How to make homebrew power supply for Heathkit VF-1 VFO options for classic Ham radio transmitters

D-Lab's Tech Tips! This time a nifty power supply to turn accessory VFO modules into stand alone units that can be used on any transmitter you desire! Not dependent on using a transmitters external power source. Much more stable and versatile. I am building this device for a fellow Ham operator. I thought it best to share the build before it was gone. With some minor changes, you can use this power supply on the Johnson VFO VF-122 and many others. Hope this is of value to you.

[@harbselectronicslab3551]

You have great taste in multimeters......

[@hestheMaster]

Brilliant and simple PS Terry.

[@johnrazor8720]

New Year’s resolution, build something and fix something. It’s been too long but watching your vids is so entertaining.

[@fullwaverecked]

Ditto!

[@Davidjb37721]

Thanks for your time Happy new year’s

[@alexandretsilefski3252]

Thank you for this video. I wish you, your Family and Friends, a happy new year. From France.

[@eldark2b]

thanks for the quality of your video. hello from France!

[@jwdevine]

I feel like another Hammond, I mean Hammered Ham video is being cooked up, why not, there is another storm on the way across the Great lakes...

[@fullwaverecked]

Great video and happy new year all!

[@mackfisher4487]

Terry thank you for all the terrific videos you've made, I appreciate you closing 2020 with amateur radio projects, I was amused by your Labrador adding crunching noises you should have him play a part in 2022. Happy New Year to you and yours

[@rciancia]

Very cool Terry.... a simple DLAB solution always is a winner !!

[@jeffbrooks7246]

Let us hope 2022 sees a steep decline to all of this COVID nonsense. Happy and Prosperous New Year wishes to you and all of yours Terry. Thanks for what you do!

[@bobbyv5143]

Bye-bye 2021..... Hello 2022 - wishing you to best for the coming year. Keep the videos coming.

[@bmh67wa]

Happy new year Terry.

[@alexdeleon7135]

Happy New Year, Terry!

[@Bleats_Sinodai]

Have a happy new year, Terry! Funny thing, had a dream last night that you were in town, and showed off a pair of tube transceivers working off the 12v plug on the car you were driving. No idea if such devices even exist, but I guess you score good swap meet deals even in dream land! Cheers!

[@dennisperusse3837]

I have been waiting for a video like this for a long time. :). Happy New Year good Sir.

[@johnkiljan7441]

Nice! A couple of years ago, I wired up a very old and battered swapfest VF-1 to try to feed both a vintage Eico 720 CW transmitter (cathode keyed) or equally old Globe Chief (grid-block keyed), also CW only. I found that I couldn't do both with the VF-1 without modifying the circuits because of the different keying requirement. It seems that even the Heathkit lineup of simple CW transmitters has the same compatibility issues. I went with the Eico, and found that keying the VF-1 itself worked best. I didn't build a separate power supply for the VF-1, but I almost wished I had. It took a lot of trial and error to figure out what value and wattage of dropping resistor was needed coming off of the Eico's 600 VDC B+ power supply to properly feed the VF-1 without chirping. Simply building a separate power supply might have been a better option. My Eico/Heathkit combination works pretty good except on the highest frequencies, but from reading the literature on the VFO, the VF-1 has quite a reputation for being quirky -- especially when it comes to powering it from voltage taps on the transmitter it is used with.

[@bojensen9855]

A bleeder resistor would be nice. Cheers from DK

[@laurentlelouer7341]

Happy New Year 2022 and above all good health to you

[@LarryDeSilva64]

Hey that's a great idea making the heathkit VFO stand alone to use on any transmitter thanks Terry. Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@billzadel3335]

Thank's Terry, great video. Can't wait to get the VF-1 with the P.S. Appreciate it. Have a Happy New Year! Bill

[@d-labelectronics]

Double boxed and will ship Monday!

[@neiltan1939]

Another great video, Terry. I recently purchased a DX-35 and VF-1 that has been completely rebuilt with new parts. I operate mostly on 40m. When using the VFO in the first position, output is about 20 -30w and sounds good, some raspiness to the tone but not like when I'm in the second position. There the output is 30-45w and sounds like I'm using the wireless on the Titanic. Have you experienced this before when you've worked on or used the VF-1? Tnx. Happy 2023!

[@TheShawna1]

Could I use this to power a WWII BC348Q Receiver? which I believe used 228 volts from it's Dynamotor?jim

[@lionscircle4700]

Terry, Do you think we will see a d-lab released class a/b board in 2022?

[@jeffalessi]

Terry, Awesome tip. What is the part number of the high voltage transformer? Have a most awesome New Year!

[@d-labelectronics]

The transformer does not have a PN. It was custom made, company is out of business

[@learnhamradio]

Thanks, Terry. I am building this for my VF-1 and I had a couple of questions: Why are the capacitors two different values? Also, if I wanted to add a bleeder resistor, what value and wattage would you recommend? I assume it would go between the B+ and ground. I used some 1n4005 diodes to make a bridge rectifier for mine.

[@N4HAY]

Should there be a bleeder resistor?

[@johnkiljan7441]

One other thought: Since a 5H 50 mA choke might be a little hard to find in a junk box, could something like a 470-ohm 5-watt resistor work nearly as well?

[@Tony770jr]

Hey Terry, this video reminded me of something I wanted to ask you about. Do you have a schematic or maybe even a project for a variable high voltage power supply for tube projects? Maybe something like 0-300v at up to 150ma.

[@marka1986]

DL7MAJ Stefan is working on just this sort of supply now. Otherwise see if you can find an older heath supply. There were various models and styling over the years.

[@bruceholtermann9646]

How can I get a D-Lab board for this power supply's rectifier? Do you offer a parts kit?

[@d-labelectronics]

Contact me thru d-labelectronics.com

[@hunt555fish]

Will this work with the HealthKit Vfo used with the DX60?

[@d-labelectronics]

HG-10 VFO, should work fine. You will just need to wire the octal socket to match