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FR6 • 4
INTRODUCTION
FM and repeaters on 6 meters? You bet!
There's not a lot to say about using the FR6 receiver once its been correctly
built and aligned. If 6 meters is "dead”, it resembles the usual 2 meter action.
If 6 meters is "hot", you’ll find an amazing variety of crystal-clear FM signals
from many thousands of miles away! If there are local 6 meter repeaters in
your area, the FR6 will be just as active as the local repeater gang.
Since the FR6 “hears” only FM, the various SSB and CW signals on the band
will not be properly demodulated as to be intelligible.
This receiver is a good project for amateurs wishing to become more familiar
with 6 meter FM before choosing a transceiver, or for those active on 6 who
want an inexpensive receiver to take on trips, keep in a briefcase or to watch
for band openings.
Most Ramsey Electronic Kits can be classified as "Skill Level 1" if we use the
old Heathkit guidelines for ease of assembly. That means that our kits are
intended to be successful for first-time kit builders. This FR6 FM Receiver is
best regarded as a "Skill Level 2" project, (or least Level 1.46!) and should
not be taken lightly, even by experienced, licensed radio amateurs.
Still, this step-by-step manual is written with the beginner in mind, because
we are well aware of the fascination that Six Meters and its maze of
repeaters holds for newcomers, which means this could be your very first kit
project. The same holds true for those who just want to peek in on LOW VHF
public service communications without the cost of a scanner. To be honest,
we'd like to see first-time builders start out with an easier kit such as the
Ramsey HR40 Forty Meter receiver before assembling the FR6, but we are
confident that you can construct the FR6 successfully if you follow this
manual carefully and patiently.
Before beginning the project or even studying the circuit description, it is
worthwhile to develop some prior respect for how much receiver is packed
onto the circuit board. The nine semiconductor devices (diodes, transistors
and IC chips) give the equivalent of about 30 or more transistors diodes. And,
in addition to four inductors, a crystal and two ceramic filters, there are nearly
60 capacitors and resistors. Surely, all that should result in a decent receiver!
You could easily spend twice the money plus hours of time trying to gather
the equivalent parts from catalogs and still need to make your own circuit
board.