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			    GLOWBUGS Digest 352

Topics covered in this issue include:

  1) Re: AM net
	by "Greg Parsons A.K.A. Rat" <gregp@galileo.mis.net>
  2) AM Net Tonight
	by "Greg Parsons A.K.A. Rat" <gregp@galileo.mis.net>
  3) AWA 1 tube 160 M QRP rig
	by joe@westonia.com (Joseph Cooper)
  4) 6BM8 rig
	by lee@radioadv.com (Lee Richey)
  5) Re: AM net
	by "Brian Carling" <bry@mail1.mnsinc.com>
  6) Re: 20 Meter AM Net on 14.286
	by "Greg Parsons A.K.A. Rat" <gregp@galileo.mis.net>
  7) Recipe for 120 V battery (??)
	by dsibie@hvssa01.nl.lucent.com
  8) Re: AWA 1 tube 160 M QRP rig
	by "Peter C. Wotherspoon" <Peter.C.Wotherspoon@hydro.on.ca>
  9) Re: Recipe for 120 V battery (??)
	by rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
 10) Re: Recipe for 120 V battery (??)
	by rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
 11) 1625 linear QST article found - copies available
	by Roy Morgan <morgan@speckle.ncsl.nist.gov>
 12) Article on grinding crystals
	by jeffd@coriolis.com (Jeff Duntemann)
 13) Re: Article on grinding crystals
	by rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
 14) Mail problem
	by Bob <KE4QOK@worldnet.att.net>
 15) Re: Article on grinding crystals
	by Roy Morgan <morgan@speckle.ncsl.nist.gov>
 16) RE: Article on grinding crystals
	by "Paul Bocci-CPB007" <Paul_Bocci-CPB007@email.mot.com>
 17) Re: Article on grinding crystals
	by rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
 18) Re: Article on grinding crystals
	by rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
 19) Crystal grinding
	by Conard Murray <conard@TNTECH.CAMPUS.MCI.NET>
 20) Recipe for 120 V battery
	by ralph.hartwell@emachine.com (Ralph Hartwell)
 21) FS - Intl Rad 9mhz 400hz CW filt - NIB
	by "KA5T Larry Wise" <lewise@inetport.com>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 15:09:20 -0500
From: "Greg Parsons A.K.A. Rat" <gregp@galileo.mis.net>
To: "Andy Howard, WA4KCY" <102452.362@CompuServe.COM>
Cc: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Re: AM net
Message-ID: <1.5.4.32.19961113200920.0091a8b4@204.68.227.1>

At 02:36 PM 11/13/96 EST, you wrote:
>Conard,
>
>Why not reactivate the old 20 meter AM net on 14.286. This net ran everyday for
>28 years until Les, K6HQI, passed away a year or so ago. The net always started
>at 8:00 PM eastern, 5:00 pacific. As a matter of fact I talked with Doug
>Beamish, VE4BX, last evening on 75 meter AM. He was a mainstay on they
frequency
>for all fo the 28 years. He and Les talked every day.
>

Andy and the group,
 This sounds like the place to be, I will not be able to be on until I
finnish running our local club net, but should be there by 10:00 pm latest.
I have to stop by a friends and get an 0A2 to put in the Drake, but I will
be there. I will try to be there before the local net also, about 8:00 or
so. Lissen for the weak little Drake.

73,
 Greg
 ke4ooo

P.S. I am running a 1/2 wave vertical, the woes of being an apartment dweller.


 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Greg Parsons	KE4OOO     gregp@mis.net  gregp@lfucg.com  gregp@stdio.com    |
| AMI #865       Who has the coffee? better yet, who has the Ale81s?          |
| NRA Life, SCCA, SCA, DOD http://www.stdio.com/~gregp   http://www.lfucg.com |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 18:36:52 -0500
From: "Greg Parsons A.K.A. Rat" <gregp@galileo.mis.net>
To: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: AM Net Tonight
Message-ID: <2.2.32.19961113233652.0068dffc@204.68.227.1>

Hey Gang,
 I sent out a message awhile ago, but it never showed here, so I am going to
try it again.

14.286 tonight 01:00z

I will be there, I am there now! just had a wham bam thanks for the contact
from a ti3 station... I hate those, wouldn't even talk, just 59 thanks cq dx....

See you all there.

73,
 Greg
 ke4ooo

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Greg Parsons	KE4OOO	gregp@mis.net	gregp@lfucg.com                       |
| AMI #865                Who has the coffee?                                 |
| NRA Life, SCCA SCA DOD   http://www.stdio.com/~gregp   http://www.lfucg.com |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Nov 96 20:13 EST
From: joe@westonia.com (Joseph Cooper)
To: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: AWA 1 tube 160 M QRP rig
Message-ID: <m0vNqN1-000iALC@gpu2.westonia.com>

This months "The Old Timer's Bulletin" published by the Antique Wireless
Association has just arived. Contained in it is a very interesting article
on building a 12 watt input 160 meter "bread board" transmitter project
using a 6L6. The author of the article is Frank Lotito, K3DZ (if he is in
this group, please stand up and take a bow).

The articles purpose is to illustrate how "historic" curcuits (in this case
a Harley design taken from a reprint of Hugo Gernsback's 1934 radio manual)
can be used with "updated" parts and equipment. 

It looks like an interesting project, and one that could be linked to a one
or two tube regenerative recvr.

73's
  
===================================================================
* Joseph Cooper-VE3FMQ  QTH-East York-near Toronto Ontario Canada *
* Interests are:-Lowfer/VLF/BCB Radio-Woodworking-Steam Railroads *
* Blacksmithing-Antique Radios-Crystal Radios-Travel-Burmese Cats *
* FAX (416) 423-7782  9:00am to 5:00pm EDST Monday To Friday Only *
===================================================================




------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 21:32:34 -0500
From: lee@radioadv.com (Lee Richey)
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <glowbugs@theporch.com>
Subject: 6BM8 rig
Message-ID: <19961114023541847.AAB181@lee.radioadv.com>

Hi gang,

Here's an update on the 6BM8 rig.  

I've now had several QSO's on 3700Khz, all with good reports.  I'm using
the rig with a Hallicrafters SX-122 and the Vintage Radio full break-in
adapter in the new Handbook.  Makes a really fun set-up.

I started with differential keying as described in a 60's vintage Handbook
(can't remember exactly which one).  The idea was to return the osc grid
resistor back to the key line instead of ground.  That way, the oscillator
would come on before the final and go off after the final.

It worked as advertized but there is a (safety) problem with that approach.
Key up voltage across the key contacts is about equal to power supply 
voltage because of the zero bias condition of the osc tube.  In my case,
over 300 volts!!!!  Granted, not much current can be delivered at that 
voltage, but there is a key click filter capacitor across the key and it
stores
enough charge to give one a good kick.

So, I grounded the osc grid resistor, removing the differential keying. 
The
rig sounds and looks just as good as it did before but now the key up
voltage is only about 54 volts.  I like that much better.  :-)

All I have to do now is clean up the tack solder jobs and I'll post a gif
or jpeg on my web page.

Boy is this thing fun!

-Lee-  -WA3FIY-

http://www.radioadv.com

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 19:26:37 +0000
From: "Brian Carling" <bry@mail1.mnsinc.com>
To: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Re: AM net
Message-ID: <199611140324.WAA20301@user2.mnsinc.com>

HEY! It's a reply from AF4K!

Greg & everyone:

14286 kHz is supposed to be the regular AM spot on 20m but I never 
hear anyone on there!

On 13 Nov 96, Greg Parsons A.K.A. Rat wrote:

>  Sounds like a great idea, who wants to see if we can grab a spot om
>  75m? or
> would 40m be better? Let me get a new 0A2 put in the Drake tonight
> and I will be there... hmmmmm.... Why not try 20m? it should 
>work...

Someone once said:
"The bands are hot, the bottles they be a' glowin' brightly, an' the
regeneration be on the ragged edge!  Grapples ye up yer tin cans atops
yer noggins, an readys ye yer keys at the fore!"
********************************************************
*** 73 from Radio AF4K / G3XLQ in Gaithersburg, MD USA *
**  E-mail to:  bry@mnsinc.com                         *
*** See the great ham radio resources at:              *
**  http://www.mnsinc.com/bry/                         *
********************************************************

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 22:32:49 -0500
From: "Greg Parsons A.K.A. Rat" <gregp@galileo.mis.net>
To: 102452.362@CompuServe.COM
Cc: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Re: 20 Meter AM Net on 14.286
Message-ID: <2.2.32.19961114033249.00689eb0@204.68.227.1>

Andy and the gang,
 I called CQ from here in Lexington, Ky. for about 30 mins, never did hear
anyone, we must be in each others skip zone, worked that one SSB station in
Costa Rica, and that was about all I heard, will try again this weekend.

73,
 Greg
 ke4ooo


At 08:19 PM 11/13/96 -0600, you wrote:
>
>Hello all 20 meter AM fans,
>
>Was on the 14.286 AM frequency at 0100Z tonight with the AM station running in
>good fashion. Worked a SSB station in San Diego and also one in Carlsbad,
>California. Called CQ  a couple more times and connected with Bill, W1CKI, in
>Connecticut who was on good old AM. We had a 45 minute QSO with very good
>signals. He runs a BC-610E with an R-388 receiver. I was running a 32V3 and
75A4
>with my 6 element KLM tribander.
>
>Hope to see others show up for the Wednesday night net or whenever you can get
>on 20 meter AM. Activity usually starts at 8:00 PM eastern time.
>
>Regards to all,
>
>Andy, WA4KCY
>
>
>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Greg Parsons	KE4OOO	gregp@mis.net	gregp@lfucg.com                       |
| AMI #865                Who has the coffee?                                 |
| NRA Life, SCCA SCA DOD   http://www.stdio.com/~gregp   http://www.lfucg.com |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 96 09:34:53 +0100
From: dsibie@hvssa01.nl.lucent.com
To: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Recipe for 120 V battery (??)
Message-ID: <9611140834.AA04755@hvssa01.nl.lucent.com>

Friends,

Yesterday I picked up a copy of the ARRL handbook of 1930. Among a lot
of nice schemas concerning receivers and transmitters also a description
was given of how to make a rectifier that delivers 120 V.
It is called an "organic solution rectifier". The active electrode (anode) is
a piece of aluminium, the inert electrode (kathode) is a carbon rod taken from
an old "B" battery. The organic solution consists of a mixture of ammonium
citrate, citric acid, ammonium phosphate, potassium citrate dissolved in 
distilled water.
Total length of the cell is 6 inch. A photo shows an assembly of 20 of those
cells capable of rectifying 750 Volts and delivering 100 mA.
Has someone ever used such a device and what were his/her experiences?
Or is this some kind of ancient Aprils fool practical joke?

72 de Dirk, PA3GNR 

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 07:23:50 -0500 (EST)
From: "Peter C. Wotherspoon" <Peter.C.Wotherspoon@hydro.on.ca>
To: Joseph Cooper <joe@westonia.com>
Subject: Re: AWA 1 tube 160 M QRP rig
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91.961114072028.15965B-100000@strong.Hydro.ON.CA>

Hi Joseph
I'm interested in the artical.
Any chance U cud FAX it to me?
Also, I'm going to put together crystal kits for a guide troop.
I'm looking for hi imp. crystall earphones.
They are getting harder and harder to find!
Do u have any suggestions? Or any ideas for the Crystal Radio kit too!
Thanks Peter
592 2574 Voice
.

On Wed, 13 Nov 1996, Joseph Cooper wrote:

> This months "The Old Timer's Bulletin" published by the Antique Wireless
> Association has just arived. Contained in it is a very interesting article
> on building a 12 watt input 160 meter "bread board" transmitter project
> using a 6L6. The author of the article is Frank Lotito, K3DZ (if he is in
> this group, please stand up and take a bow).
> 
> The articles purpose is to illustrate how "historic" curcuits (in this case
> a Harley design taken from a reprint of Hugo Gernsback's 1934 radio manual)
> can be used with "updated" parts and equipment. 
> 
> It looks like an interesting project, and one that could be linked to a one
> or two tube regenerative recvr.
> 
> 73's
>   
> ===================================================================
> * Joseph Cooper-VE3FMQ  QTH-East York-near Toronto Ontario Canada *
> * Interests are:-Lowfer/VLF/BCB Radio-Woodworking-Steam Railroads *
> * Blacksmithing-Antique Radios-Crystal Radios-Travel-Burmese Cats *
> * FAX (416) 423-7782  9:00am to 5:00pm EDST Monday To Friday Only *
> ===================================================================
> 
> 
> 

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 10:24:07 -0500 (EST)
From: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
To: dsibie@hvssa01.nl.lucent.com
Cc: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu (), glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Re: Recipe for 120 V battery (??)
Message-ID: <9611141524.AA114430@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu>

> Friends,
> 
> Yesterday I picked up a copy of the ARRL handbook of 1930. Among a lot
> of nice schemas concerning receivers and transmitters also a description
> was given of how to make a rectifier that delivers 120 V.
> It is called an "organic solution rectifier". The active electrode (anode) is
> a piece of aluminium, the inert electrode (kathode) is a carbon rod taken from
> an old "B" battery. The organic solution consists of a mixture of ammonium
> citrate, citric acid, ammonium phosphate, potassium citrate dissolved in 
> distilled water.
> Total length of the cell is 6 inch. A photo shows an assembly of 20 of
> those cells capable of rectifying 750 Volts and delivering 100 mA.
> Has someone ever used such a device and what were his/her experiences?
> Or is this some kind of ancient Aprils fool practical joke?
> 
> 72 de Dirk, PA3GNR 

Chemical rectifiers were quite common in the early days (mostly 1915-1930
or so).  My dad used them on his TNT set in 1932.  There are two basic
types of chemical rectifiers, one using the organic citrate based
electrolytes and the other using a lead electrode rather than carbon
and washing borax.  If borax is used, it is a saturated solution.
I am not sure about the citrate solutions as to their strength.

The electrodes are rated at 40 ma per 1 square inch of surface.

The voltage breakdown for each rectifier jar is 50 volts.

Each cell should have a layer about 1/4 inch thick of a light grade of
oil is floated on the top of the solution to reduce creepage.

Make sure sufficient electrolyte and electrode surface area are available
to prevent excessive heating.

The aluminum surfaces need to be formed to oxides by operation for several
hours (4-6 is usually sufficient) from an AC source off the line with 2 or
3 40w/60w bulbs in series as current limiters.

They are crude and sloppy (they tend to creep slop around the tops), but 
they do work.

73/ZUT DE NA4G/Bob UP


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 10:26:59 -0500 (EST)
From: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
To: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu (rdkeys)
Cc: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Re: Recipe for 120 V battery (??)
Message-ID: <9611141527.AA114442@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu>

> Chemical rectifiers were quite common in the early days (mostly 1915-1930
> or so).  My dad used them on his TNT set in 1932.  There are two basic
> types of chemical rectifiers, one using the organic citrate based
> electrolytes and the other using a lead electrode rather than carbon
> and washing borax.  If borax is used, it is a saturated solution.
> I am not sure about the citrate solutions as to their strength.
> 
> The electrodes are rated at 40 ma per 1 square inch of surface.
> 
> The voltage breakdown for each rectifier jar is 50 volts.

NOTE:  This is the voltage breakdown of the borax rectifier.  I am not
       sure of the breakdown voltage of the citrate rectifier.

73/ZUT DE NA4G/Bob UP


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 10:31:08 -0500
From: Roy Morgan <morgan@speckle.ncsl.nist.gov>
To: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: 1625 linear QST article found - copies available
Message-ID: <9611141531.AA19864@speckle.ncsl.nist.gov>

Glowbuggers,

I found the QST article on the linear using modified 1625's:

A 200-Watt Grounded-Grid Linear
Unusual Design Using Four Modified 1625 Tetrodes
by E.L. Hoover, W9SAR, and R.L. Peck, W9MOW
QST, June 1955  Pg 21, 22, and 128.

Send $1 for copies.  

I'll include as a bonus the 8-page spec sheet from RCA on the 807, dated 1936.
(Note: The 807 will not work in this circuit, but is electrically 
equivalent to the 1625.)


Roy Morgan, K1LKY
7130 Panorama Drive
Derwood   MD 20855

-- Roy Morgan/Building 820, Room 562/Gaithersburg  MD 20899
(National Institute of Standards and Technology,  formerly NBS)
301-975-3254 Fax: 301-948-6213  morgan@speckle.ncsl.nist.gov --


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 08:42:13 -0700
From: jeffd@coriolis.com (Jeff Duntemann)
To: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Article on grinding crystals
Message-ID: <1.5.4.32.19961114083745.0096a3a0@ntserver.coriolis.com>

Hi gang--

I forgot to mention in yesterday's message that the very same issue of CQ
(November 1957) containing the 6AL7 magic eye article also contains a *very*
good article on grinding and etching crystals to change frequencies.  "How
to GRIND Crystals" (sic) by Robert B. Kuehn W0HKF, page 74.  He states
plainly that any crystal in the 5 to 6 mc range can be taken all the way up
to 9 mc with a little practice and care.

Most intriguing is his description of crystal etching using ammonium
biflouride, which he describes as harmless, tho anything with flourine in it
inspires caution in this particular individual.

He states that most crystals can be taken "down" by as much as 10kc by
rubbing a little wire solder on the center of *one* face of the crystal.  I
tried this once and it killed the crystal dead; I suspect the secret is *do
it a little at a time.*

I find it amazing how much "stuff" is covered in these old Fifties
magazines.  Unlike the QSTs of the thiries, old CQs from the 50's and 60's
are still fairly abundant at hamfests, tho they're starting to smell a
little bit these days.

--73--

--Jeff Duntemann KG7JF
  Scottsdale, Arizona


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 11:38:20 -0500 (EST)
From: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
To: jeffd@coriolis.com
Cc: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu (), glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Re: Article on grinding crystals
Message-ID: <9611141638.AA114500@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu>

> Most intriguing is his description of crystal etching using ammonium
> biflouride, which he describes as harmless, tho anything with flourine in it
> inspires caution in this particular individual.

Yeah, me too.....

This is the best way to etch xtals, but also the most dangerous.

Ammonium bifluoride (also HF acid or HydroFluoric acid) eats human flesh
quite well, so it needs to be handled in a fume hood, and with appropriate
safety precautions and personal protective equipment.  In very dilute
solutions, it is not so bad, but in denser solutions or in the straight
acid form, it can be downright mean stuff.  I am sure Barry Ornitz can
fill us in on the particular details here, if he has some time.

I tried it one time, and it works quite nicely, but takes forever, using
ammonium bifluoride, or at least it did for me, with fairly dilute solution.

It is a good way to reactivate xtals that are a bit sluggish and just need
some cleanup.

Please use caution and heed appropriate safety practices if you use any
of this stuff.

Someone mentioned getting a bunch of blank rocks sans holders for say
1800, 3500, and 7000 khz, and then grinding/etching to suit.  Maybe we
will find out what a hundred blanks for one of these frequencies might
run and go from there.  I hope he can follow up on it for the group.
This might be a good way to generate some generic xtals and recycle the
FT-243 holders that are otherwise useless.

73/ZUT DE NA4G/Bob UP


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 16:25:18 +0000
From: Bob <KE4QOK@worldnet.att.net>
To: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Mail problem
Message-ID: <19961114162516.AAA7830@LOCALNAME>

Hi guys,

Been haveing trouble getting mail today.  I'm going into major withdrawl.
I'm sending this just to see if it will go out or not.

73
KE4QOK 
Bob
136 Hermitage Rd.
Newport News, Va. 23606


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 13:15:19 -0500
From: Roy Morgan <morgan@speckle.ncsl.nist.gov>
To: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Re: Article on grinding crystals
Message-ID: <9611141815.AA21434@speckle.ncsl.nist.gov>

At 10:11 AM 11/14/96 -0600, you wrote:
>> Most intriguing is his description of crystal etching using ammonium
>> biflouride,  
>
>This is the best way to etch xtals, but also the most dangerous.
>
>Ammonium bifluoride (also HF acid or HydroFluoric acid) eats human flesh
>quite well, 

I've got a small quantity of Ammonium Biflouride from the estate of an SK.
It is in the form of clear crystals, a bit like rock salt of kosher salt.
It is contained in what appears to be polyethylene bag in a small cardboard
box.  It appears to not have changed its appearance for 30 years, and the
container appears to not have suffered at all.

My memory of Hydroflouric Acid from high school is that it is a liquid which
fumes a bit when expsed to air, and which must be stored in a wax-lined bottle.

Are we talking about the same thing here!


-- Roy Morgan/Building 820, Room 562/Gaithersburg  MD 20899
(National Institute of Standards and Technology,  formerly NBS)
301-975-3254 Fax: 301-948-6213  morgan@speckle.ncsl.nist.gov --


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 12:33:34 -0600
From: "Paul Bocci-CPB007" <Paul_Bocci-CPB007@email.mot.com>
To: glowbugs@theporch.com, rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
Subject: RE: Article on grinding crystals
Message-ID: <Macintosh */PRMD=MOT/ADMD=MOT/C=US/@MHS>


>Someone mentioned getting a bunch of blank rocks sans holders for say
>1800, 3500, and 7000 khz, and then grinding/etching to suit.  Maybe we
>will find out what a hundred blanks for one of these frequencies might
>run and go from there.  I hope he can follow up on it for the group.
>This might be a good way to generate some generic xtals and recycle the
>FT-243 holders that are otherwise useless.

>73/ZUT DE NA4G/Bob UP

I have a quantity of quartz crystal blanks ground for various frequencies in 
the 40 meter band.  These are .5 x .6 inch rectangular blanks which is one 
of the varieties of FT-243s.  (There appear to be 3 or 4 different styles of 
FT-243s, each with a different size crystal blank).

I am happy to make these available to any one interested in experimenting.  
If all you care about is a freq somewhere on 40 meters, they should be 
usable as is.  If you are looking for a specific frequency, I should have 
something within 10 or 20 KC.

Drop me a note if interested.  I would like $1.00 per blank plus $1.00 for a 
padded envelope and postage, enough for about 20 crystals.

73 es ZUT
Paul, K9NO
CPB007@email.mot.com

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 14:34:45 -0500 (EST)
From: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
To: morgan@speckle.ncsl.nist.gov
Cc: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu (), glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Re: Article on grinding crystals
Message-ID: <9611141934.AA114586@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu>

> I've got a small quantity of Ammonium Biflouride from the estate of an SK.
> It is in the form of clear crystals, a bit like rock salt of kosher salt.
> It is contained in what appears to be polyethylene bag in a small cardboard
> box.  It appears to not have changed its appearance for 30 years, and the
> container appears to not have suffered at all.
> 
> My memory of Hydroflouric Acid from high school is that it is a liquid which
> fumes a bit when expsed to air, and which must be stored in a wax-lined
> bottle.
> 
> Are we talking about the same thing here!

Yup.  The fluorine is the culprit.  As long as the ammonium bifluoride
is dry you are fine (don't touch it directly unless properly attired),
the danger is not great.  Why do you think it is in a plastic baggie?
Mine in the lab is in a plastic baggie in a glass bottle.  Hint - the fluoride
ion etches glass (and radio quartz among other things, and human flesh), so
it is double contained so the glass bottle is not eaten through.

The ammonium bifluoride, dissolved into solution makes for a weak HF
acid as opposed to the 40-60% HF aqueous acid in the classic HF wax lined
acid bottle.  It is still the same stuff.

It is classed as a skin irritant, and requires 15 minutes flushing the skin
after exposure in running water.  That is not as bad as the concentrated
HF, which is highly corrosive.  HF, regardless of its source can ``cause
deep, slowly healing to the skin which may not be immediately painful.''
Also, ``contact with the eyes may cause permanent blindness.''

Store in a dry, well-ventilated area.  Protect containers from physical
damage.  Avoid inhalation of dust or fume.  Follow good hygienic practice
to avoid inhalation or injestion.  CONTAINERS SHOULD BE PLASTIC, RUBBER,
WOOD, OR PARAFIN COATED.

Although the HF is the worst stuff, the ammonium bifluoride is the same
stuff, in a lesser format.  Use care and appropriate cautions, etc.

Bob




------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 14:43:24 -0500 (EST)
From: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
To: morgan@speckle.ncsl.nist.gov
Cc: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu (), glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Re: Article on grinding crystals
Message-ID: <9611141943.AA114603@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu>

> >Ammonium bifluoride (also HF acid or HydroFluoric acid) eats human flesh
> >quite well, 
> 
> My memory of Hydroflouric Acid from high school is that it is a liquid which
> fumes a bit when expsed to air, and which must be stored in a wax-lined
> bottle.
> 
> Are we talking about the same thing here!

Yup.... I messed up the burns statement.....

HF of any source ``can cause deep, slowy healing burns to the skin which
may not be immediately painful.''

Typoes......

Bob/NA4G



------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 14:16:23 -0600
From: Conard Murray <conard@TNTECH.CAMPUS.MCI.NET>
To: rdkeys@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu
Cc: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Crystal grinding
Message-ID: <1.5.4.32.19961114201623.006994a4@tntech.campus.mci.net>

Hi Bob,
If u use HF on 80M xtals, then would u have to use MF on 160M rocks? ;^)

I kinda like the idea of acid etching these guys. I got a friend in the
chemistry dept at TTU. Will see if he has any ideas with the ammonium
biflouride. 
Anything beats grinding on those little square goobers with valve compound. 
About a week ago I took the 1796 rock and went after it with some Comet
cleanser. 200 passes moved the rock 600 Hz or so. I switched over to 320
grit grinding compound and gave it 50 figure-eights and washed/degreased it
and found that moved it just under a whole KHz. I figured that I was at
1797.6 and I wanted 1802.5 and that 50 passes gives 1 KHz. That makes 250
swipes, so I gave it just 200 to be safe and ended up at 1818. :-(
The grinding compound had dried some due to air contact and had more
abrasive powers. Gotta watch that stuff. It is a Clover compound but is in a
grease base so you gotta clean the blank pretty well after each session, but
if you follow the proper cleaning procedure then it is no added work using
the grease base.
73 de Conard, ws4s
  
Conard Murray  WS4S  NNN0UTN   Glowbugs Listowner  
217 Dyer Avenue                BA/GB net 1802.5/3579.5/7050 KHz
Cookeville, Tn  38501          conard@tntech.campus.mci.net
615-526-4093                   Wise men still seek Him

          - LICENSED ONLY TO EXTENT INDICATED ON CARTON -


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 20:05:00 GMT
From: ralph.hartwell@emachine.com (Ralph Hartwell)
To: glowbugs@theporch.com
Subject: Recipe for 120 V battery
Message-ID: <9611141428284101@emachine.com>

D>It is called an "organic solution rectifier". The active electrode (anode) is
D>a piece of aluminium, the inert electrode (kathode) is a carbon rod taken fro
D>an old "B" battery. The organic solution consists of a mixture of ammonium
D>citrate, citric acid, ammonium phosphate, potassium citrate dissolved in
D>distilled water.
D>Total length of the cell is 6 inch. A photo shows an assembly of 20 of those
D>cells capable of rectifying 750 Volts and delivering 100 mA.
D>Has someone ever used such a device and what were his/her experiences?
D>Or is this some kind of ancient Aprils fool practical joke?

  It's quite real.  I remember a a teenager I made a bank of them to
make a battery charger. They worked quite well.

   I used the carbon rods from a number 6 dry cell, and aluminum strips
cut from baking pans I bought at the local store.  I used a wooden top
with holes cut in it to hold the carbon rod and the aluminum strip in
the glass jar.  The wood was boiled in wax to keep the wood from
absorbing moisture from the solution.

   I used a solution of water and sodium bicarbonate.  I think I used a
saturated solution, but my memory is a bit hazy there.  The cells would
withstand about 50 volts or so, but as the solution heated up the
voltage they would handle decreased. When they safe voltage was
exceeded, you would see nice bright flashes occur on the aluminum strip
as the cell shorted.   Other than the general mess of a liquid system,
and the limited current capacity, they worked quite well.

  Ralph   W5JGV

---
 þ QMPro 1.53 þ All people smile in the same language.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 96 21:18:04 
From: "KA5T Larry Wise" <lewise@inetport.com>
To: "gb" <glowbugs@theporch.com>
Subject: FS - Intl Rad 9mhz 400hz CW filt - NIB
Message-ID: <199611142116.PAA06664@admin.inetport.com>

9 MHZ CW crystal filter 400 HZ wide - NIB

This filter was sold as an add-on CW filter for the ICOM 720A
transceiver.  It is not a "plug in" replacement for the
factory filter, but is designed to be mounted off the board
and connected to the factory filter terminals via short lengths
of coax (supplied).  It is larger that the factory FL-32
filter.

I purchased it new, but decided not to install it in the
IC-720A, and got a used factory "plug in" instead.

This should be in a home brew rig and not on my shelf!!!

Here are the markings from the box and filter:

Mfg: International Radio & Computer INC
     751 South Macedo Blvd
     Port St. Lucie, Florida 34983
     (407)879-6868

Model: IR-9.0H 400 K
Freq:  9010.6 KHZ
No:    111
       (Japan)

Size: 1-1/16 x 3/4 x 3/4 in.
Terminal pins (2): 1/4 in. long 1-1/4 in. apart along one edge.
Mtg Screw (1): 5/16 in. long centered between term pins.

Comes with original install package for IC-720A.

Original cost: 65 Dollars shipped to Texas.  (April 1990)

Your cost: 50 Dollars shipped anywhere in the continental US.



KA5T - Larry Wise - Georgetown, Texas - lewise@inetport.com  QRP-L 89 
ex: KN8OSG K8OSG(1959-1967 MI)  W6HED(1967-1968 Ca)  W4ZTB(1968-1978 Fl)


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End of GLOWBUGS Digest 352
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