Nostalgia: *** Smith Electronics Fun Way into Electronics

A little while back, I did a little blogging about *** Smith Electronics Fun Way into Electronics series. This was arguably one of the main things which got me into the whole electronics hobby, so I thought some of you might also enjoy looking back at *** Smith when it was more than just a consumer electronics shop. If you remember these, or have any thoughts to share, I'd love to hear them .

Problemchild over 11 years ago in reply to shabaz

I have a few of those Jackson type Shabaz and some nice machined brass ones too...... Wonder if I could laser cut one and get super smug browny points:P

Grr lasers..deathrays ...lasers...grr h o my head
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Problemchild over 11 years ago in reply to shabaz

I went to one of his talks at the local Ham radio group TDARS he speeks really well ...not surprisingly since he goes all over the country

http://soldersmoke.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/homebrew-hero-george-dobbs-g3rjv.html
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shabaz over 11 years ago in reply to jw0752

I recall some bellows-style variable caps in the past vaguely, hehe.
I have a box of variable capacitors, been meaning to re-build a radio someday : ) will dig them out and post a photo : )
There was a British firm called Jackson Brothers who made nice ones, but they were quite expensive. There was an old radio repair shop that sold them near me.
(Also have a box of low-ish voltage valves/tubes, was waiting for someone to post information on how to use such things, since I don't know much in this area : (
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shabaz over 11 years ago in reply to Problemchild

Ahhh that;s nice to hear. Will check out what he's doing, I had no idea. That book brings back memories : )
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Problemchild over 11 years ago in reply to jw0752

Yep proper home brew stuff is barely together at it's best it's all about the construction technique at this point
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jw0752 over 11 years ago in reply to shabaz

My capacitor was so loose like a pillow that I could actually tune the radio by pushing down on it. It gives one a real appreciation of just how far the technology has come in less than a life time.
John
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Problemchild over 11 years ago in reply to shabaz

Shabaz, these radios are so simple but require a fair amount of fettling and often a long run for the antenna and an earth to be effective!

Like your link The Reverend George Dobbs is an institution well known in QRP circles. Do a google and find loads of cool stuff he makes
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Problemchild over 11 years ago in reply to supper_slash

Nice one there Lupe ...Should do it for Christmas..Maybe with the Nephew?
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shabaz over 11 years ago in reply to jw0752

Wow, awesome that you actually built the diode!!
My crystal radio attempts used the popular OA91 that was (is still) available from surplus stores. Like you I used a paper tube with the coil on it. The wire is really expensive now (Litz wire) which is a shame.
Then I tried this one, so frustrating it never worked for me, I spent days on it ; ) using parts from the Tandy (Radio Shack) which were not quite the exact parts since the book was so old.
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supper_slash over 11 years ago in reply to Problemchild

I am sorry, i do not have the original, but this looks to be about the same thing. i remember making this. i used a safety pin on the crystal. LOL.
Crystal Radio plans.
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