RCA AR88D Comms Reciever

[Tedzed1]

Thanks for that Lawrence, time now to order some capacitors and to do some in depth reading on all the information that is out
there on the AR88.

[pwdrive]

No worries Paul, lot's of info out there, down loadable manuals etc. I've still got mine to recap and go through etc, it is running ok and I have used it many times, it works very well.

Lawrence.

[Joe]

As regards the perspex window I suppose it could be replicated, graphics wise it's fairly simple. The white is the awkward one, maybe some of the other forum members have ideas to deal with that.

I can think of two ways 'round that. Either change the white to a colour which CAN be printed (there's no point worrying about 'Authenticity' as whatever you do won't be Authentic as it'll always be something you've knocked up in 2012, not something made by RCA sixty years ago) or leave it blank and then paint the rear side.

- Joe

[pwdrive]

Would a "mucky" white print to clear (transparent) sheet? Failing that a stencil could be made? If you look at an AR88 perspex window its really just the three thin seperate window outlines in white that is a challenge, the rest can be done no problem. Anymore thoughts?

Lawrence.

[Tedzed1]

Just had a look in my stockpile, and I found a load of 0.0047uf poly caps rated at 630V, also found some 0.22uf also rated at 630V
so I think I can make a start.

I presume to start by replacing C117, C118 & C122 with the 0.0047uf, then replace the three 0.25uf in the bathtub with 0.22uf.
Is this correct?

[pwdrive]

I would say so. Make sure that where appropriate the capacitors are connected the correct way round in referance to stray pick up etc ie: the band on a tubular capacitor normally signifies the outer foil, this is normally connected to the most "earthy" end of the circuit, more important for decouplers etc. Anyone else have any thoughts?

Lawrence.

[Tedzed1]

Came Across this handy link today:

http://www.qsl.net/w/w2vtm//88/

[pwdrive]

Hi Paul, thanks for that, a couple of good SW Mag. articles in there.

Lawrence.

[Tedzed1]

YUM, now this I would certainly consider, especially at the start price.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Racal-...7675.m1986&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29%26meid%3D3804428622007683756%26pid%3D100013%26prg%3D1013%26rk%3D4%26sd%3D180909274578%26

I must have caught the bug.

[pwdrive]

Yep, I reckon you got the bug Paul, get yer bid in! The RA 17 was a British icon in receiver design, Wadley Loop and all that, anywhere from around £80 to £600 on Ebay depending on your luck and the receivers condition, don't own one myself but I have it's brother the RA 117, it works very well but I need to go through it at sometime, also managed to get a sideband adaptor for it as well, not tried that yet.
I reckon you ought to get a half decent HRO next then I can chat about it 'till the cows come home.

Lawrence.