HIKERS ONE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COMPETION for AGM 2006

The NZVRS would like to hold a construction project competition for the best "Improved Hikers One" radio built by members, to be judged at the 2006 AGM. The Hiker set designs have been published and discussed in several publications including past bulletins. The Lamphouse version attached, is one suggested design.

Construction:

Members may use any construction methods - however judging points will be awarded for the following:

Design – 30% includes;

Execution - 30% includes;

Performance – 30% includes;

Judges’ discretion – 10%

Performance will be measured by:

  1. A standard signal source (low impedance source coupled by 2,000 ohms in series with 10 pF to mildly limit Q loading) with preceding attenuator, connected to the aerial input terminal of the set under test. Common or designated aerial earth terminal return. The test frequency will be about 1 MHz (1000 kHz) audio modulated at about 800 Hz,
  2. A "standard" set of headphones (approximately 2,000 ohm impedance) termination,
  3. A level measuring set in high impedance mode (coupled by 0.1 uF in series with 10,000 ohms) across the phones, set to audio weighted mode (ie audio filtered, rf decoupled) to measure the 800 Hz demodulated audio signal. The headphones will be used to check the audio "quality" ie distortion, extraneous noises etc.
  4. Set (regulated) voltages of + 9 volts high tension, + 1.5 volts B bias and 1.5 volt filament will be provided. No alternative supplies are permitted for the performance test.
  5. The set should be capable of receiving signals from 550 to 1500 kHz.

Design:

The Improved Hikers One design, as attached, is the suggested design with valves such as 49, 1Q5, etc. While circuit various are possible more points will be allocated to the recommended design, notwithstanding that other designs may provide better overall performance –see allocation of judging points above.

The set was usually constructed on a wooden base board of approximately 6" x 6" (or 5.5" x 7") ie inches with a plywood front.

General:

  1. The entries shall be completed before, delivered to and on display at the 2006 AGM. Absentee constructors are welcome to enter and reasonable care will be taken of submitted items, however nomination of a proxy caretaker is suggested to look after your exhibit (eg to ensure it’s correctly assembled before being submitted) and to ensure its safe return.
  2. There shall be no makers identification marks on the sets other than a code number to be allocated by the secretary or their agent. This code shall be attached by a secure tie to a front or rear terminal (such as an earth terminal or similar). These codes shall be allocated and attached in a confidential manner so the judges have no indication of the makers.
  3. The entries will be judged by committee appointed judge(s) whose decision shall be final. The judges will strive to announced the results (of up to three placings - as the judge(s) may decide) by the end of the AGM and these will be published in the next Bulletin.
  4. The prize(s) include a certificate for placement and the overall winner gets a free NZVRS subscription for the following year.
  5. See our website www.nzvrs.pl.net/hikers for background material.

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 Additional notes and information:

See attached (1.5 Meg files) of the Bulletin Construction Details – Side A   &  Side B

See Greg Cooney’s Old Radio site with Hikers additional info at: http://www.oldradios.co.nz/hikers/index.htm