How to install PTT Push to Talk Heathkit Apache TX-1 Ham Radio Transmitter

Many requests for this K1 PTT relay install video. D-Lab had to get an Apache first. Wow, what a heavy beast. I still feel it in my shoulders. The install went well, however it is not as easy as Johnson Viking II's. This radio is much heaver, installation ares are tight. You really have to take your time and be cautious. You are also limited on mic input jacks due to the thickness of the front panel. Heathkit built this thing like an Army Tank. Obviously you would not want to ship one to me for the mod. So, here is the presentation. Take it for what its worth. You can change the location of the module. It can actually be mounted remotely using an 8 pin octal plug & project box. I think its much cleaner inside and is permanent. Your choice. This adds nice functionality to your rig. No need to always flip that bat handle switch. If you would like a kit, drop me a line. I hope you enjoyed this video. TD

[@TheRadioShop]

Nice install Terry. You are right about how heavy those are. I have two of them. That D-Lab PTT mod is awesome for the TX-1. Here is another thought. I have installed a few of those jacks in the TX-1. Instead of drilling the big hole you can mill the back side of the trim plate just enough to clear the nut. Hole size stays original and looks stock. As always my friend thanks for sharing!

[@ordinaryaverageguy76]

> mill the back side of the trim plate Yeah, that new hole in the trim plate looks huge. And can't ever be undone.

[@langhilau]

Terry thank you very much for the Apache PTT circuit. I have already the radio apart and changed the mic plug and rerouted the wire to it. Thanks again for answering for request for help.

[@jonpardue]

Nice upgrade to heavy iron going on there at D-Lab! You are fortunate to have Marcia in the Lab as 1st Camera Operator. Well done.

[@superhet7281]

Wow, that is the CLEANEST Apache I ever saw! And the build quality looks excellent. Great job!

[@craign8ca]

I used to have the Apache transmitter and the Comanche receiver back in the early 70's. Only used it for CW. Heathkit made a SSB unit for Apache, but I upgraded to an SB-101 transceiver.

[@jimgiordano8218]

To secure the nut on the mic jack, you can use "LocTight" thread locker on it. Back in the day when bigger was better, all radio gear was over built to last. Another great video. Thanks.

[@LitesLAB]

Great job Terry! What a process though. It was Nice to see it done properly :)

[@bmh67wa]

You sure get some beautiful boat anchors on your bench. The stuff I see always looks like it spent most of its life at the bottom of the ocean as if someone took them being a boat anchor literally.

[@jeffreycollins7297]

Thanks Terry for another great video.

[@bartmeijer1059]

Beautiful equipment your working on! Awesome 😎 great vids always Grz from the Netherlands! 🇳🇱🍷🥂

[@preiter20]

I need a D-Lab t-shirt! A D-Lab market place with shirts and wine glasses!

[@stevelacy316]

Great video good thing my Collins 32v1 has ptt already in it would hate to haft to try to find space in that thing .

[@HomeIdeasYT]

Good job, it's really a heavy beast

[@jenniferlachance351]

Great video! Thanks for sharing! Just a thought, perhaps replacing those old filter caps with something more modern (and smaller!) would have provided enough space to mount the board on the chassis. Thanks again!

[@n8nkqrp595]

NICE Tx!!! Daaang, does that thing out weigh a DX-100? Impressive. Seems like you could put your little thing in a box with the appropriate male part attached - to plug into the female socket. An external mod. All the buyer does is install the mic jack and a wire to an unused terminal on said socket. Not that it's on topic or that anyone cares... but I'm desperate to get my 'Proud New General in 72' station on the air. DX-60, HG-10, HR-10B, keyer with microswitches, etc. Got it all. Got my very first D-104 from the sleaze bay today.. and got ripped off. It's nice looking. And dead. Awesome Tx! Thanks for the fun and interesting vids OM

[@user-su5sq5ib3i]

Hi Terrry. I just picked up an apache. My fix to the trs chassis mount jack issue was to use a flush mount jack with a 7/16 diameter × 1 1/4 inch threaded shaft. Lots of thread there to get through the three layers without removing the green plate. You just have to drill the hole out to 7/16 to fit in the new jack. These jacks are commonly used on telecaster guitars. Check them out! BTW I would love to get a ptt relay for my apache from you! 73, Quentin VE1RCI

[@albertmorris4889]

I really need to get the TX1 I was given checked out and OTA then get the PTT mod installed.

[@chrisholland690]

Another great video, Terry. I successfully installed a K1 into my Viking II a while back. It works great! Thank You. I also have a TX1 and I will be getting another K1 from you for that too. I have not had it off the shelf in many years. I suppose I am in for a rude awakening when I try to move it. Just wondering if the K1 will also work with the Heathkit Marauder, as well? 73 Chris, N9WHH.

[@tubeDude48]

I'd *HATE* to pay shipping!! Might have been good a idea to add single-sided foam tape to the bottom of the board first.

[@tomk1tl]

WOW, just looking at the innards, it must have taken the person building the Apache a good three (3) months to assemble it...! I believe that they make a phono jack with a longer shaft piece #4650 Switchcraft...StewMac has them.

[@bobblum5973]

Good video about an interesting upgrade! You had your work cut out for you trying to get your K1 in there. Sounds like you needed two more tools: [1] a shoehorn, to force a gap big enough for the K1 to fit, and [2] some wooden dowels to act as rollers to get the chassis out of the case a bit easier. Obviously joking about the shoehorn, but not by much!

[@jobalert1458]

nice

[@RolandG303]

I wonder if you would have been able to enlarge the chassis hole and kept the Mike faceplate the same for the TRS jack? Would have given it a less modded look I would think. Nice work nonetheless!

[@amsoiltek]

Wow, that's crazy Terry, I just emailed you asking about the PTT and BAM it's up on KZbin. Now I need to recap my TX-1 and get to ordering. BTW has anyone found a TRS with a longer shaft? 73 de N6OIL

[@greatreset3]

You need a chain hoist to flip that thing around! ⛓

[@lfowkes11]

Looks like the original builder did a nice job on the build. Is it still running the original electrolytics or have they been restuffed?

[@SuperBuzzbomb]

They make longer versions of that jack. Not sure where you get yours but check on Stewmac website for guitars.

[@jeffcotton526]

Go to Mouser Electronics: www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Switchcraft/152B?qs=sGAEpiMZZMv0W4pxf2HiV3fTUvSc3cBdSDFCWZRCu9U%3D

[@glennmiskulin5379]

I have a Apache tx1 all I need is tubes

[@MrRadar]

What happened to that schematic? A stray soldering iron?

[@-Todays-Tom-Sawyer-]

Hey Terry, Could this work in a DX100 as well?

[@d-labelectronics]

Yes, I have sold many kits for the DX-100

[@CrowemagModelWorks]

Terry, I noticed you use all kinds of different meters but I have never seen you use a Fluke. Not a fan?

[@d-labelectronics]

I use a Fluke 87 at work (day job) My favorites are the old Beckmans

[@CrowemagModelWorks]

D-lab Electronics I use an 87 myself! I need to check out a Beckman.

[@ka5wplnyle]

Hey there, I picked up an Appache a few months ago. Do you still have and put for them?

[@ka5wplnyle]

PTT not "put" as autoincorrect texted..

[@JohnvL]

Where is PTT From? We have in the past a covermoment department about Post Telegrams, Telephone in the netherlands till 1989.

[@jamesloveday4166]

HOW DO I ORDER ONE

[@d-labelectronics]

Send me an e-mail. I have 10 kits left, More parts have been ordered

[@jamesloveday4166]

WHAT IS YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

[@jodylaneyAA4XT]

Good job Terry 👍 lm looking for a dx-100 you got to donate lol 73 kn4kbn

[@d-labelectronics]

None on hand

[@waynewayne3709]

Talking about heavy things... My missis she... I mean the old sony televisions weighted a tone.. Glad I don't do them any more.. Even some valve amps are meaty too...

[@richysradioroom]

I cringed a little when you drilled that hole.