Additional information on this subject and related topics can be found in back issues of QST and the following:

Handbook and Handbook CD

Articles:

Note: Some of the following articles are in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. To view and print these files, you'll need a copy of Adobe's Acrobat Reader program. (Version 3.0 or later required). More information here

Also Note: Those contemplating building an amplifier that was designed before the mid-1970s would benefit from the first two articles on Band-Pass Filters.

• Clean Up Your Signals with Band-Pass Filters - Part 1 (84,538 bytes, PDF file)
  QST May 1998, pp. 44-48
  These inexpensive, easily built filters can be the buffer you need between the signals you want to hear and send and those you don't!
• Clean Up Your Signals with Band-Pass Filters - Part 2 (137,290 bytes, PDF file)
  QST June 1998, pp. 39-42
  You're now much closer to saying goodbye to your unwanted signal problems!
• A Simple Transmitter (2,284,842 bytes, PDF file)
  A Simple Receiver (3,247,586 bytes, PDF file)
  How To Become A Radio Amateur, 1955
  Many of us started with these - a single 6V6 and a single 3S4.
• DCS-500 Double-Conversion Superheterodyne Receiver (2,182,518 bytes, PDF file)
  The Radio Amateur's Handbook, 1964, pp. 133-139
  This ham band 80 -10 five tube (6BA6, 6U8A), two transistor receiver includes a 100-kHz calibrator.
  
• An Inexpensive 75-Watt Transmitter (1,421,982 bytes, PDF file)
  The Radio Amateur's Handbook, 1964, pp. 172-175
  This crystal controlled transmitter for 80-, 40-, 20-, 15-, and 10-meters uses a 12BY7 and a 1625.
  
• A Direct-Conversion Receiver for Beginners (1,997,636 bytes, PDF file)
  The Radio Amateur's Handbook, 1971, pp. 137-142
  This solid-state receiver tunes from 3.5 to 4 MHz in its basic form, and covers 40-, 20-, 15-, and 10-meter bands with plug-in converters.
  
• A Receiving Package for 1.8 to 144 MHz (2,221,233 bytes, PDF file)
  The Radio Amateur's Handbook, 1971, pp. 142-149
  
• The "Novice Special" Transmitter (802,874 bytes, PDF file)
  The Radio Amateur's Handbook, 1971, pp. 181-183
  This 15-watt, 80- and 40-meter cw transmitter was intended for the novice constructor. It uses a 6C4 and a 5763.
  
• A 75- to 120-Watt CW Transmitter (1,206,273 bytes, PDF file)
  The Radio Amateur's Handbook, 1971, pp. 184-187
  This transmitter uses a 6GK6 and the famous 6146B.
• FT‑101 Power Amplifier Valves from Ham Radio Today (RSGB) April 1998
  Beware of changing the 6JS6C power amplifier valves in the venerable old FT-101 (this applies to direct replacement without circuit modification)
• Converting Surplus Transmitters for Novice Use (825,037 bytes, PDF file)
  The Radio Amateur's Handbook, 1960, pp. 215-218
  Information on converting an ARC-5, BC-457 or similar surplus transmitter for amateur use.

Sources:

Air Core Inductor
Air Variable Capacitor
Surplus Component
Transformers
Vacuum Tubes

Note: The above links use the TISfind database which is available through the main TIS page.

Note:

Contact information for suppliers mentioned in the above articles should first be confirmed using TIS Address Database Search.

Web Links:

• The BoatAnchor Manual Archive (BAMA)
  The manuals in this archive are available to all who enjoy working on and restoring old tube type amateur radio equipment and short wave receivers.
• Bill, NJ7P -- Tube Data Searchable Database
• Frank's Electron Tube Pages
  Data Sheets, Type Lists, Number Systems, Tube Bases, Substitutions, and more
• Nostalgia Air
  Vintage Radio References
• Welcome to The Vacuum Tube Page
• Comprehensive Tube Data
  1988 Handbook Base Diagrams and Data

Bibliography (Members Only)

ARRL Periodicals Index Search - This database contains the QST index from 1915 to the present and the QEX index from 1981 to the present. For QST issues from 1970 to the present, and some selected articles back to 1922 (when construction articles featuring tubes began in earnest), identifying keywords have been added to the technical articles. By entering keywords (ANTENNA) or combinations of keywords (CONSTRUCTION ANTENNA VERTICAL HF) into the Title words: field, you may create dynamic bibliographies.
Technical article KEYWORD list. Hints for more successful searching

Suggested keywords for more articles like the ones on this page are: CONSTRUCTION TUBE

Article Reprints:

You can get a photocopy of any ARRL published article for $3 ($5 for nonmembers) for each article requested. Contact the ARRL Technical Department (reprints@arrl.org ), 1-860-594-0390) if you wish to get photocopies.

This information was prepared as a membership service by the American Radio Relay League, Inc., Technical Information Service, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111 (860) 594-0214. Email: tis@arrl.org (Internet). ARRL HQ is glad to provide this information on the Web free of charge as a service to League members and affiliated clubs.

If you have any questions concerning the reproduction or distribution of this material, please contact:

TIS Coordinator
American Radio Relay League
225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111
Tel: 860-594-0214 Fax: 860-594-0259
(email: tis@arrl.org)