Steve Nosko wrote:

"Bill Janssen" wrote in message
...


Steve Nosko wrote:



"H. Peter Friedrichs" wrote in message
thlink.net...



Hello, All:
Rumor has it that QST featured an article in a January/1930 or


January/1935


issue on the subject of homebrew transmitter crystals - how cut, lap,


and


mount them. If anyone has QST on CDROM for those years, I'd sure


appreciate


if you could take a look.
Remove XXX's and ZZZ's if you wish to reply directly, and thanks.
Pete
AC7ZL




Pete,

I have my Dad's grinding stuff, but don't do it. One thing to keep


in


mind, and I don't know the details, but remember that the crystal


activity


is effected by the edges. Grinding the edges is one of the more esoteric
aspects.




The trick isn't the edges but keeping the two surfaces parallel and
flat. The procedure is to grind a little
and check the activity. If it is down try to grind the center or edges
and check again. If it gets better
then go back to to grinding and trying to keep it flat.

Anyway that is the method I used.

Bill K7NOM



Sounds important, Bill, but my words may have been misunderstood. By
edges I meant the end surfaces...as in ; stand the blank up on one edge -
vertically - there are four of 'em. I don't remember if he said that the
ends must be made to have a 90 degree angle with the faces or what. I just
remember that he said that you grind these sides for best / better activity.

I was not referring to the outer reaches of the two large faces as in; is
the face flat or curved in some way.




I understood what you meant. Just never considered that important. Maybe
that is something I missed.

Bill K7NOM