Help with Eddystone 888A

[David G4EBT]

Originally Posted by Skywave

4dB per "S" point, no?

Al.

All the accessories are very collectible and command high prices these days - especially the bug key, (which was a flop in its day), the S Meter, and the die cast circular speakers. I sold all my Eddystone receivers (a couple of 940s, a 680X, an EA12 and EB35) and accessories such as a bug key, except a couple of circular die-cast speakers.

FWIW, 6dB per S-point ranges from -150dbW for S1, to -100dbW for S9.

However, most amateur radio receivers/transceivers using an AGC feedback voltage derived S-meter, have meters that are very non-linear, often as little as 3dB per S-point in the S2 - S9 region.

S meters look appealling, but I don't think they serve much practical purpose, certainly when amateurs give signal reports to each other, which are invariably flattering - 5 x 9 - maximum readabilty, maximum signal strength. Sometimes they gild the lilly - "10 dB over 9".

Huh - what next - "wall to wall and tree top tall"?


David,
G4EBT

[Skywave]

Originally Posted by David G4EBT

All the accessories are very collectible and command high prices these days - especially the bug key, (which was a flop in its day), the S Meter, and the die cast circular speakers.

However, most amateur radio receivers/transceivers using an AGC feedback voltage derived S-meter, have meters that are very non-linear, often as little as 3dB per S-point in the S2 - S9 region.

David,
G4EBT

Accessories: you forgot to mention the pair of plinths that bolt on to the underside of the case to tilt the receiver into a more comfortable operating position (says he, glancing sideways at his Eddy. 888A, complete with said plinths and S-meter ).

These receivers of yesteryear used "S" meters in such a way that the deflection of the "S" meter needle followed the AGC - which followed the strength of the carrier of an A.M. or C.W. transmission. With the slow replacement of A.M. by SSB, they have largely become obsolete - except of course for C.W. transmissions.

Al. / Skywave.

[MichaelR]

Dave

I agree with your sentiments, I still like to use the "S" meter for quick checks on the receiver sensitivity often using the in built calibrator if it has one.

I never take any notice of S meter reports I am more concerned that they can read me without any problems.

In earlier days in my youth I remember messing arond with differing antennae being very disappointed with the "S" meter readings on received signals but extremely happy with the readability ( quiet no noise ).

You soon learn by experimenting.It is like everything understanding is the key to it all

Mike