If you are building the ME series transceivers from your own parts, some components will be harder to find than others.
These would be the IF transformers, crystals, toroids, varicap tuning capacitor, mixer I.C.'s, and RF output transistor.
The 42IF123RC IF transformers were discontinued years ago and only new-old-stock were available. Recently we have found a manufacturer that will custom make these transformers for us so the threat of obsolescence is over for now. We now have a second source for these transformers being custom made for us.
The crystals are available from limited sources on ebay and Midway has to match them for exact frequency and are carefully selected for the crystal filter.
The toroids can be purchased from Midway or from www.kitsandparts.com along with many of the other passive components. Amidon has many toroids available too.
Keep in mind that there are some NPO (or C0G) temperature stable capacitors in the VCO section and you must use these otherwise you will have an unwanted drift in frequency. These are C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C16, C17, C18.
The original varicap diode was a MV1662 and is now a 1SV149.
The output transistor is a TO-220 CB output type.
All other parts can be had from a well stocked junk box.
Pricing is as follows: (All prices are in US dollars)
T1, 2, 3 $3.95 each
Set of 5 matched crystals $6.95 These are guaranteed to be within 20 hz of each other. (specify band)
Varicap diode 1SV149 $1.95
2SC2078 RF output power transistor $3.95 (selected and tested)
Set of 5 toriods with wire $6.95 (specify band)
Set of 3 SA612/NE612 or SA602/NE602 $7.95 (tested)
Large and small front panel knobs as found on legacy units $3.95 for both.
Shipping will be $8.60 for USPS priority 2-3 day shipping anywhere in the U.S..
Please email midway7726 (at) gmail.com to place an order. This email can be used for Paypal too.