can a browning brownie 23 channel be modded for extra channels? Thanks!
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Brownie
- Thread starter Van Lifeson
- Start date
Good question, I've got one of those too. I don't really need it but if there's a mod for it could be educational experimenting with.
Yes.
See table XIV on page 8 of the link.
http://www.cbtricks.com/radios/browning/brownie_23/graphics/brownie_23_sm.pdf
73
David
Pretty simple formula for this kind of radio. One crystal for every four new channels. You can simply remove a crystal for four channels you don't need and substitute another. A switch to select between the old and new crystal would let you keep the channels you already have. Not a lot of places to put this on a Brownie.
For channels 26,27,28 and 30 you'll need a 12.005 MHz crystal. For 31,32,33 and 35 requires 12.055 MHz. And 36,37,38 and 40 needs 12.105 MHz. Note that channels 29, 34 and 39 are missing. This is because the set of four crystals that repeats ever four channel numbers 'skips' one frequency out of five. These are the "RC" channels set aside for non-voice equipment, like RC planes or toys. Had a wireless mouse that used channel 11A. You'll need a 7.490 MHz crystal to get these skipped channels, and a way to select that crystal in place of one original crystal, like a "+10" switch, but different.
To get 23 new channels you'll need six crystals. And the wiring to switch between the old and new crystals will be a nightmare rats nest.
Remember also you can't make the wires on your crystals more than an inch long or so. Adding wire length will bring down the frequency of a crystal below where it resonates with short wire leads. Extra channels that are off frequency will be a disappointment.
Other than that, it's pretty simple. Until you try to track down the crystals.
73
For channels 26,27,28 and 30 you'll need a 12.005 MHz crystal. For 31,32,33 and 35 requires 12.055 MHz. And 36,37,38 and 40 needs 12.105 MHz. Note that channels 29, 34 and 39 are missing. This is because the set of four crystals that repeats ever four channel numbers 'skips' one frequency out of five. These are the "RC" channels set aside for non-voice equipment, like RC planes or toys. Had a wireless mouse that used channel 11A. You'll need a 7.490 MHz crystal to get these skipped channels, and a way to select that crystal in place of one original crystal, like a "+10" switch, but different.
To get 23 new channels you'll need six crystals. And the wiring to switch between the old and new crystals will be a nightmare rats nest.
Remember also you can't make the wires on your crystals more than an inch long or so. Adding wire length will bring down the frequency of a crystal below where it resonates with short wire leads. Extra channels that are off frequency will be a disappointment.
Other than that, it's pretty simple. Until you try to track down the crystals.
73
You're looking at about $15 for each crystal from Ken's Electronics. They're around three times that much if you have a crystal custom made from any of the few companies that still make them.
Thank you nomad for your wisdom. Sounds like an interesting project but the cost just isn't justifiable to me.
Ordered crystals from Ken’s before. Will be ordering a few for the Brownie. That little radio sounds soooo good on the base with a d104. People freak out about it!
I just wanna put one crystal in to get channel 30 where our locals talk so I can enjoy this radio.
27 28 29 and 31 are the channels a 12.005 crystal gave me. No 30 like I need! Crap!
A 12.035 crystal will get you channels 29 30 31 33. I believe Ken's has one of those on his list.