In article , Steve Reinhardt wrote:
I just repaired my TR-3, and put it on the air. I'd forgotten what a
nice rig it is. Now, I've started to think about how much better it
could be. What if one was to rip out the entire frequency control
section (VFO, xtal osc, mixer, etc) and replace it with a DDS
synthesizer. It turns out that the display would fit in the opening of
the tuning dial. There would be excellent frequency stability, no
backwards tuning on 20M, 2-3 less tubes to save heat and power. It just
wouldn't be a Drake anymore...

Drake already did that. They took a TR-4CW, converted it to all solid
state and repalced the PTO with a synthesizer. Called it the TR-5.

Nice rig, but they only sold around 1500 of them.

Geoff.

--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 IL Fax: 972-2-648-1443 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
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"Drake already did that. They took a TR-4CW, converted it to all solid state
and repalced the PTO with a synthesizer. Called it the TR-5. Nice rig, but
they only sold around 1500 of them"

Nope I have a TR-5. It has an analog vfo. There is a separate
synthesizer for the TR-5, but it made of unobtanium and priced accordingly.

The TR-5 came out after the TR-7 with the intent of being a poor man's TR-7.
But, it was priced the same as the Japanese rigs with a synthesizer and many
more bells and whistles.

The TR-5 is really closer to a solid state KWM-2 than a solid state TR-4.
it is one of those perfect for your deserted island, where you cannot get
parts.

Colin K7FM

In article . net,
COLIN LAMB wrote:
Nope I have a TR-5. It has an analog vfo. There is a separate
synthesizer for the TR-5, but it made of unobtanium and priced accordingly.

You're right. I just check the documentation. I was fooled by the external
VFO having being digitial.

From now on, I'll have to tune it more slowly. :-) I was assuming the
100Hz jumps were inherent in the synthesizer and are only the display.


The TR-5 came out after the TR-7 with the intent of being a poor man's TR-7.
But, it was priced the same as the Japanese rigs with a synthesizer and many
more bells and whistles.


Yes, I also have a TS-430s, which I think is around the same time. It has
AM send and receive (send may be DSRC, I don't remember), FM, more filter
options (TR-5 has one additional, TS-430 has one for SSB and one for CW),
8 memories, two "VFOs", etc. It also has a more sensitive receiver,
but it has a lot more noise.


The TR-5 is really closer to a solid state KWM-2 than a solid state TR-4.
it is one of those perfect for your deserted island, where you cannot get
parts.

That's for sure.

Geoff.

--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 IL Fax: 972-2-648-1443 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
You should have boycotted Google while you could, now Google supported
BPL is in action. Time is running out on worldwide radio communication.