Drake TR-3: Episode #1

Yes, it's high time that I worked on a Drake rig on my channel. And I've got this lovely TR-3 to be the first.
Web sites referenced in this video:
www.wb4hfn.com/
www.radiomuseum.org/
www.theheathkitshop.com/
No endorsement is made nor implied to any commercial products referenced in this episode

[@PapasDino]

Thanks for the reminder about safety caps...I rebuilt my AC-4 long ago before I worried about them and need to go back an replace those. The AC-4/MS-4 is from my original TR-4 station in 1969 and still powers my C-line purchased new in 1979. Look forward to your work on the TR-3, Mike WU2D rehabbed his and has a video series covering that work. 73 - Dino KLØS

[@R2AUK]

👍❤

[@barryf5479]

I bought a TR3 (used) from Henry Radio back in the early 70's. I found its matching network wasn't very "forgiving" with less than perfect SWR. I ended up trading it in for a new Swan 350C and found the Swan's matching network was far superior to Drake's. The Drakes are beautiful instruments and I have reconstructed my novice station with a Drake 2NT which is an excellent CW transmitter. I've paired it up with a Hammarlund HQ110 which was also my novice receiver.

[@jonathantaylor5562]

Very nice! Does that bias-adjust pot have a dead spot?

[@levelupeelab]

I didn't notice one but I will recheck.

[@mikefinn2101]

Great job only wish i could get a printed board. I have a Galaxy I need to recap but don't have a way to make or get printed board. Also where did you source parts?

[@levelupeelab]

I designed the board in KiCAD and sourced them from jlcpcb. They are not that expensive to buy, but it can take up to 3 weeks to get them.

[@VE9ASN]

​@levelupeelab you could probably offer that as a kit, it seems there could be demand?

[@VE9ASN]

Curious the differences from the DC-3 to DC-4 power supplies? And can the dc-3 be used to power a tr-4c? 73!

[@levelupeelab]

I think the AC-3 will work fine with all of the Drake transceivers and transmitters of that era. There are only small differences in design between the -3 and -4 power supplies.

[@VE9ASN]

@levelupeelab thanks for replying, does the same hold true for the DC variants? 73