Vectronics VEC-102K - Manual (Page 36)

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While it's not intended as a communications receiver, the very fact that the VEC-102K
covers all or part of so many different popular CW bands might intrigue some QRP
enthusiasts interested in multi-band portable trans-receiving. The author conducted a few
simple tests using an HW-9 for transmitting, side by side with the VEC-102K on 30, 20,
17 and 15 meters. You will want T-R switching to short the receiver antenna input to
ground and also to mute the audio. Plan on a separate keying sidetone. Frequency
spotting must be done with a very low RF level. Receiver stability when switching the
antenna input is amazingly good even at 21 MHz. While the VEC-102K is not
represented as a communications receiver, you indeed can have some multi-band QRP
fun with it. And FUN is exactly what this great new receiver is all about!
Look at it this way. If you take your multi-band QRP mini-transmitter and VEC-102K on
a trip and happen not to work DX or anybody else, you can still dial up BBC, VOA,
Moscow, and many other places of our ever-shrinking global community!
Conclusion
If you really enjoy shortwave radio listening, you'll probably yearn for and eventually get
a more elaborate receiver. You might even work on getting a ham radio license and
setting up a station for transmitting and receiving. As the years go by, we have a hunch
that you'll always remember the first thrills of listening to your VEC-102K. And, because
it's rugged, compact, and far more sophisticated than the first receivers of yesteryear, we
suspect you'll actually keep it and keep on listening to it when nobody else is looking!
LEARNING MORE
The purpose of your Receiver and the details provided in this instruction manual are to
help you become better acquainted with radio communications and electronics: as a
hobby, as a possible profession, or both.
Among the hundreds of publications available, we are pleased to recommend the
following as especially helpful for radio newcomers and people of any age who are young
at heart!
Getting Started in Electronics
by Forest Mims III (Radio Shack)
Now You're Talking: Discovering the World of Ham Radio
(ARRL, Newington, CT 06111, also sold by Radio Shack)
Shortwave Listener's Guide for Apartment/Condo Dwellers
by Ed Noll, W3FQJ (1991, MFJ Edition No. 36)
The Wonderful World of Ham Radio
by Richard Skolnik, KB4LCS (1990, MFJ Edition No. 35)
Or, if you'd like just one copy of one magazine that's all about ALL the signals you may
hear on your VEC-102K, you can find the latest issue of POPULAR