Switchable Ping

[midnight]

Hey All,

I'm sure that this question has been beaten to death in the past, but can we revisit it again, just for fun?

Nomad, I have your great shot of the ping cap on a Mk III but was wondering how to stack in a couple of ping lengths (how about three?) on a rear-mount switch . Can you advise on switch specs (poles and throws/voltage), along with cap voltages and mfd specs, and how to wire them in? I have a stock short ping that I like for local QSOs (so as not to drive my friends insane) and would like to be able to go to slightly longer ping length when signing on/off and a long one for DXing.

Suggestions? THANKS.

[BionicChicken]

To begin with the longer the squeal, the harder it is on the radio. It can be made longer by adding another cap (33 mfd at 450v) in parallel with the one already installed. Connect the negative end of the new cap to ground and wire the positive end through a switch to the same point the positive end of the current cap is tied to. So when you turn the switch on you have both caps instead of the one.

Just remember that adding additional caps for a longer squeal will place additional stress on the tubes and other components. Make sure you keep a couple of spare 6AQ5 tubes around because you will need them. One other warning is that there is High Voltage in the radio chassis. Just because a mod is posted on the internet does not mean it is safe for someone without the proper knowledge or training to attempt.

[midnight]

Thanks for the advice!