Amateur Radio At Broome Community College


Under the supervision of Maintenance Mechanic Joe Pisani (N2YR) and EET Technical Assistant Donovan McCarty, BCC’s newest station – the “Shack in a Rack” – was completed in late Spring 2005. The Shack in a Rack moniker speaks for itself; all the equipment necessary to properly transmit and receive is contained in a single rack cabinet. The station utilizes various components, some just a few years old, and some dating back to the early 1940’s and 1950’s. The seamless integration of 20th and 21st century technologies truly provides a unique experience for those interested in learning more about the history of Amateur Radio technology or fundamental station operation.

The components of the station include:





Johnson Viking Ranger II Transmitter: The Ranger II was a staple of the E.F. Johnson Company in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The company was founded in 1923 by E.F. Johnson, and continues to be a staple in digital and analog communications. It transmits between 160 and 6 meters at 50 watts AM. The Ranger II was popular in the 1960’s, and exists today as a highly regarded collector’s piece.
Collins R390-A Receiver: The Collins Radio Company was founded by Arthur Collins in Iowa in 1933. The Company was purchased by Rockwell International in 1973 and exists today as Rockwell Collins, Inc, which has continued to produce electronic communications systems for public and private clientele, including NASA. The R390-A was mass produced from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. This particular R390-A was manufactured by the Capehart Corporation, originally founded by Senator Homer E. Capehart as the Automatic Phonograph Corporation in 1927.
Behringer VX-2000 Ultra-Voice Processor: The Behringer VX-2000 Ultra-Voice Processor contains the latest in surface mount technology, and is built thin for use in cramped spaces. The compressor increases the average sound level of a signal, while its de-esser feature helps to increase signal clarity. Its tube emulation feature introduces small amounts of distortion to emulate older tube equipment, all while utilizing 21st century digital technology.
Gates Sta-Level Compressor/Limiter: The Sta-Level is designed to reduce the affects of ambient background noise when transmitting. It is generally used in both professional and amateur radio production, but it also has applications in studio recording. There are many Gates owners today that manufacture their own Sta-Levels by hand using schematic diagrams and old owner’s manuals as guides.
Homemade Condenser Microphone: This homemade microphone was fabricated from a small piece of copper piping. It includes three (3) internal Radio Shack brand condenser microphone elements, supported by their own associated discrete components, and the entire assembly was custom mounted on the arm of a swinging desk lamp.




Donovan McCarty and Joe Pisani at the N2YR/BCC station.





Page last modified July 2006.