Ramsey Electronics FR6 User Manual download pdf (Page 4)

FR6 • 4

INTRODUCTION

FM and repeaters on 6 meters? You bet!

There's not a lot to say about using the FR6 receiver once its been correctly

built and aligned. If 6 meters is "dead”, it resembles the usual 2 meter action.

If 6 meters is "hot", you’ll find an amazing variety of crystal-clear FM signals

from many thousands of miles away! If there are local 6 meter repeaters in

your area, the FR6 will be just as active as the local repeater gang.

Since the FR6 “hears” only FM, the various SSB and CW signals on the band

will not be properly demodulated as to be intelligible.

This receiver is a good project for amateurs wishing to become more familiar

with 6 meter FM before choosing a transceiver, or for those active on 6 who

want an inexpensive receiver to take on trips, keep in a briefcase or to watch

for band openings.

Most Ramsey Electronic Kits can be classified as "Skill Level 1" if we use the

old Heathkit guidelines for ease of assembly. That means that our kits are

intended to be successful for first-time kit builders. This FR6 FM Receiver is

best regarded as a "Skill Level 2" project, (or least Level 1.46!) and should

not be taken lightly, even by experienced, licensed radio amateurs.

Still, this step-by-step manual is written with the beginner in mind, because

we are well aware of the fascination that Six Meters and its maze of

repeaters holds for newcomers, which means this could be your very first kit

project. The same holds true for those who just want to peek in on LOW VHF

public service communications without the cost of a scanner. To be honest,

we'd like to see first-time builders start out with an easier kit such as the

Ramsey HR40 Forty Meter receiver before assembling the FR6, but we are

confident that you can construct the FR6 successfully if you follow this

manual carefully and patiently.

Before beginning the project or even studying the circuit description, it is

worthwhile to develop some prior respect for how much receiver is packed

onto the circuit board. The nine semiconductor devices (diodes, transistors

and IC chips) give the equivalent of about 30 or more transistors diodes. And,

in addition to four inductors, a crystal and two ceramic filters, there are nearly

60 capacitors and resistors. Surely, all that should result in a decent receiver!

You could easily spend twice the money plus hours of time trying to gather

the equivalent parts from catalogs and still need to make your own circuit

board.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 23 24

No comments

Ramsey Electronics FR6 User Manual Page 4