[Boatanchors] Receiver Technology

[Fuqua, Bill L]

   Why not discuss Radio Receiver Technology.  Is all that some of you can offer is opinions about ARRL? Do you have some technical knowledge you wish to share? 
The question about variable frequency first IF was a good one. And anyone that used a Converter in front of a AM Broadcast receiver had one. And why did it take so long to make use of product detectors?  The Marconi actually had a balanced crystal detector with a BFO very early which I guess made it the firt direct conversion receiver using a product detector.  Althought, direct conversion receivers were used early on which were crystal receivers and a local (Beat Freqeucny) oscillator. 
   73
Bill wa4lav

________________________________________
From: boatanchors-bounces at puck.nether.net [boatanchors-bounces at puck.nether.net] On Behalf Of Robert Groh [rgroh at swbell.net]
Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2011 11:25 AM
To: Wilson Lamb; boatanchors at puck.nether.net
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Receiver Technology

Amen, Wilson.  Well said.

73
Bob Groh, WA2CKY
Another 'oldie but goodie' ham.

________________________________
From: Wilson Lamb <infomet at embarqmail.com>
To: Kludge <wh7hg.hi at gmail.com>; boatanchors at puck.nether.net
Cc: Woody & Lisa Woodward <tastefuldemos at aol.com>
Sent: Sun, January 16, 2011 10:06:28 AM
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Receiver Technology

QST is not all I'd like, but it's pretty good for a lot of people.
I never know what the ARRL's "agenda" is, but I hear a lot about it. Maybe someone will tell us.

No organization as large as ARRL can make everyone happy, but I think we owe them the existence of our hobby, to a major degree if not totally, so I appreciate them.  Doubly so since I'm too lazy to do much on my own!

If  you really want technical reading, there are countless texts and journals that can swamp at least 95% of us.  Ham Radio was good, but over most hams heads.  Wayne Green was a jerk, but 73 was good for simple construction articles.  Face it, most technically competent hams are trained in a technical field and do technical work.  Joe Taylor would have won his prize even without his ham license.  It is important, however, to expose kids to technical stuff, since it often leads them into technical careers. Read The Big Ear, about John Kraus.

I grew up with oldtime hams and the truth is that there were many appliance ops all along.  My dad held the hands of several to help them pass their tests and when they passed they bought rigs and got help with them from then on.  Yes, they at least showed the grit remember enough to pass, but they often never did anything more technical than ragchew on phone for the rest of their lives.

SO, how can we make ARRL more like we want it to be?

Get on CW and show us your skill.
Write a semitechnical article for QST, with explanations of technology that will help the masses improve their minds.
Send in some pictures of the nice gear you have built.
Teach a few license classes and start a ham club at your local high school or college.
Work with your ARES group to set up real interfaces with local government.  It doesn't matter if there are no real emergencies.
  The publicity and involvement are good for both sides.

Meanwhile, be greatful that ARRL has helped swell our numbers and that a dedicated staff of professional employees and volunteers works to preserve our privileges.  As for me, I consider membership a screaming bargain and I wish every ham would join!

Wilson
W4BOH