 2021, 7:12 pm | #102 | |
Heptode
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, UK.
Posts: 661
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Quote:
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Kind regards, Bob. |
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2nd Dec 2021, 7:20 pm | #103 | |
Heptode
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, UK.
Posts: 661
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Quote:
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Kind regards, Bob. |
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2nd Dec 2021, 9:10 pm | #104 |
Hexode
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 336
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
I thought about using another larger type of pushbutton, but the cost was quite higher in some cases, and the pin to be pressed was still too small, hence a worry that someone's tool used to press it glisses and hits a part. So I used that tiny flat pushbutton without pin.
But I'm open to the use of another type for the next production. Feel free to propose any model.
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FM-DW and AM Saver modules for tube radios are here ! Tune using the dial, listen using the tubes ! |
2nd Dec 2021, 11:14 pm | #105 |
Pentode
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Mission Viejo, California, USA
Posts: 144
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Mouser has this sub-miniature push button switch for just $0.61 each:
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...kbBY57jQ%3D%3D |
6th Dec 2021, 5:41 am | #106 |
Pentode
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Mission Viejo, California, USA
Posts: 144
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
By the way, I hope I'm the only one to have problems with the switch.
What is a "cocktail stick" - the thing known as a toothpick in the USA? I have cotton swabs with wood shafts which might work if cut and sanded smooth (or rounded a bit). |
6th Dec 2021, 11:17 am | #107 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, UK.
Posts: 661
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Hi Stephen here is a picture of a cocktail stick and it's known as a toothpick as well in the UK
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Kind regards, Bob. |
6th Dec 2021, 6:10 pm | #108 |
Octode
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Southport, Merseyside, UK.
Posts: 1,156
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
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6th Dec 2021, 11:43 pm | #109 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, UK.
Posts: 661
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Or nibbles such as Hot Dogs Cheese or Pineapple with a drink
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Kind regards, Bob. |
7th Dec 2021, 9:26 am | #110 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK.
Posts: 21,288
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Let's get back on topic please.
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Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron. |
8th Dec 2021, 10:53 pm | #111 |
Hexode
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 336
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
I thought about the following switch model: PTS526-SM15-SMTR2-LFS
What do you think ? Also, one tiny update: Buyers located in the USA and Canada will now receive a module programmed for 75µs deemphasis. Other buyers will receive a module programmed for 50µs deemphasis. As the firmware hasn't changed except this parameter, the installation, calibration and use the FM-DW module remain the same.
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FM-DW and AM Saver modules for tube radios are here ! Tune using the dial, listen using the tubes ! Last edited by david winter; 8th Dec 2021 at 11:02 pm. |
8th Dec 2021, 11:23 pm | #112 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, UK.
Posts: 5,422
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Hi
At last I've time on Friday to fit the updated module to the Pye radio that is the recipient. The set has paralleled heaters and is obviously an AC set only. It'll basically just have the module and an audio amplifier. Hopefully will report back at sometime over the weekend or early next week.
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Cheers, Trevor. MM0KJJ. RSGB, GQRP, WACRAL, K&LARC. Member |
8th Dec 2021, 11:32 pm | #113 |
Hexode
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 336
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Hi
Check the winding of the heaters circuit. If it has one grounded center tap, you'll need a voltage doubler as you will have only half of the heating voltage between either end and the chassis. This, for 4V (or more) heaters. Heaters under 4V need a voltage doubler in any case (or a separate DC power supply for the module). Just converted a french 1933 radio with 2.5V heaters (and center taped heater winding). I used a tiny chinese 9V power supply. Works nicely after replacing the defect 80 rectifier and almost dead 47 output tube, and changing the AM reflex circuits to a normal preamplifier around a 57 penthode.....
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FM-DW and AM Saver modules for tube radios are here ! Tune using the dial, listen using the tubes ! |
11th Dec 2021, 3:09 am | #114 | |
Pentode
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Mission Viejo, California, USA
Posts: 144
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Quote:
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11th Dec 2021, 3:14 am | #115 |
Pentode
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Mission Viejo, California, USA
Posts: 144
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
I found some nice small 120VAC to 6.3 VAC transformers, but it would be difficult to add the FM module to radios with the volume control in the antenna circuit. Yes, it could be heavily modified, but there are still thousands of AM (MW) stations in the USA, so disabling AM is not a good idea.
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11th Dec 2021, 3:25 am | #116 |
Pentode
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Mission Viejo, California, USA
Posts: 144
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Someone asked for pictures of radios to which this module has been added. This is my 1941 Capehart Panamuse playing on 94.7
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11th Dec 2021, 9:21 am | #117 | |
Hexode
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 336
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Quote:
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FM-DW and AM Saver modules for tube radios are here ! Tune using the dial, listen using the tubes ! |
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11th Dec 2021, 9:37 am | #118 |
Hexode
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 350
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Hi to all,
Hi David Winter, Re: FM only or keeping AM alive (MW in UK & Europe): FStephenMasek is in California. In America (& Canada), the AM band is still very much alive. In major cities, stations all over the dial. The European situation is totally different. AM is already dead or dying, hence most of your customers don't care if their radio is converted to FM only. For our worldwide friends, the current status of AM in France: One station, RTL Luxemburg, MegaWatt power on LongWave. That's it ! Best Regards jhalphen Paris/France |
11th Dec 2021, 2:44 pm | #119 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, UK.
Posts: 661
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Hi it was me asking for pictures would it be possible to post some pictures of the module fitted inside thanks
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Kind regards, Bob. |
11th Dec 2021, 3:46 pm | #120 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK.
Posts: 7,444
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Re: My FM converter for tube radios using the dial and tube amplifier
Bush DAC90A: Attachment shows a suggested location for the FM module.
DFWB. |