Steve Reinhardt wrote in message
news
Frank wrote:
Steve Reinhardt wrote in message
...

I just repaired my TR-3, and put it on the air. I'd forgotten what a
nice rig it is. Now, I've started to think about how much better it
could be. What if one was to rip out the entire frequency control
section (VFO, xtal osc, mixer, etc) and replace it with a DDS
synthesizer. It turns out that the display would fit in the opening of
the tuning dial. There would be excellent frequency stability, no
backwards tuning on 20M, 2-3 less tubes to save heat and power. It just
wouldn't be a Drake anymore...

And don't get me started on a lightweight switching supply to replace
the AC-3. I might do that anyway, since I wouldn't be destroying any
hardware.


ARC-5 Command Set receiver modification instructions for conversion to a
single band SSB transceiver.

Step 1. Remove all components except the variable capacitor...


Been there, done that. Well, not SSB, but my first rig (1969) was an
ARC-5 conversion. I actually got to keep quite a bit of the guts and
still make a few QSOs. It was paired with a Hammarlund HQ-120X...

Steve
AB1EN

They were fun... About twenty years ago I started a collection of ARC-5
stuff with the intentions of writing an ariticle for, perhaps, QST. I
actually have a copy (in pristine condition) of a publication (first
edition, first printing, April 1961) by Western Radio Amateur Magazine for
conversion of a BC-453 to a complete 40 meter transceiver. It was a design
by Ed Marriner, W6BLZ and Ernie Mason, W6IQY. Too bad not many Command Sets
are left---few remain after all the conversions and parting out. I had a
trailer full of the equipments that I eventually donated to a War Bird
restoration outfit. Perhaps your TR-3 (my first real SSB rig) would be
better off restored to like-new condition---there were considerably less
TR-3's manufactured than Command Sets.