CUSTOM CRYSTAL MANUFACTURERS/ SUPPLIERS

[unit_399]

I'm working on several old crystal-controlled 23 channel AM/SSB radios and want to convert them to 40 channel. I need to get four fundamental cut crystals 12.000mhz, 12.050mhz , 13.000mhz, and 13.050mhz in an HC18U or HC25U package. Are there any companies still producing custom crystals ?? If not, whats my best alternative ??

J.J. 399

 

[SuperLid]

The only one I know of that still does this is Bomar Crystal in NJ. They stopped and then started doing it again. The cost of a crystal is very high and in my opinion, cost prohibitive.

 

[TM86]

Possible alternative is to use a microcontroller and a Si5351 to generate a desired frequency followed by an either an amplifier stage or just a buffer depending on what's needed to get the right signal level. You may also need a filter to get the signal to look more like sine wave than square wave. Microcontroller would have to be wired into the channel selector to know what frequency to generate at any given time, of course.

Or just buy/build a VFO and call it good.

I'd still go with a crystals if you can find them, though. A lot less work that way.

 

[unit_399]

The only one I know of that still does this is Bomar Crystal in NJ. They stopped and then started doing it again.

I tried searching for BOMAR XTAL but I guess they don't have a Website. I callled them but closed for Thanksgiving. I will try again Monday.

- 399

 

[SuperLid]

Bomar Crystal | OCXO, TCXO, VCXO, Clock oscillators, SMD crystals and oscillators

Bomar Crystal supplies both thru hole and surface mount OCXO, TCXO, VCXO, Clock oscillators, crystals, resonators, filters and inductors.

bomarcrystal.com

 

[hpssb]

Seconded on the micro and one of those little purple Si5351 boards. We had a Kraco base done that way a couple of years back, works great and covers 120 channels (40 up and 40 down) with 10k and 5k drop switches.

It's been my daily driver base since then, works great and less noise than the current chinese things around now. The tech that did ours is not currently doing any radio work but should be happy to provide details if you want to go that way.

Sorry for low quality pics, 10 year old samsung phone camera is a bit crusty by iphone standards.

 

[Amperex]

Possible alternative is to use a microcontroller and a Si5351 to generate a desired frequency followed by an either an amplifier stage or just a buffer depending on what's needed to get the right signal level. You may also need a filter to get the signal to look more like sine wave than square wave. Microcontroller would have to be wired into the channel selector to know what frequency to generate at any given time, of course.

Or just buy/build a VFO and call it good.

I'd still go with a crystals if you can find them, though. A lot less work that way.

Buy NOS at Kens Electronics.

 

[TM86]

Buy NOS at Kens Electronics.

Good idea. He lists 12.000, 12.050, and 13.050 on the website. Not sure how often it gets updated, but they're pretty good about answering inquiries via email if you want to ask if they have any 13.000 crystals laying around.

 

[unit_399]

Amperex -
TM86 -

Thanks guys. Placed the order with Ken's today. I would have gone with the microcontroller and Si5351 but I want to keep the Console looking as original as possible

- J.J. 399