In article , zeno writes:

Someone gave me an old ARC 5 (7-9.1) transmitter found at the county
dump. I would like to see if I can get it going on 40 meter CW.

First question is: What condition is it in?

If it's in original unmodified condition, or close to it, please don't hack it
up. Unmodified ARC-5s *used to be* all over the place for low prices, and were
often subjected to all sorts of modifications. Some mods were pretty good, most
really weren't. IMHO, one that's survived this long in unmodified shape
deserves to be preserved. If you don't want to keep it historically accurate,
sell it to someone who does. There are plenty of hacked-up ones around to
experiment with.

OTOH, if it's been through the mods already (power socket changed, lots of
extra holes, coils rewound, paint largely gone, etc.) it might be OK to mod it
or use it as a parts source.

I have
found some information online, namely a schematic and an article for
"converting to Amateur use". I realize this is a crap shoot, but I
think it would be fun trying. I am trying to verify the wiring
according to this old schematic knowing that so many units have been
hacked into over the years. I have put together a power supply along
the lines of the reprinted "converting" article available at the ARRL
website.

What does that conversion article show?

There was an article in the ARRL Handbooks for years that involved building an
external crystal oscillator in a minibox, using a 6AG7. Most of that article
was pretty good because it didn't hack up the ARC-5 too much (but it did
recommend destroying the power socket, unfortunately).

The Xtal in this unit is 8870 KC. Is this OK?

Not for ham operation!

How does this
Xtal function in this otherwise VFO unit, and what determines the
frequency that was chosen for this xtal?

It allowed the dial to be checked against one known point, using the 1629
magic-eye tube. This was a simple check that could be done in the plane to be
sure that things weren't way off. ARC-5 transmitters (when used in small
planes) were usually meant to be adjusted on the ground by a technician, who
would then lock all the settings and the pilot would simply choose which
transmitter to use.

Other information or sources
of information would be welcome.

KG7BZ website, if it's still operational


Anyone else have any luck with these
things? Any recommendations?

They are an excellent example of 1930s radio engineering at its very best. They
did the job with a maximum of efficiency and a minimum of size, weight,
complexity and cost. The receivers are even better.

73 de Jim, N2EY

btw, about 12 years or so ago, a local ham showed me an intact BC-459. A little
dusty but completely untouched. He found it on someone's trash, wanted to know
if it was worth carting to the upcoming hamfest and if so, how much to ask. I
said $25 and he thought I was nuts. It was the first thing he sold.