Mode Zero

Another gem from the collection.

Dad used this to crash his Amigo II time after time, until he gave up on r/c flight (to successfully return at a much later date) - then I used this to control the steering on a yacht. I was a teenager then (I am 63 now), so I am amazed it is in such good condition.

I am in the South of Essex, and willing to travel to help it's new owner to enjoy it some more.

I have no idea if it still works, but I know you clever lot would never let a simple thing like that stand in your way.

Jef

I built a SimpleTone Tx many decades ago. It was quite an interesting design, with a push-pull output stage instead of the more usual single transistor.

I tried to pair it up with a second-hand MacGregor superhet relay receiver, but never got much range from the combo. The transmitter certainly had plenty of output, so I suspect I had discovered why the MacG receiver had been for sale!

In the late 70s, I gave it to a work colleague who wanted a remote garage door opener. I figured that with the poor range of the receiver, it should be reasonable secure, despite the dreaded CB interference back then!



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Pete

Pete,

Am I correct in thinking it was an RCM&E kit?

Jef

Jef: Your query about RCM&E got me thinking, so I dug out my original construction booklet. I realised I've confused the "Simpletone" with the "Singlet" - easily done as both appeared to use the same case!

The "Singlet" - the one I built - was a Radio Modeller article, and was designed by Paul Newell, who later designed the Microtrol kit digital system.

Apologies for the confusion!

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Pete

Sounds to me, Pete,

Like you need a Simpletone to add to your collection!



Jef

From my list, it was in RCM&E May 1968. If you wait until next week I can check the mag and scan the article, unless somebody else has the magazine to hand?

Thanks for that info Mike.
Glad you were able to confirm the memory, from when I was 9 yrs old!
Also from that time, I remember learning that the body of the soldering iron gets hot enough to really bugger up your hand if you pick it up by the wrong bit.
I got a week or two off school because of that moment of education, helping Dad build the SImpletone.
At the time I had a free-sailing home made model land yacht.
All day, every day, out there chasing the thing up and down the road took away the pain!

Now then, anyone want a lovely little S/C Tx, to go with the article that Mike is going to scan?

There's a famous stock photograph, presumably taken by a non-technical photographer of a non-technical model, showing how soldering is done.

I believe I have Paul Newell's original set. It was given to me a couple of years ago.


[Phil: that would be the RM Singlet - the Simpletone was designed by Rex Boyer}

Item still for sale