CRYSTALFEST 08
"was held" OCT 25-26 CAVE SRINGS, ARKANSAS
[posted 102808]
Attending:
front: Andy W5IWL, Doris K5BNQ, Guy WB5MXO, Queen Mum Pat NØGZZ,
back: Phil WØXI, Kevin N1NQC, Mark Hampton, & Evan NØGMR.
not pictured: Lavona Hampton, Mrs. Evan Haydon, Jim Scott, and Jesus Ramirez.
A great time was had by all! A number of crystal sets were displayed and discussed at length, see below.
Our host was Mark Hampton of Cave Springs. Thank you Mark!
Above left is Mark's regen rig; a work of beauty! The front panel is backed with pcb copper to reduce hand capacity. A "BIDCO" transformer is prominently featured at center. One of Mark's crystal sets is displayed above at right. A very unique and fun feature are the white and red "friction" wheels, used to obtain vernier tuning of the attached capacitors. Selectivity is adjusted by moving the tank coil at right relative to the antenna coil at left. The match-box below connects the top of the tank to phones. We listened to this set late Saturday; it was a pleasure!
One of Evan's early crystal sets is shown above left and right. Nice knobs! The real surprise is what we found inside. Note the very nice use of the Atwater Kent right-angle gear combination to provide vernier tuning! The basket weave coils run their taps to the switches at the bottom of the front panel. We didn't fire this one up; but, it's a beaut!
[picture courtesy Andy W5IWL] Phil, Kevin, and Evan, measuring the Q of Evan's basket-wave coil. Q measured 1200, using the Q TRAP Measurement Method, which uses a 50-ohm system, generator at frequency, trap, step attenuator, and scope.
Evan's DX contesting winning set is pictured above. Sets of coils are used for portions of the AM band, all 660 Litz basket-weavers! Yup! You guessed it; their Q exceeded 1,200! Not shown is a double-front panel, wherein a second set of 8-1 vernier drives are installed to link up with the two shown in the picture, providing 36-l tuning! Cermanic balancing couplers make the tuning "silky" smooth. Sound powered phones round out this double-tuned set. Coil spacing provides selectivity/sensitivity adjustment.
Andy's pancake-style coils are shown in the rig at right. Very nice looking construction!
You missed an action packed fest including a wide variety of discussions. Plan on making it next year. Bring your rigs for show and tell!
[posted 081008] Cave Springs is just south of Bentonville and in the NW corner of Arkansas.
In the summer of 2006 Josh Young of Springfield MO invited folks to his garage for a meeting. A small but enthusiastic number attended and decided summer was too hot. In October 2007 attendance doubled and it was decided to continue this fun-filled event. Our goal for this year is 30 plus!
The 2008 session will be hosted by Mark Hampton at the Cave Springs Community Center from 9:00 AM until Dark:30PM. The event will be very informal and free although Mark is asking us for donations to defray costs.
Activity will include whatever you want: coil winding, Q testing, showing off, DX listening, repairing test equipment, radio building, horse trading, idea and knowledge sharing including this year some words of wisdom from Grampa Phil (WØXI) on Saturday afternoon, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced projects/ideas.
Litz wire and an winder with mandrel will be available to wind a basket-weave coil. We've included a bench of equipment to measure the Q of that coil, using the Trap Q Measurement Method.
There will be plenty of table space, electricity available and a vacant lot next door with big trees for antennas. Bring some sets and stories for show and tell; and, bring the soldering irons, small toolbox, and parts for mak’in stuff. Don't forget to bring stuff to trade!
Of course, all attendees will be expected to pay proper homage to the Crystal Queen upon entrance to the Community Center.
Please contact Mark or the Queen (Patricia) to let us know you will attend.
Local Hotels:
Days Inn Suites, 3408 S Moberly Lane, Jct 71 bypass & 71 Bus, Bentonville, AR, 72712.
ph 479-271-7900, about $50/day.
Travelodge, Bentonville, AR, 479-273-9727, about $50/day.
Super 8 Bentonville, AR
Super 8 Rogers/Bentonville, AR
