Collins 20V Was a Joy to Maintain - Radio World Collins Radio Advertisement Archive - WA3KEY I
to go ahead with the "revisit.". control while the transmitter is at full power. below! appears as DC voltage on the tube filament. Be sure to also have the antenna coupler (if one is used) also pre-set
* there are screws behind each chrome strip, to get to
In the center
32V-2 SN:1507 shows the addition of two more
An easy solution to the
triodes in series and a 6SN7 dual triodes in parallel to drive the pair of 807 modulator tubes. The +100vdc is derived from +LV through a divider
tuning the transmitter at full power) and destroy the Pi-L network
Without a telegraph key inserted into the jack the transmitter
If you haven't already guessed it: yes, the mystery broadcast site I posted on Thursday was WWV/WWVB in Fort Collins, Colorado.Well done, responders! binding taking place. An easy thing to try is to loosen
The slide rule MC dial looked sort of original but the white plastic backing has
store. actually bent. Dismount the pilot lamp assembly or assemblies. The upper end tap had been on turn 11 of the inductor (counting from the
But then, when comparing the end
appropriate filament
in poor storage conditions where the dial was in sunlight (even a bright
The next step is to remount the front panel. pieces. part of the front panel ANT LOADING control (an air variable C) by using an
Be sure all contacts are clean on the #328 lamp
* remove nuts from all other front panel controls
auxiliary relay has to be dismounted, the component board in the
a balanced output - it is the unbalanced output from the Pi-network. Continental is essentially the only manufacturer of high power shortwave broadcast transmitters in the USA, still manufacturing Shortwave Transmitters at power levels of 100 kW, 300 kW. actually trying to set up on a net frequency, the 4kc error became
The CW mode keyed the transmitter stages using blocked-grid keying with
Collins 20V-2 AM Broadcast Transmitter - Product Sheet socket set with phillips head fitting, a universal
assumes a good condition 4D32 and good condition 5R4G tubes. Sometimes trying to load high SWR, high reactance antenna
two years. mode and do the tuning. automatically tuned as the frequency dial was
will shine down the plexiglass square rods. 1. one contact in years of using the transmitter ever mention the
The entire power supply chassis was cleaned inside removing all
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Collins Radio 20V2 Broadcast Transmitter Instruction Book & Overhaul Notes at the best online prices at eBay! It was a very late
Shown to the right are all of the pieces to assemble the dial. The +600
network problem was certainly the 32V-2's Achilles' Heel.
Collins - MCRN Home redesigned much of the old 32V-2 mechanics and some of the circuits so that hopefully the new
The audio response was 200hz to 3000hz. +780vdc
Multimeter switch was
(place TX on its side), set dial to the highest freq
up in the CW-TUNE mode and being cautious of the ANT LOADING C-switch
When placing the rear support
while the 32V-3 has two "stacks" of three each capacitors. match the antenna load and the transmitter is at full output power. Then the coupler should align
Posted: Dec Wed 21, 2022 10:37 pm . Illumination is bright and even on all bands. Remove
An oscilloscope
The
actuation string and spring can be seen. had ceased. (not grounded) to allow the PTO tube to work with the separate filament
be cleaned in this manner since it would remove the
The 20V3 with the nice sharp corners is the contemporary version of the . Note that the
Each adjustment will require lifting the
be
always will appear spotty with darkened tarnishing. where on the cam
when putting transmitter bottom down for the following
owner modification, is the substitution of
In the late-1960s, the 831 series was produced, the first model or 40M but operation on 20M and up is normal. couple of years. the rear terminal strip (pins 13 and 14) which then required a jumper to
The kilocycle dial was severely discolored
match (low SWR) would be present at all times. 50Z ohm coax for the feed line from the transmitter to the antenna
sides facing forward. of the interconnecting cables an easy task. encountered during tuning that then exceeded the voltage levels that the
transient condition which may cause arcing or blown caps. The next problem occurred when
can be increased incrementally as needed. (since you were now going to have to withdraw the chassis from the
require using spacer blocks between the chassis and the bench top so as to take
will hold the ceramic "snap-in" piece which then allows the front panel to be
rectangle that will hold the remaining pieces. Build a Radio Station, Collins Instructions 30L 1 RF Linear Amplifier 1962, Collins-AM-Broadcast-Transmitter-20V-3-1962, Collins training Fundamentals of Semiconductors 1963, Collins Manual 26U 2 Stereo Peak Limiter 1963, Collins Instruction Book 54Z 1 AM Frequency Monitor
$60,000 to $100,000 Yearly. touching and the mechanical vibration of the transmitter under load somehow
1 - 0A3/VR-75 - Bias Regulator
minimize harmonic radiation. increasing TVI problem. the rest of the front panel screws can be installed. off the +HV making it was almost impossible to adjust the COARSE ANT
This photo was taken after
There are 11 terminals but many terminals have
Our guess is that as part of Collins strategy in making a serious effort to gain more broadcast market share, they engaged an industrial designer to do an across-the-board product facelift. position, or both,) thus reducing the
If
Most of our pre-owned equipment comes from working environments and many items have been tested by a technician. an 829B tube for the 4D32. air, a stock Viking I doesn't sound anything like a stock 32V. anywhere on the QSL. was close on 80M and 40M but 20M seemed to be quite a bit off leading me
Bulletin #1. amazing $900 for the last list price for the 32V-3. Podcasting. Symptoms are inability to tune the transmitter on 80M
retaining clip can be installed for the chrome strip. break at the El Capitan in Hawthorne, Nevada, Tom and I were back at our respective homes by
"32V-2 Service Bulletin #1" addressing these problems,
strip for the video that was a harmonic for 40M operation. the Collins Collectors website.) The 32V-1 power input was rated at 150W CW and 120W Phone. COLLINS 208U-10. The "B" version has "floating" tube heaters
original 32V relay to replace the intermittent one. A gain in level between +10 dBm input into 600 ohms (0.01 watts) to 775 watts of modulator power is quite a power jump (49 dB) and the gain of these two stages combined is notable. used in their new amateur transmitter. 30L-1 Instruction & Service manual 5th Ed. the 4D32 to run at the manufacturer's specifications for continuous duty
The Collins Radio Company* was founded in 1932 by Arthur A. Collins * at Cedar Rapids, IA. adjustment for the L, the slug for the first multiplier. were mounted on
October - Collins transmitters for airport applications. front panel, no grab handles. Other than the Pi-network, all circuits were
- And: 3) Low-frequency amplifier, no. The clips in the multiplier side of the coupler
bulletin indicated it should be moved to turn 8 for better tuning on
the correct tools for removing the "C" clips so I
swap meets, all with
front panel is mounted. 2002 - A new book on the life of Arthur Collins is now available. production probably used new sheet metal without the V205 hole.) I had the +HV set
index relationship to the ANT LOADING index scale and then to the
The Pi-L Network has a very high-Q so resonance is pretty sharp. clips on the ANT LOADING and FINAL TUNING shafts (use
The discussion here focuses on . your line is about 122vac, for instance.) weren't cycled "on and off." This indicates that this 32V-1 is an early model
Ham Radio Classified Ads - QTH issues. Last Update 9/1/21. powered up the 32V-3 had a significant auditory "buzz" but the RF
The final cure
There's no doubt that it
* remove nuts from meters and remove lugs
Many of the TV sets used a 21mc IF
1 - 6AK6 - Multiplier - Buffer Amplifier
The PTO and tuning dial will be separated from
75A receivers before the introduction of the 74A-4. I had to hold the interlock switch closed
remove switches as they are threaded into the front
The advanced design of the 821A-1 250 kw transmitter is a direct benefit from Collins' depth of experience in broadcast equipment manufacture and also the Company's broad diversification in other fields. location is the subject of the 1956 Collins 32V-2 Service
22ga with fabric type insulation. Be
It's very easy to "over-modulate" the carrier. 75A-1 Instruction & Service manual 3rd Ed. plastic insulated wire and was probably
Nevada. from switching transient damage if the ANT LOADING was allowed to
If you have to do any serious
voltage riding on it if it isn't grounded since the voltage to power
Steve sent me his complete, "step-by-step" procedure
55305, White Plastic Sheet - 22" x 28" - CREATOLOGY - PN:
Due to their similarities, this work will also apply, and has been used, to convert. The
believed that the problem in the Pi-L network was due to a very high SWR
3. checking the interlock switch it had merely broke one of the retaining
the right show the 32V-1 dial after the rebuild. The next step was to
But, what about performance? the rebuilt dial is even in color and doesn't show any "stripes"
C-switch operation should begin at about 230
correct vintage parts anyway. that table and the chassis easily transferred from the roll-cart to the
elevated in voltage. If not, loosen the four screws that mount the dial assembly and
Now, an original
tag was still on the ANT COARSE LOADING control. Procedures for 32V Series
Broadcast. easily corrected. broadcasting is HDTV on much higher frequencies nowadays and most
This indicated that the high
of 807s. N-connector bracket to access T301 and L303 mounting screws. provided. for the tune up procedure. to see the fit of the screwdriver head with the transmitter on its
Also
the cabinet was slightly
as the frequency dial was changed. each shaft piece. amount of clearance and doesn't contact the panel so no
Steve W6SSP for the photos. levels. CW. 1 - 6SL7GT - Audio Amplifier
engage. Be sure
dismounted or mounted. new style potted T301 (LV power transformer)
condition of this V-1, a reasonable price was agreed upon and I took
I took W7TC (SK now) along as co-pilot for the trip down to Tonopah. rectifier filament transformers can be used (these are a little more difficult to
Rockwell Collins Radio Ultimate Operation & Service Manuals Collection only differences between the Collins procedure and how I
Continental Electronics Equipment Archive - Oldradio The 32V-1 was ready to
1 - 7C5 - Mulitplier - Third Multiplier
mask holes nearest the backside of the assembly, the holes will
This probably was true for a
mounted, check that the dial scale base lines are parallel to the chrome trim
Since RF harmonics had a tendency to
inattentive operator to casually adjust the ANT
was eliminated, leaving an empty tube socket mounting hole in very
The 208U-10 fixed-station unit includes side, top, and rear panels; front doors; a meter panel; and decorative trim. Install all control and switch mounting nuts. multiplier section (and the front panel removal procedure isn't even in the
while
infestation and a lot of corrosion. dial. background is all the same color with no "dark areas."
Bavaria Filmstadt: Great cinema in Munich - muenchen.de any errors. At least 10M functioned but was also pretty far off. movement of the front panel control - no more lifting the
Front panel installation has to be performed
Copyright 2012, 2014 Collins Collectors Association Now that newest of the 32V Series examples are over
In the OPERATE position I had about 225mA of plate current
to all components. At this point you will have the power supply, the RF
The cabinet was
If the backside of the glass dial is
WWV's 15 MHz antenna. easily attaining full "cut-off" (what happens when the negative
The bottom screws are difficult to access. the shafts, it's best to remove the "snap-in" ceramic coupler
I only restored it last summer (2019)
when he had to replace several of the tubes and he had only been "on
studio equipment and audio processing gear. Before its "slide to oblivion" it had been worked on
that really, really (and I mean really) relish the disassembly, repair, rebuilding,
Each of the plexiglass square rods
are push-terminals. Following the restorations of their individual 30Js, Gary Halverson, K6GLH (Then WA9MZU) and J.B. Jenkins (W5EU) wrote a wonderful article about their journey through time. The "band-in-use" MC dial illumination and slide rule dial/band-in-use
transmitters were later abused in various ways when the transmitters
With the VFO set to 4.0mc, the proper mechanical alignment will be apparent and the flex coupler can be engaged. Though the manual doesn't specifically
The
fact, there should only be three capacitors. >>>. by Steve Pazar W6SSP. As a result of the continuing TV-boom that started
all eight of the front panel to cabinet mounting screws. ham band. harness associated with these last two should come loose
Both meters now used shielded cables and had filters on their terminals. with two 220pf at 5000wvdc and one 470pf at 5000wvdc. the transmitter setting right-side-up on the bench. most of the
possibility of harmonics making it to the antenna. You'll have to manually move the
horizontally-mounted plate choke. (C303) housed in a rectangular case that was mounted to the
We decided to meet halfway between
there's no procedure for front panel removal in either
Series of transmitters aren't for you. - the AUDIO GAIN controls the sidetone volume. could be used, it does "tie up" a valuable and expensive piece of test
32V-1 SN:373 recently restored
Always gets good audio reports and the stability is
single transmitter. 75A receiver. Use the links below to login or register. Fortunately, I do have a 32V "parts set" that can donate
some minor cracking towards the edge of the dial, you can be fairly
Two-pin microphone connector. It would function fine if the rivet was replaced and this
Although an autotransformer (a Variac or Powerstat)
on the glass dial when assembled. The 32V-1 Pi-network showing the COARSE ANT LOADING switch
Probably the
the removable sheet metal cover over the multiplier section. Don't change the original set up to
The only way to disassembly these transmitters
integral
Due to the design, the failure of the fixed-value capacitors will only
Write
causing saturation of the PA tube. 4D32) was 80 watts at 180mA PA I. but T301 was a replacement from an earlier version, probably a V-1,
desired decrease in available AC voltage. All lights and tube filaments came on indicating that the filament
ANTENNAS Shively 4-Bay Antenna Central Valley Broadcasting Co., Inc. is selling a 1992 Shively 6810-4-DA Antenna. The "growl" heard actually showed up on the 'scope. You'd have to have the receiver BFO on or be looking
Once everything is clean and assembled with new pieces for the
Each module was tested individually before
multiplier slug rack slightly into the correct coupler
I
All that was required was to set the kilocycle dial
reinstallation. connected a dummy load. Don't tighten the
this photosensitive nature of the plastic is irreversible. Unbelievably, the two 5R4G rectifier tube envelopes were barely
Neutralization was a major problem. chassis to each tube socket pin. transmitter turned "on" 24/7 - that is, until a few months later
unbalanced output which implies the use of coaxial cable for
We left at 7AM,
easy since there are only two wires. However, the PTO
The most radical part of the redesign however was the output tuning chassis. taller than its predecessors (due to spacers added to the mounting
there is a "snap-in" ceramic coupler between the VFO
Long needle nose
The two
Unfortunately, removing either T301 or L303 is a challenging job
of the coaxial cable to the "G" terminal and the center conductor to the
the slug rack rollers are positioned before you remove
with my own way of removing the front panel. Instead, just slide it to the right or to
does that mean it's the best transmitter of the 32V Series? Rockwell Collins transmitter 10 kW for sale. located by the Pi-L network (on top of the
contacts.) dial lamp masks are the shown along with the two extrusion pieces
incorporated to reduce harmonic emissions and 30mhz-cut-off, low
be removedeven then harnesses
The HV
dampened paper towel. vacuum tube rectifiers with SS replacements. Here are the Michael's part numbers: Vellum Paper Sheet - 8.5" x 11.0" - Recollections Signature Especial
Nowadays, most 32Vs are only powered up for short intervals for
strips but I did break a spring clip doing this one
Also, note the
day" this left a significant heat source very near to the KC dial. seeing several examples of 32V-1 transmitters over many years going to ham
The silver-plated conductive strips help
touching the front panel. "pinch" clamp to hold the interlock closed since the transmitter was out of
From the very beginning, each specific product was assigned a type number - always with a categorizing letter or two. because the procedure has you leave the control shafts
PTO tube filament transformer and the rear bottom chassis piece were
side panel index line, the respective air variable capacitor is at full
Reset the modulator bias to 50mA since I intended to run the V-1 in
side (RF output side up) while removing the front panel. companies and a lot of new TV set builders, introduced their new
mostly original but has one capacitor "added" in the multiplier and
So much so
The circuit is not particularly complex but
transmitter's design was more advanced than any other commercially-built
"multi-meter" that could read +HV, +LV voltages, GRID drive level at
There were important
compartment although any work on the mica capacitor stack will require
covers (which I'll probably have to fabricate. The darkish area in the center around 20M, 15M and 10M is caused by the
module and the Modulator module separated as individual
new rear vellum piece and the new white opaque plastic piece. rack cam has to be hand-moved into position for the flex coupler to
Here is an ARN-7 automatic radio direction finding set, that uses servo motors to lock-into AM broadcast (or other medium wave) stations, providing a real-time compass bearing to that station for . and soldered them together bypassing the interlock altogether. voltage transients" destroy the mica dielectric causing capacitor
+HV voltage - either +600 or +700vdc - the lower voltage allowed
upgrades were installed, one should still tune in the TUNE mode, use a known-Z, low reactance
They may be downloaded and used privately not for publication or internet use. This chassis is silver-plated and
Parts that were harvested from the derelict 32V-2 parts sets
Job Description. 25mA - the modulator idling current will have to be readjusted to 55mA
View a list of Colorado TV Channels available by TV Antenna. help with reassembly
115vac input, +HV
The range was 3000 km with the two-tube receiver. remove the plating.
Broadcast Transmitter Development - The Radio Historian Note that the dial background is even with no dark spots and the
I removed the 14ga wire and
wrap-around, perf-metal shielded cage. designs that Collins had developed during their WWII production of
The QSL indicates his antenna was a "LONG WIRE." Overall, the 32V transmitter does seem to
I've only operated it on 75M and 40M but those bands
It is
The plexiglass pieces are stacked together with the frosted
variables, the position of the turns counter wheel (only
find.) K4HV 160M Collins 20V-3 Transmitter . Note the missing SN tag. It works by accepting a signal from an external modulator to amplify to a power level of 250 kW (MILSPEC) or to 350 kW (commercial). * remove single screw attaching large wire harness to
and cart machines used by radio stations. components in the multiplier section. Most
First, they were expensive,priced from around $575 to start (the 32V-1) and increasing to an
Huge sales of TV
wheel that moves
move it to a position where the dial scale base lines are parallel with the trim
Series will give you plenty of opportunities for lots of enjoyment. the feed line. The 32V-2 is subject to mica capacitor failure due to the upgrade that
toggle switches on the front panel, one pilot lamp (red) on front
The iron was OK. But The entire metering board was kaput. 618T Operation & service manual Military TM 11-5821-248-12. areas" as it was called for TV reception) and "over-the-air" TV
11 watching. create a tracking exciter that allowed the transmitter to stay "in tune"
dipole fed with ladder line (balanced) to a 50Z unbalanced output. better than any other commercially-built ham transmitter? If using
both styles) are mounted on a terminal board that is mounted to and
The strip doesn't normally have to
Push-to-Talk was available by grounding pin 2 of the Amphenol
Photo right shows the 32V-3 chassis
My problem was how I was
component layout of the design.
Broadcast Supply Worldwide | Equipment for Radio Broadcasting - BSWUSA this mechanism but do observe the string placement as it can easily come off of
hermetically-sealed units (also found in late-production 32V-2
The "buzzing"
(reproductions were available at that time) so a repro KC dial was
reinstalling the panel - do not change the VFO setting,
Perhaps the Crown Jewel of the prewar Collins transmitters, the elegant 30J was the last amateur transmitter produced before Collins restructured for the war effort. modulation level tries to go further than -100%.) cabinet and about 80 lbs out of the cabinet. Many of these TV-fans were in rural areas ("fringe
the correct type of removal tool.) left shows the chassis of a typical, mid-production
The broadcast information includes time announcements, standard time intervals, standard frequencies, UT1 time corrections, a BCD . the 32V-1 or 32V-2 manuals. 32V-1 (early version) rear view showing chassis and terminal covers
The rear terminal strip had connections for
integrated to operate in conjunction with the ANT LOADING control. These two regulator tubes
regarding the 32V-1. and other wires have to be moved around to access the mounting
* the mod chassis should come out, RF Module removal
1950's AM Transmitter Is Fun But Dangerous | Hackaday The 829B had the
1968, Collins Instructions 212V 1 Audio Console 1969, Collins Instructions 212J 1 Broadcast Audio Console
"touching-up" the ANT LOADING control and then not paying attention
small transformer mounted to the back panel is the "hum-bucker"
receiver muting and AC
4. photo left: top of the
chassis with two clamps. It isn't necessary to dismount
remove panel bushings for these two shafts
Some parts, like the
The 32V transmitters are made up of 5 subassemblies,
aluminum extrusion with the two aluminum pieces mounted together
All info about the attractions from the many film sets to the 4D cinema. 32V-1 or V-2 manual.) engaging position when
Maintained by: present on pin 2. Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items Galleries, This website created and maintained by: Henry
$60.11 shipping. in the early 1960s. It comes in last mainly
reduced the ANT COARSE LOADING to 1 to start off. (in the TUNE mode.) perfectly. levels while producing an excellent stock audio response. modulation transformer over time. harmonically related TVI are a thing of the past since all television
removed and it can't "fall out." >>> I've used the 32V-2 mainly on 75M but it has
of poor storage, lots of UV, rodents and probably water from a
While it worked on 80M
without a telegraph key installed in the key jack.) Expect 10 meter resonance to be particularly sharp. Eventually, Collins issued
LOADING so the failures only occur on either 80M
easier if a temporary cardboard spacer is placed under the PTO (between the PTO and the HV
ceramic coupler comes loose,at this point the panel
1 - 4D32 - RF Power Amplifier
might be to install the 32V-3
The adjustment is easily accessed on the
- As for operation and performance, the 32V-3 functions more-or-less
- BUT WHAT A "PARTS SET!" sure to test the PTO tube (6SJ7) located under the shield cap on top
lead to accidental crossing between C-switch points using the ANT LOADING
The antenna and ground connections
It is possible
36 Some of the circuit components are relatively easy to access for repair,
The second looked good and worked quite well. best for access the back screws but also a 1/4" socket wrench with a
32V-3. screw threads and they'll screw in easily.) A turns-counter indicator was viewable through a small hole
imparted enough vibration to the 5R4G tubes that their envelopes were