Just curious what the going price is for an LPB RC-6A? I just scored one in a trade. Of course, I didn't get the CC matching unit.
The RC-6A needs at least two tubes (one missing, one obviously bad). I have some on order. I'll re-cap it and wait for the tubes before I test in into a dummy load. I'm not sure of the crystal (660 KHz). It rattles a bit. I'll have to open it up and see what is loose.
Next, I'll have to see if I can find a matching unit. Or, if I can find a schematic, maybe I can build one (assuming the complexity of the circuit and the cost of parts isn't too high). I need to do this on the cheap, as my disposable income isn't what it once was.
A few years back, I ran a SSTRAN transmitter with a homemade base-loaded antenna (some may remember my posts from back then). I used to get 1-1.5 miles with that setup. Some may also remember my writeup about being turned in to the FCC by a local station 🙂
Back then, I talked to a friend about CC, but we both lamented about it only applying to a campus. I always thought that CC was only allowable on a campus. Now that I know better, I'm going to see if I can cover any sizable portion of our small town. I'll have to get more details on neutral loading. This could be fun 🙂
When things went bad and I had to severely downsize, I sold the entire SSTRAN and antenna setup to a guy who took it up to a small town in the mountains. Now that things are better and I'm in a house again, I have room to pursue hobbies and other interests.
Speaking of CC, I came across this circuit that looks interesting. Any comments, especially on the line interface?
http://k6prk.org/CARRIER%20CURRENT%20AM%20TRANSMITTER.HTM
Joe
I took the metal top plate off the crystal and see that the crystal holder is sealed. I guess I'll have to find another crystal, since this one rattles.
Joe
Don't get rid of the crystal that rattles, it may still work.
The diagram for a carrier-current transmitter would be worth building, in my opinion, because it would give you a transmitter that could be employed for experiemnts.
The coupler on the diagram is very simple, and may or may not match to a particular AC power system, as electric service characteristics vary widely for many reasons. But even if the coupler doesn't work well as shown, it can be replaced or improved.
To connect for neutral injection do the following:
Locate the transmitter near your power panel indoors;
On the outside of the basement wall locate a clear spot on the ground as close to the building as possible, but a couple of feet away from the ground rod that connects to your house electric panel;
Important!! Make sure this ground location is NOT above a gas or water pipe! You may want to apply for a digging permit to get it checked;
When you know the spot is safe, sink an 8-foot copper ground rod into the earth with the top 1.5-inches above ground;
From the coupler output attach N (neutral) by clamp to your new ground rod;
Attach 1-line output from the coupler to the neutral buss inside the power panel. Be very attentive. IF your house wiring is done properly, WHITE wires will be attached to the neutral buss. Do not confuse this with the ground buss, which has either green jacket or plain copper wire attached;
Better yet have an electrician do it for you, play it super safe!
That's it. Neutral injection.
We all would be interested in knowing about that.
And if the crystal works, I hope 660 is clear in
your area.
I have an RC-6A. It's on 1020 kHz. That's a long
long story. But 1020 kHz is clear here during the
day, which is good enough for me.
At night my little CC signal gets smashed by KDKA.
But again, that's fine with me. This is a fun experiment.
Bruce, The DOGRADIO Group
I'm in the Hartford area of Connecticut
and KDKA is in Pittsburgh, PA. But
I guess just about everybody who likes
radio has heard of KDKA!
Bruce, The DOGRADIO Group
Yep, I know the KDKA story.
I have to dig through my stock of caps to see if I have the needed parts. I have tubes on order. Still looking for a coupler.
Joe
I don't know if this is kosher or not, but I didn't want to post the same thing twice. Some success with the transmitter. Story linked here:
http://krocksradioone.com/forum/index.php/topic,147.msg291.html#msg291
Joe
Morning mojoe
The transmitter is definitely coming to life.
Getting help from RFB is the tops, he is the absolute master of CC and helped get my system back from the junk heap for a healthy new life.
This is exciting!
Bruce
Joe - I'm not surprised your crystal
is a little off frequency. Back long ago,
I had some crystals that were several
hundred Hz off channel. Maybe a small
cap would help. But you do know more
about this than I do.
I did try adjusting that "ferrite" core screw.
With my RC-6A - that core is not in good
condition. I turned it very slowly so it
would not break. I don't remember if
it helped or not. One thing I do remember -
you could turn those screws for quite a
while and you would not see any change
in output. Then a change would occur
fairly quickly.
Bruce