View Single Post
  #1   Report Post  
Old September 25th 06, 06:24 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.boatanchors
Bill Bird Bill Bird is offline
external usenet poster
 
First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Sep 2006
Posts: 1
Default Need help on Navy RCA RBB-5 RBC-5 Receivers

Hi, (2nd try to post, sorry if both show up)

I just purchased two receivers and the required power supply and connectors.
They a

Navy RBB-5, .50-4.0 MHz, built by RCA
Navy RBC-5, 4.0-27.0 MHz, built by RCA
Type 20130 Rectifier Power Unit, with 120V power cord, two receiver power cords
Two CN-49123-B 70 Ohm IMP. Antenna Cables with 4 plug panel

I have downloaded some partial manuals from the internet and am hopeful the
seller will find the original manual for me soon. The power unit can run two
receivers at the same time but manual indicates main usage is for one receiver
at a time. I have powered up both receivers using an autotransformer to
gradually get up to the 120V AC required for the power unit. Everything seemed
to power up fine and the receivers show 200V DC coming into them on their
voltage meter.

I am finding the following:

RBB-5 does not seem to receive anything from antenna, can hear steady static at
high volume.

RBC-5 picks up only very strong stations like Radio Havana.

Outside of chassis and shield of antenna cables on both receivers seems to have
about 60 volts AC on them.

I will be opening up the units soon to take a look. I have two tube testers and
a VTVM for testing.

I have a vertical HF antenna and a beam HF antenna that utilize standard 50 ohm
coax with PL-259 connectors. The 4 plug panel as I received it is set to
connect to a one-wire antenna and a ground wire (and also the cables running to
the up to four receivers).

I'd appreciate:

ideas on how best to connect my antenna coax to these receivers. The RBB-5

actually has two SO-239 connectors on the back but still doesn't pick up any
stations when connecting my coax directly to either SO-239.

ideas on what might be causing the receiver chasis's to be "hot"
ideas on what might be causing the lack of sensitivity (maybe my lack of

proper antenna connection?)
and knowing if anyone is enjoying using these receivers.


I'd like to use these receivers for both AM and CW.

Thanks,

Bill Bird
KG0YJ
Chesterfield, MO
www.billbird.com