Pop 1955 03
Pop 1955 03
Pop 1955 03
111955H
25
CENTS
n U.S. and Canada
ELECTRONICS
RADIO TV R/C HI -FI ELECTRONICS
KIT
MODEL 80
MODEL 8112
MODEL 8115
KITS
FEATURING KLIPSCH -DESIGNED
REBELenclosure development entails a
cavity and slot port, to form a resonant
chamber, and a horn coupled to the
slot. The slot is loaded by the horn; the
proportioning of slot, cavity and horn
DIRECT RADIATION OF HIGHS
provide bass response below 100 cy-
BACK RADIATION OF LOWS
cles which corresponds in efficiency
to the front -of -cone direct radiator re-
sponse above this critical 100 -cycle
point. There are two ways one might
consider the function of this horn. One
is a bass reflex with a horn acting as
a resistive load on the port. System
resonances are damped by useful
radiation resistance while the horn
11
does not cost anything. It is already
MODEL K -12
formed by the room corner. Again, if
MODEL K -15
a full horn were added below the
K. 12 36.00
100 -cycle point bass response would
K. 15 42.00
be boomy and unnatural. But, in the
ready -to- finish birch Rebel enclosures, the cavity -port com-
All kits precision -cut to size, baffles pre -cut for bination acts as an acoustic low pass
12" or 15 " speakers, Kits include Saran plastic filter. And its design is such that low-
acousticloth, glue, sandpaper, plastic wood, hard-
ware, assembly instructions and finishing instruc- end response will compare with re-
tions. Write for complete catalogs and nearest
Cabinart kit dealer. sponse higher in the sound scale.
all prices slightly higher west and south 75 North Ilth Street
CABINETS Brooklyn, N. Y.
u Trade Mark
1'
You Practice You Practice
iSERVICING
with Kits Send You
BROADCASTING
I with Kits I Send You
Nothing takes the place of PRACTICAL, As part of my Communications Course
EXPERIENCE. That's why NRI training I send you parts to build low -power
is based on LEARNING BY DOING. You Broadcasting Transmitter at left.
use parts I send to build many circuits Use it to get practical experience. You
common to Radio and Television. With put this station "on the air" ... per-
my Servicing Course you build the form procedures demanded of broad-
( modern Radio shown at left. You casting station operators. An FCC
build a Multitester and use it to help Commercial Operator's License can
jt r1P
.
F make $10, $15 a week fixing sets in
spare time while training. All equip-
ment is yours to keep. Coupon below will
be your ticket to a bright future. My
Communications Course trains you
to get your license. Mail coupon
-11 bong book of important facts. It shows Book shows other equipment you
other equipment you build. build for practical experience.
,
men home My well -illustrated lessons give you basic principles you need
BROADCA ST - and my skillfully developed kits of parts "bring to life' things you learn
ITRAINED ovo
N G: Chief Tech- from the lessons. I start sending you special booklets that show you how to
I
nician, Chief fix sets the day you enroll. Multitester you build with my parts helps you
THESE MEN discover and correct set troubles, helps you make money fixing neighbors'
1perator, Power sets in spare time while training. Many make $10, $15 a week extra this way.
"I have progressed very rap-
idly. My present position is ]
>Ionitor, Record-
ing Operator, Mail Coupon -
Find Out What Radio -Television Offer You
Studio Supervisor with Remote Control Operator. SERVIC- Act now to get more of the good things of life. I send actual lesson to prove
KEDD Television, Wichi- ING: Home and Auto Radios,Televi- NRI home training is practical, thorough. My 64 -page book "How to be
ta. "-EMer ! bewaldt, 3026 sion Receivers, FM Radios, P.A. Sys- a Success in Radio -Television" shows what my graduates are doing and
Stadium, Wichita, Kans. earning. It gives important facts about your opportunities in Radio -
tems. IN RADIO PLANTS: Design Television. Take NRI training for as little as
"Fix sets part time in my Assistant, Technician, Tester, Serv- AVAILABLE $5 a month. Many graduates make more than
shop. Made about $500 first iceman, Service Manager. SHIP to all qualified the total cost of my training in two weeks.
three months of the year. t Mail coupon now to: J. E. SMITH, President,
AND HARBOR RADIO: Chief Dept. 5CD4 National Radio Institute,
Could have more but this is
about all I can handle." - Operator, Radio -Telephone Opera- VETERANS Washington 9, D. C.
Frank Borer. Lorain, Ohio. tor. GOVERNMENT RADIO: Op- UNDER G:1. BILLS Our 40th year.
"I've come a long wav in
erator in Army, Navy, Marine Corps,
Radio and Television since Forestry Service Dispatcher, Airways
graduating. Have my own Radio Operator. AVIATION RADIO:
business on Main Street. "- Transmitter Technician, Receiver MR. J. E. SMITH, President, Dept.5CD4
Joe Travers, Asbury Park, Technician, Airport Transmitter
New Jersey.
National Radio Institute, Washington 9, D. C.
Operator. TELE- Mail me Sample Lesson and 64 -page Book, FREE.
"I didn't know a thing VISION: Pick -up (No salesman will call. Please write plainly.)
about Radia. Now have a
Operator, Tele- Name Age
good job as Studio Engi-
neer at KMMJ."
Delzell,
-
Rill
Central City,
vision Techni-
cian, Remote Address
Nebraska. Control Operator.
City Zone.. .State
write in dote
of discharge
POPULAR ELECTRONICS is published monthly by Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, William B. 'Lin. Chairman of the Board (1946-
1903i at 64 E. lake st., Chicago 1, III. Entered as second class matter August 17, 1954 at the Post Office. Chicago. Illinois.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES One Year U.S. and possessions, and Canada $3.00; Pan-American Union Countries $3.50; all other foreign
countries $4.00.
March, 1955 3
POPULAR MARCH
1955
VOL. 2 - NUMBER 3
ELECTRONICS
EDITOR
OLIVER READ, WI ETI
ASSOCIATE EDITORS CONTENTS
W. A. STOCKLIN H. S. RENNE
C. TEPFER J. FRIEBORN Electronic Miracles of the Future... 17 V-
P. B. HOEFER N. EISENBERG
U.S. Air Force's New Radar Height Finder 20
ART
FRANK SAYLES (Director) What We Hear 22
A. J. REICH M. WHELPLEY
Kits of the Month 24
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
J. T. FRYE L. E. GARNER, JR. Radarange... 27
K. R. BOORD R. P. TURNER
R. HERTZBERG H. POLLACK Using the Decibel 30
DRAFTING Frequency Meter -Monitor for Ham Stations R P. Turner 33
J. A. GOLANEK A. A. GANS
Single Layer Coil Design Chart 37
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT
New York (MU 7 -8080) This Train Is Radio Equipped 38
L. L. OSTEN - Adv. Dir.
R/C Reliability W. Winter 41
WM. G. McROY - Sales
Chicago (AN 3 -5200) Splicing 300 -Ohm TV Ribbon W. Boyd 45
M. B. CROFFORD - Sales
Moisture Meter Is Novel Use of V.T.V M R C. Saunders 47
los Angeles (Mich. 9856)
JOHN E. PAYNE - West. Adv. Mgr. A Modern Wireless Record Player 49
\Ff'DAt-,r Neon Blinker- and -Buzzer Code Practice Set A Trouffer 53
- Y
- Copyright 1955 The Walkie- Talkie L. G. Sands 54
(All Rights Reserved
OF Hum B. Whyte 58
yNG 4
Disc Review B. Whyte 59
ZIFF-DAVIS Clark, WIKLS 60
The C -R Handy Tester C E
PUBLISHING COMPANY
W. B. ZIFF (1898 -1953) FOUNDEd How to Stop Automobile Radio Noise 62
Also Publishers of So You Want to be a Ham (Part 6) R. Hertzberg, W2DJJ 63
RADIO & TELEVISION NEWS
RADIO -ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING Short -Wave Firefighting 67
Editorial and Executive Offices
366 Madison Ave., New York 17, N.Y. R/C Ground Control Units E. L. Safford, Jr. 68
PRESIDENT Power Supply 1 71
B. G. DAVIS
An Automatic Light Switch for the Home L. E. Garner, Jr. 75
VICE -PRESIDENTS
H. J. MORGANROTH M. FROELICH The Electronic Husband J. DeGood 79
SECRETARY-TREASURER Carl & Jerry J. T. Frye 80
G. E. CARNEY
Vaughan, Jr. 82
Ground that TV Antenna B C.
CIRCULATION MANAGER
The World at a Twirl K R. Boord 88
M. MICHAELSON
BRANCH OFFICES A Transistor Operated Light Meter 93
Chicago (1), 64 E. Lake St.
Los Angeles (14), Stotler Center
900 Wilshire Blvd. DEPARTMENTS
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE:
All ubscription correspondence should letters from Our Readers 10
be ddressed to Circulation Dept., 64
E. Lake Street, Chicago 1, Ill. Please R/C Notes 66
allow at least 4 weeks for change of
address. Include your old address as
well as new-enclosing if possible an Tools & Gadgets 98
label from a recent issue of
this magazine. 104
CONTRIBUTIONS:
Tricks of the Trade
Contributors aree advised to retain a After Class 109
copy of their manuscripts and illus-
trations. Contributions should be mailed
to the New York Editorial Office and Standardized Wiring Diagram Symbols 125
must be accompanied by return postage.
Contributions will be handled with rea- 126
sonable
seeable but this magazine as- Glossary of Terms in This Issue
sumes no responsibility for their safety.
Any copy accepted is subject to what- 127
ever adaptations and revisions are nec- Abbreviations.....
essary to meet the requirements of this
publication. Payment covers all au- Resistor Color Code 1 30
thor's, contributor's, and contestant's
rights, title, and Interest in and to 130
the material accepted and will be made Capacitor Color Code
at our current rates upon acceptance.
All photos and drawings will be con-
sidered as part of material purchased. (Also see page 6)
4 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
GREAT OPPORTUNITY FIELDS START NOW -PAY LATER -Finance Plan
and Easy Monthly Payment Plan, Also part -
Conditions are changing. Many "one operation" jobs that time employment help for students,
have paid well will not last. Don't be satisfied with a "no future" Get FREE Book
job. Whether 17 or up to 45 years of age, train the Coyne Send coupon for 48 page
way for a better job and a real future in ELECTRICITY or illustrated book "Guide to
TELEVISION -RADIO, fields that offer a world of opportunities. Careen in Electricity and Tele-
vision- Radio." No cost; no
YOU can TRAIN in great CHICAGO SHOPS obligation; no salesman will
call. Get vital facts now !
EMC model 106 EMC model 500 R.F. EMC model 208
VTVM Signal Generator Tube Tester
Price of this individual unit Price of this Individual unit Price of this individual unit
Model 106 (wired and Model 500 (wired and Model 208 (wired and
tested) $35.90 tested) $29.75 tested) $24.90
Model 106 (in kit form) $23.90 Model 500 (in kit form) $19.75 Picture tube adapter available
Accessory probes available
HOW TO GET IN ON THIS SENSATIONAL OFFER!
Start your own service shop with professional precision test equipment at solid savings plus the free
Picture Tube Adaptor and Instrument Stands given in this special EMC offer.
Go to your favorite local jobber, purchase the above three instruments (Models 106, 500, 208), mail the
three enclosed guarantee cards to EMC and receive by return mail your free $6.46 worth of
valuable accessories. This is a limited offer so act TODAY!
IE M.0
Write Dept. PE -3 for new complete catalog of precision test equipment TODAY! *Total price if modals 106 and 500 are not
-
purchased in kit form $90.55
Note these instruments can be purchased
ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENTS CORP. individually.
2e0 LArAYETTE ETREET, NEW YORK IS. N. Y.
6 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
INVENTORS 1
SERVÍCE
MEN! < i1 ,1
GET IN ON THIS
11.
industry -
That's the figure given in another speech recently by one of the top men in the entire
Frank M. Folsom, president of the Radio Corporation of America.
THINK
Here is a field still in its infancy -
New jobs with top
-
pay and a secure future are being created everyday
( Here is a chance for you to get into an ever- expanding
WHAT THIS CAN field with unlimited opportunity for advancement Here - VETERANS!
is your chance to set up your own business and be your
\MEAN FOR YOU!) own boss - Here is your opportunity to get in on a
2 billion dollar plum by becoming a Television Technician.
My school fully
Top -paying jobs go to the men who prepare themselves. approved to train
You can prepare yourself without giving up your present
Veterans under new
(TRAINED MEN job or interfering with your social life. My lessons are
especially prepared for you to study at home -
even if Korean G. I. Bill.
Write discharge date
GET THE you have absolutely no experience in this field. All you
TOP JOBS!
need is a grammar school education or its equivalent - on coupon.
and the sincere desire to prepare yourself for a better
future and a chance to make more money.
2e
FM -TV Technician Course
ence in radio required.
-
previous training or experi-
You can save months of time if you have previous Armed Forces
or civilian radio experience! Train at home with kits of parts.
plus equipment to build BIG SCREEN TV RECEIVER. ALL
FURNISHED AT NO EXTRA COST!
EXTRA TRAINING IN N. Y. C. AT NO EXTRA COST! LEARN BY DOING
After you finish your home study training in Course 1 or 2
you get two weeks, 50 hours, of intensive Laboratory work on As part of your training, I give you the equip-
modern electronic equipment at our associate resident school ment you need to set up your own home labora-
in New York City, Pierce School of Radio & Television. THIS
EXTRA TRAINING IS YOURS AT NO EXTRA COST WHAT- tory and prepare for a BETTER PAY TV JOB. You
SOEVER! My courses are complete without this extra training, build and keep a professional GIANT SCREEN
but it is an added opportunity for review and practice.
TV RECEIVER complete with big picture tube
Cameraman and Studio Technician Course-advanced
3e TVtraining
(designed and engineered to take any size up
for men with Radio or TV training or experience.
I train you at home for an exciting top pay job as the man
...
to 21 -inch) also a Super -Het Radio Receiver,
RF Signal Generator, Combination Voltmeter -
behind the TV camera. Work with TV stars in TV studios or
on location" at remote pick -ups! Ammeter- Ohmmeter, C -W Telephone Transmitter,
An optional 30 -hour, one week course of practical work on TV Public Address System, AC-DC Power Supply.
.audio equipment at Pierce School is offered upon completion
of Course 3. Everything supplied, including all tubes.
RF Signal
Combination Vollmeter. Generator
Ammeter.Ohmmeler Super -Het
Radio Receiver
® NISI
Course
OM ® MI IN II
March, 1955 9
now...
you can make
LETTERS
FROM OUR READERS
an accurate,
PM VS FIELD COIL SPEAKER
highly sensitive " AM no electronics wizard or audio engineer,
I but I do know that the permanent magnet
type loudspeaker is supposed to be an advance
TRANSISTORIZED over the field coil type, since the field coil requires
energizing voltage and the PM type does not.
"Well, the other day, a friend of mine, listen-
-O
iv
IJ
WHEN IS B MINUS GROUND?
SOME schematics I notice that the ground
connection is the same as the negative side
NO STRINGS ATTACHED!
the capacitor blocks d.c. and has a high impedance Mail Coupon Now Zurich Tonhalle Orch.
Trial Member of the Otto Ackermann, Cond.
to 60 -cycle a.c. Hence, one can touch the chassis As a
Musical Masterpiece Society,
without contacting one side of the a.c. or d.c. you are not obligated to ever BACH
buy another record from us. Toccata and Fugue
voltage supplies. You do have the right to try - in D Minor
* * * free of charge -any of the So-
ciety's monthly selections you
wish. You receive prior notice
Alexander Schreiner at
Organ of Tabernacle
Salt Lake City
CORRECTION ON VECTORS of these and pay nothing in
rs HE article `After Class' (Dec., 1954 issue, advance. Those you want are DUKAS
sent to you for FREE trial. Sorcerer's Apprentice
page 115) showing phase relations is a very After 5 days, the records you Utrecht Symphony
decide to keep are billed you Paul Hupperts, Cond.
excellent article. I'd like to make one correction at the low Membership Price
on the vectors (Fig. 5). They are shown at 45 of only $1.65 per disc (aver- M USSORGSKY
age playing time 40 minutes) Night on Bald Mountain
degrees instead of 90 degrees...."
.
You save TA the usual retail Netherlands Phil.
Alva Martin price! Right now, start your Walter Goehr, Cond.
collection with these TEN CHOPIN
Findlay, Ohio masterpieces absolutely FREE!
Fantaisie- Impromptu,
But membership is limited;
once filled, this offer must be Opus 66
Thank you and congratulations! So far you withdrawn. Rush coupon with Robert Goldsand,
only 25t to help cover cost of Pianist
are the only reader who has pointed out this er- postage- today!
ror. Fig. 4 shows phase angles which are 90 de-
grees and the vector diagram below also should r Musical Masterpiece Society, Dept. 60 -3
43 West 61st St., New York 23, N. Y.
have shown 90 degree angles. ALL 10 MASTERPIECES -FREE
* * * I enclose 25f to cover postage. Please send me ALL 10
of the masterpieces listed above and enroll me as a
CITIZENS BAND Trial Member.
I will receive advance descriptions of future monthly
l AM interested in the Citizens band that my -
selections. I may try any of these free of charge -
without paying a penny in advance. I may reject any
friend and I could use without a ham license. recording before or after I receive it, and may cancel my
We would like the construction plan for a re- trial membership at any time.
In the future, for each selection I decide to keep, I
ceiver and transmitter . . . for use on this will pay special Member's Price of only $1.65 plus a few
cents for shipping... saving % off the usual retail price!
band. ..." LIMIT: Only one sample package to a customer.
C. I. Strand
Name
Canton, Ohio
Address 60 -3
City State
Sorry, but you are out of luck. Even on the L In Canada, address: 686 Bathurst St., Toronto 4, Ont
Citizens band, the Federal Communications Com-
March, 1955 II
.i! I..,,y:.t "'R6:Lrt1Rt,:
mission has rules that must be observed. The on what was a slip -up on our part. See our section
band used for voice frequencies (460 -470 mc.) on "R /C Notes," this issue, for a detailed ex-
cannot be used except with FCC -approved equip- planation.
ment, and such approval is not granted individual,
home -built units. So, while the operator on this * * *
band need not have a license, the equipment he SAFETY NOTE ON METRONOME
uses must be licensed. For all practical purposes, TOR safety's sake in constructing the electronic
this means using commercially -built units which, [metronome (January issue, page 30), the
unfortunately, range from $200 up. Your best `pilot light jewel and bracket' as noted on the
solution would be to get your amateur radio parts list should be an assembly which has both
license and then there will be many bands on leads isolated from the frame, otherwise a short
which you can operate legally. Such licenses, par- occurring in capacitor Cs would energize the
ticularly the Novice class, are not difficult to chassis at line voltage (117 v.a.c.). This could
obtain, so why not work toward getting your cause bodily injury to an unsuspecting user."
Reeves H. Dengler
"ham ticket."
* * *
WRONG PIN CONNECTIONS FOR 3A5
Oreland, Pa.
FREE
Bonus Offer!
TELTRON TUBES GIFT OFFER!
Guaranteed! Lowest Prices Ever! One 6BG6G tube
will be shipped
FREE with any
order accompany.
All tubes individually boxed . . . unconditionally guaranteed for one year. ing this ad.
TYPE PRICE TYPE PRICE TYPE PRICE TYPE PRICE TYPE PRICE
1A7GT .. .53 6AF4 ...1.02 6BL7GT . .78 6W6GT .. .53 12SL7GT. .60
Model 625K 1H5GT .. .51 6ÁG5 ... .52 6BY5G .. .60 6X4 .37 12SK7 .. .45
Illum. gear - 11.4 .....51 6AH4GT . .65 6BZ7 ...
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114 .47 641.5 ... .43 678 .71
5040 6K7 .... .40 6B N6 .. .90 6V3 .. . .80 12827 .. .63 117Z3 .. .33
6ÁC7 .59
6AÚ6
6AX4GT
.34
.54
6Q7 .... .40 6B07 ... .85 6V6GT .48 12SA7 .. .45 11726GT. .65
6BQ6GT .73 TERMS: Save all freight and postage
.47 SAME DAY SERVICE charges. A I orders accompanied by full
6C66
6K6GT .35 remittance will be shipped POSTAGE FREE $7.20 list value Bonus
48 Hour Postal Delivery PAID anywhere in the continental U.S.A. B x of three 6SN7
6SQ7 .35 25% dipos t required on C.O.D.'o. Mini- rubes and 25 assorted resistors
Guß .69 To West Coast mum order $10.00. Open accounts to
6W4GT .35 with each ord r of 525 or more.
7N7 .48 rated
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124.77 .67
12AÚ7
25L6GT
5OL6GT
TYPE BO
.52
.37
.44
.36
TELTRON ELECTRIC COMPANY
428 HARRISON AVE. HARRISON. N. J.
DEPT. PE -3 Phone HUmboldt 4.9848
12 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
INTERESTED EIN, RADIO -TV- ELECTRONICS?
Olt's amazingwhat
the future holds
04 GET THESE FREE
llCEkff Information
entire story -FREE! FCC LESSON
VASTER COURSE IN
ADO COMMUNICATION
Harry G. Frame, Box 429, Charleston, W. Va. 2nd Class 13 weeks you fail to pass after completing our
Charles Ellis, Box 449, Charles City, Iowa 1st Class 2S weeks course, we will continue your training
Omar Bibbs, 1320 E. 27th St., Kansas City, Mo. 1st Class 34 weeks
without additional cost until you suc-
cessfully obtain your commercial
Kenneth Rue, Dresser, Wisconsin 2nd Class 20 weeks license-provided you first sit for this
v/13. L. Jordan, Seattle, Washington 1st Class 20 weeks examination within 90 days after com-
pleting our course.
AND THOUSANDS MORE!
NATIONAL HOME
STUDY COUNCIL (THROUGH US-START BUILDING FOR A
Approved Member PROFITABLE LIFETIME PROFESSION
CITY STATE
CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF RADIO ELECTRONICS PASTE ON A 2 CENT POSTCARD OR SEND AIRMAIL
4900 Euclid Ave. Cleveland 3, Ohio Special tuition rates ln me,0Lers of the U. 8. Armed Forces
J
March, 1955 13
Fix your TV Set
YOURSELF!
BUY YOUR TV TUBES
AT WHOLESALEI
100% GUARANTEED! BRANDED! SAME DAY SERVICE!
14 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
HIGH- FIDELITY MUSIC-APPRECIATION RECORDS
TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND MUSIC BETTER AND ENJOY IT MORE
,41111111111..
Beethoveii'sftlt Syllï pholl obligated to buy any specified number of records, but
may take only those I want. Also, I may cancel this
subscription after hearing the first record, or any
time thereafter at my pleasure, but the introductory
New HIGH- FIDELITY RECORDING HY THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA record is free in any case.
Norman Del Mar, Conductor Mr.
Mrs.
Analysis by Thomas Scherman Miss (Please Print)
Address
HAVE HEARD this great work countless times -what
have you heard in it? And what may you have failed
You City Zone State
to hear? This demonstration will show you what you MAR I
LEADING COMPANIES ENDORSE CREI TRAINING BY USING IT VETERAN? If discharged after June 27,
They use CREI courses to train their own personnel. To name a few: United Air Lines, 1950, let new GI Bill of
RCA- Victor Division, Radio Corporation of America. There are many others. Rights help you get resident instruction.
Check coupon for full data.
RECEIVE PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION IN PERSONALIZED WAY
Courses are prepared and administered by recognized authorities in electronics education.
They know what industry wants and needs. Instruction is personal and you advance at CAN YOU COME TO WASHINGTON?
lour von speed. Cltlil's Placement Bureau is available to help you locate a good job. CREI also offers resident instruction at
same high level day or night. Classes start
TAKE TWO MINUTES TO FILL OUT THE COUPON BELOW often. Check coupon for Residence School
Mail it immediately, and get the book that can launch your career as it has for thousands catalog. Qualified residence graduates earn
since 1927. Act nowt degree: "Associate in Applied Science."
To help as answer your request intelligently,
please give the following information:
EMPLOYED
BY CAPITOL RADIO ENGINEERING INSTITUTE
Accredited Technical Institute Curricula- Founded in 1927
TYPE OF 3224 16th St., N. W., Dept. 123B, Washington 10, D. C.
PRESENT WORK Send booklet "Your Future in the New World of Electronics"
and course outline.
SCHOOL CHECK Practical Television Engineering
BACKGROUND
FIELD OF Broadcast Radio Engineering (AM. FM, TV)
ELECTRONICS GREATEST Practical Radio Engineering Aeronautical Baths
EXPERIENs'E INTEREST TV. FM & Advanced AM servicing Engineering
17
March, 1955
I 4.4 .^R.1,?(,.."1111j19rA
...<-..°«e...
20 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
RADAR HEIGHT FINDER
the United States under the Mutual De-
fense Assistance Pact. Additional units
are being produced for similar use.
As shown in the photos, the complete in-
stallation is a complex one, requiring the
combined efforts of several trained techni-
cal personnel for successful operation. In
this set -up, the height -finder and the search
radars work as a team. The type of data
supplied by search radar (see article in
POPULAR ELECTRONICS, November 1954) is
combined with the data available from the
height- finder. The information thus ob- Flashbulb tossed fn
tained is fed to a central control room, air is ignited by en-
where it is evaluated and interpreted. Then, ergy from power-
in turn, it is relayed to fighter bases, from ful new radar sett.
which points necessary action can be taken.
In Arctic climates the radar is housed in
a dome- shaped circular structure (see pho-
to) with a balloon -like radome made of
woven glass fabric impregnated with a rub-
ber compound. The radome is supported by
air pressure, about a half pound per square
inch, and can withstand winds up to 125
miles per hour. The radome protects the
radar antenna from Arctic weather. END
March, 1955 21
WHAT WE HEAR
Theaudio frequency spectrum
and its importance in hi -fi.
AGOOD approach to high fidelity is to between the fourth and seventh octaves.
determine what it is that hi -fi enables The brilliance of clashing cymbals and
us to hear. This analysis serves not only the piping of the piccolo bring us into the
to explain the nature of sound, but may region above 2000 cycles. Violin notes can
well act as a yardstick for evaluating a be heard in this area to well over 3000 cps.
hi -fi system. The highest piano note, or top of the 8th
All areas within the audio spectrum are octave, reaches 4186 cps. Certain speech
important for satisfactory reproduction of and musical sounds, of a labial and frica-
sound, particularly music. Even those very tive nature, reach into the 9th octave.
high regions above 10,000 cycles contribute Many important overtones, or harmonics
to listening pleasure, as this discussion and generated by fundamental tones originat-
the chart opposite show. ing in lower octaves, are sounded in the
Most of us begin responding to frequen- 9th. Our ability to hear these overtones
cies as low as 16 cps. This is more of a helps us, to a large degree, to distinguish
"feeling" point than an actual hearing between different instruments. It also
level. Music does not go down that far. creates the illusion of "presence" or reality
The lowest note on the piano keyboard is in music reproduction.
27.5 cycles. The lowest fundamental tones These harmonics, or overtones, continue
of large organs may go down to 20 cycles, up to 16,000 cycles and beyond. To hear
and the little known octa- contra bass them is to perceive the final touch in tonal
clarinet is reputed to hit that low. You brilliance and the subtle shadings of in-
can get an idea of the kind of deep, over- strumental timbre that characterize live
whelming power suggested by these "sub- performances of music and the best hi -fi
basement" lows if you recall the lowest reproducing systems. To some extent, this
rumble of thunder you've ever heard. region of frequencies is an audio "no man's
Most music, however, occurs above 32 land" because of the controversy regarding
cycles. The second and third octaves (32 its importance in reproducing systems.
to 128 cycles) are the regions of most bass Some observers claim that we can fully
notes, the all- important rhythm section. enjoy music without the need to catch
The fourth and fifth octaves (128 to 512 anything above 12,000 cycles. Others point
cycles) include the relatively higher bass to the limitations of present -day program
tones such as those produced by tympani sources, such as records and pickups which
and the higher strings of the bass viol. do not go up to 16,000 cycles.
The fundamental tones of most horns, as By far, the biggest single problem in
well as of the male voice, appear in this assembling a hi -fi system, as regards re-
area. producing the full audio spectrum, is the
The sixth and seventh octave region, choice of a suitable loudspeaker and en-
while above "middle C" on the piano, and closure. Unfortunately, no single speaker
musically in the treble range, is often has yet been designed that covers the com-
termed "mid- range" from the point of view plete audio spectrum. As shown on our
of its coverage by reproducing equip- chart, the "fi" can become truly "hi" only
ment. This is the frequency area easiest with a speaker system which uses separate
to reproduce. It includes the minimum speaker units and correct frequency divid-
range needed for voice communication, but ing facilities. When you consider the num-
without the bass notes below and the over- ber and variety of sizes and shapes of in-
tones above it, a "pinched" quality -like struments that produced the original
that of a voice on telephone -results. The sounds, you can begin to appreciate why a
trumpet's tones extend into this range, as greater variety of speakers will reproduce
well as those of the female voice. At the them better than a single speaker. And,
upper reaches of this range are the notes in any case, no decent bass reproduction is
of the flute. The fundamental tones of possible without a suitable enclosure for
most musical instruments are to be found the low frequency speaker. END
22 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
FREQUENCIES IMPORTANT SPEAKER
(cycles per second) w AUDIO RANGES RANGES
81/1111101,
4096
to
8192
Many important harmonics. High
fundamental tones of pipe organ,
piccolo, and other instruments.
1024
tD
2048
Minimum needed for voice, but
without overtones and bass tones,
Mai111111=111111.1.111
voice has "telephone" quality.
Many instruments in this range.
E4
to
138
Lower bass region for rhythm and
"power" in music. Lowest funda-
mental tones of such instruments
as bass viol, tuba, and clarinet.
March, 1955 23
Kits
Left, the three -tube
a.c.- operated "Ocean
Hopper." Right, the
two -tube "Battery DX-
er." The respective
schematics are just be-
low the photographs.
u ICED
ANTENNA REGENERATION
TAW MER CONTROL
0001
3 E
IS
MFD
-c
12AT6
MEG
ANDSET
0 /TM
CAPACiTOR
5U ;SAME T TYPE
= O05 NEAOPNONF
2701
T
2
RATE SOU 15W4 FILTER CHOKE
3 4
200 row
30/i50V T30,ISOV _ COMMON NEGATIVE
ON -OFF SW ITCH
CHASSIS GROUND
/ñ7
K = 1,000
MEG c 1,000.000
HOW many people have sometimes Both of these receivers use plug -in coils
thought that they might be interested to cover six wave bands. Both receivers
in short -wave listening, yet have hesitated cover the regular AM broadcast band as
to invest in a regular communications re- well as short -waves, and the "Ocean Hop-
ceiver because of doubt that the short- per" also covers one long -wave (low -fre-
waves offer enough to justify the invest- quency) band. The actual frequency range
ment? It is possible to get a low -cost sam- of the "Ocean Hopper" is from 155 kc. to
ple and at the same time learn more about 35 mc. The "DX -er" covers from 550 kc.
electronics. Just build a short -wave kit! to 31.5 mc.
Two simple, inexpensive all -wave re- Each receiver has three controls, a
ceiver kits available for the novice are the bandset or main tuning control, a band-
Knight Model 740 "Ocean Hopper" Kit and spread or fine tuning control, and a regen-
the Knight 2 Tube Battery "DX-er." Both eration control. An antenna trimmer also
are marketed by the Allied Radio Corpora- is provided on each set; this adjustment
tion. The "Ocean Hopper" operates from does not have to be changed every time a
117 volts a.c. or d.c., uses three tubes, in- different station is tuned in, but maximum
cluding a rectifier, and will operate a efficiency will be obtained from the an-
loudspeaker. The "DX-er" is a battery - tenna used if the antenna trimmer is reset
operated receiver intended for headphone whenever the operating frequency of the
listening only, using two low -drain tubes. receiver is changed by a large amount.
24 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
of t he Month
Here are two simple and inexpen-
sive receiver kits which cover
most amateur bands and the short-
wave and regular broadcast bands.
155
= TO 30
MMFD vo
ANT O-
uc
GNDO- PHONES
90 VOLTS
45 VOLT
DPOT ON -OFF SWITCH
'B' BATTERY
PLUGS 4 ON REGENERATION
CONTROL
4
BATTERY PLUGS
VIEWED FROM TOP
WITH PRONGS DOWNWARD
Each kit includes schematic and pic- lack some of the features of more elab-
torial wiring diagrams, assembly instruc- orate receivers; they are less sensitive
tions, and all parts and material required, and less selective. Tuning them is some-
except hookup wire and solder. The coils what more difficult since they use regen-
used are factory-wound, which not only erative detectors and the regeneration con-
saves the builder the time and trouble of trols affect both tuning and volume.
winding his own coils, but assures him Dials are not calibrated directly in fre-
that they will function as intended with- quency, but have a single 0 -100 scale for
out any "cutting and trying." The only all bands. The dial reading for any sta-
tools needed are a soldering iron, a pair of tion will vary somewhat between receivers,
longnosed pliers, a diagonal cutter, and because of variations in coils, tubes, and
one or two screwdrivers. Even a beginner the placement of wiring by the builder.
should have little difficulty in putting Those who become seriously interested
either receiver together so that it will in short -wave listening will want a re-
work properly. ceiver with conveniences which these kits
These receivers are not intended to com- lack. However, either of the kits is a
pete with expensive, multi -tube communi- good buy for anyone who wants to find
cations sets. They are relatively inexpen- out, without investing too much money,
sive in that each complete receiver costs just what the short -waves have to offer
twenty dollars or less. Naturally, they that might be of interest to him. END
March, 1955 25
WORLD'S SMARTEST
ELECTRONIC BRAIN
ALL the equipment in this
large room is part of
"NORC," a gigantic computer
built by International Business
Machines Corp., N. Y. Standing
for "Naval Ordnance Research
Calculator," NORC is said to
be the "smartest electronic
'brain' ever built," and un-
matched by any other computer
in existence for speed and pro-
ductivity. NORC can carry out
15,000 arithmetic calculations
a second.
FOOD can be cooked in a fraction of the walls and a door designed with appropri-
r time it usually requires, by the new ate chokes. Thus, instead of the food being
"Radarange" which utilizes microwave cooked by the conventional method of ap-
energy to heat nothing but the food itself. plying heat to its surface and then waiting
Made by the Raytheon Manufacturing for the heat to be conducted through the
Company of Waltham, Mass., the new food, the food in the "Radarange" oven is
oven can prepare an 18 -pound roast of penetrated by the microwaves to a depth
beef in 40 minutes. At a recent demon- of about 21/2 inches. As it penetrates, the
stration, a chicken was roasted in 9 min- microwave energy sets up molecular fric-
utes; an apple pie baked in 6 minutes; tion deep within the food which in turn
and steaks done in 1 minute. The walls creates the heat that cooks it. This proc-
of the oven, as well as the utensils hold- ess is the key to the tremendous reduction
ing the food, remained cold and could in time needed for cooking the food.
be touched with bare hands. No physical change takes place in the
Designed for primary cooking, defrost- food, except the normal changes caused
ing, and reheating, the "Rada.range" heats by the heat. And the only heat present is
food by microwave energy generated at within the food itself. Since the stainless
2450 megacycles, produced by QK -390 con- steel of the oven, and the material of
tinuous wave, air -cooled magnetrons. In which cooking utensils and plates are
model 1161, two magnetrons produce a made resist microwave penetration, they
maximum of 1600 watts; in smaller model do not get hot.
1170, one magnetron produces a maximum The " Radarange" oven's tremendous
of 800 watts. In both cases the microwave speed helps reduce food wastage. For ex-
energy is directly coupled to the oven cav- ample, in estimating a restaurant's daily
ity, where it is confined by the metal needs for roasts, only enough meat for the
March, 1955 27
00. z Model 1170, above, is smaller of two models
of -Radarange" now commercially available.
0
miry.
r
f61110
"` Speed of " Radarange" is shown by cook
trig times required for various dishes.
-
tifier tubes in the power supply, which when the range is place .i in a row of other
furnishes 320 ma. at 5000 volts to each cooking equipment. The air is then filtered
magnetron. and forced over the electrical components
Magnetrons are essentially constant and out through openings in the back of
voltage devices like gas voltage regulator the cabinet.
tubes and will draw widely fluctuating The microwave ovens are designed to op-
amounts of current with very small erate on 208 to 230 volts, single phase, 60
changes in voltage. Therefore, some means cycles. The neutral wire carries no cur-
of current control is required. This con- rent and can be used for grounding. The
trol is accomplished very simply with a conversion from 208 to 230 volts is made
saturable reactor circuit in series with the by changing a transformer tap within the
primary of the high -voltage transformer. range. The large model consumes about
Using this reactor, the magnetron circuit, 1.02 kw. on standby and about 5.3 kw. on
and thus the cooking speed, is held virtu- high heat. The power demand for the small
ally constant for changes in line voltage model is half of that of the large range.
of plus 10 or minus 5 per-cent from the The efficiency of the magnetron itself is
design voltage. The reactor is also used to about 50 per -cent; that is, about half of
provide lower oven heats by reducing the the power supplied to the magnetron is
magnetron current. This method is a par- fed into the oven as microwave power.
ticularly convenient way to control heats, Over 90 per -cent of this power is con-
as all switching can be done in the low verted to heat in the food. The remaining
current control circuit rather than in the 10 per -cent is dissipated in random heat-
power circuit. ing. END
28 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
:
Shows at ink dS 1
'1St
plod iw yea ' ?. -9d -estrt'' us .'
its we rth. This t.sit uses two map
to ;er e-.itr the rr izro.euro c 3o.tfnq e
March, 1955 29
USING THE DECIBEL
IN ANY listening situation, the smallest (wattage), we multiplied the logarithms of
increase in the volume of any sound that the ratio by 10. But in the case of values
can be detected by the human ear is one- not yet expressed as powers, such as volt-
fourth, or 25 per -cent, over a previous age or current, we multiply the logarithm
sound. In other words, if any two sounds of their ratio by 10 doubled, or 20.
have a power ratio of at least 1.25 to 1, we We now can state all the above in terms
will detect that the former is louder. of these simple formulas :
This ratio holds true for a wide range of
power regardless of the absolute power of
a particular sound. If we hear two sounds Db = 10 log when P is known in watts.
whose powers are respectively 12.5 and 10 P
watts, we would still hear the same differ-
ence in their loudness as we heard between Db = 20 log E3 when E is known in volts.
the sounds at 1.25 and 1 watt, since the E,
ratio is still the same (1.25).
This is because we hear approximately
in proportion to the logarithm of the in- Db = 20 log Il
I,
when I is known in amp.
tensity, rather than in direct linear re-
sponse to it. The decibel has been devel- The value of the "common logarithm"
oped as a convenient unit for expressing (sometimes written as logo) is easily ob-
and measuring intensity logarithmically. tained from standard tables that are in-
Mathematically, "1 decibel" is approxi- cluded in most mathematics and technical
mately 10 multiplied by the common log- textbooks. From then on it's a case of
arithm of the ratio, 1.25 to 1. simple arithmetic.
The factor of 10 enters the picture be- The table on the opposite page is a
cause the original unit used was the "bel" shortcut aid in determining db gain or loss.
(named for Alexander Graham Bell), It has, in effect, already computed the
which is the logarithm of 10 to the base 10. logarithms of the power (and voltage and
The decibel is actually one -tenth of a current) ratios for you. Notice that the
"bel" and is used in preference to the bel right -hand side (4th and 5th columns) ex-
inasmuch as a change of sound intensity of presses ratios in which there is a gain
1 decibel approximates very closely the
(1 or higher). The left -hand side (1st and
ratio of 1.25 to 1, which is the minimum 2nd columns) expresses ratios in which
change in sound intensity human ears can there is a loss (1 or lower). The center
detect. column gives you the number of decibels
The decibel is used widely in audio work of either gain or loss for a given ratio.
because it represents accurately the re- Let us now work a few problems using
sponse of the ear to different intensities both the formulas and the table.
and because it can be used over a wide Example: What will be the gain in db
range of intensities. Decibels are used for of an amplifier whose output power rises
expressing power ratios, voltage ratios, to 5 times its input?
current ratios, amplifier gain, hum level, The formula tells us that for power (in
loss due to negative feedback, network wattage),
loss, and loss in attenuator circuits and in
transmission lines.
P,
Gain is expressed as plus db; loss as Db = 10 log. Pl
minus db. Ratios between currents and
voltages across the same or equal resistors
are also expressed in decibels. In the case In this case, P2 over P1 is given; it is
of voltages or currents, the logarithm of known to be 5. (In other words, the in-
the ratio must be multiplied by 20. This put might be 2, the output 10, resulting in
is because the decibel is basically an ex- a ratio of 5 to 1). The log of 5 is ap-
pression of power (wattage) which is al- proximately 0.7. Multiplying this by 10, we
ways a function of the square of either get 7, which is the solution. In other
current or voltage. To square a number, words, this amplifier has a gain of 7 dec-
you double its logarithm. Thus, in the ibels. In practical terms this means that
case of values already expressed as powers (Continued on page 113)
30 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
DECIBEL TABLE
Voltage or Voltage or
Current Ratio Power E--- - Current Ratio Power
(Equal Ratio db (Equal
Impedance) + -* Impedance)
Ratio
March, 1955 31
Mounted atop a 35 mm. movie camera,
the new "Tel-Eye" provides director
with same view recorded by camera.
By RUFUS P. TURNER
The instrument consists of a tuned r.f. the instrument shown here tunes from 1725
oscillator, a detector, and an audio ampli- to 2000 kc. Unknown signals in this range
fier. The oscillator is calibrated and thus is can be read directly, by the zero beat
a type of signal generator. In using the fre- method, from the oscillator calibration. But
quency meter, the unknown r.f. signal is suppose you know your transmitter is oper-
fed into the detector through an external ating somewhere between 3500 and 4000 kc.
March, I955 33
L2
C2-100 lipid. midget silvered mica capacitor (Aero- from ground end of La
vox 1469) RFC2-21/2-millihenry r.f. choke (National RI00)
C2-140 µµfd. midget trimmer-type variable capac- St-S.p.s.t. toggle switch
itor (Hammarlund APC-140) 1 -7 -pin miniature ceramic socket with shield, for
C4 -250 mild. midget silvered mica capacitor (Aero- IU4 tube (Amphenol 147 -501 socket and 5.402
vox 1469) shield)
Cs -0.1 pfd. 200-volt tubular capacitor 1 -7 -pin miniature socket without shield, for IU5
Ca -0.002 pfd. postage stamp mica capacitor tube
C7-0.002 pfd. postage stamp mica capacitor 1 -4-inch dial graduated for 270° or 325° rotation
II-Shielded pin jack (I. C. A. No. 2385), with 1-8"x 6" x 41/2" metal radio utility box (Bender
matching 1. C. A. No. 2383 pin plug No. 146)
it- Midget open-circuit phone jack
wire
1 -23/4" length
(Amphenol)
3/4" diameter Polystyrene tubing
L.2-Plate coil: 26 turns No. 26 enamelled
(80 -meter ham band) and you get zero beat tiometer R. serves as a volume control.
at an oscillator dial setting corresponding Both the 1U4 and the pentode section of
to 1760 kc. Then your true frequency is the 1U5 are operated as triodes by connect-
1760 multiplied by 2, or 3520 kc. We mul- ing their plates and screens together.
tiply by 2 because the 3500 -to- 4000 -kc. The antenna signal is picked up by means
range is twice the oscillator tuning range. of a short rod or wire inserted into jack J3
This instrument can be used in the same and is delivered to the 1U5 diode along with
way to check frequencies all the way to 30; the signal from the oscillator.
000 kc. (top of the 10 -meter ham band). One 45 -volt "B" battery (B1) and one
When using the device as a c.w. monitor, 11/2 -volt dry cell "A" battery (B2) furnish
the transmitter signal is tuned in on one operating power.
side of zero beat so as to give a tone pleas- Construction
ing to the ear. With the signal thus tuned
in, you can listen to your own keying. The instrument is built in an aluminum
box 8" high, 6" wide, and 41/2" deep (Bender
Circuit Details No. 146). The carrying handle is a drawer
The schematic diagram shows the cir- pull from the ten -cent store. You will also
cuit. The oscillator tube (V.) is the 1U4. need a shelf -type subchassis 57/e" long and
A pickup coil (La) transmits the oscillator 41/4" wide with b/8" folds on the short ends.
signal to the detector which is the diode sec- You can make this from a piece of 1/16" -
tion of the 1U5 tube (V2). The audio am- thick aluminum by forming it in a vise, or
plifier is the pentode section of the 1U5. you can have your local sheet metal shop do
Headphones are driven by the 1U5. Poten- the job. Tube sockets are mounted in %"-
34 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
Sw El OED
LEAD
LI, L 2, L3
COIL
ASSEMBLY
diameter holes drilled in this chassis. The From jack J, run a length of shielded
1U4 socket is a shielded, ceramic type. The lead to capacitor C. at the V2 socket. Vari-
tuning capacitors and coil also are mounted ous leads pass from the top of the chassis to
on the chassis. the compartment below through a small
Wind the coil as shown in the drawing. hole lined with a rubber grommet.
First, close -wind 58 turns of No. 26 en- The chassis is held in place by means of
ameled wire (L.) on a % "- diameter, 2%" four 6 -32 screws and nuts, 31/2 inches below
length of Polystyrene tubing. Then, %, inch the top of the case.
from L2, wind L. which consists of 25 turns It is essential that all parts be firmly
of No. 26 enameled wire closewound. Final- mounted, and that the case be tightly
ly, wind a single layer of Scotch tape over closed. This gives stable operation.
L4 for insulation, and on top of this wind L,,
26 turns of No. 26 enameled wire close - Calibration
wound. Mount the coil on the chassis solid- After the instrument has been assembled,
ly on long screws and metal or ceramic pil- it must be calibrated. For this purpose, you
lars. must borrow a good unmodulated r.f. test
The main tuning capacitor, Ca, must have oscillator or signal generator. (1) With the
heavy, widely- spaced plates. This compo- instrument temporarily outside of its case,
nent is bolted solidly to the chassis. Mount switch on, and allow a 15- minute warmup
the trimmer capacitor, C,, directly behind period. (2) Turn the plates of C, all the
C, upside down, with its adjustment (tun- way in. (3) Connect the test oscillator out-
ing) screw extending through and below the put to jack J, and the frequency meter case
chassis. It is adjusted from underneath. (ground). (4) Set the test oscillator to 1725
March, 1955 35
Inside of the frequency meter monitor case, Rear view of the instrument without its bat-
from above, showing placement of major parts. teries, showing the parts below the shelf.
Note how the coil is mounted on standoffs. Note that the tubes are mounted upside down.
kc. (5) Plug the headphones into jack J2. may be marked or scratched on the dial.
(6) Using an insulated screwdriver, adjust Operation
trimmer C. for zero beat with the test os-
cillator signal. (7) Increase volume control Use of the frequency meter -monitor is
setting, if necessary. (8) Record main dial simple. Connect a 1- or 2 -foot length of
reading. (9) Fasten cover of instrument. wire or a stiff metal rod to jack J,. Switch
(10) Retune test oscillator to 1750 kc. on the instrument, connect the headphones,
(11) Tune instrument to zero beat with and tune in the transmitter signal to zero
main dial and record dial reading. (12) Re- beat. Read the frequency from the dial or
peat at as many points as possible until 2000 the calibration chart and multiply by the
kc. is reached. (13) The dial readings now proper factor if the transmitter is known
may be recorded with the corresponding to be operating on a harmonic of the fre-
frequencies on a chart, or the frequencies quency of the meter. END
dT L'.
m.
F=,i'/d
10 -1000
15-
r - 1
8 : 800
kip 6
600
10 2
5
500
400
8-` 4
4
'W 3
300
,t7
5 200
SINGLE LAYER COIL DESIGN CHART
-
L INDUCTANCE IN MICROHENRYS
a=8 T -TURNS PER INCH
d--DIAMETER IN INCHES
10 R- LENGTH IN INCHES 100
3-r Fri /d -SHAPE FACTOR
80
60
-F 20
2
r.r 08
0.7
- 50
-^ 30' 06
40
30
40 05
50 20
0.4
t 60
r 80 03
1 t0 10
8
0.6
.0.5--
2 0.2 -6
= 200 -5
0.4 z 4
300
3
3 r400
=-500 On- 2
600 009
0.2-
-
-=-1000
800
0.06
007
-
- I
March, 1955
37
This Train
"1AE'VE cleared the slow track, Joe. Let's They can maneuver the train more readily
rr 'high ball'," cried the crisp voice com- and the defective car can be dropped off
ing from the loudspeaker horn in the cab at a siding in a fraction of the time it used
of the giant diesel -electric locomotive. It to take before radio.
was the voice of the conductor in his Sometimes the flagman takes a walkie-
caboose a mile away at the tail -end of the talkie with him when he walks back along
long freight. The train had just passed the track to protect his train from possible
over a section of track where the speed on- coming trains. When the engineer is
was restricted during maintenance opera- ready to go, he blows a whistle signal for
tions. the flagman to get back on the train. He
Before radio, the engineer had to guess can also tell him by radio to come on
when his train had cleared the slow track. back. When the flagman is fairly close to
Now, with radio, he could resume speed the train, he can radio the engineer to
as soon as the conductor gave the word. high -ball. If the flagman doesn't want to
Although the train crews objected when carry the eight -pound walkie- talkie with
they first heard that radio was to be in- him, he might get left behind. It has hap-
stalled on the trains, they quickly found pened often.
that radio didn't abolish their jobs, but in- Most of the radio communication on the
stead, made life on a freight train infinitely train is between the caboose and engine.
better. Most of the railroaders who have However, crews of passing trains often
used train radio wouldn't want to do with- call attention to dragging equipment, hot
out it. Of course, once in a while as in any boxes, and other hazards. The amount that
industry, a sorehead may refuse to admit radio has saved the railroads by preventing
that he's sold. However, let him walk a accidents and property damage is difficult
mile in a heavy rain from the caboose to to calculate in dollars. Nevertheless, it is
the engine because he has no radio or be- staggering.
cause the radio equipment failed. It's a When the crew wants more information
cinch he will prefer radio to walking. than they have in their written train
When hot boxes develop, the train crews orders, they can use two -way radio to call
have found radio a wonderful time saver. the nearest wayside operator. If he isn't on
38 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
Is Radio Equipped
This air -conditioned commuter train is equipped with two -way radio. Note antenna.
duty, they get through automatically to four-unit locomotive was divided into
the dispatcher by means of a telephone line separate two -unit locomotives, and then
which interconnects wayside stations and only one had radio.
the dispatcher's office. Putting radio in the caboose presented
The v.h.f. radio transmitter -receiver unit more problems than in the case of the loco-
is generally located in the nose of the diesel motive. The caboose originally had no elec-
locomotive. Up in the cab, the control box tric lights or power source. Since the radio
and a telephone handset are found in a equipment requires electrical power for
spot convenient for use by either the fire- operation, power had to be provided.
man or the engineer. A horn -type loud- The locomotive had already been
speaker which is located above their heads equipped with radio so, as a stop -gap meas-
puts out enough sound to be heard above ure, the railroad furnished a walkie- talkie
the roar of the engines. for the caboose. To increase range, a v.h.f.
Railroad radio systems operate in the antenna of the same type as used on the
152 to 162 megacycle band. Both transmit- locomotive was installed atop the cupola
ters and receivers are crystal -controlled of the caboose. Since the caboose was made
and fixed tuned to a specifically assigned of wood, a sheet of metal was tacked on
frequency. Sometimes dual -and triple -chan- the roof under the antenna to serve as a
nel equipment is used so that crews may ground plane. This was unnecessary on the
switch the radio unit to different frequen- locomotive because it had a metal roof.
cies for train and end -to -end, train- to -way- Although the fractional watt output
side station, and train -to -yard office com- walkie- talkie was adequate for communi-
munication. cating with the engine crew, it had several
One railroad has four-unit locomotives, shortcomings in this application. It did not
with a cab at each end. One cab is used at have a loudspeaker, which made monitor-
a time, but both are radio -equipped, so ing of calls from the engine, other trains,
radio facilities will be available with either and waystations impractical. Used for ex-
end of the locomotive facing forward. tended periods, the self- contained batteries
When the railroad first installed radio, ran down. When the flagman took the
they equipped only one cab and installed walkie- talkie with him to inspect the train,
auxiliary remote control equipment in the the caboose was without communication.
other cab. This didn't work out. When the Sometimes it was necessary to relay mes-
locomotive units were separated for main- sages to waystations via the locomotive.
tenance, the interconnecting cable connec- When standard 15-watt railroad radio
tors were often damaged. Sometimes the equipment was installed in the caboose,
March, 1955 39
From the cupola the caboose crew can see ahead The operating position in a diesel. Note how
and, since radio has been installed, can talk to the handset for the two -way radio is mounted
both the engine crew and the wayside operators. so that engineer can reach it from his chair.
the walkie- talkie became a very useful tool and talk and listen through the one he
for the flagman and the brakeman and selects. It is just as simple as all that.
served as a standby radio. Formal train orders are not yet being
To provide power for radio and for elec- transmitted by radio direct to trains. How-
tric lights, a 12 -volt truck battery was in- ever, radio is being used for conveying
stalled on the caboose. An alternator in- much valuable supplemental information.
stalled under the caboose is driven through It is possible that the taboo on direct trans-
a step -up V -belt drive assembly by the mission of train orders to trains will be
caboose axle. The three -phase a.c. output lifted when- suitable facsimile or telegraph
of the alternator is converted to d.c. by a printing equipment becomes available. Then
heavy -duty selenium rectifier which is fed both the conductor and engineer will be
to the battery. A plug -in type voltage regu- able to receive identical orders in written
lator prevents overcharging and excessive- or printed form.
ly high voltage. Railroaders like to recall an incident
The FM radio equipment in the caboose which occurred several years ago when
is identical to the locomotive radio unit ex- train radio was new. A railroad vice -pres-
cept that it is operable from 12 volts d.c. in- ident was asleep on the sofa in the parlor
stead of 117 volts a.c. and it operates in the of his private car which was hooked on the
152-162 megacycle band. The control box end of a long freight train. As the train
and handset were installed overhead where started and the slack in the couplers was
they could be reached from the cupola or taken up, the private car made a sudden
the main floor of the caboose. The loud- and severe lurch forward, hurling the veep
speaker is a re- entrant type horn of high to the floor.
efficiency so it will provide enough sound to The conductor quickly picked up the
override the high noise level when the train handset of the veep's train radio and called
is running down grade at high speed. the engineer to advise that the big boss had
Wayside stations about 30 miles apart been thrown from his sofa. Through the
have also been equipped with two -way loudspeaker came the engineer's jolly voice,
radio. The waystation operator can be "Tell him to lie where he is, I'll roll him
reached by train crews within radio range. back in." END
When it is necessary to talk to the dis-
patcher, the local operator connects his The control -head mounting in train's caboose.
radio station to the dispatcher's telephone
line. Then the train crew can communi-
cate with the dispatcher even if they are
100 miles apart.
During hours when some wayside sta-
tions are unattended, the dispatcher can
still contact the crews of radio -equipped
trains. The dispatcher's office is equipped
with an electrical selector system which
permits him to ring any one of the many
telephones connected across his train dis-
patching telephone line. He can also select
any one or all of the wayside radio stations
40 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
la/C
RELIABILITY
By WILLIAM WINTER
Editor, "Model Airplane News"
RADIO control is simple. Connect the tuned transmitter and a sufficiently sensi-
wires, turn on the switch and, presto, tive receiver which also is properly tuned
you're in business. Start the motor, launch and adjusted. If it is impossible to get very
the model, turn it left, right, glide in for a close to the maximum receiver current
landing. Wow, this is a cinch! (Famous last drop or rise (as the case may be) upon
words!) signal, when the receiver is tuned to the
Heresy? Not at all. Everybody who has transmitter at an absolute minimum of
flown radio -controlled models knows that 600 feet on the ground, it is a gamble every
the tenth flight is harder to achieve than time the plane is put into the air. Any
the first, that one deserves a medal for lapse, even a single skip of the rudder
making 50 hops without a slip, and 100? which cannot be clearly accounted for,
Well, sir, the century mark accomplished should ground the plane that day. Yet at
without a crack-up or a chase of an errant every flying session at least one person
plane is a test of man and equipment. takes such a risk.
Mainly, it is a test of man.
Can he remember to check battery volt- Relays
ages? Clean a relay? Keep the transmitter Relay dependability is primarily a mat-
tuned? Watch for vibration -fatigued ter of the amount of current change avail-
wires? Anyone, even the duffer, can make able, shock mounting, and proper adjust-
a few flights, but we are talking about re- ment. If large current change is available,
liability. Good flight after good flight, not permitting a pull-in and drop-out adjust-
just a "new car" type of reliability! ment at a high current reading on the
It goes without saying that there can be meter, the result is good contact pressure
no reliability without a good, properly and positive armature action. The higher
March, 1955 41
the power of the engine and the flying in if the idle current is 1.3 mils, with a .9
speed of the airplane, the more critical mil drop -out. Two tenths mil idle above
these adjustments become because of the pull -in is regarded as minimum. The greater
increased effects of vibration. margin between drop -out and signal -on
For example, one of the author's models current is to allow for diminishing signal
has a wing span of 5% feet, a gross weight as the airplane flies out. If drop -out was,
exceeding 6% pounds, and a .29 cubic inch say, .6 mil and, at 1,500 feet distance, the
displacement engine. The single hard -tube signal -on current drop reached only .61 mil,
Miller receiver idles at 2.8 mils, drops to no contact could be made and the plane
one mil with signal at a distance; the relay would be on its own, unless it circled closer
(Kurman 5,000 ohm) is adjusted to pull in to the transmitter. At the other end, any
at 2.2 mils (leaving a margin of .6 mil if drop in idle current (such as might result
the idling current decreases) and drops from weakening batteries) might wash out
out at 1.7 mils (leaving a margin of .7 mil the margin of idling current above the relay
to allow for weaker signals at extreme pull-in. In the case where the idle current
range in the air). The spread between pull- is 1.3 mils and the pull -in value is 1.1 mils
in and drop-out is .5 mil. In this particular a fall in idling current to less than 1.1 mils,
airplane, a smaller gap or difference be- would not permit the relay to pull in once
tween pull -in and drop -out is dangerous. dropped out, and the ship inevitably would
At a .2 mil difference, vibration causes the pile in.
relay to actuate the escapement without a It is interesting to note that one of the
signal being given. Of course, this is an practical results of lower currents and con-
extreme example. A difference of .2 mil is tact pressures is the effect on the receiver
considered the reliable minimum for aver- and/or relay suspension. Such receivers
age installations. have to be mounted relatively loosely in
A current change of 1.5 mils is desir- the airplane to avoid vibration effects,
able for reliability (allowing for varia- whereas receivers having higher operating
tions in plane and power), although re- values and current changes can be more
ceivers can be operated with a current firmly tied down. With either the single
change of approximately one mil with good gas -tube receiver or the 465 mc. job, a 52-
results. Small current change, low opera- foot plane, such as the Live Wire Sr., should
tional currents, and low spring tension will not be powered by more than a .19 engine
make contact opening and closing unre- for trouble-free operation by the average
liable. Thus, the relay may skip in the modeler. In a small plane like an .09 pow-
presence of vibration, as when spiraling ered Live Wire Trainer, vibration would not
the model down, where a miss could mean be a problem.
a cartwheel contact with the earth. Arcing Some hard -tube receivers idle at 3, 4, or
(the sparking at the relay contacts when even 4% mils. It is to be realized, however,
the flow of current to the actuator is that higher idling currents are rough on
broken) must be suppressed. Otherwise, batteries, so much so, that hearing aid "B"
over a period of time, the contacts may batteries cannot be used reliably with such
become pitted and dirty, producing sticking receivers -unless it is convenient to swap
of the armature (spin to earth), or lack of batteries after every flying session.
electrical contact (ship flies off). A .02 µfd. One drawback of the one -tube receivers
disc ceramic capacitor and a 1/2 ohm, 10 commonly used is that the single tube must
watt resistor in series across the relay perform both detection and amplification.
contacts (from armature contact to live This problem can be avoided by the use of
contact) will suppress this arcing. a multi -tube receiver. In the Babcock sin-
Probably the lowest relay operational gle- channel tone receiver, the third or final
values in general use are found with the tube (the relay tube) comes through with
single gas -tube receivers and the 465 mc. a fantastic wallop of some 6 mils current
hard -tube jobs. In the gas -tube Aerotrol, change.
for instance, the tube normally would idle In the Lorenz type of two -tube receiver,
at 1.3 -1.5 mils, dropping at a distance with the first tube may be idled at anywhere
signal to perhaps .3 mil. The relay should from .4 to .7 mil (depending on the par-
not be set with too great a difference be- ticular receiver), dropping to a fraction of
tween pull -in and drop-out, otherwise the a tenth of a mil at a distance. This drop
available margin above and below this is accompanied by a current rise of as
range would not be adequate for safety. much as three mils in the second or relay
Also, relay armature action would be flut- tube, depending on the batteries, relay re-
tering and unreliable. sistance, and values of limiting resistors
Indeed, most gas -tube receivers operate and potentiometer. Since the second tube
a relay with a .2 mil change between drop- is idling at virtually nothing before signal,
out and pull-in, for example: 1.1 mils pull- the current change through the relay is
42 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
A Citizen-Ship radio control re-
ceiver operating on the 465 mc.
Citizen's band. Note the special
shock mounting for the tube and
the use of a Sigma 4F relay.
practically three mils. The relay can be Cellophane automatically insures that gap
adjusted for say, a one mil change between and prevents physical contact between
pull-in and drop -out. The slamming action armature and core piece. Now, and this
of the armature is audible outside the air- is important, be sure, in the case of re-
plane and the contact pressure is excellent, ceivers which operate on pull -in, that the
holding on through the roughest vibration. armature strikes the live or upper contact
In small airplanes, many builders fasten before it touches the Cellophane or core
the relays down without shock-mounting, piece. If it does not, no contact will result,
although, for reliability, the author favors or the contact may be so weak that vibra-
shock-mounting everything. Not only re- tion will cause the armature to flutter,
lays, but tubes also can have their wits making and breaking contact and wig-
addled by a rough engine. gling the rudder.
A relay that closes the actuator circuit In the Sigma 4F type of relay, always
upon pull -in is more reliable than one that check the relay carefully after any
functions on drop -out because the contact crack -up, inasmuch as the coil mounting
pressure is higher. On pull -in the magnet bracket may bend or shift, or the armature
maintains armature pressure against the may be bent, permitting a corner to touch
contact, but on drop-out only spring ten- the core piece unobserved. Also, the frame
sion maintains contact. may be so sprung that the delicately piv-
This is not a relay article, and the ad- oted armature will have a binding action.
justment of various types of relays is not On the old model Kurman relay, solder
our business here, but a few tips may help. a stiff wire re- enforcement along the con-
Do not allow the armature of the relay to tact arms to prevent their shaking in res-
come into contact with the core piece or onance to vibration.
magnet; otherwise, residual magnetism Always be sure that the contact screws
may build up in the armature and cause it in any relay do not turn easily, for vibration
to stick on making contact. Put a piece of will alter the relay adjustment. Clean re-
cigarette Cellophane over the core piece, lay contacts before every flying session.
pressed flatly in place with the ends neatly Slide a dollar bill between the armature
cemented down. Since a very slight air gap and live contact, place slight pressure on
normally is left between the armature (in the armature, and lightly polish the con-
the pulled -in position) and core piece, this tacts. Some people recommend a soft brush
March, 1955 43
A,:.1.. : ..1+8MI+ tM"1""*"M "R" :ttt?","1" '4".""ort!1
A cable is used for both probe and meter connections to minimize number of leads.
ASIMPLE electronic instrument, which is meter and 117 volt extension cord were used
merely a variation of the well -known by the author in the interest of economy.
megohmmeter, is the moisture meter, This was a small sacrifice, especially since
which is intended primarily for measuring the instrument was intended for occasional
the moisture content of wood. use only.
The unit described was constructed be- As can be seen in the schematic diagram,
cause the paint on the outside of the author's the instrument consists of a high voltage
home was peeling and blistering and such d.c. power supply connected in series with
a condition may be caused by an excess of a high resistance and a voltmeter. In this
moisture in the wood at the time paint is particular application, the high resistance
applied. Consequently, some simple means is wood, the resistance of which varies with
of measuring the moisture content of wood moisture content.
was desired. Using such an arrangement, the resist-
Although portability is definitely an asset ance may be computed by the formula R. =
in such an instrument, a vacuum -tube volt- R. [ (Ei-E2) /E21, where : R, is the un-
Schematic diagram of "accessory" unit to convert v.t.v.m. to a "moisture meter".
March, 1955 47
VOLTAGE MOISTURE RESISTANCE
(Per-cent) (Megohms)
.3 7 6656.7
.5 8 3990.0
1.5 9 1323.3
2.0 10 990.0
10.0 12 190.0
55.0 16 26.4
130.0 20 5.4
200.0 25 0
EVERY AM receiver in your home be- you have access to a woodworking shop
comes an extension speaker if you have and are handy with carpentry tools.
a "wireless" record player like the unit However, a standard 10" x 12" x 3" alu-
shown. And direct connections to the in- minum chassis base is satisfactory and was
dividual receivers are not necessary. The used for the model. Dimensions for mount-
record player acts as a miniature broad- ing holes are not given as these will vary
cast station and will play records through with the particular motor assembly and
any receiver in the home, whether in the pickup arm you use. Locate the mount-
attic den, in the kitchen, or in the base- ing hole for the pickup arm by using the
ment playroom. template furnished by the manufacturer.
Strictly modern, the record player will After completing machine work on the
handle either standard 78 rpm, 331/3 rpm base, you'll probably want to enamel it.
long playing records, or the small 45 rpm Don't mount parts until you've completed
discs. It features a straight a.c. circuit, this job and the enamel has had a chance
so you won't have to worry about electric to dry thoroughly.
shocks such as you may have received in The turntable is removed for mounting
the past from a.c. -d.c. equipment. The the motor assembly. Other parts mounted
quality of record reproduction is as good on the record player base are the pickup
as the best quality sound you can obtain arm and its holder, the "on -off" power
from your AM receivers. switch, Si, the motor switch, S_, and the
The cost of the unit, although not very "Gain" control, R1. All other electrical
high, may be reduced considerably if you parts are mounted on a small subchassis.
are able to obtain a reasonable number of The subchassis measures 21/2 " x 4" x 1"
components from your "junk -box" or from over -all and is made by cutting down a
your lab stock. You may be able to salvage standard chassis measuring 31/8" x 4" x 1 ".
a motor and turntable from a discarded This is necessary if the chassis is to fit in-
phonograph. to the 3" deep base.
A wooden record player base is preferred Mount the power transformer, Ti, the
for housing the unit, but many radio sup- dual electrolytic capacitor, C0 -C1, and the
ply houses no longer stock such items. Of two 7-pin miniature tube sockets on the
course, you can assemble your own base if subchassis. Use small machine screws and
March, 1955 49
Rr-1 megohm carbon pot, audio taper 145 ANT.
R2-270 ohm, 1w. carbon res.
R3- 100,000 ohm, w. carbon res. 6AB4
C4Y
Ri- 22,000 ohm, 1/21/2w. carbon res. VI C2
303)
Cs -CV -40/20 pfd., 150 v. dual elec. capacitor
Li-Local oscillator coil for broadcast band (Meis-
sner Type 14-1033)
RFC1-2.5 mhy. r.t. choke TURNTABLE
SRI
Sr- S.p.s.t.toggle switch ( "Power ") MOTOR T
Si-S.p.s.t rotary switch ( "Motor ")
SR5-20 ma. selenium rectifier (Radio Receptor C6 +
Type 8Y1)
Tr-Power transformer, 125 v. (g) 15 ma., 6.3 v. @ Ei
0.6 amp. (Stancor Type PS 8415) S2 RED
V5-6AB4 tube w
VI V2
GREEN
Vi-6BE6 tube
Phonograph turntable and motor (General Indus- BSI @LAC
Although the phonograph uses standard parts in a simple circuit, it has plenty of power.
hex nuts. Note, too, the small "L" bracket The sub -chassis is held in place by the
mounted alongside the power transformer. mounting stud of C5, by two small sheet
Wire as much of the sub -chassis assem- metal screws, and by a small "L" bracket
bly as you can before mounting it in the mounted alongside the power transformer,
base. Follow the schematic and pictorial Ti, which fastens to the base.
wiring diagrams. Layout and lead dress The antenna consists of a short piece of
are not too critical, but you'll find it worth- flexible insulated wire. Use a piece about
while to follow the layout shown. 5 or 6 feet long to start. Later, you can
After you've wired the sub -chassis and cut the antenna wire to a shorter length.
checked for errors, mount it on the base, The antenna wire can be wrapped around
making the final electrical connections to the power cord.
Ri and to the power switch and line cord. A bottom plate may be added to corn-
50 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
wiring of most small parts.
This bottom view of the chassis shows the positioning and
TO
LUG C
PICKUP C2
ONO
LUG 6BE6
TUBE
V2
\,\`` RFCi
S2
TO
TURNTABLE
MOTOR " ií ,
R6
/11.
LINE
PLUG
KCIt
TERMINAL
STRIP TO ANT.
TERMINAL STRIP
51
March, 1955
Detail view of the subchassis. Note that a single
mounting screw is used for the selenium rectifier
and one end of the transformer, and that all of
the leads of the electrolytic capacitor and of the
transformer secondaries pass through the grommet.
* * *
Overall view of the bottom of the finished phono-
graph. At lower left are the leads from the phono
cartridge, coming through the mounting hole for
the arm. The toggle type main power switch and
the rotary type motor switch are at lower right.
,Ar
plete the assembly of the record player. Finally, cut the antenna down as much
However, it is best to check out the opera- as possible without appreciably weaken-
tion of the player and to adjust the "Gain," ing the sound heard over the nearby re-
R,, and "Tuning," C., controls before add- ceiver. Use as short an antenna as you
ing the bottom plate. can. In some cases, a slight readjustment
First, plug the record player into a wall of the tuning control may be necessary
receptacle and turn the power switch on. when you shorten the antenna lead.
Allow one or two minutes' warm -up. Caution: The circuit used in the record
While waiting for the record player to player will deliver a fairly strong signal.
warm up, place an AM radio from 6 to 15 The Federal Communications Commission
feet away and turn it on. Tune the radio has strict regulations covering the opera-
to a "dead" spot near the middle of the tion of unlicensed broadcast equipment.
broadcast band and turn the volume con- Therefore, don't try to extend the range
trol full up. of the record player by using a long an-
Turn the "Gain" control on the record tenna!
player full up. With a record on the turn- Once the "Gain" and tuning controls of
table, turn the motor on and place the the record player have been properly ad-
pickup stylus on the record. Next, adjust justed, they may be left fixed in position.
the "Tuning" control, Cs, with a screw- In the future, when you want to use the
driver until the record can be heard over record player, simply tune one (or more)
the nearby radio receiver. Adjust the vol- of your AM receivers to the proper point
ume control of the receiver to a comfort- on the dial to pick up the record player
able level. The sound probably will be signal. The easiest way to do this is to
badly distorted at this point. start playing a record and to tune the
Next, readjust the "Gain" control of the radio until the record can be heard-just
record player until the sound is clear and as you would tune in a regular broadcast
undistorted, even during loud passages. station. END
52
POPULAR ELECTRONICS
Code
By ARTHUR TRAUFFER
EACH time you press the key on this sim- the wocd base with one or two insulated
ple code practice outfit, the neon lamp staples. Note that the wire leads on the
lights up and you hear an a.c. hum in the "hot" side of the two .01 pfd., 600 v., fixed
'phones. It is about as close as one can get capacitors are covered with spaghetti tub-
to something for nothing. It requires no ing. You can wrap electrical tape over the
batteries. It plugs into your house light- tubing, if desired, as an extra safety meas-
ing circuit, but draws little or no current. ure. The two Fahnestock clips in the lower
Chances are, you already have a Robolite left hand corner are fastened to the wood by
neon night light or a Ne -O -Lite or Amerline one wood screw. This does away with the
electrical circuit tester, which you can bor- need for a wire lead connecting the two
row when you want to practice the code. clips. It makes no difference to which pair
There is no danger of shock, because the of clips the 'phones and key are connected,
'phones and key are isolated from the house as they are connected in series in either
case. END
wiring by means of two blocking capacitors,
and all the parts and wires that are "hot"
are well insulated.
The photo shows clearly how the parts
are mounted and wired on a 6" x 4" x
hardwood base. The dime store wall- mount-
ing receptacle fastens to the wood base by
means of the long wood screw that comes
with it. The POSJ zip -cord is fastened to
53
March, 1955
Bendix's MRT -9 portable two -way p
radio unit for the 152 -174 mc. band.
54 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
By LEO G. SANDS
HE portable two -way radio has been tation or industrial radio services or unless
Ibrought vividly to the attention of the you are an amateur radio operator, you as
public by "Dick Tracy." His is the two - an individual can only operate walkie-
way radio which would sell like the pro- talkies in the Citizens radio band. The
verbial hot cakes if it really existed. Many Citizens band is open to all citizens
are trying to develop a "Dick Tracy" radio whether for private personal use or ih con-
and no doubt someone will succeed. nection with a legal commercial enterprise.
Today, crime fighters must content For use only in the Citizens radio serv-
themselves with somewhat heavier and ice on 465 megacycles are such low- priced,
bulkier portable two -way radio sets. Sev- hand -carried two -way radio units as the
eral excellent portable units are on the Stewart -Warner "Port -A- Fone." Here, the
market and they do a commendable job, range is limited from a few hundred feet
even if they fall short of the performance to a mile or more, depending upon local
of "Dick Tracy's" wrist radio. conditions. This type of unit uses a super-
Depending upon their size and form fac- regenerative receiver which is converted
tor, they have been called, among other into a self- excited AM transmitter.
things, a walkie- talkie, "Handie- Talkie" (a The more widely used and more expen-
tradename), pack set, "Port-A -Fone" (also sive portable two -way radio units are de-
a tradename), and a breakie -backie. signed for operation in either the 25 to 50
If you buy a pair of walkie- talkies, there megacycle or 152 to 174 megacycle v.h.f.
is no assurance you can use them. All radio (very- high- frequency) bands which are re-
transmitters, even flea -powered, hand-car- served exclusively for eligible commercial
ried portables, must be licensed by the Fed- enterprises and government agencies.
eral Communications Commission (FCC). To meet FCC requirements, these com-
Different kinds of walkie- talkies are de- mercial pack sets employ crystal-controlled
signed for licensed operation in different transmitters operable on one or two speci-
categories of radio services as defined by fically assigned fixed frequencies within
the FCC. Equipment for use in the in- the band for which the equipment was de-
dustrial, land transportation, and public signed. Fixed tuned superheterodyne re-
safety radio services must generally meet ceivers, which are also crystal controlled,
more rigid technical standards than equip- are used. Transmitter and receiver are
ment to be used in the Citizens or ama- packaged in the same enclosure along with
teur radio services. either wet or dry batteries.
Unless you operate a business which is -When wet batteries are used, they are
eligible for licensing in the land transpor- of the non -spillable type and are used to
March, 1955 55
talkie has not yet made its debut and is
not expected to do so, at competitive prices
at least, for quite some time.
The antenna used with nearly all of the
commercially available walkie- talkies is
either a vertical flexible quarter-wave whip
or a telescoping antenna similar to those
used in automobiles. An external antenna
may be used in fixed or mobile applications
by removing the antenna and plugging in a
coaxial cable leading to the antenna.
The range obtainable with walkie- talkies
is sometimes amazing, especially when oper-
ating in the 25 to 50 megacycle band. A
range of 8 or 10 miles between a walkie-
talkie and a higher powered base station
is often reported. However, much depends
upon terrain conditions.
Operating in the 152 to 174 megacycle
band, the range is generally considerably
less. However, communication between a
walkie- talkie on this band and a higher
powered base station up to 8 or 10 miles
has been achieved but not as regularly as
when operating in the 25 to 50 megacycle
band.
Pack sets are used by many railroads to extend The range between a pair of walkie-
communications ta the man on foot. The unit talkies is generally quite limited because
shown here is manufactured by Hallicrafters. of the power output of the transmitters
and because of the low effective antenna
supply filament power and to drive a elevation. Of course, the range can be
vibrator power supply for plate power for several miles if one walkie- talkie is oper-
the tubes in the transmitter and receiver. ated on a hill top and the other one is
Generally, when dry batteries are used, within line -of-sight or at a point where
plate power is derived directly from "B" signals are easily reflected.
batteries instead of a vibrator power sup- In railroad yards, for example, many
ply. have been disappointed to find the range
Both subminiature and miniature type attainable between a pair of pack sets is
tubes are used in commercially available so short as to be unsatisfactory. This is
walkie- talkies. The transistorized walkie- particularly true when one or both walkie-
Three iersions of the Hallicrafters "Littlefone." (Left) The standard model with
handset. (Center) Unit adapted for under -the -dash mounting in a car. It is pow-
ered bT car batterg. (Right) "Littlefone" with a 4" speaker mounted on case.
56 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
,,;:M4 '
. . .
talkies are carried by personnel standing military surplus portable radio telephones
or walking between freight cars. This can be readily modified for use in the 25
would also apply in congested areas as in to 50 mc., 152 to 174 mc., or the 450 to
city streets lined by tall buildings or many 470 mc. bands. Some, however, can be
trees. modified for operation in one or more of
The cure in such cases is to employ a re- the amateur bands. However, to be eligible
lay station if permitted by FCC regula- to operate walkie- talkies in the amateur
tions in the service in which the equip- bands, it is necessary to possess an ama-
ment is to be operated. When using a re- teur operator's license which requires tak-
lay station, two different radio frequen- ing a code test and passing a written ex-
cies are required, one for transmitting and amination on radio theory and FCC regula-
one for receiving. tions.
Motorola and General Railway Signal In the land transportation, industrial,
Company have developed novel portable and public safety radio services, persons us-
transmitters for one -way radio communi- ing mobile and portable stations do not need
cation. They are not much larger than operator's licenses although the operator
a flashlight and are primarily used in rail- of an associated base station must possess
road yards where personnel on foot talk a restricted radio telephone operator's
out over a portable transmitter and receive permit. Although a station license is re-
calls and replies over a public address sys- quired for Citizens band walkie- talkies,
tem. A typical walkie-talkie like the an operator's license is not needed.
MRT -8 manufactured by Bendix weighs It is possible to build your own walkie-
only eight pounds and is available for talkies for use in the Citizens band or in
hand carrying or for mounting on per- one of the commercial radio services. How-
sonnel with suitable straps. Hallicrafters ever, to build such equipment so that it
manufactures portable two-way radio units will comply with FCC regulations requires
which can be adapted for installation in considerable skill, a vast amount of preci-
motor vehicles. Power is derived from the sion test equipment, a good deal of time,
vehicle's electrical system. and ample funds. It is generally cheaper
Surplus walkie- talkies offered at bargain to buy factory-made equipment. Commer-
prices are seldom licenseable without ex- cially available walkie- talkies cost from
tensive modification. Very few, if any, $200 to $500 each. END
TO MAGNETIC TO MAGNETIC TO
DOOR RELEASE DOOR RELEASE BELL ALARM
RESET BUTTON
IS.P..S.T. SWITCH
NORMALLY CLOSED!
. o
52
_.
S3 S4
e _
S.P.S.T SWITCHES
(A)
/.-4SS 56 S7
O.P.O.T. SWITCHES
(S)
S5 S6 S
S.PST.
March, 1955 57
HIGH- FI DELITY
force on the grooves because of this pull.
Many arms now come equipped with three -
wire pickup leads. One lead is an extra
ground which can be soldered to the case of
the cartridge at one end, and the input jack
HUM
of your preamp at the other end. This has
proved quite successful in reducing hum,
especially in such cartridges as the Fair-
child and Pickering.
Turntable and changer motors are in
themselves a source of hum. The problem
HUM is a problem which most hi -fi fans here seems to be one of expense. The cheap-
have encountered at one time or another. est type, which is the two -pole motor, is the
It is most vexing to hear this unpleasant worst offender. The four -pole motor, which
noise superimposed on your music. Hum is is the type used most commonly in the
a subject about which books could and average hi -fi system, is considerably better
have been written. It is not our purpose than the two -pole, and the deluxe hysteresis
here to write a compendium on hum, but to synchronous motors have little inherent
discuss some of the most common causes of hum. In all three types of motor, some im-
hum and measures which can be taken provement can be made by grounding the
towards its elimination. case of the motor to the input jack of the
A pickup cartridge of the magnetic re- preamp.
luctance or moving coil type can be a major The leads between pickup and preamp
source of hum. Most of this is inductive can cause hum trouble, and this fact is
hum which is caused by the pickup coming overlooked by many otherwise careful au-
into conjunction with the field of a changer diophiles. The lead should be well shielded
or turntable motor. If you own a changer, by the use of tinned copper braid, and of
there is not much to be done to eliminate low capacity. Absolutely clean ground con-
hum which the changer manufacturer al- nections are a "must" on these leads. No
ready hasn't or should have done. A turn- "cold joints" or "resin joints" should be tol-
table allows more flexibility because it does erated. The length of the lead from pickup
not have a pickup arm as an integral part to preamp should never exceed from six to
of its structure. Therefore, you can place eight feet and the smaller the better. Be
the arm on the motorboard in such a man- very careful not to parallel the audio lead
ner that, at the maximum of its arc across with the a.c. power line, as this can also
the disc, it will be as far away from the cause hum.
motor as possible. Foam rubber turntable Most of the modern preamps and power
mats have been introduced recently and it amplifiers have hum levels of at least 70 db
is a wise practice to use one on the changer below the full rated power output. For
and turntable. This not only will help to most purposes this is practically inaudible.
eliminate some hum and rumble, but it will For those who do not want to hear hum
also help to prolong the life of your re- even when they stick their heads inside
cordings. There is a cushioning effect that their speakers, amplifiers are available
will offset the downward pull caused by which have hum levels as low as 96 db be-
attraction between magnetic cartridges and low full rated output. However, there are
steel turntables. This pull is usually not times when the hum level of a preamp or
observed in stylus pressure measurements. power amplifier seems to be at variance
You think that you are playing your records with the specifications. Most manufacturers
at a nice, safe 5 -6 grams, when actually of high grade amplifiers are pretty reliable,
there may be considerably more stylus (Continued on page 124)
58 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
,moi
REPRODUCTION
DISC REVIEW
THE recordings described and recommended to in this form are really display pieces for organ
you in previous issues of POPULAR ELECTRONICS virtuosi. It is odd that this Toccata is one of the
have been wholly orchestral in nature, and have most mathematically "precise" works that Bach
been musical works of the standard repertoire. ever wrote, and yet the work which is considered
This format has been followed intentionally in the "easiest" to assimilate.
order to acquaint you with the "basic symphonic There are five recordings of this work, and of
library." Of course, there are many other forms of the five, only two can be considered as having
classical music, like chamber music, opera, con- modern hi -fi sound. E. Power Biggs is the organ-
certos, and the special literature of religion. In this ist on Columbia ML4500 and Reginald Foort, the
article and in others to follow, we will also ven- artist on Cook 1054. Some critics have called Mr.
ture into some of these other musical forms. Biggs' performance "insensitive," and although
Sooner or later, every hi -fi fan discovers the there is some stolidity to his playing, his is cer-
"king of instruments"-the pipe organ. Discovery tainly the most capable and honest performance
is usually accompanied by vast enthusiasm for the thus far. Mr. Foort tends to over-romanticize his
wonderful sounds an organ can make and a most performance and seems less sure of his ground. In
intemperate buying spree ensues. In no other form the matter of sound we are faced with a most
of recorded music is the old dictum, caveat emptor unusual circumstance. Both of these recordings
-"let the buyer beware "-so applicable. The or- were made with the new Aeolian Skinner organ in
gan has the greatest tonal range of any instrument, Boston's Symphony Hall. Because of this, we
reaching from the rumbling, sub -bass depths of 16 have a nearly perfect example of how different
cycles (which is more nearly "felt" than heard) to recording techniques can make the same music on
a stratospheric 16,000 cycles. The dynamic range the same instrument sound entirely different. The
is tremendous, going from the tiniest whisper to sound of the Cook record is notable for extremely
the mighty thunder of 32 and 64 foot pipes. Be- wide frequency response, and purportedly, reaches
cause of these tonal and dynamic characteristics, all the way down to 16 cycles. The word "pur-
the organ is the most difficult of all instruments to portedly" is used because of the fact that the re-
record. Since most organs are in churches or other production of this frequency is well -nigh impos-
large auditoriums, the usually over -reverberant sible, even with good hi -fi systems.
acoustics are a major trouble factor in recording. It might be wise here to point out a few facts
Thus it behooves one to be most careful in pur- about ultra -low frequency reproduction. One of
chasing organ LP's. The number of really good, the main reasons organ recordings are so popular
wide range, low distortion recordings is quite with audiophiles is that they constitute a readily
small. available source of low frequencies which will
When it comes to a question of repertoire for show off the "low end" capabilities of their sys-
the organ, while the literature is fairly voluminous, tems. The low end sound of the organ is thrilling,
most of the recording efforts have been centered but I'm afraid that most hi -fi fans have been de-
around the music of that doughty old champion of luding themselves in thinking that they hear 16 or
the organ, Johann Sebastian Bach. If one's ac- 32 or even 40 cycles! Few hi -fi fans realize just
quaintance with Bach has been only a nodding how low 100 or 75 cycles is; they forget that the
one, and it has been concluded that his music is a organ has great power at those and all the lower
little too "dry" for one's taste, one will probably frequencies. Most modern high quality amplifiers
find his organ works to be an entirely different will give satisfactory reproduction of 16 cycles,
matter. It would be a most unresponsive person but let's take a look at the speaker situation. The
who would be unmoved by the dazzle and excite- well equipped hi -fi fan usually has a 15 -inch co-
ment of the Toccata and Fugue in D or the stately axial or two or three -way system in a bass reflex
splendor of the Passacaglia and Fugue. or "infinite" enclosure. Assuming that the reflex
The Toccata and Fugue in D is probably the part is perfectly "tuned" (which is usually not the
most popular of all Bach organ works. Toccata case), good response will occur as low as 50 -55
means literally "to touch lightly" and most works (Continued on page 122)
March, 1955 59
THE C -R iñìv'i TESTER
By CLINTON E. CLARK, W1KLS
Capacitors or resistors
which are suspected of
being defective can be
checked with this unit.
tion can be made simply by connecting the show whether or not the heater or fila-
test part in parallel with the original. ment of a tube is open; or to determine
Substitution testing must be performed whether or not capacitors are shorted. END
March, 1955 61
How To Stop Automobile Radio Noise
ROBERT HERTZBERG
W 2DJJ
Edwin J. Becker,
W7LJO, Salem, Ore-
gon, shows how he
tunes the Morrow
5BRF short -wave con-
verter, to right of
which is the Morrow
fixed -tuned receiver.
Note how the units
hang from dash with-
out cutting leg room.
March, 1955 63
All Thorton Lyford (WOQIK) has to do is press Morton B. Kahn, W2KR, designed and built his
the mike button and his mobile transmitter is own mobile station. Complete receiver and trans-
on the air. His car Is equipped with Johnson's mitter are contained in a drawer -like chassis
'diking Mobile," a compact 8 -tube, 60 w. unit. that pulls out from under dash for inspection.
have been good that day, because Mort re- broadcast receiver in the car and its ac-
peated the performance in reverse when he companying whip antenna. This receiver is
retraced his route through Manhattan a adjusted to a quiet spot at the top of the
few hours later. The ignition systems of band, usually around 1400 kc., and it acts
passing trucks were creating a shower of as a fixed -tuned intermediate- frequency
noise in the receiver, but out of the up- (i.f.) amplifier in combination with a small
roar came a fairly good signal. short -wave converter which is connected
"Hello CQ, hello CQ, CQ, CQ. Calling between it and the antenna. On the con-
Stateside. This is CN8EY, CN8EY, Charlie verter is a changeover switch that permits
Nan 8 Easy Yoke, in French Morocco, you to cut over for broadcast reception at
Africa. What say someone, please ?" any time without disturbing the new an-
French Morocco! Mort glanced at the tenna connection. Various styles of con-
walls of the canyon formed by the sur- verters cover from two to six frequency
rounding skyscrapers. "What can I lose ?" bands. They use only a few tubes, which
he mused to himself as he reached for the draw their filament power from the car's
mike. "Hello CN8EY, CN8EY, calling storage battery and their plate power from
Charlie Nan 8 Easy Yoke in French Mo- the vibrator in the broadcast receiver. It's
rocco, this is W2KR mobile, William 2 a minor job to tap into the latter for the
King Roger mobile, William 2 King Roger necessary connections.
mobile. How are we doing there, feller? Auto radio receivers, as a class, have ex-
Over." cellent amplification and selectivity. The
He learned soon enough how he was do- combination of such a receiver and a
ing. separate converter forms a double- conver-
"Hello W2KR mobile, this is CN8EY. sion superheterodyne that really drags in
Thanks for the call Mort. I've heard you the signals.
on the air often, and I'm glad to work If your car presently has no receiver in
you. . ." it at all, you can install either an entirely
Fifteen minutes later Mort had to cut separate, self - contained, bandswitching
the QSO because he'd reached his destina- short -wave receiver of compact design, or
tion. Neither station had missed a word. the combination of the described converter
Mobile radio is so exciting and so full of and a matching fixed -tuned i.f. amplifier
challenges that many hams have turned strip. In most cases the loudspeaker and
their cars into veritable stations on wheels. the plate power supply are separate items
Once you obtain your general class license, of equipment. A converter alone costs
you too can "go mobile" and engage in about $50; a complete receiver about $165.
unlimited phone operation on the popular The average converter is only about half
frequency bands. Every drive you take the size of a cigar box. You can mount
then becomes a new adventure. it readily on the steering column, where
From the equipment standpoint, mobile is you can reach it without shifting your
relatively simple. For receiving purposes normal driving position. Some of the newer
several arrangements are possible. The complete receivers are also very compact.
most popular one, because it's inexpensive One 10-tube job measures only 81/2 x 6 x
and effective, makes use of the regular 41/2 inches over-all, minus power pack and
64 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
A complete amateur mobile "package" as supplied by the Amateur Sales Department of
Motorola Inc. This includes (rear) whip antenna and loading coils, dynamotor, fuses,
all necessary cables, control relays, and (front) Gonset "Super -Six" converter and
Gonset "Super-Ceiver," Gonset "Commander" transmitter, and Gonset variable frequency
oscillator. This deluxe combination's transmitter is rated at a nominal 50 watts.
speaker. The two latter units are easily mal idle speed. You don't think so? Try
disposed of under or behind the dashboard. it and see.
A mobile receiving unit adds very little In late model cars using standard three -
to the normal electrical load on the engine - cell batteries, generators are usually of
driven generator of a car. However, even the 30 or 35- ampere size. This sounds like
a small transmitter puts a very consider- a lot of juice until you add up the current
able drain on it. Many a ham rushes into requirements of headlights, tail and in-
mobile operation without realizing this, strument panel lights, heater fan, ignition
and then finds himself in real trouble with system, and broadcast receiver, all of which
a burned -out electrical system the first are likely to be on during a winter drive
time he hits the road with a new rig. at night and which easily can total 25
The size of the storage battery is rel- amperes. This load doesn't strain a 30 or
atively unimportant. What is important is 35- ampere generator, but suppose you add
the rating of the charging generator, ex- a transmitter that takes 20, 25, 30 or 40
pressed by the number of amperes of cur- amperes all by itself? Obviously, you're
rent it can deliver safely and continuous- inviting disaster. You might get by during
ly. The battery is needed mainly for start- daylight, but even then you'd be stretch-
ing purposes. Once the engine is running, ing your luck.
it merely "floats" across the generator From the practical standpoint, you can't
line. In fact, you can disconnect it entire- use much more than about a 50-watt trans-
ly and the engine will continue to run if mitter for mobile purposes in a standard
you keep it revved up a little beyond nor- (Continued on page 120)
Center -loaded whip antenna on Mort Kahn's car is mounted on rear and is pulled
down and tied to rain molding when car is garaged. Base spring gives flexibility.
March, 1955 65
bers increase their ability and knowledge
of pulse radio control is the one submitted
fo us by the Southeast Virginia Radio
Control Group. They have constructed a
club model airplane which is used as a
demonstrator and trainer for the newcom-
ers to the club. A newcomer can get
checked out on this model before flying
his own creation, and thus avoid crackups
due to inexperienced handling.
The design used is a "Bootstraps," with
RELEASE of the new long -life Raytheon 2-wheel gear, Cub .09 engine, Controlaire
RK -61 tubes has caused a reversal receiver with pulse rudder control. The
(temporarily, at least) of the trend to hard ship flies very smoothly and slowly.
tubes. The two -tube jobs, using the gas - s s *
filled type of tubes, are quite popular due THE article "3- Channel R/C Receiver,"
to simplicity, reliability, good sensitivity, by E. L. Safford, Jr., on page 73 of our
and solid relay action. The drawback is January issue contained an error which
the relatively short life of the gas tube. we would like to correct as quickly as
When substituting the new tube into the possible. The 3A5 tube (Ve) pin numbers
first stage of a two -tube receiver like the on the circuit and pictorial diagrams on
Lorenz or North American, the result may page 75 were interchanged. The plates
be a decrease in sensitivity. To get the should be numbered 6 and 2; the corre-
tube up to full sensitivity, idle the tube in sponding grids are 5 and 3 respectively.
for 15 minute periods at 1.5 ma. Consequently, all connections shown at
pin 6 should go to pin 5 and vice versa.
WE recently received a notice from the The same applies to pins 2 and 3.
Academy of Model Aeronautics relative
to some rule changes affecting radio -con- WE can't recommend strongly enough
trol model competition at AMA sanctioned that you read the article qn "R /C Re-
meets. These new rules are to go into liability" on page 41 of this issue. This and
effect in the 1955 meets. We quote the future articles on this subject are straight
rule change: from the flying fields by an author who is
"There will be two classes of radio -con- well known among model aircraft flyers.
trol models: rudder control and multi - Just in case you have bumped into Bill
control. Entry will be permitted in only Winter and didn't know it, we are repro-
one of these classes at a contest. ducing herewith a photo of Bill shown
"There will be a new pattern combining among some of his aircraft. Can it be that
the old precision and stunt patterns with the quizzical expression on his face is due
the suggestion that part of the pattern to some lack of reliability in his R/C
(mostly precision) be used for local meets equipment ?
and that the entire pattern be used for As you may know, Bill Winter is Editor
large meets. of Model Airplane News and author of
"It will be up to the R/C event director quite a few widely read books on model
to decide and announce the number of airplane construction and flying. You will
flights to be permitted at each contest. find his authoritative articles in every is-
This is done before official flying begins. sue Of POPULAR ELECTRONICS. END
"Power-on spot landings will be permit-
ted providing the flyer calls the approach
and makes a single landing attempt."
RADIO- CONTROL modelers in Indiana
may be interested in joining up with a
new club formed on October 22nd in In-
dianapolis. The club is called The Indian-
apolis Radio -Control Modelers and has, as
its first order of business, the obtaining of
a flying field. They already have a dona-
tion to cover the insurance on such a field.
If you are interested in this new group,
contact Harold L. Stofer, 1832 Singleton
St., Indianapolis, Indiana.
AVERY clever idea that any model air -
craft club can try to help its mem-
66 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
SHORT -WAVE
FIREFIGHTING
By LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT
h Y R !N @J A O O 411 It
GU are about to step off the curb at moving head" of sweeping fi,une. pe-
a busy Los Angeles intersection cial equipment so sorely needed for
when a police whistle and the wail of rescue, explosion. suffocation, and other
approaching sirens Inings you to a emergencies can he called instantly to
quick stop. Heavy fire equipment ap- the scene by the first officer to arrive
pears with red lights flashing warning and determine the requirements of the
to motorists and pedestrians. Then, situation.
just as suddenly, the lights go nut, the As soon as the final radio unit was
sirens cease, and the lead apparatus installed in 1952, the Los Angeles Fire
slowly turns up a side street. What Department was able .,to launch its
happened? Wrong address? Did they greatest fire prevention effort in his -
lose the way? Not a chance! You have tory--a continual house -to -house fire
just witnessed the saving of many tax protection campaign which utilized the
dollars because short -wave radio units efforts of every one of the 2500 men on
installed in the responding apparatus its payroll. This program would not
tipped the boys off that they were have been possible except for the in-
heading for a false- alarm. stallation of two-way radios on all fire
It costs taxpayers about $450 to trucks. Now firefighters carrying out
have the fire department responc to an their fire prevention work can be
alarm in a big city. Thus, when the reached by any one of four dispatching
first arri ing officer finds a false alarm offices and sent directly to a. fire in a
or a miior fire and turns back the minimum of time. The entire program,
ma or portion of a full assignment of to date, has succeeded in knocking
men and equipment, he saves the city three thousand fires off th a annual
money, record of alarms!
Approximately 300 fire companies, The installation of two -way radio has
including scores of special units and meant a stepped -up program of effec-
chiefs' cars are equipped with short- tive are control that no other single
wave radio and an additional frequency element could have accomplished.
is provided as a command channel for Radio is being used to the veiy best
administrative use. The transmitter - advantage over the vast 414 square
receiver arrangement allows two -way mile area that comprises the city of Los
conversation from mobile unit to dis- Angeles. Waterfront, mountaiin, heavy
patching office. or from mobile unit to industrial, and business fires constantly
mobile unit. Firefighting equipment, tax tie efforts of firemen, not to men-
irrespectia e of location or direction of tion the 400,000 homes which account
travel, can he "talked in" to the proper for 60', of L. A.'s fires.
strategic- position for efficient opera- Chief Curtis Hart, in charge of the
1ion on a big fire. Units scattered over system, stales that now the depart-
brush fire areas can he directed in a ment is fully radio-equipped. maxi-
matter of minutes to a single location mum utilization of men and equipment
in order to join forces -o stop a fast can be achieved. END
March, 1455 67
94,(c
GROUND
CONTROL
UNITS
By E. L. SAFFORD, JR.
a PUSHBUTTON
MICROS
O
ITCH
ROTATION CSHAFT
T*
Q
LEADS TO
TRANSMITTER
68 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
You've built the transmitter and receiver for your radio -controlled boat or plane -
fine, how do you maintain control? Here are a couple of units that will do the job
March, 1955 69
ing to a particular command The simplest
case would be a sequence for a standard
escapement where the code is off for neu-
tral, on for left, off for neutral, and on for
right. This would. require two tabs and
three pins. The center pin (neutral posi-
tion of the steering wheel) would not have
a tab on line with it. "Left" would have a
Fig. 5. Detailed drawing of the clutch mech-
pin on line with a tab. After a space, there
anism used in the ground controller of Fig. 4. would be another tab with a pin on line
with it for "Right."
Any sequence may be set up by locating
When the slide finger is moved, the the proper number of stopping pins on the
drum should rotate with the shaft and left or right half of the drum to corre-
have enough power to move the tabs spond to left or right steering positions.
against the Microswitch to activate it. An example of a drum set up for a com-
This is accomplished by means of a small plicated signal sequence is shown in cross -
friction clutch which can be attached to section in Fig. 6.
one end of the shaft as illustrated in Fig. A word about the steering wheel and
5. Note how the drum is mounted between
a fixed washer soldered to the shaft on pointer: The pointer arm should have a
small spring -loaded pin set into it in such
one side, and a free washer made of some a manner that it will click into small
friction material like hard rubber on the indentations on the box surface as the
other side. The free washer is tightened up various command positions are reached.
against the drum by a nut and small com- This allows accurate positioning of the slider,
pression spring. and also allows steering by "feel."
Above the drum and across the box are END
placed two small metal rods shown in
Fig. 4. A small U- shaped catch finger is
drilled and mounted on the rods so that it Fig. 6. End view of
the roller of the unit
can slide back and forth as the steering in Fig. 4 showing
wheel is rotated from left to right. The the alignment of pins
Microswitch is located at the tab end of and tabs for an eight
the drum so that it can be activiated by part code sequence.
the tabs.
The pins on the surface of the drum are
positioned in such a manner with respect
to the tabs so that the drum may be
stopped after any particular number of
on and off signal combinations correspond-
36
(APPROXIMATELY 440V.
AT ZERO CURRENT) ' ci v <
T
Q
34
t-
SI
BLA
32 1
30
U1 6.3 VA C. ONO 8+
Ri- 35,000 ohm, 20 w., wirewound res.
":_
o Ci, C, -20/20 pfd., 450 v. elec. capacitor (Cornell-
2B 1 1111 Dubilier 2245 in single can)
CHI-Filter choke, 8 hy., 85 ma., 250 ohms d.c. res.
26
24
IIIIII__ (Stancor C-1709)
CH.-Filter choke, 2.5 hy., 130 ma., 100 ohms d.c.
res. (Stancor C -2303)
Fi-3 amp. fuse and fuse mount (Buss Type AGC3
and Type HKP)
PL1- #47 pilot light and socket (Dialco Type 810B)
SI- S.p.s.t. toggle switch
Ti -Power trans. 300 -0 -300 v. n: 65 ma.; 6.3 v. c.t.
A -
-
AD VOLTS TO RECTIFIER
AFTER FILTER WITH
t 2.7 amps. (Triad Type R -SA)
VI -6X4 tube
-41_
22 8 D.C.
CAPACITIVE INPUT 1-4-point terminal strip
C - SAME, WITH INDUCTIVE INPUT 1 7 -pin miniature tube socket (Cinch Type 7EB)
1 -Line cord and plug
- SAME WITH INDUCTIVE INPUT AND BLEEDER
20
0
^ 4- Binding posts (Superior Type 30-two each of
DC OUTPUT -MA. red and black)
2- Rubber grommets
Regulation chart of the power supply. These
curves show effect of current drain on a.c.
I- Chassis, 6" long, 4" wide, 2" deep (Premier
Metal Products ACH 431)
voltage at rectifier tube plates and on d.c. 2-4 -40 screws and nuts for tube socket
output voltage for capacitor input filter and other screws, nuts, wire, solder
for choke input, with and without a bleeder. Approximate cost of all parts: $16.00
CHI CH 2
TI
LINE
PLUG
March, 1955 73
cycle. Therefore, electrons can flow at any delivers less voltage when more current is
time through R1 and /or the power supply drawn from it. Increased current causes
load from ground to 'B -}- ", through CH2 increased voltage drops in the transformer,
and CH1 to the cathode of VI, then to the rectifier, and filter chokes. The output volt-
positive plate of the tube. Since electrons age obtained and its variation with current
cannot flow through the tube in the opposite drain also depend upon the filter arrange-
direction, they cannot flow in the opposite ment used. A capacitor input filter (with a
direction through R1 and the load, so the capacitor between rectifier cathode and
output voltage has a constant polarity. ground) would give the result shown by
However, without the filter (CHI, CH2, C1, Curve B on the regulation chart. Here, the
and CO the amplitude would vary as indi- output voltage is high, but it drops sharply
cated by the waveform at the cathode of V1. with increased current drain. Such a large
Capacitors tend to keep the voltage variation in voltage with load current is
across their terminals constant and induc- called poor regulation. With the filter as
tors oppose changes in current flowing shown in the diagram, but without R1,
through them. Therefore, when filter in- Curve C results. With choke input, the
ductors ( "chokes") are connected in series regulation is poorer than for capacitor in-
with a line and capacitors are connected put at low currents, but considerably bet-
across the line, they combine to reduce va- ter at high currents. With R1 in the cir-
riations ( "ripple" or "hum ") in the output cuit, even if the load draws very little
voltage. current, R1 draws enough to give the im-
A rectifier -type d.c. supply, like a battery, proved regulation shown in Curve D. Erm
Light Switch
for the Home
í`,1
YOU won't have to worry about coming tion, 100 N. Western Avenue, Chicago 80,
home to a dark house at night if you Illinois, or the Radio Shack Corporation,
build an automatic light switch like the 167 Washington Street, Boston 8, Massa-
one described here. When a table or floor chusetts.
lamp is plugged into its receptacle, it will Construction
automatically turn the lamp on at night
and off during the day. A small commercial aluminum chassis
The light switch is useful for discour- (Bud type CB -1617) measuring 4" x 31/2"
aging prowlers and housebreakers, too. If x 1" may be cut down and drilled and
you plan to be away from home on a vaca- punched as shown. If you prefer, you can
tion for a few days, you can plug a lamp make up a chassis "from scratch" using
into the light switch. Every night the light sheet stock. Except for the phototube, the
will go on and every day it will go off .. . parts layout and hole locations are not crit-
just as if someone were in the house. ical. Simply place the relay and tube sock-
Compact, inexpensive, and easy to build, ets on the small chassis to locate the
the light switch is an ideal "rainy day" mounting holes, arranging the phototube
project for the electronics hobbyist. Only socket so the phototube will be close to
two tubes are used, a type 921 phototube the front of the case.
and a type 117L7 amplifier- rectifier. If you want to duplicate the model ex-
The components you'll need to build your actly, you can use a standard Bud "Mini -
own light switch are given in the parts list. box" measuring 3" x 4" x 5" for housing
All the parts are standard and should be your unit. Locate the 34" x 11/2" rectangu-
available at your nearest radio parts dis- lar hole directly in front of the phototube.
tributor. However, if you are unable to Other hole locations are not critical.
locate the parts locally, you can order them Although finished in an attractive gray
from one of the large mail order supply hammerloid enamel, the "Minibox" may be
houses, such as the Allied Radio Corpora- repainted to suit the color scheme in your
G IC]0
oaq0 88
March, 1955 75
Subchassis for the Photoeleçtric Light Switch. Case front. See text for "window" position.
home. Mount small rubber feet on the bot- Except for the connection to the line
tom of the case to prevent scratches on receptacle (mounted on the top of the
your tables. case), all components and wiring are on
On the other hand, if you don't want a the small chassis. Do all the chassis wir-
metal case, you can assemble your own ing first, following the schematic and pic-
light switch in some other type of housing. torial wiring diagrams. Small machine
Either a wooden cabinet or a plastic case screws and hex nuts are used for mount-
is satisfactory. An ingenious builder might ing the tube sockets and the relay. Use
combine a table lamp and the automatic only rosin core solder when wiring the unit.
light switch in a single attractive unit. Lead "dress" is not critical. However,
However, regardless of the type of hous- you should protect any bare leads with spa-
ing you use, be sure to provide adequate ghetti tubing to avoid accidental shorts.Use
ventilation for the 117L7 tube and make rubber grommets for protection wherever
sure that outside light can strike the pho- leads pass through holes in the chassis or
totube. In the model, ventilation is pro- case
vided by a rectangular "pattern" of eight- Use temporary "lap" joints when instal-
een 1h" diameter holes drilled in the back ling R3. The final value of this resistor
and by a 1" "vent plug" in the top of the will have to be determined experimentally
case. after the unit is wired.
921
TUBE
SOCKET
VI
76 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
Rear of case for Photoelectric Light Switch. The subchassis, with parts mounted and wired.
When you've completed the chassis wir- by placing a cardboard box over the unit;
ing and double- checked for errors, tape the the relay should open.
leads to the line receptacle (making sure If this action is not obtained, there is
they don't accidentally short together). either an error in wiring, a defective com-
Plug the unit into a wall socket and allow ponent, or the value of Re, needs to be
several minutes warm -up. CAUTION: If changed. Assuming the wiring to be right
a blue glow develops in the phototube when and all parts to be in good condition, you
you plug the light switch in for the first can determine the proper value for R, very
time, pull the plug out immediately. The quickly.
phototube has been installed backwards. Connect either a resistance substitution
Reverse the connections to the phototube. box or a 5000 -ohm rheostat in place of R8.
Check the operation of the light switch Checking the unit for operation by alter-
by placing it where normal daylight (not nately lighting and darkening the photo-
direct sunlight) falls on the phototube. The tube, adjust the resistance until proper
relay should close. Darken the phototube operation is obtained. The correct value
for R8 will generally fall between 2700 and
4700 ohms. Once the proper value has been
determined, install a fixed resistor.
If you prefer a control on sensitivity, you
March, 1955 77
Automatic Light Switch after wiring, but before front and rear sections of cabinet are assembled.
78 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
The Electronic Husband
By JEANNE DeGOOD
March, 1955 79
By JOHN T. FRYE
nten
Aoiso
BRUCF C. VAUGHAN, JR.
Protect your home from fire and your TV set from damage
by taking the few simple precautions outlined by author.
"A NYTOWN U.S.A.: Early this morning The ideas below indicate proper protection.
/{ the local Fire Department answered a
call to the home of Mr. T.V. Watcher Grounding Tower Type Antennas
whose home suffered extensive damage There are more towers being installed
from fire and smoke. A preliminary investi- now than ever before, and a survey of them
gation as to the cause of the fire revealed reveals that many are not adequately
an ungrounded TV antenna and it is be- grounded. This is due, in part, to the false
lieved that lightning hit the TV antenna, assumption that if the tower is mounted on
setting fire to the roof." the ground instead of the roof, there is no
While this particular news items is pure- danger from lightning. Actually, since most
ly fictitious, reports similar to this one towers are set as close to the house as pos-
appear all too often during the course of the sible in order to keep the lead -in short,
year. lightning can very likely damage a home if
_ W'.th plenty of stormy weather ahead as it hits an ungrounded tower. Even though
Spring rolls around, take time out now to a tower is set directly on the ground instead
check, or have checked, your television an- of the usual concrete base, a ground is stili
tenna system so that all hazards can be necessary.
eliminated before it is too late. The local hardware store or radio supply
A properly grounded and lightning pro- house can determine the length ground rod
tected antenna is essentially a form of required in a specific locality. Drive the rod
lightning rod, but an ungrounded aerial is a into the ground as near to the base of the
definite fire hazard. Yet with a little time tower as possible. Connect to the tower
and effort, both home and television set can with number 6 or heavier wire. Be sure to
be protected from the dangers of lightning. use a ground clamp on one leg of the tower
82 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
A mast -type lightning ar-
rester. A stand-off insu-
lator is placed above and
below to keep lead intact.
to obtain a good, firm electrical connection. mounted type. Either affords a good degree
of protection.
Grounding Roof Mounted Antennas Place the mast type arrester near bot-
In grounding a roof mounted antenna, tom of the mast. Then place a stand-off
either a ground rod of recommended length insulator immediately above and below the
or, if available, a water pipe may be used. arrester to keep the lead -in from being
It is not wise to depend upon a wire snapped by the wind where the teeth of
wrapped around a pipe or ground rod for a the lightning arrester clamp the wire.
good connection. A heavy ground clamp is The wall mounted arrester is attached to
made for this purpose and provides a cheap the outside wall at the point where the
form of fire insurance. Number 6 aluminum lead -in makes its entrance into the house.
wire is ideal for grounding roof mounted Ground this arrester to a ground rod or
antennas. Secure the ground wire to the water pipe and again take all precautions
base of the mast with a clamp and make for a good connection.
sure of good connections. The wire should Damage Through The Power Lines
be run along the roof and down the side of
the house to ground. The wire may be at- To be sure of protection, a television set
tached to the side of the house with staples should be unplugged from the wall outlet
or, if you prefer, split knob type insulators. during thunderstorms or when no one will
be at home for some time. If lightning
Lightning Arresters should hit a power line near a specific home,
Even though an antenna is properly it is going to be hunting a path to ground.
grounded, a lightning arrester should be A perfect route to ground is through that
used to protect the television set from dam- family's TV, up the lead-in, and down the
age. Although lightning may not strike your ground wire. During the past five years,
antenna, it is possible to have a static dis- the author has installed over 400 TV an-
charge burn out the antenna coil in the set. tennas and there has not been one single
Two kinds of arresters are ordinarily case of lightning damage through the an-
used: the mast mounted type and the Wall tenna. END
March, 1955 83
0 Heathkits are fun to build with the simplified
w Construction Manual furnished
with every kit. Only basic tools are required
such as soldering iron, long-nosed pliers, diagonal
cutting pliers, and screwdriver. All sheet metal
work has already been done for you. No cutting, drilling, or painting required. All parta
furnished including tubes. Knowledge of electronics, circuits, etc., not required to success-
fully build Heathkits.
Ne w
rodr+eprepa/
m áb'e
whtfq
te4gÌÿ
/lGff PRINTED CIRCUIT `Veq,
VOLTMETER KIT
The VTVM is the standard basic voltage measuring instrument
W
84 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
USE: This brand new Utility Scope was designed especially for servicemen
na kltl-
and radio amateurs, and is adaptable for use in all general Scope applica-
"orno tiens. Perfect for modulation monitoring, etc. Use it to tackle alignment
shack, or adjustment problems. Equally valuable in breadboard work. A must
utsl
'
t
. for ham shack or for outside servicing.
DESCRIPTION: Front panel controls of the
Model OL-1 are "bench tested" for ease of opera-
tion and convenience. Sharp focusing 3' CRT
Printed circuit for ease of assembly and constan'
performance. Assembly time cut in half! Higl
quality electronic components used. Sensitive her
and vert. amplifiers with broad freq. response; cath-
ode follower for isolation. Push -pull hor. and vert.
output to deflection plates. Int 60 cycle, or ext.
sync. Sweep freq. range 10- 100,000 cycles. Direct
connection to deflection .plates. Provision for 'L
Model axis input. Uses 3GP1 CRT, 4 -12AU7 hor. and
OL-1 vert. amplifiers, -12AX7 sweep gen., 1 -6X4
1
oara ge fun-
crfrequmtry
damentals from
-
160 KC to 11,) Cathode follower
MC in 5 band.
-up to 220 91C oiation -
output. for good
fixed
SIGNAL GENERATOR KIT on calibrated
harmonics.
steo and continu.
ously variable
attenuation.
USE: This instrument is "serviceman engineered" to till the requirement for a
reliable basic service instrument at moderate cost. Frequency coverage extends
in five bands from 160 Kc to 110 Mc on fundamentals, and dial is calibrated to
220 Mc for harmonics. Pre -wound and pre -aligned coils make calibration unnec-
essary for service applications.
¡7
or audio output.
high definition white letters on charcoal gray panel with re-designed control knobs.
WI.
Modern professional appearance and Heathkit engineering know-how combine MODEL SG-8 Y ShP l
to place this instrument in the "best buy category. Only $10.50 complete. 8 lbs.
Weelei4ie ANTENNA
IMPEDANCE GRID DIP METER
METER KIT KIT
The Model AM -1 Antenna Impedance
Meter makes an ideal companion unit for
the GD-1B Grid Dip Meter or a valuable Amateurs and sere-.
instrument in its own right. Perfect for icemen have proven
checking antenna and receiver impedance the value of this grid _,..N.
and match for optimum system operation. dip meter many times -
March, 1955 85
Smooth acting illuminated and precalibrated dial.
MODEL VF -1 6AU6 electron coupled Clapp oscillator and 042 voltage regulator.
7 Band coverage, 160 through 10 meters -t0 Volt RF output.
Smooth acting
Ship. Wt. 7 lbs. Illuminated
Open
layout - dial drive. Clean
Here is the new Heathkit VFO you -
easy to build
simplified
iring.
-
appearance
construction -
have been waiting for. The perfect -
accessible
companion to the Heathkit Model calibrating
AT -1 Transmitter. It has sufficient output to adjustments.
drive any multi-stage transmitter of modern
design. A terrific combination of outstanding
features at a low kit price. Good mechanical
and electrical design insures operating stability. Coils are wound on heavy duty
ceramic forms, using Litz or double cellulose wire coated with polystyrene
Ceramic coil
forms
differential
-
cement. Variable capacitor is of differential type construction, especially de- condenser.
signed for maximum bandspread and features ceramic insulation and double
bearings.
This kit is furnished with a carefully precalibrated dial which provides well
over two feet of calibrated dial scale. Smooth acting vernier reduction drive
insures easy tuning and zero beating. Power requirements 6.3 volts AC at .45
amperes and 250 volts DC at 15 mills. Just plug it into the power receptacle
provided on the rear of the AT -1 Transmitter Kit. The VFO coaxial output
cable terminates in plastic plug to fit standard 35 crystal holder. Construction is
simple and wiring is easy.
features at the lowest possible dollar- per -watts price. Panel coaxial
Single knob output. '
mounted crystal socket, stand -by switch, key click filter. band
A. C. line filtering, good shielding, etc. VFO or crystal excita- Switching.
tion-up to 35 watts input. Built -in power supply provides
425 volts at 100 MA. Amazingly low kit price includes all
circuit components, tubes, cabinet, punched chassis, and
detailed construction manual. Built -in poorer
supply.
RF gain control
'eats& COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVER KIT
Noise limiter-
with AVC or standby switch. SPECIFICATIONS:
MVC. Range 535 He to 35 Mc
12BE6 Mixer -oscillator
.?/ Inch PM 12BA6 I F. Amplifier
Electrical Speaker- 12AV6 Detector -AVC -audio
ndspread Headphone 12BA6 ....B. F. O. oscillator
d báscale. Jack. 12A6 Beam power output
5Y3GT
105-125 volts A. C Rectifier
50 -60
cycles, 45 watts.
Stable BF()
oscillator A new Heathkit AR -2 commuai
circuit_ cations receiver. The ideal corn
panion piece for the AT-1 Trans- MODEL AR -2
Four bancs
operation 535 to
to 35 Mc.
Six tube
transformer
operation.
mitter. Electrical bandspread scale for tuning
and logging convenience. High gain minia-
ture tubes and IF transformers for high
$2550
sensitivity and good signal to noise ratio. Ship. Wt. 12 lbs.
Construct your own Communications
Receiver at a very substantial saving. CABINET:
Supplied with all tubes, punched and Proxylin impreg-
formed sheet metal parts, speaker, nated fabric cov-
circuit components, and detailed step - ered plywood cab-
by -step construction manual. inet. Shipg. weight
5 It, Number 01-
10, Si 5,,,
86 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
BROADCAST
NEW gleatlrie e
BAND RECEIVER KIT
Here is the ideal radio kit
for the student, beginner, or
hobbyist. If you have ever
had the urge to build your
Here is an outstanding am- own radio receiver, this kit
plifier value. This economi- deserves your attention.
cally priced amplifier is Circuit is transformer oper-
capable of performance ated, eliminating shock haz-
usually associated only with ard usually associated with
far more expensive units. "economy" AC-DC circuits.
Can be nicely used as the New high gain miniature
heart of an inexpensive high
quality home music system.
tubes and IF transformers
powerful ferrite core built-
- $1750 MODEL BR -2
Enclosed find ( ) check ( ) money order for On Express orders do not include transportation charges -
Please ship C.O.D. ( ) postage enclosed for pcunds. they will be collected by the express agency at time of delivery.
ON PARCEL POST ORDERS ORDERS FROM CANADA and APO's
insure postage for weight shown. must include full remittance.
March, 1955 87
THE AT a TWIRL
By K. R. BOORD
days at 0400 over 11.760 and 1330 over 1915-2045, 9.825 (Monday- Friday) ; 2045-
9.540. The DX sessions offer many valuable 2215, 9.825; 2115 -2215, 6.110. The General
current tips for the SWL. Overseas Service was beamed on Canada,
Canada -Eastern listeners will find a USA, Mexico at.2215 -0030, 9.825; 2215 -0030,
good signal from CJCX, 6.010, Sydney, 9.560; 2215 -0300, 6.110, and 0430 -0615, 6.110.
Nova Scotia, at 1130 in a summary of the Germany-The Voice of Germany, Co-
overnight news, beginning with a weather logne, has good signal on West Coast at
forecast for Cape Breton. The Latin Amer- 1530 on 9.640 when presents news in Eng-
ican Service of CBC at 2350 -0400, with lish- parallel with 11.795.
English at 0230 -0300, is scheduled over Guatemala -TGWA, 9.760, opens around
CHOL, 11.720, and CKLO, 9.630. 1228 with anthem, identification is given in
Ceylon-In West Virginia, the Commer- Spanish; strong level in West Virginia.
cial Service of Radio Ceylon, 9.520, Colom- Haiti -Radio Haiti has been logged on
bo, is at good level, with a little QRM from measured 6.216 around 2300. On Thursdays
U. S. "powerhouse" on the low- frequency it should have an English session- "Musi-
side at 1245 when English news is present- cal Caravan" -from around 0300 or 0315 to
ed. It has good music and many commer- 0345A closedown. At other times it uses
-
cials. Try for this one!
China English periods from Radio
Peking are heard in California as follows:
mostly French.
Holland-For English from Radio Neder-
land, tune 11.730 around 2145 -2230; and at
at 0300 -0330 on 15.060, 15.100, 11.650, 11.330, 0230 -0310 try 6.025.
11.960, 9.663; at 0900 -0930 on 9.663, 11.330, India-Easterners should tune 9.840 at
11.650, 15.100, 15.060; and at 1430-1500 over 1330 -1445 for All India Radio's beam in
15.060, 11.330, 11.650, 9.663, 9.080. East English (news 1335) to Asia. Good level
Coast listeners should try for Radio Peking (Continued on page 116)
QSL cards are displayed to advantage in an inexpensive album by the use of art corners.
This enables them to be removed safely. Note "Verified All Continents" page at left.
r
ALL
INDIA
RADIO
March 1955 a9
The Model
TV-50
GE EIOMETER
A versatile all -inclusive GENERATOR which provides ALL the outputs for servicing:
SHIPPED ON APPROVAL
NO MONEY WITH ORDER -NO C.O.D.
Try it for 10 days before you buy - 1
MOSS ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTING -CO., INC.
If completely satisfied then send t
Cept. D -103 3849 Tenth Ave., New York 34, N.Y.
$11.50 and pay balance at rate Name
Please rush one Model TV -50. I agree to pay 511.50 within
of $6.00 per month for 6 months. 10 days and to pay $6.00 per month thereafter. It is under-
stood there will be no finance, interest or any other Address
No Int or Finance charges, provided I send my monthly payments when due.
It is further understood that should fail to make payment
Charges Added! If not com- 1
90 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
Superiores new
Model 670 A SUPER METER
A COMBINATION VOLT-OHM MILLIAMMETER PLUS
CAPACITY REACTANCE INDUCTANCE AND DECIBEL MEASUREMENTS
SPECIFICATIONS: ADDED FEATURE:
Built -in ISOLATION TRANSFORMER
D.C. VOLTS: 0 to 7.5/IS/75/150/750/1,500/7,500 Volts
OC. VOLTS: 0 to IS/30/150/300/1,500/3,000 Volts reduces possibility of burning out
UTPUT VOLTS: 0 to 15/30/150/300/1,500 /3,000 Volts meter through misuse.
D.C. CURRENT: 0 to 1.5/15/150 Me. 0 to 1.5/15 Amperes
RESISTANCE: 0 fo 1,000 /100,000 Ohms 0 to 10 Megohms The Model 070 -A comes
CAPACITY: .0131 to I Mid. Ito 50 Mfd. (Good-Bad scale for
checking quality of electrolytic condensers.)
REACTANCE: 50 to 2,500 Ohms 2,500 Ohms to 2.5 Megohms
INDUCTANCE : .15 to 7 Henries 7 to 7,000 Hendee
housed, in a rugged
crackle -finished
Cabinet complete with
steel
40
DECIBELS: -6
fo +18 +14 to +38 +34 fo +58
test leads and operating
Instructions. 8NET
Superior's new
Model TV -11 TUBE TESTER
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Tests
In
all tubes including 4, 5, 6, 7 Octal, Lock-
Bantam,
to damage o tube by Inserting M le fhe wrong
Peanut, Hearing Aid,
Miniatures Sub -miniatures, Novels, Sub. minas,
Proximity (use types, etc.
Thyratron
* plate-moving built -in roll chart provides cons-
socket.
Free
EXTRA SERVICE -The Model TV -II may type oscillator incorporated In this mode $ì1750
be used as an extremely sensitive Con- will detect leakages even when the inn-
denser Leakage Checker. A relaxation guency is one per minute. NET
SHIPPED ÓÑ1ÁPPROVAi
NO WITH ORDER -NO C 0.0.
Ty any of the above ia-
eminent, for 10 days before MOSS ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTING CO., INC.
(Dept. D -103, 3849 Tenth Ave., New York 34, N.Y.
goo bay. If completely tat-
Mai then send down pay- alease send me Mie unes checked. I agree so Pay down Payment Name I
n _._ . _ _
_
ment and pay balance as In- _
March, 1955 91
UNIQUE CRYSTAL RECEIVER
HOST crystal sets have a high impedance
HERSHEL'S "KIT" SPECIALS output, but this one will operate with
ALL-PURPOSE FIL. headphones that may vary from as low as
TRANSFORMER MYSTERY PACKAGE 200 ohms and up with little difference in
For Model Trains, Weld. ELECTRONIC PARTS volume. The author has operated a 3 -inch
Ing, Transmitters, etc.
PRI. 117 v. 60 cyc. sec.
The Surprise
25 pounds of
of Your Life
Worth $50.
PM speaker using a doorbell transformer
6.4 V.
6.4 V.
12A
lOA
BRAND N E W
USABLE GOVT. p.l
Our Price as a matching transformer, with the pri-
5V. SURPLUS. mary connected in place of the headphones.
5
5 V.
3A
3A $
T Ideal gift for Y/
$495 L2 consists of 15 turns of almost any
2.5 v. .... I.75A the ham, etc.
55wa
o1Rantq
$198 j/( 15 turns will provide more selectivity but
less volume. Any antenna trimmer with a
suitable range may be used, such as El
KIT 2. CERAMICONS KIT 6. R.F. CHOKES Meneo type 465 which has a range from
25 ASSORTED. 50 to 380 µµfd.
100 ASSORT-
ED. Range from
.75 mmfd. to 350 Ranni e f ro m
.5
h,
h. to 25
$
195 Experimenters can substitute the fol-
6,000 fd. lowing detector in place of the crystal.
Kit 3. Volume Controls KIT 7. TOGGLE &
25 ASSORTED SLIDE SWITCHES
Range from 2 ANTENNA
25 ASSORTED.
hm to 3
Svóme
itch.
with
$
DPST,
SPST, etc.
,$ 95 TRIMMER 500pptd.
92 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
A Transistor Operated Light Meter
Its basic application is as an illumination meter -it has
greater sensitivity than a conventional exposure meter.
LIGHT METERS are widely used by ar- times the sensitivity of most commercial
chitects, electrical engineers, industrial units.
engineers, and similar groups for determin- The increased sensitivity of the instru-
ing illumination levels in buildings, to assist ment shown is attributable to the use of a
in selecting lighting fixtures and their loca- junction transistor as a direct -current am-
tions, and in choosing ceiling and wall fin- plifier between the selenium photocell and
ishes and paints. Similar instruments, but the microammeter.
with different calibrations, are used by both Referring to the schematic diagram, con-
amateur and professional photographers as sider that the "Dark- Light" selector switch,
exposure meters. Si, is in the "Light" position and that the
The basic light meter consists of a self - "Power" switch, S2, is closed.
generating (barrier type) selenium photo- With no light falling on the photocell,
cell directly coupled to a sensitive micro - little or no base -emitter current flows, and
ammeter. Since meter deflection depends the collector current is low. The collector
solely on the current generated by light current divides between the meter and the
falling on the photocell, the sensitivity of "meter shunt" resistor selected by "Range"
such instruments is fairly limited. Many of switch, S,,- "open ", R,, R,, R, and R,. Thus,
the instruments give very little or no indi- the meter reading depends both on the am-
cation where low light levels are encoun- plitude of the collector current and upon
tered, and are of limited value in comparing which of the shunt resistors is selected.
small changes in light intensity. The "no light" collector current may vary
However, it is possible for the average widely, depending on the individual charac-
electronic experimenter or technician to teristics of the selenium photocell and the
construct a light meter having several transistor used. With the "Range" switch
March, 1955 93
Rs-270 ohm, t/y w. carbon res.
Rs, Rs, R4, Rs -Meter shunt res. (see text)
Sr- D.p.d.t. selector switch ( "Dark- Light", optional)
Ss--- S.p.s.t. toggle switch ( "Power")
Ss -S.p. 5 -pos. shorting -type rotary switch ( "Range")
B1-1.5 v. battery (penlight cell or Mallory RM -1
mercury cell)
M,-0 -100 microammeter (2" round)
Photocell-Self- generating, barrier -type
selenium unit
Vi--CK722 p-n -p junction transistor (Raytheon)
1-5" x 4" x 3" metal box (ICA #29440)
PHOTOCELL OPEN
Si
RANGE
+ D(DARK)
SELECTOR
Sa¡R
POWER
in the "open" position, the meter reading meter reading is obtained under "no- light"
may be close to zero or as high as half conditions with S. in the "open" position.
scale. As mentioned previously, the "no- light"
However, regardless of the meter reading meter reading may vary from zero to better
with the photocell dark, an up -scale reading than half full -scale, depending on the in-
will be obtained as more and more light dividual characteristics of the transistor
falls on the photocell. With increasing light and selenium cell used. Where the "no-
on the photocell, the base -emitter current light" meter reading is at least one -third
increases, and the collector current in- full -scale, a d.p.d.t. switch may be used to
creases correspondingly, but the collector reverse the polarity of the photocell con-
current will be several times greater than nections to the base -emitter circuit. This
the base current, thus giving the instru- switch serves as the "Dark- Light" selector,
ment unusual sensitivity. Si.
Under some conditions, depending on the In operation, throwing Si to the "Dark"
individual transistor and photocell, a cur- position permits a reverse bias to be applied
rent amplification as high as ten or twelve to the base -emitter circuit of the transistor.
may be obtained. Where this reverse bias current is small, as
As greater amounts of light are allowed when no light is allowed to fall on the pho-
to fall on the photocell, the meter reading tocell, the collector current approaches the
will soon reach full scale, and the "meter "no- light" value previously discussed. Thus,
shunt" resistors may be switched into the an up -scale meter reading is obtained.
circuit to reduce meter sensitivity (by As light is allowed to fall on the photocell,
means of S3, which thus serves as a sensitiv- the reverse bias increases, rapidly reducing
ity "Range" switch). the collector current to zero. Thus, the
Power is supplied by a single cell battery, meter reading increases as the light level
B1. A Mallory type RM -1 mercury cell is is reduced, with the maximum reading ob-
used in the author's model, but a penlight tained under conditions of "no light "! This
cell may be used instead. It will not give permits easier measurements under some
as long life in service as the mercury cell, conditions of extremely low light levels.
however. The operation of the instrument may be
Resistor, R1, is provided in series to limit summarized as follows: (a) with the
collector current to 5 milliamperes (maxi- "Dark-Light" switch in the "Light" posi-
mum for the CK722 transistor). The "Dark- tion, an up -scale meter reading is obtained
"Light" selector switch, Si, is optional and with increasing light levels; and (b) with
can be provided if a reasonable up -scale the "Dark- Light" switch in the "Dark" posi-
94 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
tion, an up -scale meter reading is obtained Another way to choose these resistors is
with increasing darkness (reduced light to select values to give a definite full -scale
levels). reading to each range in terms of light
Construction Hints intensities-full -scale readings of 10, 20, 30,
40, or 50 footcandles might well be chosen.
The entire instrument has been assem- If this method is chosen, a standard light
bled in a standard 3 "x4 "x5" metal utility meter may be used for comparative tests.
box. For an extremely compact unit, Place the standard light meter and the
smaller switches may be used (miniature transistorized instrument at a fixed dis-
slide switches in place of the toggle tance from a light source and connect a
switches used in the model) and a 11/2" decade resistance box across the meter, M1.
or 1" meter may be substituted for the 2" Adjust either the light source or the posi-
meter used by the author. tion of the two instruments until the
When the builder solders the transistor desired full -scale reading (in footcandles)
in place, special care should be exercised to is obtained on the standard. Then adjust
avoid damaging this part. Leave the tran- the shunt resistance value until a full -scale
sistor leads as long as is practicable, and reading is obtained on the meter. Finally,
solder the connections as quickly as possi- substitute a fixed resistor of this value for
ble, using a hot, well- tinned iron. the corresponding range of 28.
Except for the selenium photocell, all Repeat this step for each of the desired
components used in the construction of the ranges.
instrument are standard and should be Finally, if the transistorized light meter
available through regular supply houses. is not to be used for actual light measure-
The selenium cell, although not normally ments, but only for comparative tests, the
considered a "stock" radio -electronic item, resistors may be given arbitrary values.
is often available through the larger mail This was the method used in the author's
order supply firms. model. The values chosen were as follows :
Electrical connections to the photocell R2= 10,000 ohms; R8 =200 ohms; R4 =100
should be made by means of pressure con- ohms; and R8=20 ohms.
tacts. Do not attempt to solder leads to this Where the completed light meter is to be
component unless special soldering lugs are used only for comparative tests, as is the
already provided on the unit. In most com- author's model, there is no real need to cali-
mercial units the back of the cell serves as brate the instrument in terms of actual
the positive terminal, while the negative light intensity levels.
terminal consists of one or more narrow On the other hand, if the builder wishes
metallic strips on the sensitized face of the to use the completed instrument for obtain-
cell. ing actual measurements, some form of
Mount the photocell so that the sen- calibration will be necessary.
sitized face is exposed to light. In the model To calibrate the instrument, a standard
this has been accomplished by mounting light meter should be employed. A diffused
the cell directly behind a sheet of clear light source is also helpful.
plastic. Arrange the standard meter and the
Shunt resistors, selected by "Range" transistorized unit so that the same amount
switch S8, are used to reduce the sensitivity of light falls on both instruments. Note the
of the instrument. These resistors, R2, R8, readings on both units.
R4, and R8, may be selected in one of several Vary the illumination level, either by
ways. moving the instruments further from the
First, the resistors may be chosen to in- light source or by partial shading. Record
crease the full -range reading of the meter
by definite multiples, from 100 microam-
peres to 200, 300, 500, or 600 microamperes,
or even to a milliampere or more. The exact
resistor sizes chosen will depend on the in-
ternal resistance of the meter.
\`.
w<.
\\_,\\\\\ll1\.\ \\ \\ -
March, 1955 95
the new readings obtained. Continue these dinary light meters are employed, except
steps until a complete set of readings has that its increased sensitivity makes it pos-
been obtained for each range of the instru- sible to conduct many tests and measure-
ment. ments which are not practical with less
Once a complete set of readings is ob- sensitive units.
tained, indicating actual light or illumina- For example, the instrument may be used
tion levels in terms of meter readings, a to check the relative reflective qualities of
calibration curve or chart may be prepared. different types of materials or finishes. The
As an alternative, a new meter scale may author found it quite easy to distinguish
be drawn so that direct readings can be between the light reflection of white,
obtained. "creamy- white ", "yellow- white", and "gray -
If the light levels to be measured exceed white" papers.
60 to 70 footcandles (depending on the in- By providing appropriate color filters
dividual photocell), provision should be ahead of the photocell, the same technique
made for reducing externally the amount of may be used for checking the "color bright-
light striking the cell. ness" of paints, textiles, papers, and similar
This can be accomplished by providing materials. All tests of this nature should be
one or more opaque shields to fit over the conducted for the purpose of comparing
photocell's sensitized surface. Small holes samples of the same basic color. Efforts to
or slots are provided in the shield to admit compare different colors (red and blue, for
a fixed percentage of the total light. Such example) may lead to erroneous results,
shields serve as "coarse" range controls brought about by differences in transmis-
where high light intensities are to be mea- sion qualities of differently colored filters,
sured. and because the photocell itself is not ab-
If desired, additional calibration charts solutely "flat" in its response to different
or curves may be prepared for each of the colors.
shields provided. Other applications will become apparent
The transistorized light meter may be as the user becomes familiar with the in-
used in many of the applications where or- strument. END
96 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
LEARN TUBE CONSTRUCTION
glecZYOke
ELECTRO- VOICE, INC., BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN
Without obligation, send FREE copy of the CDP
Public Address Handbook.
NAME
ADDRESS
March, 1955 97
Crystal Clear TOOLS
Pictures
like GADGeS
NEW CHASSIS PUNCH
A new "D" shaped radio chassis punch has
MAJIC been added to the "Pioneer" chassis punch
with amazing line by the Chase Mfg. Co. It is used to
baken E l e c -
Corp. trical Products,
23 Atherton St., Yonkers, N. Y.
Man chester,
for everything In Electronics! England. When
used on cars or
1
9
1440 page MASTER
Detailed specs ' 8,500 illus.
Fully indexed
trucks, the coil
is said to pro-
5
85,000 items
Full descriptions Wgt. 6 Ills. vide better
Sed. starting, great-
List 56.50 -As low $1.95 at distributors
'
as
UNITED CATALOG PUBLISHERS, INC.,
er acceleration,
110 Lafayette St., N. T. C. 13 improved "tick -
over," and pull-
EASY TO LEARN CODE ing under load.
Learn or increase speed w it
-the
an Instructograph
Radio -Telegraph Code Teacher that takes
It is also recom-
anyone to master code without
and enables
the place of an operator -instructorfurther assist- mended for use
ance. Available tapes from beginners alphabet on stationary
to typical messages on all subjects. Speed
range 5 to 40 WPM. Always ready -no QRM.
Thousands have 'acquired the code"forwith the
conven-
internal com-
Instructograph System. Write today
ient rental and nurchase plans. bustion engines. "Oilcoils" are distributed
INSTRUCTOGRAPH COMPANY
4713 -P Sheridan Road, Chicago 40, Illinois
in the U.S.A. by the Paul D. Rosenthal
Co., 320 South Swall Drive, Los Angeles
48. Retail price is $19.95. For further in-
ADDRESS formation, write to the U.S. distributor.
POSTCARDS NEW HOLLOW WALL SCREW ANCHOR
VALUE- PACKED
heating panels, brackets, and other compo-
nents to walls and doors. The new device
has ribbed locking wings which provide a
PAGE 1955
positive stop to assure permanent installa-
tions. To install a "Wallgrip" it is only ALLIED
necessary to drill a hole of the required ELECTRONIC
,
size, insert the "Wallgrip," tighten it, re- BUYING GUIDE
move the screw, and install the fixture
with the same screw. Builders and Experimenters:
Save on Everything in Radio & TV!
You'll find everything you'll need for building any
HAND TYPE WIRE STRIPPER project in this publication in the 1955 ALLIED
A new, inexpensive, hand -type wire strip- Catalog. Select from the world's largest stocks of
per for the hobbyist and home craftsman parts, tubes, tools, kits, books, diagrams -plus
Amateur equipment, TV components, -Fi
is manufactured by Crown Industrial equipment teat instruments, recorders-atHilow-
Products Company, 1331 Amsterdam Street, est, money-saving prices. Write for your FREE
ALLIED Catalog today!
Woodstock, Ill.
Fabricated of hardened steel construc- ULAR
tion throughout, the stripper has inter- ALLIED
changeable, precision -milled stripping KITS
Famous Radio Lab Kit (10 Iota In I)
Here's the most instructive Experimenter's
blades carefully matched to strip insulation kit you can buy. With it, you can build a
broadcast receiver, phono amplifier. phono
clean without damaging the wire. It strips elk oscillator, signal tracer, electronic timer,
photo cell relay, home broadcaster, elec-
both stranded and solid wire. A patented tronic switch, etc. Fascinating, instructive.
lock -open feature holds the jaws open au- Complete with all parts, tubes, microphone.
12 -page manual. Shpg. wt.., 10 lbs.
tomatically, so that the wire can be re- 83 S 265. Radio Lab Kt, only $14.25
moved after stripping, without crushing. Popular "Ocean Hopper" (Amazing DX)
Net price is $4.75 with one set of blades. A remarkable Short-Wave receiver. Covers
155 to 35.0 me with plug -in coils (below).
A catalogue sheet is available from the Features bandspread: for headphone or
speaker use. Easy to build. Complete with
manufacturer. all parts, tubes, broadcast coil, hardware,
full instructions. For AC-DC. Wt., 5 lbs.
83 S 740. "Ocean Hopper" kit, only.$12.75
NEW STURDY FLASHLIGHT 59 J 110. 2000 ohm headset 51.67
Five colis (155 kc to 35 mc)
A new "Eveready" Flashlight, designed 53.62
for users who want an extra -sturdy light Ranger 11 Superhot (with Cabinet)
Learn radio while you build and enjoy this
at a moderate price, has been announced sensitive AC -DC broadcastreeelver. Tunes
by National Carbon Company, a division 540 -1680 kc: Includes built -In antenna.
PM dynamic speaker, automatic volume
of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation. DOZENS OF
control, handsome walnut plastic cabinet.
Easy to assemble from detailed manual:
The new light is designated the "Eveready" OTHER KITS
complete with punched chassis, all parts,
tubes and cabinet. Shpg. wt., 8 lbs.
Heavy-Duty Flashlight, and is available in AVAILABLE 83 S 73S. "Ranger II" KR, only....$16.75
both a two -cell model (No. 1251A) for $2.50
and three-cell model (No. 1351A) for $2.75.
PAGES
LOADED WITH
Of Alm
SAVINGS AND
NEW ITEMS
IN RADIO, miltS
TV AND
ELECTRONICSI
!ING/mS
IABOWIMS
AMA
' I
-
State
rous or non -ferrous metals. It is non -toxic,
non- obnoxio,ps, non -inflammable, leaves no
-- SPECIAL PURCHASE! - -1 alkalies and requires no neutralizer. It
leaves the derusted surfaces metallically
!Brand NEW RCA clean with a thin rust -resistant coat, ready
;TV CAMERAS -with no other treatment -to form a per-
t Just $1 9150 fect bond for paints, nickel, or chromium
¡ Received! plating, galvanizing, and other protective
100's of Used Models Sold at $225 up! Rig up your own
coatings.
TV watchdog for swim pools and other uses-plus training,
etc. 1846 Iconoscope, 6 -stage video amplifier and clipper.
Write for complete tech. data.
DOUBLE -ENDED WRENCH
-
it.
amps
APS 13 MAKES A 420 MC
RADIOPHONE when converted.
Range in most cases equal to
2 meters. Complete with RF
sections, conversion booklet
,J
and 30 MC I.F. strip, less
tubes, dynamotor and minor
parts not needed for conver- 1.1,>>'»
wt.
$3.95
13ion.l Ring
New APS 13.. ...... 519.85
//
Send check with order (no COD's, pise.) Prices FOB Whse. I FOR OGGL
FOR VOLUME
CONTROL NUTS SWITCH NUTS
March, 1955
103
ATV ADIO
55ERYI[E LIRBRARY
2 VOLS. $s CPAY ON Y$I M0.
HERE IS LATE INFORMATION CLEANING CHASSIS
IN A HANDY FORM FOR RADIO
& TELEVISION REPAIRMEN, ADUST accumulation in a piece of elec-
SERVICEMEN AND STUDENTS tronic equipment may cause several
IT PAYS TO KNOWI types of improper operation. In a radio
AUDELS T.V. -RADIO SERVICE
LIBRARY presents the important sub-
receiver, dust accumulating between the
jects of Modern Radio, Television. In-
dustrial Electronics, F.M. Public Ad-
dress Systems, Auto. Marine & Aircraft
Radio, Phonograph Pick -Ups, etc.
Installation - Operation -
Covers Basic Principles- Construction-
Repairs
Trouble Shooting. Shows Itow to get
Sharp. Clear T.V. Pictures, Install
-
Aerials -How to Test. Explains ('olor
Systems & Methods of Conversion. 1001
Facts -Over 1260 Pages -625 Illustra-
tions of Parts & Diagrams -Valuable for
Quick Ready Reference & Home Study.
Tells How to Solve T.V. & Radio Troubles
-Answers T.V. & Radio Questions.
Get this information for Yourself,
7 DAY TEST -ASK TO SEE IT!
DI' Publishers, 49 MAIL
AUDEL, 23rd
ORDER-
York
W. St., New
plates of the tuning capacitor will cause
10, N.Y.
Mall AUDEL'S T.V. RADIO SERVICE LIBRARY 2 Vols. $6 on 7 days tree severe noise as different stations are tuned
in. In a television receiver, a dust accumu-
trial. If O.K. I will remit sn in 7 days and $1 monthly until $6 is paid.
Otherwise I will return them.
lation in the high voltage circuit may build
Name
up to the point where arcing and other dis-
Address charges can occur, introducing streaks in
the picture and noise in the sound. And in
Occupation
PE test equipment, accumulated dust may pro-
Employed by vide leakage paths, changing the resistance
of some circuits and thus changing the cali-
bration of the equipment.
MAKE BIG MONEY -EASY! The best way to remove dust from elec-
tronic gear is by blowing it away. A small
$0oINAWEEKYOURS! hair dryer may be used for this purpose, as
shown in the photo. A vacuum cleaner,
Amazing D- FROST -O -MA TIC Actually used as a blower, is also good and will gen-
Sells Itself on Dramatic FREE TRIAL! erally deliver a heavier stream of air than
30,000,000 women need, want to end messy
hand defrosting. Sell out of 10 automatically
a hair dryer.
* * *
with sure -fire D-Frost- O -M4tic FREE TRIAL.
Leave sensational D- Frost -O -Matic in home IMPROVE YOUR PHONO PLUGS
day or two, come back and pocket your big
profit without effort. Make $15.00, $20.00 and more in an hour HOSE tight- fitting phono pin -plugs are
full or spare time -up to $210.00 and more in a week! I so small that it is hard to get a good grip
Rush name, address on a postcard for exciting on them when you want to pull them out
big -profit facts and proof, with details of dramatic
FREE!
-
FREE TRIAL PLAN that sells 8 out of 10 auto- of the jacks. A handy suggestion is to
matically. Everything FREE, no obligation. Write TODAY solder ring type electrical fixtures onto the
D- FROST- O- MATIC,173 W. Madison, Dept.F -54 Chicago 2,11I
pin -plugs to act as handles. These fixtures
THAT PROFESSIONAL LOOK!
PERFORATED AND FINISHED CHASSIS 30Lb£a ALL
AROUNp
Give that "Build Your Own" electronic pruie,t eye
appeal! We can furnish perforated and finished chassis
and cabinets for projects featured in all issues of
Popular Electronics. Write today for what you need.
HOUSEHOLD HANDIES
2307 Main Street Santa Monica, Calif. SOLDER ALL
AROUND
ill TRANSISTORS!!!
EXPERIMENTERS Hurry limited quantity, mar-
vels of electronics build your own audio oscilla- consist of a brass ring with a shank which
O tors, personal radios, hearing aids etc.
only $3.00 each postpaid
Price
SAVE by buying set is threaded internally with %"-pipe threads,
ill of 3 photocells and 1 transistor
$4.95 per set
Bargain price
Learn by doing; Be the first.
and they are used by electricians for hang-
Don't pay high prices Act now ELECTRONIC'S ing chains from ceiling bowls on ceiling
greatest development Marvels of Science.
TRANSISTOR -PHOTO PRODUCTS lamp fixtures. Electricians call them "chain
Geneva, Illinois hangers" and they sell for a dime each.
104
POPULAR ELECTRONICS
Slip this unit over the phono cable and a socket to the proper plug-in terminal and
onto the pin -jack. The two parts are sol- use a dial lamp of the correct voltage. A
dered together securely by running solder 21/2 -volt lamp is shown in the photo. When
all around the joint. If the chain hanger substituting the "B" voltage of the elimi-
fits the plug a little too loosely, pinch the nator for test purposes on a portable or
hole in the chain hanger to a slightly oval automobile radio, the pilot lamp serves two
shape with a pair of pliers before soldering. purposes. It indicates that the eliminator
* * * is operating, and -with practice
ables you to observe its brightness as an
en- -it
ADD PILOT LAMP EASILY
BATTERY eliminators of the type illus- indication of excessive drain in the plate
trated have provisions for "A" and "B" circuits of the receiver.
voltages. To install a pilot lamp in the "A" :x r *
_i
FILE ROUND GROOVE
WITH SMALL RAT -TAIL
FILE, OR V- GROOVE
ITH 3- CORNERED FILE.
(A) (6)
make the tips stay put. A little sideways
voltage plug -in, it is only necessary to wire tug on the cord is all you need to pull the
LAFAYETTE'S
WESTERN ELECTRIC HEARING AID
eR
TIMER- SWITCH SALE
Automatically turns on radio.
iN VIM
3.95 .
EXPERIMENTERS
MULTI -PURPOSE KIT '
Brand new. in original
Western Electric's Íeweler's
case. Supplied with receiver. tiakers.
etc. -
television sets, toasters, coffee
at any ' pre -set
me within 12 hour period: 13.95
receiver cord. battery cord tells time. Requires 3l /2"
and plug (less batteries). iameter
dalso round
o hole. Depth
Money back guarantee. Act behind dial fare 2t/4. Shoe:.
now hile they last! Uses wt. 11/2 lbs. 515.62. for 110V /GO Cy AC 10 Kits in One
Burgess XX3O6 and 8B bat- 1. Broadcaster Receiver
series at 51.55 per set.
Reg. Price 4-MOO Our Price 14.95
v
AC -DC 6. Capacity Operated Relay
29.95 ideal portable unit that meets 8. Signal
the need for a compact, yet 8. Electronic Timer
Geiger featuring rugged test instrument. Uses 9. Electronic Switch
sensitilvity radio-
adino- full 3" rectangular meter with SO. Photo Call Relay
active substances and ex- large easy to read scale. Uses
tremely compact design. 1% precision resistors, Jew- You can play your phonograph through your
Detects uranium ore, cos- eled D'Arsonv I mtcroamp meter move- radio. broadcast your voice through your
mic rays, radium and ment. Ranges: ACDC and outpput volts radio, etc. Kit is complete with breadboard,
8.5. 0-25, 0.1 OOUot
x -rays by Instantly pro-
ducing a loud series of clicks in earphone. 0.10 O-ohm Mti Resistance Current O -lug
microphone, 3 tubes and
for construction, with 12allpage manualparts
necessary
of
Uses a miniature amplifier tube. one d Site: x 3 s instructions and schematic and pictorial dia-
ais". SuSupplied complete with
221,' V- hearing aid battery and one flash-
light battery. Strong plastic case 11/2" x batteries. 2t/°th lbs.
test leads grams. Less headphones, photo cell
wire and solder. Shpg. Wt. 10 Iba.and socket,
3' x 5 ". Supplied complete with itinlret, MODEL Complete
KT -36
batteries. radio- active sample and instruc-
tions. Shp, t. 3 lbs. Singly, ea. 9.95 In lots of 3, ea. 9.45 Net 13.95
Model 1Ó 29.95 Photo Electric Cell type 868 Net 2.50
3 LENS TURRET MICROSCOPE Amphenol 77MIP4 Socket for above... Net 7e
WELLER SOLDERING KIT 100X- 200X -300X 6.75 BINOCULARS NEVER BEFORE AT THIS PRICE
Kit 2duetwspotlite Precision built for accuracy
and long lasting service. Imported Direct
Triple position turret holds
Weller gun
of Kester solder
tip
- -
ample supply
smoothing tip
soldering
tip object ivesatfoor c magnification
of IOOX. 200X and 300X
Pri
with order, Add
m.Caoted Lenses
10% Fed. Tar
interchange
-
rench - two
instruction booklets sturdy
metal case or convenient igh
Hwer!
Dual knob focusing.
-grade micro -optics used
throughout. Complete with
All -Metal Construction
storage. Shpt. Wt. 5 lbs. fitted wood raving case and Individual Focus
Weller 8250 -AK Net 10.99 sides. Shp(: Wt. 41/2 lbs. Complete with Leather
F -10 NET 6.75 Case & Straps
PRECISION DRAFTING SET
F -105, 8 x 30 with case....
11 Pieces
Case.
-
Fitted Felt -Lined
Made in Germany. of
30 POWER TELESCOPE
F -15,
F -103,
7 x 35 with case....
NET 19.95
NET 22.50
heavy brass. nickel plated and 7 x 50 with case.... NET 24.95
ppolish d. Instruments include
SU Compass with pencil and
ßár.
points lengthening
All metal -
Chrome trimmed! O }
F -104, 12 x 50 with case.... NET 32.50
Wrlr f o EE
3a/44't
witrt needle point. pen point
and pencil point. 5" Ruling
pencilextra handle pen
Precision machined body. Hand ground.
h d coated
nerarasbfine .binoculars.
achromatic
Brings (meets 30
lenses.
o
Sharp, Q Jad(U BRON1,N.r.
ofeal
WI/or/ha ngA
leads. Your money back
tra
this net is not worth twiceif - -
times loser)! Smooth. easy sliding focus-
ing. Collapses to 7" extends to 141/2 ".
As always you must be satisfied -or
NEWARK.11.1
100 SIXTH AVE. PLAINFIELO.N.1: 139West2ndSt:
11teenlbe_:
2.75 our price! for immediate refund. Shpg. Wt. return 1 1b. NEW YORK, N.Y. IOSTON,MASS.1110FedeolSt.
F -13 NET 2.75 F -59 NET7.50 Include postage with order.
March, 1955
105
RADIO CONTROL for GARAGE DOOR tips out again. To solve this problem, file
FROM YOUR CAR -NO FCC LICENSE
REQUIRED a groove across the top face of the bottom
TRANSMITTER KIT: incl. 6 V. Dynamotor, 271/4 Mc
Crystal, Tube, Cab., Wound Coil, Switch. Resistors,
Condensers, Instructions..$16.95; with 12 V. Dyna-
part of the post, as shown in "A ". When
motor add S2.00 the tip is locked in the groove as shown in
RECEIVER KIT: 271/4 Mc. incl. Transistor, Sens. Relay,
Wound Coilp, Resistors, Condensers, Instructions $10,95 "B ", it's impossible to pull it out unless you
/6
unscrew the top of the post. A round
MULTITESTER- Measures 3V2" x 4t/4" x11/4"
AC: 0.15, 150, 750, 3000 olte. groove can be made with a small rat -tail
file, or you can make a V- groove with a
R
I DC: 75. 300 750, 3000. volts.
DC MA: 150, 7500.
.
Resistance: 100,000 ohms.
Complete with battery, test leads. Brand
only
$9.95 three-cornered file. If you make two
'b
New
grooves, one on each side of the screw,
the post will hold two phone tips securely.
6
e w'$
Ö
. PAR7s AVAILABLE for all Radio Control
Equipment described in Popular Elec.
6:
äaöam6 tropics * * a
Clockwork ELECTRIC TIMER; 1/2 to 24 00
$1.00
min,
TRANSMITTER á RECEIVER KIT: 271/4 Me band
INSULATED SCREWDRIVER
License Free. All Parts & Diagrams (less tubes Si
crystal) to build Powerful 5 Watt Transmitter Unit ONCE in a while the need arises for a
& 2 -Tube Supersenstive lightweight Receiver, in-
eluding SIGMA 10,000 ohm Relay.....
DC, 13 amps. Requires 1/8 h.p
S9.95 screwdriver with an insulated blade,
GENERATOR: 12-24
or larger motor
TOY TRAIN TRANSF: 18V
ith pulleys
2A $1.65; 4A
$5.25
4.95 especially when working around automo-
RECTIFIERS: 18V lA $1.40; 2A $2.10' 3.75
3,000 ohm 5.95
4A.........
SIGMA 4F RELAY: 8,000 ohm, 1 Ma. 4.95;
SIGMA 26 F CDS RELAY: 8000 ohm.... ....: 8.50
3.95
11/ V. Tiny Atom MOTOR wth Variable Speed Gearbox
Hr. 2.75
Storage BATTERIES: 2 Volt 3 "x4 "x51/2 ", 27 Amp.
"x31/2 2.45
MINI. 6 V. BATTERY: Willard NT6- 21/2'x15/4 relay "
1.25
G. E. RELAY CONTROL: with sens, 10,000 ohm
2 V. VIBRATOR SUPPLY KIT: 180 V. /35 Ma. 6.95
2 V. BATTERY CHARGER KIT: $4.95; wired 6.95
ALL MATERIAL GUARANTEED -FREE CATALOG "P"
GYRO ELECTRONICS, 325 Canal Street
WORTH 6 -1290 NEW YORK 13, NEW YORK
tive equipment where the body serves as
ground. The shaft of any screwdriver may
Beginners ELECTRONIC KIT be insulated quickly and easily by wrap-
For young and old ping it with thin, plastic electrical tape
c134-
35 EXPERIMENTS (Scotch #33). The insulation is very effec-
-- Complete, no extras tive; yet the tape is so thin that the blade
* ji VA
to buy. Build 5 radios,
audio amplifier and
oscillator, electronic
organ, 2 power sup -
is not bulky. This tape also works very
well on the handles of pliers and other
('lies plus many oth- tools.
/1¢ ere. Kit has duo-pur- * * *
i
ç pose tube, selenium
Ry rectifier, headphone, LINE -CORD KINK
.r_6,gpept ,rra crystal all necessary
resistors,
s, condensers,
hardware, etc.
HERE'S a good way to insulate and an-
Only $1 with order, pay postman $8.95 plus charges or
chor the line -cord at the place where it
$9.96 prepaid. enters the chas-
ELECTRO KIT sis. As shown r_.
Box 3468 Dept. PE-4 Maplewood 17, Mo. in the photo,
mount two
small rubber
WANTED: TUNING UNITS grommets close
together, split
FOR RECEIVER AN /APR -4, and AN /APR -9 the line cord,
and then pass
ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES o n e w i r e
434 Patterson Road Dayton 9, Ohio through each
grommet into the chassis. Now, make a
small loop in the right -hand wire close to
Catalog OF 3000 Novelties 1 oc the grommet and bring the wire to the
Send 10e for amazing catalog of novelties, live animals, left. Now loop the left-hand wire around
scientific supplies, hobbies, funmakers, planes á boats,
looms, magic tricks, ¡eke articles, unusual seeds, gad- the first wire and pass the end through
get timesavers, cameras, optical goods, projectors,
movies, lucky jewelry, religious novelties, disguises,
musical instruments, stamps, coins, puzzles, fortune
the right -hand loop. Pull the two leads
tellers,
passes,
radios, auto & bike accessories, telescopes, magnifiers, com.
banks, smokers' gadgets, artists' supplies, printing sets, en-
tight while pressing the two loops close
gines,
sports,
motors, shockers, knives, billfolds, fireworks, guns, rifles.
books, games, plants, etc. Send name, address Si 10c tot
to the grommets.
* * *
JOHNSON SMITH & CO., Dept. 863, Detroit 7, Michigan
RIGUFST PORTFOLIO 950 SOLDERING AID
WHEN connecting or tinning leads on
FREE! small parts, one frequently wishes for a
GLr IT
TV accessories and ports third hand. In lieu of this, a good idea is
to wrap a small length of solder around
T O D A Y !
<eheet s. l'
dota sheets, etc. Yours
I
The can may then IPlease rush me the WRL Kits and information I have
be mounted perma- marked below! My check (or money order) is enclosed.
nently on the serv- C -R Handy. Tester Kit S 5.09
ice bench, or moved Wireless Record Player Kit 22.50
Frequency Meter -Monitor Kit
around as desired. Economy Power Supply Kit
19.95
14.95
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is facilitated by us- Plus Indicated Postage
107
4g.Fll-!-
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Please advise our
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64 E. LAKE ST., CHICAGO 1, ILL.
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enclosing if possible an address label from
-
a recent issue of this magazine. Allow at
it will supply a sufficient quantity of these
least 4 weeks for change of address. "lightning" connectors to take care of
almost any "breadboard" layout.
* * *
Inventors
Send today for our instructive booklet, "Patent
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THESE
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NORDIC RADIO COMPANYBOX 582 EVANSTON, ILL. clip as shown. END
0
1 POP!JLAP ELECTRONICS
SERIES- PARALLEL RESISTANCE CIRCUITS
CLASS
IN THE October issue we discussed meth- their total resistance is 3% ohms. The 4
ods of finding the total resistance of two ohm and 5 ohm resistors are simply in
or more resistors in series or in parallel. series and their total resistance is 9 ohms.
Often, three or more resistors are found in Therefore the total resistance in diagram
a circuit which combines series and paral- (C) is the same as the circuit in diagram
lel connections. The total resistance in such (D), where 3% ohm and 9 ohm resistors
cases can be found by combining the meth- have been substituted for the combinations
ods previously described. which have those values. Now, in diagram
For example, in diagram (A), R. and R2 (D), the 6 ohm, 3% ohm, and 9 ohm resis-
are in series with each other, and the com- tors in series -parallel combination are equi-
bination is in parallel with Re. The resist- valent to one resistor of 82%8 ohms, so the
ance of R. and R2 combined, original circuit can be redrawn again as in
R1,2 = R. +R2 =2+3 = 5 ohms. diagram (E). Finally, we have the parallel
The total resistance of the combination of combination of two resistors of 7 ohms and
5 ohms and 4 ohms in parallel, 82%8 ohms. The total resistance is 3 -510/
R1,212 =
5 X 4
5 +4
- -= 20
9
2% ohms.
593 or approximately 3.856 ohms.
Now let's take a combination which looks
a bit simpler, since it has only five resis-
To take another example, diagram (B), tors, but which has its resistors connected
R5 and Re are in parallel and the combina- in a slightly different way, diagram (F).
This one cannot be solved by the methods
R( R2 611. 3 2 /3n which have been used in the previous cir-
cuits. It may seem at first sight that R.
and R4 are in series, but the rule for the
total resistance of two resistors in series
is based on the assumption that the resis-
(A) (0) tors are connected so that all of the cur-
R5 8 23/38n rent which flows through one of the resis-
tors flows through the other one also. This
rule can be applied to two resistors only
(E)
when one end of the first resistor is con-
nected to one end of the other resistor and
nothing else is connected at that junction.
RI R4
The same amount of current does not
necessarily flow through R. and R,, because
of the connection of R. at their junction.
Either some of the current through R, may
flow through R2 instead of R. or some of
the current through R. may flow through
(c) (F)
R. instead of R..
It may seem at first that R. and
tion is in series with R4. The total resist - R2 are connected in parallel, but the rule
ance of 10 ohms and 15 ohms in parallel. for the total resistance of resistors in
10 X 15 150 parallel is based on the assumption that
R5,6 =
10 + 15
- 25
=6 ohms. they are connected so that the same volt-
age appears across both resistors. In
The total resistance of R,, R5, and Re, diagram (F), some of the voltage across
R4,5j6 = 5 + 6 = 11 ohms. R. or R2 may be across R3.
More complicated combinations can be Similarly, R2 and R5 may appear to be in
calculated by repeating similar steps. Take series and R. and R5 may appear to be in
the circuit in diagram (C), for example. parallel, if we overlook R2. Actually no two
The 1 ohm, 2 ohm, and 3 ohm resistors are of the five resistors are either in series or
in a circuit like that of diagram (B) and in parallel. We cannot eliminate R. by
March, 1955 109
';i;Rl
combining it in a series or parallel com- but the even- harmonic components pro-
bination with any of the other resistors. duced by the two tubes are added. The grids
There is, of course, a way to find the of the tubes are connected in push -pull and
total resistance of circuits such as that in are tuned to the fundamental frequency;
figure (F). It will be discussed in a future the plates are joined together, the common
issue. lead going to the top of the output tank cir-
The following quiz is intended as a self cuit. Assume that the input signal coupled
check. You should be able to answer all to the grids is 3500 kc.; on each positive
of the questions correctly if you have mas-
tered the foregoing text. The answers ap-
pear on page 128.
QUIZ
1. What would be the total resistance in Fig. (D)
with four 2 ohm resistors?
(a) 1.2 ohms; (b) 0.8 ohms; (c) 2.67 ohms.
2. What would be the total resistance in Fig. (C)
with a 2 ohm resistor substituted for the 1 ohm
resistor and all other values as shown in the
diagram?
(a) 29 ohms; (b) 3.89 ohms; (c) 3.67 ohms.
3. What would be the total resistance in Fig. (C)
with zero ohms substituted for the 1 ohm re-
sistor and all other values as shown in the
diagram? half -cycle, the grid of tube A is driven into
(a) 3.78 ohms; (b) 4.47 ohms; (c) 4.77 ohms. conduction and on each negative half-cycle
4. What would be the total resistance in Fig. (C) the same thing happens to tube B just as it
with zero ohms substituted for the 7 ohm re- does in a push -pull arrangement. But, due
sistor and all other values as shown in the to the parallel connection of the plates, the
diagram? output tank circuit receives an excitation
(a) 8.61 ohms; (b) 0 ohms; (c) 6.81 ohms. pulse of the same polarity each time either
5. What would be the total resistance in Fig. (F) of the two tubes conducts. Hence, for the
if each of the five resistors had a value of 1 whole cycle of input there are two pulses
ohm?
(a) 1 -1/3 ohms; (b) 1 -1 /6 ohms; (c) 1 ohm. of excitation fed to the output tank circuit.
Since the latter is tuned to the harmonic
frequency, its output will be double the in-
PUSH -PUSH FREQUENCY put frequency by virtue of the paired -pulse
MULTIPLICATION excitation.
IT'S not a printer's error; it really is
NO,
The uniqueness of the push -push circuit
intended to read "push-push." lies in its ability to operate almost as effi-
Although push -pull amplifiers are f amil- ciently as a straight amplifier, because, un-
iar circuits in both r.f. and a.f. systems, like other frequency multipliers, it produces
push -push arrangements are strange to a pulse of plate current for each cycle of
many electronics fans. the output signal. An additional advantage
is that this circuit can be operated as a
The usual frequency doubler found in straight amplifier simply by removing fila-
amateur and commercial transmitters em- ment or heater voltage from one tube and
ploys a single tube operating in Class C retuning the output. The grid -to -plate ca-
(very high negative grid bias). Its grid cir- pacitance of the cold tube, being similar
cuit is tuned to the fundamental frequency to that of the operating tube, provides just
produced by the previous stage, while its the amount of neutralization required.
plate circuit is set to resonate at double this
frequency, or the second harmonic. The use
of very high negative bias introduces inten- BEATING DEGENERATION
tional distortion in the radio wave, making
it very rich in harmonics, including the sec- IN ANY normal single -tube audio ampli-
ond harmonic, so that the plate circuit of fier, omitting the bypass capacitor across
the doubler has something to which it can the cathode bias resistor gives rise to degen-
resonate to yield frequency -doubled output. eration, an effect which causes a significant
This type of doubler is relatively inefficient, loss of gain. The proper operation of an
however. amplifier tube requires that the cathode
The usual push -pull circuit cancels out potential be held constant while the signal
even -harmonic distortion, if the two tubes is permitted to swing the grid. Ordinarily,
are matched. If two tubes are arranged as the cathode bypass capacitor charges to
shown in the figure, the fundamental fre- some d.c. voltage and maintains the same
quency components of the signal and the potential across the bias resistor even
odd-harmonic distortion are canceled out, though the audio signal is varying the plate
IIO POPULAR ELECTRONICS
current. Omission of this capacitor causes of -phase by 180 degrees. This means that
the cathode to swing in step with the signal the plate current of tube A is rising when
voltage on the grid of the tube, reducing the the plate current of tube B is falling. If the
effective input signal, so that the over-all
gain is reduced.
The push -pull audio amplifier circuit
two tubes are matched and are operated on
the straight portions of their grid voltage
plate current characteristics, the sum of
-
shown in the figure "beats" degeneration the two plate currents always equals a con-
in the sense that this loss of gain does not stant value. Thus, even with no capacitor
occur even though the bypass capacitor is connected across R, the cathode is main-
not used. To prove this point, all we have tained at a constant potential while the
to do is show that the current flowing grid swings with the input signal and de-
generation does not appear.
INTEGRATING COUNTERS
INPUT
IN MANY military, industrial, and med-
SIGNAL ical applications, high speed counting of
successive events is an essential operation.
The repetition rate in such cases usually
goes far beyond the capabilities of slow
mechanical counters. For example, the
measurements of machine gun rate -of -fire,
through R does not vary even when full sig- the counting of rapid neurological impulses,
nal currents are flowing through the cir- the evaluation of radioactivity by Geiger
cuit. counters, and the counting of the passage of
Here is the way it works The total cur- : small objects on a high speed conveyor belt
rent flowing through R is the sum, at any all involve recurrence rates which exceed
instant, of the plate currents of the two the response of electromagnetic counters.
tubes, A and B. If we assume that the grid An integrating counter is a relatively
of tube A is positive -going, then the grid of simple device which "scales down" the rate
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tube B must be negative -going because the of recurrence to some smaller figure which
two ends of a transformer are always out- may then operate a mechanical counter sat-
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t
©54
March, 1955
isfactorily. An example will simplify this. capacitors are perfectly satisfactory. If one
Neurological impulses occur in the form remembers that a perfect capacitor (of
of potential "spikes" at the rate of several which there aren't any) would offer infinite
hundred per- second. An electronic circuit resistance to the flow of direct current,
may be set up in which 100 nerve pulses would have absolutely no leakage, and
must occur before the mechanical counter would suffer no other losses, it is easy to see
is triggered once. Such a circuit is said to as the circuit under consideration begins
have a scale of 100:1. Thus, if the mechani- to involve higher standards, one's capacitor
cal counter displays five counts per-second, must begin to approach perfection.
it is then known that the nerve spikes must Demands for near perfection are made of
have a repetition rate of 500 per second. capacitors used in transmitter tank circuits
The integrating counter is a kind of elec- and in diathermy and electronic heating
tronic divider which keeps track of received equipment where very high voltage, very
impulses, triggers a counter after a certain low leakage capacitors are essential. Vac-
number have been received, and then resets uum capacitors approach perfection more
itself so that it may handle the next train closely than any other type.
of spikes. These capacitors are available in values
Small thyratrons like the 2051 and the ranging from 6 Iliad. to 100 µµfd. with volt-
2050 are favored as trigger tubes in inte- age ratings from 7500 volts to 16,000 volts
grating counters. Many circuit arrange- in small size units. As compared with
ments are possible with refinements and equivalent paper or mica -dielectric units,
modifications to suit the needs of the in- vacuum capacitors have these important
dividual process. The basic circuit shown features: they are completely self-healing
here is used for explanatory purposes only. even if subjected to over -voltages which
cause arcing between plates; they have
practically zero leakage; and they are de-
signed to slip into standard fuse clips.
The design and construction of vacuum
capacitors are minor triumphs of modern
INPUT
engineering. The accompanying illustration
ci
R
shows the constructional details of a typical
PULSES 7500 -volt vacuum capacitor.
BIAS
BATTERY I17V.A.C.
ro me
FERNIGO HEADER
uRáDÓI VADISG NICKEL WIRE RING
i
Kit of 6 tubes: 25L6. 2528,
SA7
fore, E equals the square root of P x R. P
6SK7'(2) $3.25 $6.95 is 20 and R is 8. Thus E equals the square
less tubes
Write today for FREE Catalog. All mdse. shipped F.O B. New root of 160 which is approximately 12.7
York City, prices subject to change without notice. Include
20% deposit with C.O.D.'S. volts.
EDLIE ELECTRONICS Consequently, when our voltmeter -con-
154 Greenwich St. DI. 9-3143 New York 6, N. Y. nected across the 8 -ohm output terminals
-reads 12.7 volts, we have reached the
amplifier's rated output of 20 watts. We
now disconnect the input signal and short
VEST POCKET RADIO the input. Naturally, the voltage to be ex-
pected with no input signal should be
quite small. But whatever is present will
PACKS be noise and hum within the amplifier cir-
AMAZING POWER! cuit itself. Again, consulting our voltmeter
Owners report COAST - (still connected at the 8 -ohm terminals)
TO -COAST reception we discover that it reads 3 millivolts (0.003
on this tiny, hearing volts) .
aid tube radio. Truly, a To determine the number of "minus deci-
gem of electronic mag- bels" the hum level is with respect to the
ic, this little set must 20 watts output, we must first get our
delight you or your voltage ratio, which is 0.003 over 12.7.
money back. Fully fin-
ished PRE -FAB kit in- This comes to approximately 0.00024. Since
cludes attractive plas-
tic case, fibre chassis
POST-
PAID 299 we are dealing with a, loss in voltage, we
consult the 1st column of our table, and
with battery clips and we find there is no figure like our 0.00024!
soldering terminals, high-gain ferrite tuner, Therefore, we must interpolate. The
low drain hearing -aid tubes, switch, mini-
ature resistors and condensers and many nearest significant figure to our ratio of
other finished parts. Anyone can assemble 0.00024 happens to be 0.251. This gives us
in 30 minutes, no radio experience needed. minus 12 db. But our ratio is about one -
Clear picture plan shows every connection. thousandth, or 10's, of 0.251. We, therefore,
Batteries and hearing -aid earset extra at consult the 10-s value in the same column
$1.10 for batteries and $3.90 for dime -sized and discover we must add another minus
hearing-aid earset. Regular size headphone 60 db to the minus 12 we already have.
can be used if desired. Thus our final answer is minus 72 db.
SEND ONLY $1.00 WITH ORDER . . . This means the hum level of the amplifier
BALANCE C.O.D. is 72 decibels below its rated output, which
TRANSI -MITE RADIO LAB Manteo, No. Car.
puts it well below the level at which it
could be heard.
114 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
PI`
Conversely, this means that if an am- sound level indicator. This is actually an
plifier is rated at 20 watts output with a assembly of a microphone, an amplifier,
hum level of minus 72 db, the actual volt- and an a.c. voltmeter calibrated to provide
age measured across its 8 -ohm output ter- a db reading which corresponds to human
minals with no signal input should not hearing levels. On this meter, zero db rep-
exceed 0.003 volts. resents the threshold of hearing. This
Three main types of meters are used for meter is used by acoustics technicians to
measuring db directly, without the need for determine hearing conditions in auditori-
calculating values by the use of logarithms ums and theaters.
or the table. The simplest and possibly the In summary, the decibel is used to ex-
most familiar type is the "output meter" press any ratio of power, voltage, current,
or the decibel scale found on many multi - acoustic energy, etc. whether it be a gain
meters. This is actually an a.c. voltmeter relationship or a loss. It can be used to
calibrated to read the number of db that express the range of a symphony orchestra
expresses a ratio between the power being and then to determine how much ampli-
fed into the meter and some fixed refer- fication is needed to carry the music across
ence level, usually 6 milliwatts. The meter lines of certain distance in order to fill a
calibration assumes that the voltage is hall of a certain size or cut a particular
measured across 500 ohms resistance. This recording. Any type of gain or loss in any
type of meter is used in determining the circuit may be expressed in decibels which
relative outputs of various audio circuits provide a quick and accurate key to the
and is also used in receiver alignment.
The "VU meter" is similar to the output operating conditions of the circuit. The
meter, except the reference level is 1 milli - advantage of using decibels is that it per-
watt in 600 ohms resistance. In addition, mits the simple addition of ratios to obtain
the VU meter has time -constant charac- complete gain and loss data whereas using
teristics which determine its response to E, I, or P ratios would involve multi-
voltage peaks, such as "sound bursts" or plication and division. For example, it is
other short time interval peaks. It is widely easier to add 25 db and 36 db than it is to
used in broadcasting and recording studios multiply the corresponding gain figures of
to monitor the output levels of programs. 316.2 and 4000, to get the total gain of two
A third type of decibel meter is the amplifiers in cascade. END
4.e Concord vt
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With cathode follower output.
Inputs for FM tuner, phono, tape recorder and-
Jerry and Carl had very quietly and un- u other signal sources.
obtrusively slipped into the Anderson Model TM15P (with Cabinet)___._..._Net $19.95
house as soon as the policeman arrived, 1
but they had not escaped his notice. As he L
got back into the squad car he said re- AC /DC SUPERHET
flectively to his fellow officer, "You know, T RADIO KIT:
every time there's some excitement, that Receives all
tall tow -headed kid with the glasses and standard AM
the short fat one are right on the spot. I broadcasts, 550.
wonder how come."
Inside the Anderson home, Carl and
K 1720 KC. 5 tubes
including rect.
Super- sensitIve
high gain cir-
Jerry sat on a couch and grinned at each cuit with built -in loop antenna.
other rather sheepishly. Model 3B5 -K: Complete with all tubes. and
"That's the end of my Field Day balloon handsome bakelite cabinet .....................Net $19.95
and your experiment," Carl said slowly,
"but I guess neither of us minds too much. T Write for latest catalog
of complete Tech- Master line
It was worth it just to let Grandpa Gru-
ber get a good look at one of his saucer
folks. I just hope I've got half his zip and
S TECH- MASTER
-
Television Radio
CORPORATION
-
Audio
fire when I'm that old." END 75 Front Street, Brooklyn 1, N. Y.
i Ifa "e
off" above these frequencies.
Cartridges are still another "Achilles heel" in
Send for your the reproduction of ultra -low frequencies. The
RADIO CO. average magnetic reluctance or moving coil type
FREE Copy 1125 PINE ST. ST. LOUIS 1, MO. of cartridge is fairly "flat" down to 30 cycles and
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WALTER ASHE RADIO CO. PE-3-55 imposition of low organ frequencies is that their
1125 Pine St., St. Louis 1, Mo. amplitude or lateral "swing" on the disc is so
Rush FREE Copy of New 1955 Catalog. great that it takes a cartridge with an extremely
Nome compliant sylus to track them properly. Only the
most expensive moving coil types of cartridge will
Address respond as low as 20 cycles with good tracking,
City Zone State and about the only thing you can use to get a true
16 cycles is the expensive frequency modulation
pickup. There are many other variables involved
in low frequency reproduction, such as cone reso-
nance and even room size, but I believe that it is
Easy to learn in (i0 to ill) days with obvious that low frequency reproduction is a diffi-
Home Study Course. RESULTS GUARANTEED.!
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FRED MAHER SCHOOL OF VENTRILOQUISM
Box 36, Studio PE -3 Kensington Station the harmonics of ultra low stuff. In other words,
Detroit 24, Michigan
instead of 20 you hear 40 cycles, and instead of 30,
all popular size tubes. Simple to operate quencies, the Cook gets the laurel. If the most r
-Fully guaranteed. ORDER TODAY! musical and best balanced sound is desired, then
ONLY $5.00 -Post Paid. Send Cash,
$500 Check or M.O. Dept. PE -53 the choice is the Columbia disc. Incidentally, the
BAUMBACH ENG. CO. San oFe nandO r calif, Columbia disc also has the Passacaglia and Fugue
and other Bach works as an added virtue. The
GET INTO ELECTRONICS Cook may be more attractive to some by virtue
of a lower price.
You can enter this uncrowded, interesting field. Defense expan-
sion, new developments demand trained specialists. Study all After our exploration in the realm of the organ,
phases radio & electronics .henry and practice: TV; FM: broad-
casting: servicing; aviation, r ine . police radio. 18 -month let's return to the symphonic repertoire. The mod-
course. Graduates in demand by major mpanies. H. S. or
equivalent required. Begin Jan., March, cJulie, Sept. Campus ern work for this month's column is the Third
life. Write for Catalog. Symphony by the well known American com-
VALPARAISO TECHNICAL INSTITUTE poser, Aaron Copland. We will not have any diffi-
Dept. PE Valparaiso, Ind. culty deciding which is the best recording of this
122 POPULAR ELECTRONICS
work, since there is only one in the LP catalogue.
Happily, this recording is one of the finest exam-
ples of hi -fi sound available. The work is played
by the Minneapolis Symphony orchestra conducted GOV'r SURPLUS E.E8
by Antal Dorati and is on the Mercury label SIGNAL CORPS
MG50018. Don't brush off this work by listening
to the first few minutes and then deciding that FIELD TELEPHONE
A private phone or Intercom system. Easy,
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reception up to 15 miles. Operates m two
ulous scoring and awesome sound you've ever en- standard batteries. Several phones may be
countered! There is a section in the symphony used on the some line. Set contains g-
Ing leather carrying
known as the "Fanfare" which, for sheer power, is case and one. Each set is a 7 9
hard to beat. You will hear the super -clean, bright reconditioned & checked -out.
blare of massed trumpets playing in a high regis- Complete circuit - Set of 2 50
ter, the explosive articulation of tympani, and tre- Pay by Abney Order or Check. P.O.'s accepted Ram D&B firms.
mendous blasts of bass drum. Top all this with the SO% deposit with C.O.D.'s. Paces F.O.B. Los Angeles.
«
The Sightmaster Corporation, New Ro- ment service. Prep, courses. Approved for Korean
Vets. Enter March, June, Sept., Jan. Low cost.
chelle, N. Y., has issued its 1955 catalogue. 1Write Jean McCarthy for Catalog, View Book, "Your
Career" Book.
While limited to descriptions of Sight - 3635 College Ave.
TRI -STATE COLLEGE Angola, Indiana
master's own units, the booklet covers
every type of component used in the home,
including TV sets that may be integrated
into a hi -fi system. Valuable notes on audio Super -sensitives Only
uses
1V.. lbs.! Fits pocket -
flashlight battery. Find e fortune in tira.
reproduction are included. nium. Order Nowt Send $5.00, balance
C.O.D. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. FREE
Both catalogues are amply illustrated CATALOG- scintillator and larger uranium
and contain prices and purchasing infor- and metal detecrors. DEALERS WANTED.
T1r
GENERAL DIPOLE LOOP
0000
TYPE
FERRITE
DYNAMIC
-!
VELOCITY CRYSTAL
CRY
TRANSFORMERS
BATTERIES ,/,'Jlll
NEON BULB PILOT LIGHT
A
°- /1
AIR CORE IRON CORE AIR CORE
VARIABLE
SINGLE -CELL MULTI- CELL \S1J
Y
6
1
PHONO PICKUPS PLUG OR SOCKET III
á
I
oll
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CAPACITORS Ie I IRON CORE
VAR ABLE
POWDERED
IRON CORE
AUTO
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1-s
J
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CRYSTAL MAGNETIC O
CT FILAMENTS
FIXED MICA ELECTROLYTIC VARIABLE RECEPTACLE 117 V. RECORDING HEAD
OR PAPER PRIMARY
CAPACITORS
GANGED \
-r
MAGNETIC
TRIMMER
OR PADDER SPLIT -STATOR
1
FEED-THRU
V Co
¡ (ITV. CT HIGH VOLTAGE
-MRRS"\-
FIXED RF COIL
-(0q00 L -15-07r- T POWER TRANSFORMER
COILWITH FIXED COIL WITH RELAYS
TAp VARIABLE TAP
(:-- c=__ TUBES
¡J 0 -M ^'
VARIABLE
-1 ISZFD0-1. C01 L OR CHOKE
IRON CORE PLATE
OR CHOKE
GRID
SLUG -TUNED
BIFILAR COIL S.PS T. SPST S P.DT.
NORMALLY OPEN NORMALLY CLOSED
HEALERS
CRYSTALS ORF ES. CATHODE
RESISTORS DIODE TRIODE TETROGE
V `m~ PLATE
CRYSTAL DETECTOR PIEZOELECTRIC GENERAL TAPPED OR
CAP
CRYSTAL ADJUSTABLE
GRID
FUSE GROUNDS SURPRESSOR CAP
_ == SCREEN
POTENTIOMETER CONTINUOUSLY CONTROL
OR RHEOSTAT
//!/ //%
VARIABLE
V DIODE
1}
_
4. WIRING CHASSIS SHIELDING SPEAKERS PLATE
PENTODE
HEADPHONES i
11V1
I I P.M.
DOTTED
SHIELDING
SBIEARING.
COULD BE AROUND ELECTRO-
DOUBLE SINGLE ANY COMPONENT OR MAGNETIC - --
GROUPS
^V 2
^,- S.P.S T. S. P. D.T.
BASE
v
COLLECTOR
JCIRCUi7 SHORTING TYPE
2 CIRCUI4
BUTTON I
P-N -P TYPE
-P -N TYPE SAME
J}
I/
N
/ ¢f
SYMBOL EXCEPT ARROW
IS REVERSED
EMITTER
PHONE PLUG PIN PLUG
PIN JACK
O!
D.PS.T. D.P.OT.
21 TRANSISTOR (JUNCTION)
BOTH TYPES GANGED
VIBRATOR WIRES
METER MOTOR
ROTARY
O
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it ifd -+- CONNECTION
O TYPE
S.P.6 P
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WAFER
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NO
ABBREVIATIONS
a.c.-alternatingcurrent µµf d.-micromicrofarad
a.f.audio frequency mw.- milliwatt
a.f.c.automatic frequency control m.w.- medium wave
a.g.c.-automatic gain control PA-power amplifier
AM- amplitude modulation p.a.-public address
amp.-ampere PM-phase modulation, permanent magnet
ARRL- American Radio Relay League (speaker)
a.v.c.- automatic volume control pos.-position (of a switch)
BCI-interference with broadcast reception pot. -potentiometer
b.f.o. -beat frequency oscillator pri.- primary
cps -cycles per second R- C-resistance- coupled
c.t.-center- tapped R/C -radio control
c.w.- continuous wave rect.- rectifier
db- decibel res.-resistor
dbm- decibels above one milliwatt RETMA- Radio-Electronics -Television Manufactur-
d.c.-direct current ers Association
d.c.c.- double cotton covered (wire) r.f.-radio frequency
d.p.d.t. -double -pole, double -throw r.m.s. -root mean square
d.p.s.t.-double -pole, single -throw sec.-secondary
DX- distance SN- self-neutralizing (escapement)
elec.-electrolytic s.p.d.t.- single -pole, double -throw
FCC -Federal Communications Commission spkr. -loudspeaker
FM- frequency modulation s.p.s.t.-single -pole, single -throw.
freq.-frequency s.w. -short -wave
GMT -Greenwich Mean Time SWL -short -wave listener
hi fi -high fidelity (of sound reproduction) sync. -synchronization
hy.-henry t.-turns (of a coil)
i.f.-intermediate frequency trans.-transformer
K-kilo (one thousand)
TV- television
kc.- kilocycle TVI- interference with television reception
u.h.f. -ultra high frequency
M -mega (one million) v. -volt
ma.-milliampere v.1.0.-variable frequency oscillator
mc.- megacycle v.h.f.-very high frequency
meq.-megohm VR-voltage regulator
mike-microphone, microfarad v.t.v.m.- vacuum-tube voltmeter
mil -milliampere vu- volume unit
m.o.p.a. -master oscillator, power amplifier w. -watt
mu- amplification factor wpm -words per minute
µfd,microfarad xmtr.transmitter
128
POPULAR ELECTRONICS
INSTRUCTION
O/asti/leo' HIGH School -no Classes. Study at home. Spare time.
Diploma awarded. Write for Free Catalog HET -5,
Wayne School, 2527 Sheffield, Chicago 14, Ill.
LEARN Auto Body fender repair at home, spare time.
RATE: 50c per word- minimum 10 words Big money trade. Includes welding, spray painting
metal work. Write for free facts. Autocrafts Training,
Dept. XBK -1, 2523 Sheffield, Chicago 14, Illinois.
FOR SALE PREVIOUS Studies in Science, Engineering, may qual-
ify you for college degree through extension work.
DIAGRAMS: Professional Model Timers, Counters,
Other educational opportunities. Aureak, 156 West
73rd Street, New York City.
Intercoms, Organs, etc. $1.00 each. List free. Parks,
103 S. E. 57th, Portland 15, Oregon.
RADIO Diagrams $1.00; Television $2.00. Give make,
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
model. Diagram Service, 672 -PE, Hartford 1, Conn. TELEVISION Jobs-Names and addresses of compa-
TRANSMITTERS: Top performance. Sensible prices. nies to contact. $1.00. Fitzgerald, Dept. A-22, 815
75 watt CW kit, bandswitching 160 -10, $49.95. 25 watts, Countryside Drive, Wheaton, Illinois.
$19.95. Hart Industries, 467 Parke, Birmingham, Mich-
igan.
CODE Practice Oscillators. Electronic Audio -Visual
MISCELLANEOUS
Trainer, codes, instructions, year warranty $4.00 Post- FREE Condenser and Resistor Code Charts. Largest
paid. Details Free. Stout, 2241A E. Broadway, Mus- stock of parts and tubes in West. We can save you
kegon, Michigan. money. K & L Radio Parts Co., 1406 Venice Blvd.,
RESISTORS, condensers, micas, electrolytics, tubu- Los Angeles 6, Calif.
lars, thousands of new latest types, each piece new, TUBES -TV, Radio, Transmitting, special purpose
usable, some short leads. 10 lbs., $9.50, Prepaid, Cagan types -Bought, Sold, Exchanged. Send details to B. N.
Sales, Box 1152, Rochester, New York. Gensler W2LNI, 136 Liberty St., New York 6, N. Y.
WHOLESALE Speaker Reconing. Send for dealer price DETECTIVES-Experience unnecessary. Detective Par-
list. Prompt service. C. Bernard Smith, 920 So. Euclid ticulars free. Write, Wargner, 125 W. 86th, N. Y.
Ave., Pasadena 5, Calif. TV HOME Repair Manual Straight Forward Instruc-
SIMPLE, inexpensive device automatically controls tions only $1.00. P. O. Box 1344, Milwaukee, Wis.
model trains at crossings, switches. Prevents colli- BECOME A Radio Amateur. Free information on how
sions. Guaranteed. Plans and instructions $1. R & K, to pass Code and Theory FCC examinations. Amer-
5316 Clark, Cleveland 2, Ohio. ican Electronics, 120512 Bryant Ave., New York 59,
PRINTED circuit kit. Newest thing in electronics. Re- N. Y.
places conventional wiring. Fascinating educational GEIGER Counter and Metal Detector Kits. Inexpen-
kit complete with laminate, chemicals, etc. Only $2.00 sive, Educational. Free Literature. Electronic Appli-
postpaid. Springfield Enterprises, Box 54 -E3, Spring- cations, Dept. B, 5024 Lee Highway, Arlington 7, Va.
field Gardens 13, New York. BECOME Master hypnotist. (Send stamp.) Hypno-
INCREDIBLE! One tube radio receives television, FM master, Box 1061 -118, Escondido, Calif.
broadcast, CAP, and amateurs without antenna or MODEL and Builder vs the atmosphere; money prizes;
ground. Diagram with special tube only $2.00. Wired free manual, Merlotti Model Company, Box 655, Fon-
and tested chassis $2.00. Thousands in use by ama- tana, California.
teurs, civil defense, experimenters. Springfield Enter-
prises, Box 54 -E3, Springfield Gardens 13, New York. TROUBLESHOOTING and repair of any project from
"Popular Electronics." Only $1.00 plus return post-
SOLAR battery converts light into electrical energy. age. 48 hour service. Springfield Enterprises, Box
Lasts indefinitely. Excellent for powering transistors. 54 -E3, Springfield Gardens 13, New York.
5,000 microamps output! Springfield Enterprises, Box BUILD your own electronic organ, or electronic brain.
54 -E3, Springfield Gardens 13, New York.
Jim Kirk, 1522 -A Church, San Francisco 14, California.
WALKIE-Talkie. Build a real wireless two -way port- WRIST -Radio! 400 mile reception while wearing, own
able radiophone for less than $10.00. Plans 50c. antenna. Build -it- yourself book $1.98. Money back
Springfield Enterprises, Box 54 -E3, Springfield Gar- guarantee. Huckert Electronics, Box 7400 -L, Wash-
dens 13, New York. ington 4, D. C.
50 ASSORTED New Resistors $1.00 Postpaid. Test
INVENTIONS WANTED Equipment Repair -Kits constructed and rebuilt. Free
list. Bigelow Electronics, Beulah, Mich.
INVENTIONS wanted. Patented; unpatented. Global "CRYSTAL Set beginners-Free gifts for stamp."
Marketing Service, 1404 Mitchell, Oakland 1, Calif. Mailmart Box 92, Paramus, N. J.
.¡z
cLv
5 COLOR RADIAL
JABCD
LEAD
JAN TYPE
1(0O O O O O O
0
* ABC
G D G G C
0 0 (10
in hundreds of volts; (E) is used SILVER A B BUTTON SILVER MICA
0
H D
Il
only for ratings less than 1000
volts, (E) and (F) for first two
...4 (o o
O O O
I
G
yB 5 COLOR AXIAL LEAD
-ran
digits of ratings 1000 volts or i 3rd DIGIT
(
O
G C D C H ABC()
more. Values of colors for (E)
and (F) are same as in resist-
ance values. (G) is class or
FLAT COWL.
BLACK BODY
TYPES
E
6
DOT
OBSOLETE
A
o 9%
_ (o000
B
_(000
3rd DIGIT
RMA
ABC
SYSTEMS
5 DOT
ABC
0 5 COLOR
üüllll
HA BC
0 00
STAND -OFF
D
L
""
-,,,,,
.i 00}. (AC
A B G E D
not listed in the tables, since 0 0 0
(000>0I-DOT 000 Oó0
H D
J
ra 3v S -53A The finest small communications receiver Electrical bandspread for easy tuning. Two -f
i
has Brand
Model
CW
New
HT -30
and
ilbrated in kc.
very much wanted
Single Sideband AM and
Transmitter/Exciter.
Highly stable VFO with full 100:1
ratio gear drive system built -in, cal -
In Canada:
The HALLICRAFTERS COMPANY
Toronto 17, Ontario
hicago 24 Illinois Don Mills Road Box 27, Station R