THE DELTAHET FRONT END PROJECT

Construction of the Deltahet in 1964 by Arch Lewis VK4IL (SK)

wia This article is part of a series 'remembering the past" in recognition of the WIA centenary in 2010

This is the story of a club member Arch Lewis, callsign VK4IL, who undertook the Deltahet Front End project in 1964.

Arch joined the club in 1962, and was amongst the first group who undertook AOCP training with the club (prior to that time training was conducted by the Qld branch of the WIA).

Arch read articles in the "Radio, Television & Hobbies" magazines in 1963 about the Deltahet Front End and was inspired to build one by sending away for plans and photographs.

The case was cast in one piece by the local foundry using a sand mould.

Arch is now Silent Key and his family donated the project and documentation to the club.

Here's what the completed Deltahet Front End was intended to look like

The unit as constructed by Arch. It appears incomplete when compared to the B&W photograph above.

Scan of the article in "Radio, Television & Hobbies July 1963" magazine which inspired Arch

Deltahet front end circuit diagram

When Arch sent for the plans he also received a series of Black and White photographs (scans of which appear below) and a large set of plans and circuit drawings.

The colour photographs below are of the project as it was left by Arch. By comparing the B&W pictures to the current project it does appear to be unfinished.

The project completed to this stage by Arch is in the possession of the Bundaberg Amateur Radio club together with the original photographs, plans, circuit diagrams and the two magazines from 1963 outlining the project.

If any amateur radio museum, club or group would like any additional information or may have an interest in displaying the unit please feel free contact the club secretary by emailing;

secretary <at> barc.asn.au.

The club could also make copies of plans and photographs if required for a nominal cost to cover scanning, printing and postage.