Denco Maxi-Q Coils
Steve Griffiths
In a sudden fit of nostalgia, I've decided to recreate an "HAC Model
DX" one-valve receiver.
This was my very first shortwave receiver, purchased in 1970. It was a
simple, single valve regenerative circuit that used various
battery-powered valves (an AR8/HL23DD in the one I had).
Some of you must remember this humble, yet surprisingly effective set.
HAC sold hundreds of them from the late 1950s up to the mid 70's.
They had an advert in almost every edition of PW for donkey's years!
I have all the necessary components except the plug-in Denco 'Maxi-Q'
coils. There were three of these green, octal-based, iron-dust-cored
coils supplied with the kit. I can't remember the exact frequency
coverage.
I daresay I could wind my own coils to get something working, but I
really would prefer to use the authentic article if I can.
I'm sure some of you will have some laying around in junk boxes - or
even whole HAC kits - either made up, or in bits. I'm willing to pay
reasonable dosh for the genuine thing.
Any other info or recollections on the HAC DX would also be
appreciated.
Before I forget, I also need a decent pair of hi-impedence (~2K)
phones as well. The 'Eagle' ones that came with the kit would be
ideal - they were pretty cheap and crappy, but would certainly be
authentic :)
So what happened to mine? Well, when I left home in 1978 and my mum
threw all my old radio bits in the bin :(
Simon Burgess
have managed to source all components bar the Denco (green range) coils.
Check the following url's for information.
RX information: www.valveandvintage.co.uk/pw/sep01.htm
For homemade version of the Denco coils see: www.hanssummers.com/
Regards Simon G7CPN.
"Steve Griffiths" <st...@egsystems.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1613ad3f.03052...@posting.google.com...
Steve Griffiths
Thanks for the info Simon.
Yes, these coils seem to be like gold dust - even the transistor ones.
Surprising really considering how many must have been made.
Looks like I'll be winding my own!
Good luck with your HAC DX project.
Steve
Brian Reay
"Steve Griffiths" <st...@egsystems.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1613ad3f.03052...@posting.google.com...
> Thanks for the info Simon.
>
> Yes, these coils seem to be like gold dust - even the transistor ones.
> Surprising really considering how many must have been made.
>
> Looks like I'll be winding my own!
>
> Good luck with your HAC DX project.
>
There was an article in SWM July 1990 with details on how to make these.
I recalled a similar request and did a 'google search'. Try contacting:
Mr Allwright,
Denco (Clacton) Ltd,
259-265 Old Road,
CLACTON-on-SEA,
Essex.
CO15 3LU.
Tel: 01255-422213.
I've heard he still makes small quantities from old stock.
73
Brian
Simon Burgess
> > Yes, these coils seem to be like gold dust - even the transistor ones.
> > Surprising really considering how many must have been made.
> >
> > Looks like I'll be winding my own!
> There was an article in SWM July 1990 with details on how to make these.
>
> I recalled a similar request and did a 'google search'. Try contacting:
>
> Mr Allwright,
> Denco (Clacton) Ltd,
> 259-265 Old Road,
> CLACTON-on-SEA,
> Essex.
> CO15 3LU.
>
> Tel: 01255-422213.
>
> I've heard he still makes small quantities from old stock.
I have already contacted Mr. Allwright, he stated he might be producing some
coils later in the year if and when he has time.
In the mean time I will have a go at winding my own using the information
contained in Jan Summers site.
Regards Simon G7CPN.
Frank Turner-Smith G3VKI
>
>
> I have already contacted Mr. Allwright, he stated he might be producing
some
> coils later in the year if and when he has time.
> In the mean time I will have a go at winding my own using the information
> contained in Jan Summers site.
>
> Regards Simon G7CPN.
>
>
;>)
--
73 de Frank Turner-Smith G3VKI
watch this space - if it moves, see your optician.
Steve Griffiths
Thanks Brian.
I've considered making my own coils, but the Octal Maxi-Q coils are
quite difficult to reproduce accurately. I can work out the windings,
but the large iron-dust cores (on threaded brass rods, no less) are
impossible to get hold of. Even octal plug bases are pretty rare
these days.
Still, if resurrecting the HAC DX was going to be easy, I wouldn't
have bothered, would I? :)
I'll drop Mr. Allright a note anyway.
73
Steve
Andy Cowley
>
> Thanks Brian.
>
> I've considered making my own coils, but the Octal Maxi-Q coils are
> quite difficult to reproduce accurately. I can work out the windings,
> but the large iron-dust cores (on threaded brass rods, no less) are
> impossible to get hold of. Even octal plug bases are pretty rare
> these days.
>
Octal plugs are really common, you just have to remove the glass thingy
glued into the top and unsolder a few wires. Lots at every rally, the
vendors think they are valves, of course, but we know better. Select
the ones that are already loose for the easiest removal of the surplus
crap. If you wait 'til closing time you can get a whole box full for a
pound. ;-)
vy 73
Andy, M3ABC
M. J. Powell
Griffiths <st...@egsystems.co.uk> writes
snip
>
>I've considered making my own coils, but the Octal Maxi-Q coils are
>quite difficult to reproduce accurately. I can work out the windings,
>but the large iron-dust cores (on threaded brass rods, no less) are
>impossible to get hold of. Even octal plug bases are pretty rare
>these days.
Are you sure that they were Octal bases? I think they were B9A.
Mike
--
M.J.Powell
J.
>Yes, these coils seem to be like gold dust - even the transistor ones.
> Surprising really considering how many must have been made.
>
>Looks like I'll be winding my own!
>
>Good luck with your HAC DX project.
On the other hand...
Denco was taken over some years ago by a Mr. Allwright.
I seem to remember he intended to continue making coils.
It may be worth trying this:
Mr. Allwright
Denco (Clacton) Ltd
259-265 Old Road
Clacton-on-Sea
Essex
CO15 3LU
Tel: 01255-422213.
--
_________________________________________
__
\/ o\ West Bank, Tweekesburg
/\__/ am Severn.
J.
They were B9A.
Steve Griffiths
Mike, the 'transistor' coils were B9A but the coils that came with the
HAC kits were 'special' octal-based coils.
Steve Griffiths
Thanks Andy.
Very funny (?)
Yes, I have a few duff Octal valves lying around that I could butcher,
but I really want the original parts.
By the way, octal "plug bases" are not quite the same as octal "valve
bases".
M. J. Powell
>"M. J. Powell" <mi...@pickmere.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
>news:<+URI+rMu...@pickmere.demon.co.uk>...
>> In message <1613ad3f.0305...@posting.google.com>, Steve
>> Griffiths <st...@egsystems.co.uk> writes
>>
>> snip
>>
>> >
>> >I've considered making my own coils, but the Octal Maxi-Q coils are
>> >quite difficult to reproduce accurately. I can work out the windings,
>> >but the large iron-dust cores (on threaded brass rods, no less) are
>> >impossible to get hold of. Even octal plug bases are pretty rare
>> >these days.
>>
>> Are you sure that they were Octal bases? I think they were B9A.
>>
>> Mike
>
>Mike, the 'transistor' coils were B9A but the coils that came with the
>HAC kits were 'special' octal-based coils.
Right! I also thought of the Raymart ones, too. 4 and 6 pins bases?
Mike
--
M.J.Powell
Steve Griffiths
> "Simon Burgess" <simon....@baesystems.com> wrote in message
> news:3ece01bc$1...@baen1673807.greenlnk.net...
> >
> >
> > I have already contacted Mr. Allwright, he stated he might be producing
> some
> > coils later in the year if and when he has time.
> > In the mean time I will have a go at winding my own using the information
> > contained in Jan Summers site.
> >
> > Regards Simon G7CPN.
> >
> >
> Try the Ann Summers site for alternative entertainment.
> ;>)
Tried them. They said they didn't do coils - only rubbers!
Steve Griffiths
Well, a kind soul has actually found one in his junk box and it's all
mine for the price of a jiffy bag!
Thanks for all the info and advice chaps.