[BC] Query Ref. Collins 310Z B-1 exciter

[Dana Puopolo]

This was a pretty good excited for its day (late 1970s), but there are some
problems:

1. The stereo generator was awful and the composite input module not much
better (it uses a 739 opamp, very obsolete) I used to make up a DIP header to
convert the 739 to a better opamp lie a 711 (they only use half of the dual
opamp in the exciter).

2. Many parts might not be available (such as the output transistor).

3. IIRC, it only has a single AFC loop, which means that low bass can sound
funny (these type exciters are the reason that Orban put a 30 Hz highpass
filter in their early Optimods).

4. It does not have a predistortion network before the varactor diodes which
means it has distortion in the .2-.5% range.

This exciter properly tuned will put out 40 watts all day.

-D

From: Tom Spencer <Radiofreetom at gmail.com>

Just how good or otherwise is this box; and how difficult would it be to 
re-tune to another frequency?  There's one on eBay for $99.99 on 88.5...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/COLLINS-310Z-1B-FM-BROADCAST-EXCITER-/220946887809