[Heath] HW-16 transceiver questions

[Robert Groh]

On #1 - the fuse vs breaker question - breakers are fine and offer (typically) a somewhat delayed response to better accommodate input current surge (as you charge the filter caps).  And you don't need to dig around to find a replacement if the breaker opens - just wait a bit and pop it in - so, for the user, score some extra points for convenience. Having a breaker also means (for Heathkit) that you don't have to worry about someone putting the wrong value or the wrong type of circuit protection in. 

Having said all that, the negative is that the breaker has some thermal sensitivity and they will fail due to age.

Frankly I think a fuse is fine although I would recommend using a time delay fuse for the turn on surge.

Keep us appraised on what you find out on the rest of your list.

73
Bob Groh, WA2CKY





________________________________
 From: John Klingelhoeffer <wb4lnm at aol.com>
To: heath at puck.nether.net 
Sent: Friday, March 7, 2014 8:58 PM
Subject: [Heath] HW-16 transceiver questions
 


A couple of quick questions to the group regarding the HW-16 CW transceiver I am currently refurbishing. 

1) I notice this has a circuit breaker in the mains primary instead of fuses.  Seems like this is unusual for a Heathkit.  This one is working fine, but I'm wondering if there have been any electrical safety problems with that approach over the years the HW-16 has been in the wild? (note:  I've already changed to a 3-wire grounding AC mains cord and plug.) 

2) I'd have to believe that the transmitter met the FCC requirements for harmonic and spurious emissions at the time it was designed and manufactured, but has anyone taken measurements on an HW-16 'lately' to see if it meets current requirements?  

3) Has anyone come up with an AGC circuit for the HW-16 that works without adversely affecting the very good full-break-in QSK keying functionality?  Running with no AGC is a real pain both operationally and on the ears.  

4)  Has anyone come up with a more pleasing sidetone oscillator that is simple to integrate into the current circuity (phase-shift oscillator or something) rather than the somewhat raucous and raspy neon bulb relaxation oscillator?  I'd sure like an internal sidetone option with a more pleasing tone.   I can adjust the amplitude of the current oscillator, but the waveform is just downright lousy.  

Thanks and 73                WB4LNM




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