| |
G4EBT > TECHNI 07.09.05 16:15l 141 Lines 5323 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 330695G4EBT
Read: GUEST DL1LCA OE7FMI
Subj: Re: Why vacuum tubes?
Path: DB0FHN<DB0RGB<OK0PPL<DB0RES<DK0WUE<GB7FCR
Sent: 050907/0836Z @:GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU #:402 [Blackpool] FBB-7.03a $:330695G4EB
From: G4EBT@GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU
To : TECHNI@WW
Eddi, DK3UZ wrote:-
> Getter pills are also made from Barium. The use of presence is deli-
> berate: Thermionic valves are still being made (and used), and not just
> for display purposes.
That's true.
I believe that there are firms - I think in Russia and China, who not
only make replacement valves, will make one-off replacement valves to any
specification (at a price of course!).
There is a huge and growing interest in vintage radio restoration,
especially throughout Europe, and the twice yearly Vintage Radio Fair
at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, now in its 13th year,
is evidence of that. It puts most amateur radio rallies in the shade.
However, the NEC has priced itself out of the market as a venue, so the
next event will be at the National Vintage Motorcycle Museum near to the
NEC, which has recently re-opened after complete refurbishment due to a
fire.
The next event is on 2 October 2005. (Info at: www.ncvf.org.uk).
One of the characters on the UK vintage radio scene in Gerry Wells,
who runs the Vintage Radio Museum at his large Victorian home in West
Dulwich, SE London.
He's a remarkable man - the archetypal English eccentric who thinks
he's completely normal, but to many would seem to be barking mad.
He's delightful company.
I visited him a couple of years ago with my younger son, who shares my
interest in vintage radios. Gerry showed me an old triode valve from the
1920's and said "Of course, these aren't available any more". He paused
for a few seconds, and then added " so I make my own".
I thought he was having a laugh at my expense, but no - he took me into
his valve workshop, where he makes the electrodes, including winding the
filaments, blows the glass, and creates the vacuum.
He abhors anything solid state, and manufactures a hi-fi stereo valve
amplifier for connoisseurs of valve amps, under the name of "WADAR",
(Wells Amplifier Development And Rentals).
He states that the amp is 15 Watts per channel, and in brackets says
("real Watts"), I guess as a side swipe at the PC speakers which are
powered from a plug-top PSU and claim to handle 200 Watts "peak music
power".
The "WADAR" amp has all the 11 valves exposed, (but none of the wiring!),
mounted on a steel chassis, which comes in a choice of colours, namely:
"Chelsea front-door Yellow, Lambretta Red", and "Bronze". Which I guess is
a coded message from Gerry to say "Bronze is boring, so don't expect me to
give it a fancy name":-)
Needless to say, but Gerry is not on internet!
He's written his autobiography is entitled "Obsession - A Life in
Wireless"
(It's a paperback book, 196 pages).
Here's the review:
Quote.
The autobiography of Gerald Wells, edited by Jonathan Hill. The book was
presented free to BVWS members, but Non-members may purchase copies from
the BVWS or the Museum for œ6.00 plus œ2.00 postage.
Gerry Wells has led an extraordinary life.
Growing up in the London suburb of Dulwich in the inter-war years he
shunned a conventional 1930s childhood and preferred instead to use
wireless and other household electrical items as his everyday toys.
His acquisitive nature for such things brought about a spell in remand
homes and approved schools, but after the war, with help, he managed to
embark on a career as a radio and TV service engineer and even designed
and manufactured amplifiers, PA equipment and TVs.
Never the world's most astute businessman, he often fell on hard times
but always seemed to find a creative way out, one way or another. Today
he still repairs and services radios, and runs the renowned Vintage
Wireless Museum from the same family home where he was born in 1929.
Through accomplished writing and a great gift for story-telling, Gerry
Wells brings to life his colourful past, describing with great affection
his wireless adventures, the people and places that were part of his
'Manor.'
The odd-ball characters who drifted in and out of his life, and the
steadfast ones who remained to see him through thick and thin. This is
the story of one man's life-long dedication to wireless - a dedication
which led him into trouble but which eventually was his saviour - a
dedication which became his Obsession.
End quote.
The book's available to non-members of the BVWS, from:
BVWS Membership Secretary,
Graham Terry,
26 Castelton Rd,
Swindon,
Wilts,
SN5 5GD.
Tel: 01793 885062
membership@bvws.org.uk
Anyone who is interested in Vintage Wireless and is in, or visiting the
London area might like to give Gerry a ring to see if he's receiving
visitors. The museum doesn't have opening hours - you just ring Gerry
to see if he's in the mood to receive visitors, which he usually is.
(020 8670 3667).
There isn't a charge as such, but he does welcome donations towards the
upkeep, and something for the "tea fund" towards the mugs of tea he
serves!
He also runs "vintage radio repair workshops", where you can take your
non-working vintage radio and Gerry will help you get it working again,
including supplying the bits.
"Real radio glows in the dark"
73 - David, G4EBT @ GB7FCR
Eddystone User Group Member
G-QRP Club Member No: 1339
QTH: Cottingham, East Yorkshire.
Message timed: 09:35 on 2005-Sep-07
Message sent using WinPack-Telnet V6.70
(Registered).
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
