Vectronics VEC-102K - Manual (Page 11)

11
Understanding & Using the Regeneration Control
In theory, your receiver's Regeneration Control adjusts the level of feedback or self-
oscillation of the FET detector section (Q1 and Q2). In practice, this control is like a
"joystick'' for managing and optimizing receiver performance. Your ability to handle this
"joystick'' saves you many dollars over today's cost of receivers which perform similar
functions "automatically.'' In fact, you might even get more control over receiver
performance in varying situations than may be possible with more elaborate receivers.
With the control turned fully to the left (counter clockwise), the receiver is virtually
silent. "Regeneration'' begins at a certain point as you turn the control clockwise. The
exact point varies not only from band to band but even as you tune within a given band.
Regeneration begins as an audible increase in background noise followed by a soft hiss.
The hiss, or any signals that may be on frequency, increases as you continue to turn
clockwise. If you go too far, the signal becomes distorted, or the receiver begins to squeal
(oscillate).
Always use the LEAST amount of regeneration necessary for good reception of a
given signal.
As a rule, the best reception of AM shortwave broadcast signals occurs just BEFORE full
regeneration. If you hear a whistle (carrier) along with an AM signal, turn the control
back slightly until the carrier disappears.
When there are a number of very strong shortwave AM broadcasts in a given band, such
as is common in the early evening, you will find it possible to tune them in one after the
other with the regeneration control set "way back'' and requiring virtually no adjustment.
In other words, you would tune from station to station just as if using any other type of
shortwave set.
When the receiver is adjusted for good AM reception, CW signals will sound like hisses.
Advancing the regeneration control slightly will bring in the familiar beeping associated
with CW, RTTY (radio teletype) or similar signals.
The regeneration control can also serve as a fine tuning control, permitting slight
adjustments of CW pitch for the most pleasing sound, or best clarity in a SSB voice
signal. After you've had some practice with using the regeneration control, it will become
second nature, giving you a sense of real control over the performance of your receiver.