located on the rear chassis panel. retains the fiberboard dial lamp power connector is broken. doing it) is the ultimate goal, then the Collins 32V Series will also be appreciated and
output monitored at a specific frequency on a receiver and then the
* pull the panel "straight forward" 1/2" until the small
better than any other commercially-built ham transmitter? originally came with a red paper-string tag attached to the COARSE ANT
More pictures available. Next was to repaint these "new" T301 and L303 since they were in rough condition
swap meets, all with
varying degrees of "hamstering," parts salvaging or with condition
broadcasting is HDTV on much higher frequencies nowadays and most
That's why the white plastic broke into pieces when removed (also, it
It's easier
single C303, frame T301 and L303 and no PTO screen
Try to use a NOS tube in that position. We left at 7AM,
Seeing that the
current. Each module was tested individually before
is either a microwave signal from a satellite or a super-strong signal from a cable provider. eliminated, the interlock switch was relocated at the rear of the
This 32V-2 has
Characteristics and Critiques. Lots of photos
load. integrated to operate in conjunction with the ANT LOADING control. wrap-around, perf-metal shielded cage. Last Update 9/1/21. Most 32V transmitters do require a bit of work on the
might be to install the 32V-3
1 - 6SN7GT - Audio Driver
Galleries, This website created and maintained by: Henry
seconds I was never concerned about it. I used to have to clean the
pliers that are thin enough to fit between the back plate and the back
Watch pin 2 on the Amphenol microphone
hole and a 2-56 x 3/16" screw was installed to pull the switch back
These two regulator tubes
Another
connected a dummy load. adjustments of the coupler with the transmitter at full power "key-down" can present a high SWR
Good condition originals (unobtainium)
cause. weren't cycled "on and off." would be expected, power output on 10M is less than on 80M. On the bench, out of the cabinet and with the perf-metal covers
to where the knob index was
amateur transmitter available. seeing several examples of 32V-1 transmitters over many years going to ham
T301 and L303 replacements are installed first. inside the power supply module
probably okay. Others are more difficult, like the
Most manufacturers redesigned the
L-303 only has two wires, one to the
two parallel connected 15 ohm 25W resistors into the primary
"TUNE-OPERATE" toggle switch in the position where the green
comparison of the Pi-L networks in a 32V-2 and a 32V-3 transmitters will
The PA
lower chrome strip. The multiplier was fairly close on 80M and 40M but not very
the transformer wasn't the correct vintage for the V-3. An additional
changed was the interlock switch location. what showed on the 'scope and was heard by the receiving stations on the
Don't change the original set up to
The 32V-1 doesn't have a SO-239 connector for the antenna
amount of clearance and doesn't contact the panel so no
* unsolder two wires going to two ceramic feed thrus at
The 829B had the
Unfortunately, the original
the 32V-1 looks like a Call Book. easily be placed in position and all of the mounting
When reassembling the dial, note that the metal lamp masks can be
For example, let's consider a school that is east of Fort Collins, CO, located in Baltimore, MD. Besides his photo "in
C304) were changed to a single oil filled 8uf 1KV capacitor
accessible ham band although it was designated to become one (in
two years. So different, in fact, that (our opinion) there has never been a prettier Collins transmitter. removed and it can't "fall out." Our guess is that as part of Collins strategy in making a serious effort to gain more broadcast market share, they engaged an industrial designer to do an across-the-board product facelift. there is a "snap-in" ceramic coupler between the VFO
1969, Collins Instructions 26U 3 Auto Limiting Amplifier
+LV.) infestation and a lot of corrosion. a small inset mentioned how some of these same designs were going to be
Can't explain the 4kc error but it was
If you have read all of this and you are not looking for a 30J, you need to see a doctor. buzz and a swamping capacitor (or resonator cap) is part of the circuit to reduce the
"turn on" frequency bloop. removing the panel (it will "pop" out of the clips anyway.) The two units were ready to install but I let
Probably the
There are many opinions about running any of
* remove the screws from both toggle switch lugs, do not
The tube sockets for the plug-in caps mounted in the existing
Both meters now used shielded cables and had filters on their terminals. Many of the TV sets used a 21mc IF
Western Historic Radio
for the typewritten parts of the QSL indicate that a WWII "Mill" typewriter
panel to complete the
most likely a subjective judgement but certainly the closer the AC line
The 32V-2 was operational but just barely. removed or installed as the front panel is either being
Rogers - Radio Boulevard, Western Historic Radio Museum 1997/2023. eliminated in the 32V-3. Now, an original
brushing. easy since there are only two wires. chassis components in order to better access parts,
Collins since they issued a service bulletin describing the problem in
comes loose
ANT LOADING control. reverse the secondary wires if you get an increase instead of the
An examination
would allow the interlock to be in place again. in place since they used "C" clips on the
Once all of the problems were repaired the
photo right: This is the Pi-L network on the
note the position of the ANT LOADING and FINAL TUNING air
part of the front panel ANT LOADING control (an air variable C) by using an
the manual (or any known resonate, 50Z or 75Z antenna for the frequency of operation.) I just loosened the dial set screws to move the dial to
It's likely that the "switching
correct slug position is maintained when the panel is
Broadcast Transmitters Catalog 12/1936 pdf: Broadcast Equipment Catalog 1964: parts: 1-3 2-3 3-3 General Catalog 1957: parts: 1-3 2-3 3-3 price list Speech . difficult to move the 32V-1 around the operation table since it
units. To remove the dial assembly from the chassis first remove the
Nevada. accessed under the lid of the transmitter to a front panel control
holders, RF output connector and the toggle switch. T301 was powered up and left on (no load) for about 20 minutes. The photo above
the cabinet, that makes even the smallest rework a real task. as I removed the earlier version T301. fans were located great distances from the nearest TV broadcast
transmitters) and changes to
LOADING switch with the key down and the power on (although I suppose someone could
Also, the 32V-3 uses a
The interlock switch was repaired by drilling a #49 drill hole down
are mounted to form a "U" around the PTO at the center. believed that the problem in the Pi-L network was due to a very high SWR
moved. The
three screws on top of the later models. Pi-L network, loading the transmitter on 10M was difficult. since it also was the correct square housing (potted) style and it was also
capacitor was added to the -75vdc bias voltage supply to further
At the time, many types of plastic material were very
to the circuit design,it was the most advanced medium power ham
that's used in the 32V-3. the copyright and appropriate trademark laws of the United States of America. antenna mounted on a tower in order to receive a fairly clear
Usually, if the "buzz" is really annoying, a small
from the best companies (naturally, since many of the components were
In the late-1960s, the 831 series was produced, the first model I used a small
couple of masking tape strips where T301 is resting on the chassis
My source was Michael's, which is a large "hobby-craft"
L404, the
the removable sheet metal cover over the multiplier section. This Collins 20V-3 project took a couple of years to get started. hadn't noticed for some reason. Then I attached the AC power cable and powered up the 32V-3. 75A-1 Instruction & Service manual 3rd Ed. flex coupler will be obvious when doing the
assures good grounding and certainly makes any routine tube checking
* loosen the two upper ceramic coupler at the front,
The two large can capacitors are 4uf 1KV
S402 to confirm that the knob is
replacement that worked but didn't look original. This was to reduce any
The 32V-2 changed the antenna connection to a
Here are the Michael's part numbers: Vellum Paper Sheet - 8.5" x 11.0" - Recollections Signature Especial
met up with the "V-2 seller" at the Mizpah at 10AM to complete the deal and, after a lunch
heat build-up and the operation remained quiet. removing the plate choke (easy to do.)
own chassis. Take a walk inside the transmitter. Also note at the top of the photo the hex head
mechanical alignment as the panel is tightened to make sure there's no
Illumination is bright and even on all bands. On the left is the PA and the antenna
618T Operation & service manual Military TM 11-5821-248-12. wires) I connected the two CT wires to T301, as original. strip for the video that was a harmonic for 40M operation. two 807 modulator tubes were missing so I checked the modulation
The Collins Radio Company* was founded in 1932 by Arthur A. Collins * at Cedar Rapids, IA. couple of years. old solder, straightening the wire, twisting the end and tinning it. of the relay bouncing on the transmit contact of the DowKey which was
This is removing
Note that the dial background is even with no dark spots and the
However, damage to the C-switch from arcing
WWV's 15 MHz antenna. are tight they tend to make the chassis vibration resonate more in the
In the OPERATE position I had about 225mA of plate current
transmitter and replace any tubes that test low or are defective. transmitter at full power also contributed to some of the Pi-L network
found it set to 100mA which is about double where it should be. A 600Z ohm tap on
At the time of design, 15 meters wasn't an
Then a 2-56 tap threaded the
The Collins Aerospace 617A-1 VLF/LF power amplifier gives you low cost of ownership combined with high availability, reliability and ease of maintenance. (part of the dual section filter for the LV.) solution to this condition. or high quality reproductions (non-existent at this time?) Design of suitable systems for all transmission needs. driving a send-receive relay, remote standby for the station receiver,
WWII designs had been implemented into their commercial transmitters and
1 - 6AG7 - Multiplier - First Multiplier
"bicycle bell" when the transmitter was at full power into the dummy
Eight plexiglass
filter is a choke input circuit - notorious for mechanical "buzz." will hold the ceramic "snap-in" piece which then allows the front panel to be
), Another quick solution would be to run the transmitter on
Unfortunately, the upgrades to the 32V-2
shed's leaking roof have relegated SN:1507 to "parts set"
engaging position when
Hi-Q Pi-L network. installed their filaments will just be visible through the hole and
The 32V-3 is now a pleasure to look at and a real pleasure to
All that was required was to set the kilocycle dial
32V-2 SN:1507 shows the addition of two more
the vertically mounted style used in the V-1 to this
Another problem was
very much. roof-top antenna. automatically tuned as the frequency dial was
It functioned fine but it was visually apparent that
The object is
However, the PTO
four mounting screws at this time, just snug is okay. assembly shown to the right was removed from the 32V-1 transmitter. will take a lot longer to rebuild any 32V transmitter if that rebuild
install an unnecessary SO-239 coax fitting. for fundamental overload problems.) alignment. advanced one switch position with each complete rotation of the ANT LOADING control. Also visible is the PA
control while the transmitter is at full power. very easy to use, works really well and eliminates the
Once the panel is
Next, the ten
It was a very late
New glass was installed into the front
I checked the LV rectifier tube socket, pin 4
be removedeven then harnesses
It should have been moved to turn 8 if the service bulletin
Most of our pre-owned equipment comes from working environments and many items have been tested by a technician. I've only operated it on 75M and 40M but those bands
Murdaugh, 54, faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted. Just the removal of the
There's a procedure for
dismounted for the dial rebuild, I had to touch-up the multiplier
WARNING: DO NOT USE
The 32V-1 transmitter was introduced in late-1946. I had removed the two
Original paperwork including Shively manuals and Hatfield & Dawson engineering study included. The transmitter is essentially built on several chassis that
error is less than 1kc (preferably < 0.5kc) then the multiplier section can be peaked. I removed the ID tape as each wire
With the two 5R4G tubes squarely installed in
* remove both lamp contact blocks, these are held in
was ever read (SB 32V-2 #1, listed as "Filtering.") buzz (actually the second one I tested.) The strip doesn't normally have to
(C303) housed in a rectangular case that was mounted to the
Probably easiest to use a N-type to
Since RF harmonics had a tendency to
was the broken retaining clip for the upper chrome strip. index relationship to the ANT LOADING index scale and then to the
and most of the time even higher. where on the cam
Rework
famous Mizpah Hotel, a landmark in Tonopah. The housings were prep'd for painting with matte black
variables, the position of the turns counter wheel (only
Identification of the 32V Series Transmitters: 32V-1 - Two
I then put the 32V-3 on its side (RF
The standard output was balanced, but a phasing coil option could be added to convert the output to unbalanced. Catalogs, manuals and brochures from Collins from 1937 up to
Collins reduced the neutralization problem by grounding the SO-239 UHF adapter unless you would like to try making up a coaxial
One had a
Here is an ARN-7 automatic radio direction finding set, that uses servo motors to lock-into AM broadcast (or other medium wave) stations, providing a real-time compass bearing to that station for . pretty good (photo to the right. required, it might be necessary to adjust the two harmonic-spur C
end-point error of the PTO. 10M. Rebuilt (with a rebuilt tube): $7500 with exciter, $6000 without. Most
It's not
operation on 80M and the modulation level was good and the audio
at least reduce) the harmonic RF emissions. the side. Clearance Center. quality transmitters for amateurs, the military and the broadcast Let's create an example to illustrate the problem. ). The slide rule MC dial looked sort of original but the white plastic backing has
the Collins 270G-1 loudspeaker. The PTT
mica caps are almost in the "unobtainium" classification - at
pass filters were installed by most ham operators. 32V-1 or V-2 manual.) occur on either 80M or 40M. 1 - 0A3/VR-75 - Bias Regulator
Two basic model types were built, differing mainly in the tube lineups. Transmitters: MW-1A; MW50-C3; Hewlett-Packard. Always good audio reports on AM and T-9 on
being a 2 kW, 831-D, to take advantage of adding vertical polarization. the PA, MOD was the modulator plate current and MOD IND was an
rock-solid. on the small chassis directly behind the PTO where the
another aluminum extrusion piece when this dial assembly is put back
Thanks to Steve Pazar W6SSP for contributing his 32V
>>>
The empty cabinet is first placed on the intended
It isn't necessary to dismount
This makes installing all
Early Television Sets and TVI
unbalanced output which implies the use of coaxial cable for
and rapidly drift back up to the set frequency (kind of like a "bloop.") The rear chassis,
My Cart (0) (800) 426-8434 Call the GearHeads! this T301 had to be thoroughly tested since the condition of the
CW. The 32V-3 appearance is somewhat changed with
I
The alignment procedure starts with checking the
bypass but three capacitors are fixed-C values for 80M and 40M Pi-L Network operation
Push-to-Talk was available by grounding pin 2 of the Amphenol
the +600vdc HV position. at a panadaptor to notice the frequency drop since it isn't audible
rework on a roll-cart
Steve did a complete
Of note was the fact that
areas" as it was called for TV reception) and "over-the-air" TV
Moving a hundred pound rig does take a bit of caution. best for access the back screws but also a 1/4" socket wrench with a
You can also use a 1/4"
Can be tuned to any FM frequency. band with <1kc error. correct meter readings and the carrier looked good on the 'scope. Dave Hultsman recalls that "Collins first The micro-switch by
version V-1, Steve added the two 0A2 Screen Voltage
* remove octal plug from inside power supply module
used for the color. frosted. base clamps were installed on the 807 modulator tubes and the 5R4G
contribute to harmonic radiation, the sidetone oscillator was
when he had to replace several of the tubes and he had only been "on
Problem. top of the coil) and the service
* the RF module should pull loose. The Phone mode used a 6SL7 dual
transformer were changed to
Our
side (RF output side up) while removing the front panel. thin plastic can be found at any hobby store or any "arts and crafts"
binding taking place. 32V-2 Pi-L Network Problems: The
This
the lower power derivatives of. companies and a lot of new TV set builders, introduced their new
transmitters with a Collins logo for a few years, before building the 830 series It was famous for producing high 32V-1 didn't have a "TUNE" position switch to allow low-power
net. The only way to disassembly these transmitters
Although SN:373 was a very early
the weight off of the front panel while its being removed. As a result of the continuing TV-boom that started
Were the 32V Series
Unfortunately, the use of this type plastic
The "buzzing"
antenna matching network is accomplished with a two-piece,
for operation in the 160, 75 or. socket set screws.) The 30J was in the right place at the right time. A gain in level between +10 dBm input into 600 ohms (0.01 watts) to 775 watts of modulator power is quite a power jump (49 dB) and the gain of these two stages combined is notable. WWV is located near Fort Collins, Colorado, about 100 kilometers north of Denver. Leading creator company joins the ranks of OpenAI, Roblox, Canva and more. replaced it with a more original type of wire. contacts about every three months. Following are the QST ads run during the production of this unit. vellum and opaque white plastic then the dial assembly can be mounted in
with three tuned-multiplier stages to
increased number of HV ceramic capacitors. the "wrap-up" I write about the particular piece of gear and not the how
), Minor issue -
Note that the fiducial "shadow" indicates the transmitter sat on
you're looking for an "easy to fix" ham transmitter then perhaps the 32V
* From the bottom
toggle switches on the front panel, one pilot lamp (red) on front
which led to crossing the C-switch points with the resulting mica cap
mechanical housings of their transmitters providing complete RF-sealed
removed with crocus cloth cleaning, scrubbing and lots of wire
This significant offering of communication equipment - purportedly developed for amateur radio use and first introduced to the world in 1959 - would go on to become one of the longest running production runs of a family of communication gear that the world has ever seen. Series of transmitters aren't for you. First, they were expensive,priced from around $575 to start (the 32V-1) and increasing to an
front panel is mounted. +240vdc
Nowadays, most 32Vs are only powered up for short intervals for
station and were trying to receive very weak TV
air, a stock Viking I doesn't sound anything like a stock 32V. As a
The
the 32V-1 or 32V-2 manuals. screwdriver to access the bottom two screws. 1 - 7C5 - Mulitplier - Third Multiplier
26.5mc to 32mc. Collins
In
them set for a couple of days to let the paint cure. side panel index line, the respective air variable capacitor is at full
the 807 modulator tubes is the lid interlock switch. The 32V-2 was available from mid-1948 thru mid-1952. Collins broadcast transmitters. The station's high-frequency broadcasts can be heard around the globe if you have the right kind of radio. upgrades to the Pi-L network, to the voltage regulation for the PTO
This is
1 - 0B2 - PTO Screen Voltage Regulator, 32V Series - General Repair and
The wire ends were
each. While it worked on 80M
this series. voltage transients" destroy the mica dielectric causing capacitor
allows easily inserting the "snap-in" coupler. You will have to readjust the MOD idling current
photo left: Top of the 32V-1 chassis showing the dense
illumination. transmitters, designed to meet new FCC regulations regarding the need to contain described in both procedures.) - As for operation and performance, the 32V-3 functions more-or-less
They are easy to operate
of the PTO. telegraph key being plugged in, the transmitter was always "key down." Each adjustment will require lifting the
strip has two screws that normally have just enough
transmitter is at full output power. align where the glass envelope meets the top of the lamp metal base
Apparently, he sometimes operated Maritime Mobile from
and laced (which sometimes complicates reworking,) paints and finishes
taller than its predecessors (due to spacers added to the mounting
into the circuit. result of this ever-increasing TVI problem, most of the
phillips socket might be needed. late-1946 through mid-1948, or just under two years of production. of the design of the fully enclosed cabinet and all of the extra shielding, screws and mounts for the shields tend to
Comes with manual. clips on the ANT LOADING and FINAL TUNING shafts (use
the residue that needed to be cleaned up. and they are perfect since the resulting AC output is about 115vac (if
while. Though this
of the multiplier section,it's hidden
the transmitters out of the cabinet on any of the 32V series since
Over time, if the kilocycle dial wasn't moved, the
for the front panel to be installed. I have estimated a year or decade. The 32V-1 transmitter isn't found too often today. failure. The
2 - 807 - Modulators
1 - 5Z4 - LV Rectifier
be removed. output side up) and then tightened the mounting screws. and why of its evolution (along with a tirade on TVI.). assembly is virtually identical for all of the 32V Series (and it's very
Perhaps the Crown Jewel of the prewar Collins transmitters, the elegant 30J was the last amateur transmitter produced before Collins restructured for the war effort. Radio Boulevard
One is the plate blocking C and another is the Plate meter
moving for rework, testing or just moving the rig back to the
the rear of the transmitter is the power supply which is built on its
Individual sections are 9ft 6in long. You are sick. We are presently logging some of the early products into a database. line voltage although this only affects the plate voltage on the PA and
Used and stored for many years. COLLINS 208U-10. Note how the metal pegs fit into the clips of
Other updates included the 70E-8B PTO change (32V-1 and V-2 used the
* - This is a link to a site Collins 300J and the 550. interesting variation, although certainly an
In my opinion (and it's just that,an opinion,) I'd rate the 32V-3
The
hermetically-sealed units (also found in late-production 32V-2
The 32V-2 added a reduced power
operate in a neighborhood populated with roof-top TV antennas. receivers) has to do with the type of plastic that was used for the
11 watching. cap in the Pi-L network. in the PA and multiplier sections (six tubes plus two regulators) a
I checked 80M, 40M and 20M and found the
BUMMER! replacements. one contact in years of using the transmitter ever mention the
that had relegated it to "parts set" status. Since only 6.3vac is in the AC input, the VA rating of the transformer
It works by accepting a signal from an external modulator to amplify to a power level of 250 kW (MILSPEC) or to 350 kW (commercial). All Contents inclusive of URLs involving "collinsradio", protected by