I’m receiving reports that what was once the gold standard for custom crystals, International Crystal Manufacturing in Oklahome City, OK, will close it’s doors very soon, probably no later than May. At this moment they are still accepting orders if and where remaining materials and pending facility sale allow it. They will be missed by many radio hobbyists. I am trying to play some games with my personal budget, attempting to fund the purchase of a couple more crystals before the end comes. After this, it will be Chinese DDOs and DDSs unfortunately! … Unrelated: A couple of weeks ago, I took a routine ride up to Quakertown for a doctor appointment. I am used to being able to hear WNAR (“Wer’e Nostalgic About Radio”, a high end part 15 operator) all the way up, normally fading into the ignition noise around mile 30 on Route 309. But this time, with WNAR still strong, I began hearing something called “Information Radio”, with no other callsign or I D, around mile 25, with both WNAR, and the newcomer showing equal signals by mile 27, and the new guy taking over from there on north. WNAR has lost at least two driving miles on Rt 309 to this newcomer! WNAR offers pro grade programming in the style of the “golden age” of radio. The newcomer? A one minute repeating loop claiming authority to broadcast “community and safety information” as needed to the public, but, without making mention of any affiliation to any type of organization, agency, or company or government, etc! Just a generic loop asking you to lock a radio button there (1620 KHz) This new install appears to cover much of the Quakertown area. … unrelated… decided to further attenuate my 101.5 fm station. Only about a 50 foot range now. I’m concerned about this powerful intermittant mystery carrier with the slight buzzy hum coming from the Franconia to Harleysville area along Rt 113. Whatever it is, It’s too strong not to get noticed for long and I don’t want any misunderstanding! Looking forward to getting back on A. M. this year. I want to see if a syncronized multiple transmitter setup could at least partially offset the limitations inposed by using a free airspace tuned counterpoise, rather than a traditional ground, E. G: two 5 foot metal poles with coils, and the transmitter in the middle at the feed point, or, a magnetic loop antennae, etc. I’d like to keep the new station build as easy to relocate as possible. That’s all for now, All the best!
Minor edit / correction.
I mistyped 101.5, should read 106.5.