Heads Up: Expressions of interest B set antenna bases

[RichardT10829]

folks I may have cracked the issue with B set antenna bases, I am going to make one for myself... Exact replica none working however I would be able to make working versions pending in how many PYE connectors I could muster.

Is anyone in need of a B set base ? I don't mind making a run of them if it's worth while.

Cheers
Richie

[Lauren Child]

I'd be interested in one.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by RichardT10829

folks I may have cracked the issue with B set antenna bases, I am going to make one for myself... Exact replica none working however I would be able to make working versions pending in how many PYE connectors I could muster.


Is anyone in need of a B set base ? I don't mind making a run of them if it's worth while.

Cheers

Richie

Pye? Don't you mean Pi as in 3.14159265?

[rob love]

If you are talking about the portion that has the rubber, I would be in for a couple. I had two broken on me in the last year.

[Lynn Eades]

Richard, can you explain further? Photo?
I'd like a guard for one.

[RichardT10829]

This is just the rubber isolator complete with ends as per pic Kevin makes the posts and brush guards, I can also make these but would rather not step on other folks toes, so will hopefully be just providing the item below.

[Chris Suslowicz]

Originally Posted by RichardT10829

folks I may have cracked the issue with B set antenna bases, I am going to make one for myself... Exact replica none working however I would be able to make working versions pending in how many PYE connectors I could muster.

Is anyone in need of a B set base ? I don't mind making a run of them if it's worth while.

Cheers
Richie

Pye connectors should not be a problem, since they were used for all manner of kit - ideally you should use the variety with plexiglas/perspex insulators to match the originals (not the Tufnol variety), and you will need to make up the "horseshoe" type retaining springs to replace the straight bar variety used with the elbow sockets. Note that the new bases came fitted with the wrong clip if they used the standard sockets - I have a bagged Canadian one (with NATO stock number) in the collection somewhere.

There is also a "civilian" variant in existence, with a flat disk base, rubber gasket, and captive fibre locknuts - this was post-WW2 and I suspect for commercial VHF radio telephones (police, ambulance, etc.) to use up the wartime stocks. They still have the embossed ZA stores code on the rubber though!

Chris.
p.s. Don't buy Pye connectors off eBay UK, it's a mug's game. They're much cheaper (a pound or less) in the bits boxes at amateur radio rallies.

[Mike K]

In the early 1980's I bought a box of NOS examples from Ham Radio supplies in Highett st, Richmond . , around 50 in the box for ten bucks . I don't have any left, they all went to other collectors . The reply was always "can I have some more " as if I had a factory manufacturing the things . I gave them away . Being a non-commercial collector, are their any of us left ?

[Walde Libera]

Hi

I'm in for two, both of mine broke over the years, depending on cost three would make more sense .

Walde in BC

[Lynn Eades]

Yes please Richard, If I'm not too late , put me down for one.

[RichardT10829]

Ok folks, they won't be too expensive ! I have fettle do most processes now, just need to speed up the machining parts of the build and I can start producing them large scale.

I cannot give a cost until I work it out myself, but rest assured I won't be taking the "Michael" with prices.

[Ian McCallum]

Hi Richard,

Please also put me down for two.

Ian

[lssah2025]

Richard I would take 5..

[Andrew Rowe]

Hi Richard, I would like 4, cheers Andrew.

[RichardT10829]

Those shouting up, are you needing working reproductions ie something to use with an active set, or are you after something that looks correct and will accept the antenna ?

I have a rough figure of £85 (GBP) per unit, but may need to tweak this down if I can source materials at a cheaper price.

There is quite a bit of machine work involved, the easy bit is the rubber !! That is for a base that will look correct, and will accept a G antenna rod...... If it's a full working item the price may go up slightly as I need correct grade braid and more machine work on top, plus the correct connector will need to be sourced.

Let me know what you think. It will take me a while to do as the de mould times are quite long for the flexi rubber... It's considerably quicker if I use a slightly stiffer PU.

[lssah2025]

I would just need a repro, not using my sets except for IC.

[Ian McCallum]

[QUOTE=RichardT10829;214211]Those shouting up, are you needing working reproductions ie something to use with an active set, or are you after something that looks correct and will accept the antenna ?

Would prefer working if possible

Ian

[rob love]

Non working for me. I am a vehicle collector, and not a radio junkee.

[Robert Bergeron]

Put me down for two : One for the Mk2 UC and one for the Chev Wire 5 truck please.

Cheers.

[Eric R.]

I need a working one.

[JBizal]

I would take 2 as well.
Thanks
John Bizal

[RichardT10829]

Ok folks I will order in the materials in bulk...bear with me.

[RichardT10829]

Ok big vat of rubber arrived today, along with my other materials.

Those that want bases, please email me at richard_sarah181105@btinternet.com

What I need on the email is Name, Address, working or none working reproduction.

I can tell you at present I only have 4 PYE connectors all without the catch bars, but I am working on getting some more.

£85 for none working and £105 for a working reproduction

Cheers

Richie

[Chris Suslowicz]

I can probably scrounge up a few from the "bits box", but they will all have the straight retaining clip for the elbow socket; you'll have to make your own 'horseshoe' clips for the straight sockets, I'm afraid,

Chris.

[RichardT10829]

Cheers Chris, I can probably make the horse shoe bar from narrow gauge piano wire.

[RichardT10829]

Progress continues, Shaun this is yours I am just completing ! Original is on the green post. I still need to spin the base down a touch, drill the mounting holes and put the top bolts in. The flashing on the rubber can be picked off in minutes, but Bens original pattern had the flashing left on so I have left alone.

Those that took the time to contact me via email, if you could paypal me the funds (friends and family) I would appreciate it

I have a number of rubbers due out of the moulds in the next few days, I have to let them cure fully before I can machine them etc.. It's time consuming !! But I am on the case.

Cheers

Richie

[RichardT10829]

Just an update folks... Work continues at a slow pace.. I know how Nigel ward felt when he did the brackets now !

Here we have Lauren's working repro, due out in the post as soon as I have tested the circuit from connector to antenna slot.

Bear with me, these have been more of a twat to reproduce than I ever imagined !!

[lssah2025]

Looking good, email sent with info as requested.

[David Dunlop]

It's probably been mentioned before, but the B Set portion of the 19-Set operates on a fixed frequency, which back in the 1940's, was a wide open frequency. Today, that frequency is smack in the middle of commercial aviation traffic and off limits, even with an amateur radio permit.

Yes, you can squeeze the coil inside the set to change the basic frequency, but the B-Set puts out such a dirty signal (including an FM component), it is not worth the risk. The aviation world is jumpy enough now, without them detecting weird radio signals from a very old radio and wondering what's afoot.

If you want to have an intact B-Set in your 19-Set, fill it with dead valves. It will look great but do nothing harmful if accidentally turned on, and the main set and I/C will still operate.

David

[RichardT10829]

It's all been covered before buddy, I know in the UK it's a no no to power up the B set. Mine will be isolated at the switch so it cannot be powered up ��

The none working variants of the bases I produce still take the antenna, they just don't have the PYE connector in the base or the link wire. Everything else is as per factory, in fact you could later render the none working ones working if you got the correct fittings etc etc.