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General Vintage Technology Discussions For general discussions about vintage radio and other vintage electronics etc. |
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10th Oct 2005, 8:28 pm | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Chertsey, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 27
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"Gizmo"
Anyone here tried a "gizmo"? http://www.vcomp.co.uk/gizmo/gizmo/gizmo_uk.htm
The idea is that they can be used to "broadcast" cd's etc on MW to enjoy via a proper radio. I'm thinking of getting one, but would appreciate any views of quality, ease of use etc before taking the plunge. I probably ought to point out that I have zero technical knowledge, so unfortunatley, building my own is a non starter! Many thanks, Cliff |
10th Oct 2005, 8:34 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,820
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Re: "Gizmo"
Hi Cliff,
I've got one and it's not at all bad, especially with PS's mods, but the SStran is rather better, if more expensive. See here: http://www.vintage-radio.com/reviews/transmitters.shtml Nick. |
10th Oct 2005, 8:49 pm | #3 |
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Re: "Gizmo"
Nick,
Thanks for the speedy response, as well as the link - you've given me plenty to think about! I suspect I may struggle with a kit (not helped by being colour blind!), but I dare say I could find someone willing to build it for a small charge. Regards, Cliff |
11th Oct 2005, 1:45 pm | #5 | |
Hexode
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Higham-on-the-Hill, Leicestershire, UK.
Posts: 338
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Re: "Gizmo"
Quote:
Sam
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11th Oct 2005, 6:17 pm | #6 |
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Re: "Gizmo"
Thanks everyone for taking time to respond.
It would seem that the SSTRAN is the way to go, and following Sams comments above, I may well have a go myself. Should be interesting! Regards, Cliff |
11th Oct 2005, 7:56 pm | #7 |
Administrator
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 9,060
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Re: "Gizmo"
As long as you can solder OK and follow clearly written instructions you shouldn't have any problems assembling the kit. Take your time and perhaps spread it over a few evenings. Get the version with the SMT device already fitted, as that's the most fiddly bit.
The best thing to do with resistors (especially in your case but for everyone building kits) is to fit them all to the board before you solder any of them. Then if the last few don't make sense and you find you've fitted some wrong it's easy to correct them. You'll need to prop the board on something (such as an open box) so the leads can hang down, then place a piece of cardboard on top before turning it over for soldering. If you share your home with someone with good colour vision you could perhaps ask them to tell you the colours if you get stuck? |
11th Oct 2005, 10:02 pm | #8 | ||
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Chertsey, Surrey, UK.
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Re: "Gizmo"
Quote:
Quote:
Thanks for the hints Paul. It seems obvious now you've said it, but I wouldn't have thought of assembling things without solder first. Regards, Cliff |
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12th Oct 2005, 7:55 am | #9 |
Heptode
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 632
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Re: "Gizmo"
why not check the resistors with a DVM and stick them in a marked up piece of cardboard or similar.
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12th Oct 2005, 9:08 am | #10 | |
Hexode
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Higham-on-the-Hill, Leicestershire, UK.
Posts: 338
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Re: "Gizmo"
Quote:
Sam
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Can he lead a Normal life, Doctor? No, he will be ... an Engineer. |
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12th Oct 2005, 9:01 pm | #11 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 1966-1976 Coverack in Cornwall and Helston Cornwall. 1976-present Bristol/Bath area.
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Re: "Gizmo"
I would just like to say I agree with all the tips that have already been offered. I did not sort the resistors out first so it took me a bit longer to build. But I did not mind because the SSTRAN is just a pleasure to build and is a sheer joy to use.
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