I think the forms that were used in the Houston build were my Meissner
units. I don't recall who ordered them for their protos, but we did
have a discussion about volume purchases.  I sold a lot of those
things, so there should be a quite a number of forms in circulation!

John K5MO

I posted some pictures of where I'm at with "Option #3" in the Photos
section which is the cheaper (using your junk box content), painted BUD
aliminum chassis with decal based "AC-1". I'll offer the chassis at
volume costs and the decal or the decal only.

Option #1 is the punched, painted, and silkscreened steel chassis --
complete kit-- which Mark (W1EOF) will be offering.

73 Kees K5BCQ

I built an original AC-1 in 1965.  Bought it for $19.95 at Federated
Electronics in NJ.  Hated that I had to scrape paint under the chassis, to
make ground connections (everything was painted).  It worked first time
powered up (not much to go wrong there), my first QSO was on 40m, 7152 kHz,
with W6DDB in CA.  No idea about power output, but it would light up a 25W
GE Soft White to about half brilliance.  Receiver was an NC-125.  I was a
pleased 13 year-old. -WB2WIK/6

-----Original Message-----
From: Kip Williams - N6NVP [mailto:n6nvp@...]
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 1:24 PM
To: amecoac1@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [BULK] - [amecoac1] My Two (or less) Cents


I didn't build or own one of the orginal Ameco's but I remember the
exciting thing about it from my perspective at the time was: I could
afford it. (Not that I could build it. All of the really cool hams were
running manufactured rigs or, if it HAD to be a kit - it was a Heathkit.)
So now I admit to being attracted more out of the charm of firing up an
tube and making some noise, I really like the idea of the bud chassis, the
transformer and a few of the other parts (the tubes and crystals) all as
CHEAP as possible.
I'm excited to see things stirred up!

73/72

Kip Williams N6NVP
San Diego, CA




Yahoo! Groups Links

Hi Wes,

That's great news. The best quote I've had so far is from Germany. I can't
wait to see yours. Please forward it to me directly w1eof@....
Thanks!

73,

Mark W1EOF


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Les V [mailto:
> Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 11:26 AM
> To: amecoac1@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [amecoac1] Transformer quote ready
>
>
>
> I have prepared a quotation for a transformer that I think will fit
> the requirement for the Ameco-AC1 project.
> Please alert whomever is in charge of parts procurement to contact
> me.
> Considering the price of the "other fellows", I think you will be
> pleased.
> I have looked at many photos of the original and I think I can
> provide a visually almost identical part.
> Phone contact is best, but email is fine too.
>
> Work:
> Les Vaughn
> Sun Transformer
> 618-643-2555  voice
> 618-643-2316  fax
> lvaughn@...
> www.suntransformer.com
>
> Home:
> rocketcaver@...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

I didn't build or own one of the orginal Ameco's but I remember the
exciting thing about it from my perspective at the time was: I could
afford it. (Not that I could build it. All of the really cool hams were
running manufactured rigs or, if it HAD to be a kit - it was a Heathkit.)
So now I admit to being attracted more out of the charm of firing up an
tube and making some noise, I really like the idea of the bud chassis, the
transformer and a few of the other parts (the tubes and crystals) all as
CHEAP as possible.
I'm excited to see things stirred up!

73/72

Kip Williams N6NVP
San Diego, CA

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In a message dated 9/9/05 9:13:17 AM, mpagel@... writes:

>There have been a couple of isolated instances of these rigs
>commanding high prices, but I rarely see one listed for sale.  I'm
>sometimes tempted to put mine on the market but want to get some idea
>of how to price it.

I think the toggle switch would be a minus, but I have seen original AC-1's
(in all conditions) go on eBay from $150 to $350.  They all seem to end up on
eBay rather than private sale, maybe because the owners seek the higher sale
prices. - Joe W1GFH

Greetings to the group.

I have an original AC-1, complete with tubes 80 and 40 meter coils.
The only alteration is that someone replaced the slide switch with a
toggle switch.

There have been a couple of isolated instances of these rigs
commanding high prices, but I rarely see one listed for sale.  I'm
sometimes tempted to put mine on the market but want to get some idea
of how to price it.

73, de Mike, K9UW
Amherst, WI
k9uw at wi-net.com

I have prepared a quotation for a transformer that I think will fit
the requirement for the Ameco-AC1 project.
Please alert whomever is in charge of parts procurement to contact
me.
Considering the price of the "other fellows", I think you will be
pleased.
I have looked at many photos of the original and I think I can
provide a visually almost identical part.
Phone contact is best, but email is fine too.

Work:
Les Vaughn
Sun Transformer
618-643-2555  voice
618-643-2316  fax
lvaughn@...
www.suntransformer.com

Home:
rocketcaver@...

Ok, I have done some web research and found what I need as far as
current requirements.
Les   KB9BCY

Hi folks, I just hopped over here from the glowbugs list.
I work at a small transformer manufacturer (yes, in the US!)
and might be able to supply the transformer you guys are looking for.
I would need to know how many you intend to buy, exact electrical
specs with desired load currents, loaded voltages, that sort of thing.
Let me know if interested.
Les   KB9BCY

Correction. 272X

--- C Eus <catman351@...> wrote:

> I think the Hammond 270 (?) would be the appropriate
> replacement. Plentiful albiet a little on the pricey
> side (around $40). FWIW. Cal, n6KYR/8
>
> --- wb1gfh@... wrote:
>
> >
> > In a message dated 9/8/05 6:05:09 PM,
> > windy10605@... writes:
> >
> > >1) A complete, accurate, and professionally done
> > "AC-1" kit, including
> > >the steel chassis (#2, below) --and--
> > >2) A professional steel chassis, 6"x8"x2-1/2",
> > punched, painted, and
> > >silkscreened ...sold separately.
> > >3) A decal, and an unpainted, unpunched, off the
> > shelf, 6"x8"x2" BUD
> > >aluminum chassis --and--
> > >4) A decal only for a 2" high chassis
> >
> > IMO, after the chassis, the next most difficult
> > thing to find is the
> > transformer. For those who want to do their own
> > fairly accurate homebrew clone, a
> > small, horizontal mount transformer is what's
> > needed. Is there a way to find out
> > what Houston QRP Group used for their transformer
> > (and where they got it)? From
> > their photos, it seems to be a close dupe of the
> > original. It might be good
> > to offer people these xfmrs (or a source for them)
> > as an option. - Joe W1GFH
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
______________________________________________________
> Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief
> effort.
> http://store.yahoo.com/redcross-donate3/
>





______________________________________________________
Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
http://store.yahoo.com/redcross-donate3/

I think the Hammond 270 (?) would be the appropriate
replacement. Plentiful albiet a little on the pricey
side (around $40). FWIW. Cal, n6KYR/8

--- wb1gfh@... wrote:

>
> In a message dated 9/8/05 6:05:09 PM,
> windy10605@... writes:
>
> >1) A complete, accurate, and professionally done
> "AC-1" kit, including
> >the steel chassis (#2, below) --and--
> >2) A professional steel chassis, 6"x8"x2-1/2",
> punched, painted, and
> >silkscreened ...sold separately.
> >3) A decal, and an unpainted, unpunched, off the
> shelf, 6"x8"x2" BUD
> >aluminum chassis --and--
> >4) A decal only for a 2" high chassis
>
> IMO, after the chassis, the next most difficult
> thing to find is the
> transformer. For those who want to do their own
> fairly accurate homebrew clone, a
> small, horizontal mount transformer is what's
> needed. Is there a way to find out
> what Houston QRP Group used for their transformer
> (and where they got it)? From
> their photos, it seems to be a close dupe of the
> original. It might be good
> to offer people these xfmrs (or a source for them)
> as an option. - Joe W1GFH
>





______________________________________________________
Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
http://store.yahoo.com/redcross-donate3/

In a message dated 9/8/05 6:05:09 PM, windy10605@... writes:

>1) A complete, accurate, and professionally done "AC-1" kit, including
>the steel chassis (#2, below) --and--
>2) A professional steel chassis, 6"x8"x2-1/2", punched, painted, and
>silkscreened ...sold separately.
>3) A decal, and an unpainted, unpunched, off the shelf, 6"x8"x2" BUD
>aluminum chassis --and--
>4) A decal only for a 2" high chassis

IMO, after the chassis, the next most difficult thing to find is the
transformer. For those who want to do their own fairly accurate homebrew clone,
a
small, horizontal mount transformer is what's needed. Is there a way to find out
what Houston QRP Group used for their transformer (and where they got it)? From
their photos, it seems to be a close dupe of the original. It might be good
to offer people these xfmrs (or a source for them) as an option. - Joe W1GFH

----- Original Message -----

From: keith ford

To: glowbugs@...

Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2005 8:08 PM

Subject: Re: GB> AC-1 Panel Labels, WOW

I can't find it now,  Maybe Jim will send it again to the list.

Tom NØJMY - AAR7FV <tfarl@...> wrote:

What's the link to them, Keith? I must have missed it.

Tom

keith ford wrote:

> Today I received from JIm K4AEK 2 copies of his AC-1 panel Label, If
> it's not exact, I think it's 99% correct. WOW, I'll have to get up
> and bend a chassis or wait and see what Mark will offer one for.
>
> If you get the chance check out his photos of the labels.
>
> Way to go Jim,
>
> Keith.
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>

---

Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

That's called insert molding and I wouldn't think Keith would be
attempting that.

I'm told by some buddies who have designed a LOT of molds that you
really don't want to mold it in one piece either. You mold the tube
with it's shoulder on the top rim and you mold the bottom "disk"
separately. It gets cemented or ultrasonnically welded in place. The
pins get pressed in place and possibly glued last.

Of course if you were to mold the bottom disk and a top ring you could
purchase the basic tubing cut to length at a pretty cheap price. These
  are the options I'm looking at.

73,

Mark W1EOF


--- In amecoac1@yahoogroups.com, "sigcom1" <imsly1@j...> wrote:
> I think it's great that Keith is taking a whack at molding those coil
> forms, I wish him the best of luck.  I think the biggest problem will
> be holding the pins in the mold.  73.......Steve Smith WB6TNL
>
> --- In amecoac1@yahoogroups.com, "w1gfh" <w1gfh@y...> wrote:
> > As we all know, Ameco's vintage clear plastic coil form is difficult
> > to find.
> >
> > Keith, KF4TAP plans to start die making and injection molding to
> > produce an exact repro of the AC-1 coil form within a month or
> > two. The repro coil forms would be made available to interested
> > buyers.

Hi All -

I'm sure Kees has posted an update or two on what we'v been up to.
Here's one from me:

My goal is to produce some number of complete kits for a very close
clone of the AC-1. I say very close because I will be making a few
concessions for safety and performance such as 3-wire power cord,
fuseholder, a larger loading cap, etc. Details will be published in a
final proposal. Of course anyone who desires to deviate is welcome.

I have read and re-read all teh emails I can find regarding peoples
opinions on what they want. It's a wide range as expected. I have
decided to shoot for what I would describe as a very close clone.

I'm *not* in a hurry. I'm more concerned that this thing gets done
rather than a false start which goes nowhere. In order to pull it off
I need to find good parts at reasonable prices. I want the end result
to be professional in the parts, packaging, and the documentation.
This will take time.

Right now I'm working with a buddy to get an Autocad 3-D drawing of
the chassis completed so I can get quotes from some highly automated
sheetmetal houses. Other outstanding issues are the hammertone paint,
the screening on the hammertone paint, and the coil form. I have a
commitment for SOME coil forms but probably not enough, especially of
each kit is to include more than one coil form.

I have found some octal tube bases (new) and am in the process of
getting a quote on precut styrene tube which could be glued to that
base to make a form. Not very original looking though.

I have already received commitments (verbal/email) from people who are
willing to prepay and receive thier kit 3- or 60 days later. This will
be key for me to work this because I simply don't have the money to
put up to pay for all the parts in advance. Some of the purchases can
be "staged" in that I can do (x) kits per week which will help but
some items like the transformer need to be paid for up-front.

If I had to guess, and this is a real wild guess, I'd say I will end
up producing 50 - 100 complete kits. I may end up selling some partial
kits with a chassis or chassis/transformer for those with a well
stocked junkbox or the desire to go in a different direction.

So that's where I'm at. If I had to give a date for a design release
(start taking orders) it would be sometime in October with a Christmas
or end of year shipment date. It *WOULD* make an awful nice present
under the tree, wouldn't it?

73,

Mark W1EOF

In a message dated 8/28/05 4:07:56 PM, w9bmw@... writes:

>From : Monte W9BMW/7
>
>
>If anyone is going make a run of "EXACT" dimension chassis, I have a
>silkscreen that I had made for my restorations. Look at Joe's site:

Hi Monte,
Kees, Mark, and the others are working from YOUR original artwork which they
have adapted to HAMECO, AMIGO, and AMEGLO logos to avoid potential legal
issues with the AMECO company (which is still in business). 73, Joe


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In a message dated 8/28/05 4:07:56 PM, w9bmw@... writes:

>From : Monte W9BMW/7
>
>
>If anyone is going make a run of "EXACT" dimension chassis, I have a
>silkscreen that I had made for my restorations.  Look at Joe's site:

Hi Monte,
Kees, Mark, and the others are working from YOUR original artwork which they
have adapted to HAMECO, AMIGO, and AMEGLO logos to avoid potential legal
issues with the AMECO company (which is still in business).     73, Joe

From : Monte W9BMW/7

If anyone is going make a run of "EXACT" dimension chassis, I have a
silkscreen that I had made for my restorations.  Look at Joe's site:

  http://www.qsl.net/wb1gfh/ameco.html

Look at my before and after pictures.  The artwork and silkscreen are
not perfect in respect to the line width on the arc aound the air
variable capacitors but pretty darn close.  I would be willing to loan
out the silkscreen for a run of chassis.

Best regards to the group from W9BMW/7

Monte

Hi:
I just wanted to know if anyone knows the status of the replica efforts
to sell to the rest of the interested ham community.

I know that the HQRP effort is effectively dead. I would like to try my
hand at this (since I found a commericial punching shop that can make
the AC-1 chassis). Let me know what ya think! Cal. N6KYR/8

Hi:
I just wanted to know if anyone knows the status of the replica efforts
to sell to the rest of the interested ham community.

I know that the HQRP effort is effectively dead. I would like to try my
hand at this (since I found a commericial punching shop that can make
the AC-1 chassis). Let me know what ya think! Cal. N6KYR/8

when joes original gets here,  I'll do a cad drawing of it.  I will
pay particular attention the pins and how they are set in.  I've don't
think it will be any more difficult than the 243 sockets i've been
making.  I've made 2 dies for the 243 sockets.  I've found 4 different
styles and i'm trying to replicate them all.

CU keith.

I think it's great that Keith is taking a whack at molding those coil
forms, I wish him the best of luck.  I think the biggest problem will
be holding the pins in the mold.  73.......Steve Smith WB6TNL

--- In amecoac1@yahoogroups.com, "w1gfh" <w1gfh@y...> wrote:
> As we all know, Ameco's vintage clear plastic coil form is difficult
> to find.
>
> Keith, KF4TAP plans to start die making and injection molding to
> produce an exact repro of the AC-1 coil form within a month or
> two. The repro coil forms would be made available to interested
> buyers.

As we all know, Ameco's vintage clear plastic coil form is difficult
to find.

Keith, KF4TAP plans to start die making and injection molding to
produce an exact repro of the AC-1 coil form within a month or
two. The repro coil forms would be made available to interested
buyers.