North Florida Amateur Radio Society
W4IZ Jacksonville FL
nofars.net
Editor: Billy Williams, N4UF
n4uf
Page Two
The Balanced Modulator, Page Two contains articles recently published on the main page along with permanent and semi-permanent items.
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NOFARS IS ON MEETUP.COM
Membership in NOFARS Meetup group is open to licensed hams and those interested in Amateur Radio. Included are dates and details of NOFARS activities.....gatherings, testing sessions, monthly meetings, etc.
Joining is not necessary to view our page
To join, enter your e-mail address and preferred password. You'll receive an e-mail. Follow the link in the e-mail and you'll become a member.
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HAMUNIVERSE.COM
Hamuniverse.com is a free internet site with something of interest for hams of all skill levels, according to Don Butler, N4UJW.
Don invites you to check it out. The site includes antenna design details, ham radio tips & tricks, license study, repeater info, forums, product reviews and more.
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NOFARS WAYBACK RADIO NIGHT FEATURES VETERANS
February 8th was Wayback Radio Night at NOFARS. Previous wayback presentations highlighted local ham radio. This time we traced the history of the U.S. Army Signal Corps and the role of hams during WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
Several NOFARS members and military veterans who worked in electronics and communications spoke about their jobs and highlights of their military service.
ARMY SIGNAL CORPS
The U. S. Army Signal Corps formed at the start of the Civil War. With limited telegraph capability, tactical battlefield communications relied on messengers and soldiers placed at high points relaying messages using flags.
Crossed flags on the Signal Corps emblem reflect these early times. Both the Union and Confederacy had a signal corps.
During the Spanish-American War, wired telephones came into use though not widely.
Communications capabilities played a major role in Allied victories during World War I and World War II. When these wars began, U.S. communicators and technicians were in short supply.
Planners turned to hams to fill gaps. Many volunteered and used their civilian-acquired skills to aid military efforts. Some took their equipment with them to Europe during WWI.
By the start of World War II in late 1941, electronic gear for ground troops included SCR-536 portable "handheld" units, SCR-299 mobile radios and SCR-300 backpack sets.
Radar units like the SCR-584 ground station helped change the direction of WWII. Lighter weight avionics communications electronics equipment became available.
During the Korean War, equipment usedby battlefield communicators included mothballed gear from WWII along with improved VHF equipment.
Introduction of high-powered troposcatter systems improved war zone communications in Korea and Vietnam.
During the Vietnam War, virtually no satellite service was available and maintaining thousands of miles of landline wire through enemy-infested provinces was unfeasible. The Signal Corps undertook one of its biggest communications projects ever as U.S. troop strength increased.
The Integrated Wireless Communications System (IWCS) provided nationwide military telephone service and data capability using relatively few relay points.
Later this year, the Balanced Modulator will include a more detailed history of military communications and the U. S. Army Signal Corps. Written contributions are welcome from NOFARS members and others who served as military communicators.
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AMERICAN RADIO HISTORY WEBSITE
A superb website with an impressive selection of reference books, old electronics magazines, technical publications and much more is American Radio History.
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UHF Antenna: Diamond X-30 and 9913 Coax
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
UHF reception can sometimes have weak or dead spots. I decided it was time to replace my magnetic base antenna placed on a metal file cabinet inside my home. Sometimes RF energy inside can do undesirable things such as turning on a paper shredder and switching on a touch lamp.
I purchased a Diamond X30A 2m/70 cm dual-band base antenna which is rated for 150 watts, has a wind rating of 135 MPH and comes pre-tuned for both bands.
I selected the model with UHF SO-239 connector. Remarkably, the SWR checked out at less than 1.1 to 1 on both bands.
I would recommend this antenna to someone who needs a stealth antenna and lives in a deed restricted community. The white radome is 4 feet long and the three radials are about 6 inches long.
Also purchased was a pre-made jumper made of 9913 flex type coaxial cable with PL259 male connectors at both ends. Although I know how to properly prepare coax for soldering to connectors, I decided to get one manufactured from Cable Xperts. The cable next to the connectors was heat shrinked.
There are poorly-designed cables on the market. Good quality cable will usually be marked on the cable with the manufacturer’s name. Belden is known for good quality. Some cable may even be marked for measurement, so you will know how many feet are on the cable.
Using the right cable, quality cable and good soldering connections will put more power to the antenna.
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FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE YAESU FTM-100DR DIGITAL VOICE MOBILE
By Henry Mastrangelo, WB4LEQ
Here are first impressions of my brand new Yaesu FTM-100DR mobile radio. First let me say that in my opinion, Yaesu is outpacing its competition with their marketing. At $319 for a dual-band (one band at a time), 50-watt mobile radio with the capabilities packed in this box....I think it’s hard to beat.
When I powered the radio up for the first time, the first thing I noticed was how bright the LCD screen is. I don’t think my poor eye sight will have any trouble with the screen during the day in the truck. Setting up the radio was very intuitive and the menu appeared to be very similar to that of my FT1DR which I was somewhat familiar with.
Within 10 minutes of getting the radio out of the box I was on the air making contacts on analog and digital C4FM.
The build quality is what you would normally expect from Yaesu; however after using my Kenwood and Icom radios I have grown accustomed to a mobile microphone that has some mass and a PTT button with a definite click when pressed. The Yaesu microphone (standard on their newer radios) seems to be sturdy enough; however, the PTT button is very sensitive and has no click when pressed.
I am told that by pressing the PTT quickly that it will change the mode of the radio (i.e. C4FM to FM). This happened to me early on because I keep my thumb on the PTT button and didn’t realize it when I changed modes inadvertently. So I’ll have to learn to keep my finger off the trigger.
The contacts I have made (on digital C4FM) thru the W4IZ 444.400 repeater and WIRES X have been nothing but amazing. I would have never thought I could talk to people hundreds if not thousands of miles away on our local repeater. On the way to work I made a contact on St. Mary’s road just outside the King's Bay base thru the UHF repeater. I worked VK6RO in Perth, Australia on C4FM.
The audio quality is quite good and at 2 watts of audio output, I am sure that this radio will be heard in the noisiest environments. The FTM-100DR also performed equally as well on standard FM. The sound on, what appears to be larger than my Kenwood speaker, was rattle free, clear and crisp.
Well that’s my out of the box first impressions of the Yaesu FTM-100DR. Overall, I give the radio a thumbs up for price and value.
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Trans World Radio, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles AM 800 KHz, 250 KW
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
While on a vacation recently I had the pleasure to seeing Trans World Radio (TWR) in Bonaire. I have an old QSL card from 1965 confirming reception on 11.730 MHz.
It appears that they have shut down their shortwave broadcasts from Bonaire. Other countries are also shutting down shortwave operation. Radio Australia is probably the latest. 1
However, TWR is operational on 800 KHz with 250 KW and plans to increase to power to 500 KW. 2
High power AM broadcast transmitters are extremely huge consumers of commercial power.
Several things noticed on this visit include the high expense of electricity. Commercial power is very costly on the island and there is no natural gas. Power is generated from solar, wind turbines, and diesel generators. Many street lights are solar powered. Fuel has to be brought into the island by ship.
I saw a large wind farm with approximately twenty gigantic blade turbines. Bonaire is blessed with continuous winds that come from the same direction.
Salt production is done on the island. Large flat land ponds are filled with the ocean water and then closed off and the brine mixture allowed to evaporate. The salt is later washed and the salt crystals become shinny. The rocks that sometimes get in the water softener bags is from the volcanic rock that is scooped up when the salt is harvested.
The TWR AM transmitter site is next to an expansive salt pond, Salt water is an excellent electrical conductor and a perfect ground system. However, being around salt evaporation ponds creates corrosion problems with copper transmission lines, coils, potentiometers, keeping the towers from rust, etc.
The island has problems just as we have here with copper thieves. The antenna array consists of four 200 ft towers.
References:
1. ARRL Newsletter, Feb 9, 2017
2. TWR.org
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BURNED BY SOLAR PANELS
By Billy Williams, N4UF
The February 18th Bloomberg Businessweek includes an interesting account about a California ham's roof-mounted solar panels and problems that cost his estate when administrators sold his home after his death.
Michael "Jug" Jogoleff, WA6MBZ passed away at age 70 in 2017 after battling cancer and other chronic ailments. In Sun Burned, author Esme Deprez--who purchased the home--describes Jug as a "consummate ham (who) could build anything."
"Radios and computers were packed into every square inch of space he could find....and his roof bristled with every form of antenna."
Members of the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club, founded in 1920, mourned that Amateur Radio had lost "one of the last of the real hams."
When Deprez made an offer to buy Jugs home, the solar panel array on the roof appeared to be a nice bonus.
STRINGS ATTACHED
Though the estate administrator was apparently delivering a free and clear title to the home, Deprez learned just before entering escrow that the solar panel vendor, Sunrun, Inc., held a de facto lien on the home.
The claim was included in a contract that Jug signed only eight months before he died. Instead of purchasing the panels, Jug agreed to a 20-year lease. Any subsequent purchaser of his home was bound to continue making monthly payments to Sunrun.
The supposed incentive was a substantial monthly savings in electric bills. After running calculations, Deprez found that Sunrun's aggresive sales force had exaggerated the savings. In reality, Jug's savings were very marginal.
THIRD PARTY OWNERS (TPOs)
California allows solar power Third Party Owners (TPOs) to install solar panels on home rooftops and lease them to owners.
Advocates claim that TPOs extend residential solar power benefits to many more homeowners since no upfront money is required. A company like Sunrun also claims a tax credit since it still owns the panels.
The homeowner pays a monthly bill to the TPO. In Jug's case, the panels allegedly generated 85% of his power consumption with a projected $23 savings each month. Deprez's financial analysis showed that she would save very little, if anything.
The 20-year lease also included annual payment increases and other adverse stipulations. The cost to break the lease was $27,300.
Shade from a neighbor's tree reduced efficiency of Jug's panels.
After Deprez threatened legal action to force it to deliver a clear title, the estate paid Sunrun to retire the lease.
She wondered what Jug's motivation was for contracting with Sunrun. Was he a "gray green"--an older person committed to saving the planet? Comments from family members and area hams indicated that Jug did everything to save money.
ONLY ONE TPO IN FLORIDA
California allows multiple TPOs to compete. But in Florida, only one TPO is authorized to lease panels--Sunrun.
The article concludes that "offering rooftop solar setups worth thousands of dollars for no money down requires weaving an intricate financial web."
One that catches unsuspecting homeowners in it.
Beware!
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Satellite Phones
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
Recently many areas of the United States have been damaged by hurricanes and flooding. Watching the news reports on television, we have noticed the deployment of satellite phones. These are great to have when cellular communication is down. Several news reporters have handed their satellite phone over to hurricane victims so they could make health and welfare calls to loved family members.
Amateur radio also plays a big part in making communications available but remember the FCC rules prohibit calls of a pecuniary nature. Calling your insurance company, over amateur radio on an autopatch would be questionable. Many autopatches have time out settings to keep calls brief and autopatches have been eliminated on many repeaters.
Some areas of the United States such as Alaska have very limited or nonexistent cell service. Cell service is limited to a few miles out to sea. CMDA and GSM phones also are not compatible in some service areas. Satellite phone usage is prohibited in some countries. Satellite phones will generally connect as long as you have an unobstructed view of the sky or an external antenna located outdoors facing the sky.
Some phones have flip around antennas to better communicate with the satellites. Using a satellite phone is somewhat similar to a cell phone. If you are new to satellite phones, you may want to review the quick start information provided with the phone or watch the informative YouTube video that Inmarsat provides. 1
The antenna must have a clear view to the sky or have an external outdoor antenna connected for inside use. When making calls on satellite phones, the country code must be entered with the area code and local phone number.
There are two major suppliers of satellite service: Inmarsat and Iridium. Check coverage maps to select the coverage that is needed. Each have many plans depending on coverage area needed length of service needed.
Basic satellite phone features: Global coverage possible except the north and south poles (check service coverage areas), GPS, Bluetooth, and SOS emergency button.
An important warning: Satellite air time must be monitored carefully as it can be very expensive. Everyone must know it is important to keep calls to the point. High speed internet data plans add even more expense.
There are activation expenses, coverage areas, minute bundle packages, insurance, solar charging units, etc. to consider. Plans are available for short term use and rentals usually start at activation and end when the phone is returned to the seller.
If you need a satellite phone for short-term usage, a rental should be considered. As of this writing, I found rentals starting at $29.99 per week with a 30-minute bundle at $49.95. 2
References:
1. YouTube: Inmarsat Isatphone 2 help video
2 Satellitephonestore.com
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Have You Ever…?
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
**Forgot to install the outside cover part of a new coax connector that you just soldered?
**Wondered if the soldering iron or pencil was beginning to get hot. Your hand found out quickly, yes it was getting hot.
**Climbed a tower without a safety harness and a lookout on the ground.
**Been in a hurry to get a new HF rig on the air and forgot to connect it to a good ground and lit up other items in the room.
**Applied sticky waterproof sealant to a connector and got it on your hands with no cleaner or towels around.
**Stood close to a broadcast tower that had ice that was beginning to melt and drop to the ground below.
**Forgot to turn off the second circuit breaker to a heat pump and came in brief contact with 220 Volts.
**Pulled a hot receiving tube with bare hands that had not cooled down sufficiently.
**Wanted to know if a 5-watt CB transmitter generated RF burns.
**Visited a 50 KW AM broadcast transmitter site with a group of hams after sunset. The station was not authorized to run full power at night. Someone asked if the transmitter could light up an 8-foot fluorescent bulb. After encouraging the station engineer to show us, we found out the bulb would light up the night just as he said it could.
**Had a Johnson CB 23 running barefoot that caused a landlord’s brand new top-of-the-line Curtis Mathes home entertainment center to, according to them, “walk across the floor."
Do not attempt any of the above listed items as some are dangerous and violate FCC rules.
I have not experienced personally any of the above.
Remember Forrest Gump said “Stupid is as stupid does.”
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Priceless Words: Thank You
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
Many Amateur Radio clubs are given free use of repeater sites, as well as, libraries and churches for FCC license testing. Having access to repeater sites for free with commercial power in excellent locations is a great benefit to amateur radio and the community.
Commercial interests often pay large amounts to have access to tall towers and tall buildings for repeater sites. Free use of libraries with comfortable meeting rooms with tables and good lighting are a blessing to amateur radio clubs. Schools and churches with auditoriums are blessing also. Churches providing field day space, rooms for testing and meetings are really appreciated.
Volunteer Examiners donate several hours of their time, travel expenses and administration at each exam session.
It is important that we remember to thank these organizations when we use their facilities. Some of the organization’s personnel, such as librarians, may have no idea of what amateur radio does for the communities where we operate. Always have a concise two-minute speech ready to share with persons not knowledgeable of the importance of amateur radio. (Emergency communications, STEM, etc.)
One librarian thought we were having a meeting to discuss preparing a ham for the holidays.
A dozen doughnuts were really appreciated by security at a local repeater site.
Over the years, vendors have reduced the number of hamfests they attend. Always thank them for coming and when we order by phone of internet, tell them that we saw them at the hamfest.
Negative comments and actions jeopardize these privileges that were given to amateur radio operators and clubs. Let’s take time to show our sincere appreciation.
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My 60 Meter Story
By Marv Feldman, K4KEW
I have been a ham for over 60 years, but there is always something fresh, new and interesting with the hobby. Here is my story of new excitement at K4KEW.
In October, 2018, I replaced my 15 year old rig with a modern KenwoodTS-590SG. Amongst the new features of this rig was that of the 60 meter band. I read about this new band with its power and frequency limitations, and was intrigued by its unique attributes.
Since I have had much success on 30 meters with a Bazooka antenna, I put one up for the 60 meter band. It was very easy for me to trim the antenna for a one-to-one match on 5.357 MHz.
In addition to the new Kenwood hardware, I am enjoying the advantages of two software systems - WSJT for the mode of FT8 and ARRL's Logbook Of The World (LOTW). Both of these software systems make DXing a whole new game!
FT8 has become the most popular mode on the bands. Often FT8 signals are the only ones to be heard on many amateur bands. Indeed, with this mode, I frequently work stations whose signals are 20 dB (or more) below zero!
LOTW not only reduces the cost of QSLing (no more IRCs, SASEs or “green stamps/$$$), but it is faster! Rather than waiting weeks, months and sometimes years for confirmation, now I often receive LOTW confirmation on the same day of the QSO. Indeed, to date, 91 countries have confirmed our 60 meter DX contacts with uploads to the LOTW system (the other 10 confirmations are with traditional paper cards).
Here in Florida, 60 meters DX is a joy! While I hear nothing during the daytime, when sunset arrives, the band is full of Europeans! Additionally, in the early mornings (just before and after our sunrise), the Pacific DX abounds!
It has taken me six months to work over 100 countries on 60 meters and while neither the ARRL nor CQ Magazine offer awards for DX accomplishments on this wonderful new band, 60METERSONLINE does, so now I am happy to brag proudly of having 10 band DXCC!
See you on 60 meters FT8!
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Assistive Hearing Devices
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
During a recent tour of Amazon Fulfillment Center in Jacksonville, I used a Listen Technologies 72 MHz multi-channel unit with a mobile transmitter and headphones. It allowed a group of us to be able to hear the tour guide’s lecture in the fulfillment center despite the sound produced by over three miles of running conveyers.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) transmit, receive and amplify sound. They are used in churches, auditoriums, tours, language translation, law enforcement, courtrooms and classrooms. ALDs may use a pocket size receiver with headphones or earbuds. The transmitter may use a base station or a portable unit. ALDs allow listeners to hear without disturbing others and cancel out background sound.
ALDs operate in the United States in the unlicensed frequency bands at 72-76 MHz and 216 MHz. For greater range and less interference, the exclusive 216 MHz band is best.
72 MHz Transmission range: stationary transmitter 1000 ft and mobile transmitter 150 ft.
216 MHz Transmission range: stationary transmitter 3000 ft and mobile transmitter 150 ft 1
Manufacturers of ALDs: Listen Technologies, Sound Pro, Telex Communications, Sennheiser, Williams Sound.
Reference: 1 Listen Technologies.com
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Crystals
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
Crystals have played an important role in amateur radio and broadcasting. Years ago, transmitters were crystal-controlled or “rock bound” to control transmitter frequency.
Amateurs must make certain we are transmitting on allocated frequencies. Commercial broadcasters must maintain their assigned licensed frequency. Broadcasters in the past had to check their frequency every thirty minutes. Fortunately, newer technology such as synthesizer and phase locked loops (PLLs) gave us more accurate frequency control and replaced the need for a large number of crystals. An early 23-channel CB radio would require 46 crystals (one for receive and one for transmit.)
Up until the late 1960’s the FCC required that Novices operate with crystal control. The Novice license was good only for one year. Heath, EICO, EF Johnson and Knight were among the popular crystal-controlled amateur transmitters used by Novice operators.
Variable frequency oscillators (VFOs) with tuning dials to select transmit frequencies could not be used by Novices though some illegally used VFOs to get around the expense of crystals.
VFOs could be plugged into the crystal socket using an adaptor but required an external power source. In the 1950s, transceivers were not widely available, so some used a tunable receiver, and a TR switch to supplement their crystal-controlled transmitter.
Well-known crystal manufacturers of the past such as International Crystal, PR Crystals, JAN Crystals, and Texas Crystals have closed shop as modern technology reduced the need for crystals.
I had a McMartin crystal-controlled receiver for SCA that I used to listen to Muzak and whenever I moved to a different city, I had to buy a new crystal. I had great service from International Crystal although they were known for higher prices. The new crystal was made and shipped out first class mail and I had it in 3-4 days. The crystal had to be ordered to the exact frequency using the equipment’s specifications. All crystal manufacturers kept detailed specifications on equipment to help customers on ordering. The formula for the McMartin receiver crystal’s cut frequency was as follows:
FM broadcaster’s frequency minus receiver’s 10.7 MHz IF divided by two.
There are several classifications for crystals: package size, wire leads or pins, pin size and spacing, tolerance/accuracy. High accuracy, low tolerance crystals cost more.
Some commercial transmitters included “crystal ovens” to achieve .0005% accuracy which was usually required for business band and public safety systems. Ovens usually kept temperatures constant within 1 to 2 degrees C to minimize drift. 1 If an AM broadcaster’s transmitter drifted, listeners would have to re-tune their receivers. Years ago, I had a Knight Kit AM radio broadcaster that drifted up the AM band.
Amateur license study manuals warn operators not to get too close to the edge of their authorized sub-band or band edges. Friendly observers or the FCC might be listening and the FCC would issue a ticket.
HF transmitters using crystals on harmonic frequencies were common, especially using the third harmonic of a 7 MHz crystal to transmit on 21 MHz.
Crystals should be handled with care and not dropped. Crystal cases may be sealed or non-sealed. I have read that unsealed crystals may be opened and the frequency may be adjusted somewhat by using a pencil, razor blade, whetstone, emery cloth, and talcum powder, or Comet cleanser for fine tuning or polishing.
Reducing crystal size increases the frequency. Do this at your own risk as you may damage the crystal.
Longtime technicians remember the black Lampkin analog frequency meters and interpolating mechanical dial readouts into exact frequencies.
Crystals are still used today and many radios have a crystal to serve as a reference for other frequency control circuits. 1, 2
A current source for new crystals is AF4K.com
References:
1 N4UF
2 QRZ. com, Where have all of the crystals gone?
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Jukeboxes: History and Electronics
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
Jukeboxes have a long and evolving history similar to radio. They started appearing in the 1920s as coin-operated devices. They held up to ten records and sound quality was poor compared to today’s standards.
There are four major producers: Rowe-AMI, Rock-Ola, Seeburg, and Wurlitzer.
Many collect, restore and trade jukeboxes. Today many persons have one proudly displayed in their home. The round bubble type units from the 1950s and 1960s are very collectable.
Their history could be divided into several general periods for classification purposes: by early, mid, and late years; by the media inside; by tube or solid state; by analog or digital; by unit capacity; by stereo or mono sound.
Before buying a used juke box, it is important to research thoroughly the model and its history. Many jukeboxes were enjoyed in bars, restaurants, and outdoors. The environment they were in causes problems with mechanisms, switches, and relays.
Tobacco smoke and airborne cooking grease can cause major problems in restoration. Units used in outside air with high humidity and salt air are real problems. Customer abuse can damage the cabinet. Capacitors with age on them will need to be replaced.
In tube units, the common tubes that are most often used are: 5U4, 6BQ5,6J5, 6J7, 6SJ7, 6L6, 6SC7 12AX7, 12AU7 and 6973. Fortunately, all of these are still widely available. Most establishments left their jukeboxes plugged in 24/7 so the tubes will have a terrific number of hours on them and may test weak or shorted.
There is an excellent lengthy YouTube video series on Seeburg restoration that shows some of the common problems that can be encountered on restorations. Jukebox manufacturers designed very rugged amplifiers and considered user needs. 70-volt audio outputs were available for applications where the units would have speaker systems with numerous speakers in use. Large woofers and multiple tweeters were common in units. Squelch adjustments were incorporated to mute the sound temporarily when the needle was off the record. Automatic level settings were employed on some units.
Jukeboxes had a volume control on the amplifier itself and another on the back of the unit so it could be adjusted by restaurant/bar personnel as the needed. Audio processing was incorporated in many units to make the sound louder. 1
Early units only held a few 78 rpm records and later when 45 rpm records were introduced, the units were increased to hold up to 200 records. Next came CD units with 1300-unit capacity, then digital downloads, Bluetooth and iPod docking. Amps got more powerful with up to 1600 watts output.
A good example of a modern unit I found recently at Texas Roadhouse Grill is a digital unit that has free play of country music for customers to enjoy with selections that change regularly.
Just like radio, jukebox technology is changing and improving daily.
References:
1 YouTube: Seeburg SHFA 1 Amplifier Video # 1
YouTube: 1950’s Wurlitzer Factory Tour- Jukebox Manufacturing: A Visit to Wurlitzer
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From January 2021 Balanced Modulator
HESTON, HUMPHREY, GILLIGAN & BOBBIE THE WEATHER GIRL
During the Vietnam war, Dick Ellis served at AFVN-TV, the Saigon AFRTS television outlet. He recently posted almost 100 photos that he took there in 1967-68 including the Tet offensive and a May 1968 bomb attack directed at the station from an exploding taxi parked nearby on the street--shades of the recent Nashville ATT blast.
Plus a photo of MARS station AB8AJ.
Dick's photos include the Pleiku AFVN detachment in the Central Highlands on Dragon Mountain. To cover South Vietnam, roughly the same shape and area as Florida minus the panhandle, AFVN had stations and transmitters scattered throughout the country mostly near mountaintop Signal Corps long-lines microwave sites.
Dignitaries and celebrities visiting the troops often stopped by the Saigon station and Dick interviewed them...Charlton Heston, Hubert Humphrey, Martha Raye, General Westmoreland and even Bob Denver (Gilligan).
Many who were within range of the Saigon TV station then probably remember Bobbie, the Weather Girl. Occasionally, skimpy outfits and on-the-air hijinks caused teeth to gnash at the Embassy and Pentagon East (MACV HQ) as she filled the troops in on weather conditions in Vietnam and at popular R&R spots.
Unfortunately, AFVN's weather girls were history when I arrived at AFVN.
DE N4UF
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