Transmitter type T1509A - Page 2 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

G4XWDJim · 21st Sep 2011, 8:16 pm

It's well worth securing the lifting rings at the top rear of a T1509 to the wall as it can tip forward and fall on you if both chassis are slid open.Rather like an overloaded filing cabinet.

It happened to me with mine but fortunately quite by chance I had a large transformer under the front of the PSU chassis, so it only tipped an inch or two and came to rest. Even at that it took some standing up again.

Later I mounted it on substantial castors for convenience and kept the top rear tied to a bracket on the wall.

Jim

Sean Williams · 21st Sep 2011, 8:29 pm

Top Tip Jim!

I certainly don't fancy an unscheduled meeting with the RF deck.

Hope to arrange collection/installation later this week

Sean

MichaelR · 21st Sep 2011, 11:33 pm

Let us know Sean when you schedule to get on air for the first time.

Mike

Sean Williams · 21st Sep 2011, 11:46 pm

After looking around the TX there will be a fair amount of remedial work - it has been used well over the years - I think the RF side of things will be simple, the audio side will certainly want some help.

It is going to live with Chris, so this is an incentive to get something resonant up on 80 and 40m

Going to be a blast thats for sure!

Sean Williams · 22nd Sep 2011, 11:03 pm

Well, the transmitter made it to the van, and is here now awaiting installation in the workshop at Chris' location.

The two of us managed to get it loaded with comparative ease, admittedly the power unit is chuffing heavy!

I will get some piccys up tomorrow.

ms660 · 22nd Sep 2011, 11:08 pm

Goodf stuff Sean, I will hear you on 80 when your ready.

Lawrence.

Don Collie jnr · 23rd Sep 2011, 9:38 pm

There are currently at least two T1509`s that are fully operational here at the antipodes in New Zealand. Ron, ZL1BYW has one and I have the other [ZL4GX]. Both can be operated on 80, and 40 metres. Both our transmitters have been restored to origonal condition, although mine has a solid state PSU, and I have rewired it with modern wire..................................Don.

Don Collie jnr · 27th Sep 2011, 11:38 am

Does anyone know where I can get a matched pair of CV26`s for my T1509.I have a good pair in the modulator positions, but only unmatched ones in the RF deck. Thanks,........................................... ..........................Don.

Sparky67 · 28th Sep 2011, 5:22 pm

I had a T1509 issued to my ATC Squadron many years ago - they mainly went to the network control stations (along with an RA17) in those days - and there were nine of us dotted around the country. Although I had already rebuilt an RCA ET4336 which the cadets used on the HF net I got the 1509 running as well... That particulat unit went to, I believe, a Sea Cadet unit the Porthcawl area - but it was a long time ago

If I remember right it was a bit of a lethal beast to service. Just one word of advice if I may... Don't under any circumstance withdraw both the RF/AF and PSU chassis at the same time unless the case is bolted down very securely to something very substantial - or bolted back to a wall - or it will topple. It's a bit unstable with just the RF/AF chassis right out...remove the top one first when moving it.

I did hear of one Sqn which took delivery of a T1509. The next parade evening they found it had caused the floor of their supported wooden hut to collapse ! I had a similar experience with 6 x Pye F300AM police transmitters and a portacabin once, but that's another story

Sparky67

Sean Williams · 28th Sep 2011, 5:39 pm

Er yes, the unit isnt that stable with the RF section withdrawn - I think for now it will be chained to the wall with the eye bolts - I've no real desidre to be pinned down by it!

I am hoping to get some time on the transmitter later this week - the slydlock fuse carriers have been robbed at some point in it's life - I would guess this was a safety precaution when it was accessible by Cadets, some time in its distant past, as has one of the 1600V supply smoothing caps, shouldnt be too difficult to source a replacement for this however.

Internally it is in quite good order, some surface corrosion and general dirt build up on the roller coaster inductors in the PA, and one or two in service modifications.

Should, with any luck power up without too much drama - the wiring loom needs a good look over before power is applied, wouldnt want any nasty suprises!

Fortunately the Squadron this belonged to was lucky - their building is a good sturdy brick structure with a serious concrete floor!

I wonder what other stuff they had in the past?

Sean

Sean Williams · 9th Oct 2011, 9:36 pm

A curved ball thrown at both Me and Chris today....

Anyone heard of a matching antenna tuner for the 1509?

We have been offered one, but can find no mention of it anywhere!

Over to the masses!

ms660 · 9th Oct 2011, 10:09 pm

Zilch on 'tinternet..WS 19 group maybe ?

Lawrence.

Sean Williams · 9th Oct 2011, 10:17 pm

Bleh, not my idea of fun.... I may make a trip to the RAF Museum - might be something in the Archive

ms660 · 9th Oct 2011, 10:49 pm

Hello Sean "zilch on 'tinternet" I should have said that my internet search returned nothing, if for any reason you can't get to the museum then I believe that one of the assistant curators (RAF Signals) is on the WS 19 forum. (you might already know this)
Good luck which ever way.

Lawrence.

trh01uk · 9th Oct 2011, 11:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Williams

A curved ball thrown at both Me and Chris today....

Anyone heard of a matching antenna tuner for the 1509?

We have been offered one, but can find no mention of it anywhere!

Over to the masses!

Sean,

"matching" in what sense? That it can handle the power? That it has the same front panel styling?

There is no mention of an ATU in the APs I have seen. However, given that it has a pi-output circuit intended to match into coax feeder, its quite possible that there was some ATU associated with the tx for things like long wires and other random impedance antennas.

Do you have a type number for this ATU?

Richard

MichaelR · 10th Oct 2011, 1:02 am

Are you sure they are not confusing the power amp unit as an ATU , it does have a roller coaster and Pi network.

There is an old new zealand auction site clip on t'internet with a T1509 and a supposed ATU designated as Type 59 10D/1758 E.M.I in the advert.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics...-241058764.htm

As Lawrence states what would they have needed a seperate ATU for.

Mike

Sean Williams · 10th Oct 2011, 3:58 am

That's the curve ball!

Matching, in the seller's case means the correct ATU for the full station - seeing as I have not seen ot yet, I cant offer any more information.

I have not seen any mention of a tuning unit in any documents regarding the 1509.

The Trade-me ad has also added more confusion - Type 59 it the designation for the transmitter chassis......

Wierd!

G4XWDJim · 10th Oct 2011, 9:09 am

A few years ago someone was stripping out the top unit with all the capacitors and roller coasters from scrap ET4336s and selling them as QRO ATUs. I wonder if this mystery object could be one of these?

Jim

Sean Williams · 10th Oct 2011, 9:16 am

Its certainly possible Jim, I have requested a slot at the RAF Museum Archive, hopefully I will be able to turn something up

trh01uk · 10th Oct 2011, 9:26 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Williams

Its certainly possible Jim, I have requested a slot at the RAF Museum Archive, hopefully I will be able to turn something up

Sean,

which "RAF museum" would this be? Hendon?

Richard

21st Sep 2011, 8:16 pm	#21
G4XWDJim Octode Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 1,465	Re: Transmitter type T1509A It's well worth securing the lifting rings at the top rear of a T1509 to the wall as it can tip forward and fall on you if both chassis are slid open.Rather like an overloaded filing cabinet. It happened to me with mine but fortunately quite by chance I had a large transformer under the front of the PSU chassis, so it only tipped an inch or two and came to rest. Even at that it took some standing up again. Later I mounted it on substantial castors for convenience and kept the top rear tied to a bracket on the wall. Jim

21st Sep 2011, 8:29 pm	#22
Sean Williams Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire QRA IO91UW Posts: 3,517	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Top Tip Jim! I certainly don't fancy an unscheduled meeting with the RF deck. Hope to arrange collection/installation later this week Sean __________________ Engineers make things work and have spare bits when finished

21st Sep 2011, 11:33 pm	#23
MichaelR Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,587	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Let us know Sean when you schedule to get on air for the first time. Mike

21st Sep 2011, 11:46 pm	#24
Sean Williams Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire QRA IO91UW Posts: 3,517	Re: Transmitter type T1509A After looking around the TX there will be a fair amount of remedial work - it has been used well over the years - I think the RF side of things will be simple, the audio side will certainly want some help. It is going to live with Chris, so this is an incentive to get something resonant up on 80 and 40m Going to be a blast thats for sure! __________________ Engineers make things work and have spare bits when finished

22nd Sep 2011, 11:03 pm	#25
Sean Williams Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire QRA IO91UW Posts: 3,517	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Well, the transmitter made it to the van, and is here now awaiting installation in the workshop at Chris' location. The two of us managed to get it loaded with comparative ease, admittedly the power unit is chuffing heavy! I will get some piccys up tomorrow. __________________ Engineers make things work and have spare bits when finished

22nd Sep 2011, 11:08 pm	#26
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Goodf stuff Sean, I will hear you on 80 when your ready. Lawrence.

23rd Sep 2011, 9:38 pm	#27
Don Collie jnr Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Invercargill, New Zealand Posts: 51	Re: Transmitter type T1509A There are currently at least two T1509`s that are fully operational here at the antipodes in New Zealand. Ron, ZL1BYW has one and I have the other [ZL4GX]. Both can be operated on 80, and 40 metres. Both our transmitters have been restored to origonal condition, although mine has a solid state PSU, and I have rewired it with modern wire..................................Don.

27th Sep 2011, 11:38 am	#28
Don Collie jnr Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Invercargill, New Zealand Posts: 51	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Does anyone know where I can get a matched pair of CV26`s for my T1509.I have a good pair in the modulator positions, but only unmatched ones in the RF deck. Thanks,........................................... ..........................Don.

28th Sep 2011, 5:22 pm	#29
Sparky67 Heptode Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Great Barr, Sandwell, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 589	Re: Transmitter type T1509A I had a T1509 issued to my ATC Squadron many years ago - they mainly went to the network control stations (along with an RA17) in those days - and there were nine of us dotted around the country. Although I had already rebuilt an RCA ET4336 which the cadets used on the HF net I got the 1509 running as well... That particulat unit went to, I believe, a Sea Cadet unit the Porthcawl area - but it was a long time ago If I remember right it was a bit of a lethal beast to service. Just one word of advice if I may... Don't under any circumstance withdraw both the RF/AF and PSU chassis at the same time unless the case is bolted down very securely to something very substantial - or bolted back to a wall - or it will topple. It's a bit unstable with just the RF/AF chassis right out...remove the top one first when moving it. I did hear of one Sqn which took delivery of a T1509. The next parade evening they found it had caused the floor of their supported wooden hut to collapse ! I had a similar experience with 6 x Pye F300AM police transmitters and a portacabin once, but that's another story Sparky67

28th Sep 2011, 5:39 pm	#30
Sean Williams Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire QRA IO91UW Posts: 3,517	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Er yes, the unit isnt that stable with the RF section withdrawn - I think for now it will be chained to the wall with the eye bolts - I've no real desidre to be pinned down by it! I am hoping to get some time on the transmitter later this week - the slydlock fuse carriers have been robbed at some point in it's life - I would guess this was a safety precaution when it was accessible by Cadets, some time in its distant past, as has one of the 1600V supply smoothing caps, shouldnt be too difficult to source a replacement for this however. Internally it is in quite good order, some surface corrosion and general dirt build up on the roller coaster inductors in the PA, and one or two in service modifications. Should, with any luck power up without too much drama - the wiring loom needs a good look over before power is applied, wouldnt want any nasty suprises! Fortunately the Squadron this belonged to was lucky - their building is a good sturdy brick structure with a serious concrete floor! I wonder what other stuff they had in the past? Sean __________________ Engineers make things work and have spare bits when finished

9th Oct 2011, 9:36 pm	#31
Sean Williams Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire QRA IO91UW Posts: 3,517	Re: Transmitter type T1509A A curved ball thrown at both Me and Chris today.... Anyone heard of a matching antenna tuner for the 1509? We have been offered one, but can find no mention of it anywhere! Over to the masses! __________________ Engineers make things work and have spare bits when finished

9th Oct 2011, 10:09 pm	#32
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Zilch on 'tinternet..WS 19 group maybe ? Lawrence.

9th Oct 2011, 10:17 pm	#33
Sean Williams Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire QRA IO91UW Posts: 3,517	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Bleh, not my idea of fun.... I may make a trip to the RAF Museum - might be something in the Archive __________________ Engineers make things work and have spare bits when finished

9th Oct 2011, 10:49 pm	#34
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Hello Sean "zilch on 'tinternet" I should have said that my internet search returned nothing, if for any reason you can't get to the museum then I believe that one of the assistant curators (RAF Signals) is on the WS 19 forum. (you might already know this) Good luck which ever way. Lawrence.

10th Oct 2011, 1:02 am	#36
MichaelR Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,587	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Are you sure they are not confusing the power amp unit as an ATU , it does have a roller coaster and Pi network. There is an old new zealand auction site clip on t'internet with a T1509 and a supposed ATU designated as Type 59 10D/1758 E.M.I in the advert. http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics...-241058764.htm As Lawrence states what would they have needed a seperate ATU for. Mike

10th Oct 2011, 3:58 am	#37
Sean Williams Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire QRA IO91UW Posts: 3,517	Re: Transmitter type T1509A That's the curve ball! Matching, in the seller's case means the correct ATU for the full station - seeing as I have not seen ot yet, I cant offer any more information. I have not seen any mention of a tuning unit in any documents regarding the 1509. The Trade-me ad has also added more confusion - Type 59 it the designation for the transmitter chassis...... Wierd! __________________ Engineers make things work and have spare bits when finished

10th Oct 2011, 9:09 am	#38
G4XWDJim Octode Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 1,465	Re: Transmitter type T1509A A few years ago someone was stripping out the top unit with all the capacitors and roller coasters from scrap ET4336s and selling them as QRO ATUs. I wonder if this mystery object could be one of these? Jim

10th Oct 2011, 9:16 am	#39
Sean Williams Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire QRA IO91UW Posts: 3,517	Re: Transmitter type T1509A Its certainly possible Jim, I have requested a slot at the RAF Museum Archive, hopefully I will be able to turn something up __________________ Engineers make things work and have spare bits when finished