Maintenance & Restoration

AC0GV · 09-04-2020, 07:20 PM

This item showed up in a box of stuff at our ham radio camping weekend. It holds 2 D cells, and is threaded behind the large black part. I first thought that it was for a telescope, but our astronomers do not recognize it. So far it is just an expensive flashlight.

Paul O. · 09-04-2020, 08:00 PM

If it just showed up, it is not expensive - it is free. But joking aside, if it is a red flashlight, a stargazer should be interested in it. Red light does not ruin your night vision.

AC0GV · 09-04-2020, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul O.

If it just showed up, it is not expensive - it is free. But joking aside, if it is a red flashlight, a stargazer should be interested in it. Red light does not ruin your night vision.

I see no place for a red lens,

Thane · 09-04-2020, 10:24 PM

Does it have a manufacturer or part number on it or the paperwork?

Dave Fish · 09-04-2020, 10:29 PM

Looks DIY based on the switch. Can you do CW on it?

AC0GV · 09-04-2020, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thane

Does it have a manufacturer or part number on it or the paperwork?

One after thought is that the original lamp may have been red.

gordon2 · 09-05-2020, 09:15 AM

RF detector? Need to open it up and see what circuit, if any, is inside.

Thane · 09-05-2020, 10:17 AM

Maybe a low light trail or road marker?

Maybe astronomy folks used them so people could park their cars and such without headlights and flashlights.

Maybe it used to have a red cover and a ground stake. The ground stake would be pounded into the ground or perhaps mounted to a tree and your mystery light inserted with threads to keep the light in the stake.

That may explain why the shaft is not painted and the top mounted power switch.

Darwin Maring · 09-05-2020, 11:18 AM

Hay uou Ham guys, Use this to call home.

https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...1&d=1599326148

Lloyd (aka Santa) Coltman · 09-19-2020, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darwin Maring

Hay uou Ham guys, Use this to call home.

https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...1&d=1599326148

Old fashioned portable tube tester?

AZCOWBOY · 09-19-2020, 03:22 PM

Relatively new (re-entered) to RVing and a similar hiatus in ham radio activity only to find the camaraderie that I knew to be ham radio sadly lacking. Our home made pop up camper trailer replaced with huge noisy rigs. On HF/UHF the order of the day seems to be (call sign) “listening” and that’s all I do-listen-because even if I ask for a radio check I get no callbacks. In the “old days” a CQ-2meters always got an answer and a nice QSO. Too many folks with cell phones now?

Glenn Baglo · 09-19-2020, 03:55 PM

Maybe they have nothing to say?

gordon2 · 09-19-2020, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZCOWBOY

... even if I ask for a radio check I get no callbacks. In the “old days” a CQ-2meters always got an answer and a nice QSO. Too many folks with cell phones now?

You might even remember when you pretty much had to be a member of the club that owned the repeater to get the PL tone info and permission to use it. And the auto-patch was so popular! Now I dont know if any of the local repeaters even have auto-patch - I sure don't hear any phone calls. And now all the repeaters advertise themselves by voice at least once an hour and tell you the PL tone you need. And they still remain largely quiet. Well, if you say "MAYDAY" instead of "listening" you might get a reply.. I sure hope so, but for the most part my 2 M radio stays off unless its time for a net.

Seacapt · 09-19-2020, 06:17 PM

Hello from Cochise County, AZ
73's
Barry Rietz
N9DXC

AZCOWBOY · 09-19-2020, 06:19 PM

Time was when amateur radio was a huge fraternity. Any more HF sounds reminiscent of citizens band. Never used to hear cussing. Oh well, so goes the world. 73

Derswede · 09-19-2020, 07:01 PM

What freqs are you guys calling on? I try to get on 17m, around 18.145-150. Let us know, will try for a QSO!

Derswede (N4ABA)

gordon2 · 09-19-2020, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derswede

What freqs are you guys calling on? I try to get on 17m, around 18.145-150. Let us know, will try for a QSO!

Derswede (N4ABA)

Do mean you to actually have a conversation? Wow thats so old school! Might be a nice change of pace from FT8. But on the other hand there is no cussing on FT8 (although it is possible). Is your 6 M repeater on 53.7500 (neg offest) working? That could be fun.

AZCOWBOY · 09-19-2020, 08:50 PM

Would love to get together for a QSO but my antenna is down. A new incentive to get it back up. 2 meter repeatersand 146.250 around here are deathly quiet.

73

Fred. K9TOS