Robert Bonomi wrote:

In article ,
David Dawson wrote:
Chuck Harris wrote:

David Dawson wrote:
Hi
Does anyone have crystals for the Drake TR-33C 2 meter tranceiver?
I have the following available for trade:
146.640
146.610
146.820
146.880
147.000

I want the following (some/any)
145.350
146.430
146.680
147.300

The crystal's marked frequency is the exact channel frequency.
The radio derives the output by some method which I don't know, but I
can get +/- 600 kHz and no offset as well

Thanks

It really is quite easy and inexpensive to get your crystals custom
made by a number of different companies. Most all have web access and
ordering. I have used JAN and had excellent results. The companies
have information on file for virtually every piece of equipment that
uses crystals... They certainly have your TR33C on file.

The usually scheme for making the radio work with a single crystal is to
make the crystal be cut for the receive frequency, and mix it with three
different crystals for transmit (LO+IF, LO+IF-600KHz, LO+IF+600KHz).
The IF is most likely 10.7MHz.

-Chuck
Thanks.
There are a few problems for me with getting custom crystals.
I'd have to get them across the border up here in Canada if I get them
from Jan, pay tax, more tax, brokerage and handling fees which would make
it not worth the price I'd end up paying on my rather limited budget.

It would be cheaper for me to buy another radio than buy a set of
crystals.

And yes, I kind of figured that there would be heterodyning involved.

When it comes down to it, I have a nice synthesized rig but I'd like to
set the Drake up for operation on some more useful frequencies in
Vancouver BC, where I live.

Oh well, maybe I'll come across some crystals somewhere.

From the "devious suggestions" department:
1) Know anybody just "south of the border" you could have them shipped
to?
2) failing that, consider renting a 'stateside' P.O. box, or a
'Mailboxes,
etc." or similar one.
3) failing that, you can have stuff shipped _to_ a Federal Express
facility (obviously only by Fed Ex) flagged "Hold for Customer
Pick-Up".

Then take a day-trip to Seattle, to collect em. Declare them on the
return, and you'll only pay the "tax and more tax", avoiding the
brokerage/handling
outrageousness. Although that is "only" $5/package if they go through the
_mail_, vs the $35 and up, that the folks like UPS gouge you for.

In scenario #1, a receipt for, say, $1, for 'one lot, misc. radio
crystals', makes the 'tax and more tax' burden not quite so bad.
Well, I have a friend with a Blaine PO Box, I could get him to collect the
package for that matter. Thanks.
--
....Dave Dawson

"If you wrestle in the mud with a pig,
you both get dirty, and the pig likes it."