Boatanchor AM on a Budget
from
James Benedict, N8FVJ
on
May 22, 2009
View comments about this article!
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Some of us hams just do not seem to make sense! Why would anyone want to own a boatanchor and operate AM or CW? After all, most modern radios outperform the old boatanchors with ease on AM or CW. The new radios with an AM filter transmit double sideband AM with 25 watts carrier and 100 watts pep at the proper bandwidth. Simply, the old radios are elegant, ornamental and fun even without a contact.
What is a boatanchor anyways? Well, a specific weight or size class does not define a boatanchor exactly, but some names will help. Most Hallicrafters, Hammarlund, Heathkit, Globe (WRL), Collins, National, Johnson, RME and RCA qualify. Most boatanchors are AM/CW only, but a few qualify that have SSB capacities as marked on the front panel. Use of electron tubes is necessary, transistors do not qualify for the most part. Most boatanchors were considered about useless at one time. Drake Twins, Collins 'S' lines and Heathkit HW-101 are classic rigs that never became useless.
The use of AM is accepted now on some frequencies at certain times. Even the FCC stated AM is a viable means of communication that is not going to be regulated out of existance anytime soon. Enough AM activity exists on HF that calling CQ will be answered. Many HF AM nets are operating and AM nets actually operate on 6 and 2 meters as of late in larger cities.
The boatanchor has become an expensive, collectable radio. This phenomenon started about eight years ago. Fortunately, some bargains still exist, but condition is as important as operation. I personally do not have a lot of xmit time, but many years experience using tube type receivers. I have compiled a list of inexpensive receivers that perform well on AM. Also, a few transmitters are available at bargain prices. I can not guarantee your investment, but I think boatanchors will hold their value into the future. Being somewhat practical (cheap) the affordable, well performing equipment is listed below. These are not great collectables, but qualify even if a little less elegant, but definately useless at one time.
First, any self respecting fan must include the Heathkit DX-60 transmitter and the HR-10 receiver. A DX-60 net exists with the control operator out of Port Huron, MI. I consider the HR-10 as a 'fairweather' receiver. The pair will cost about $150 in good condition, VFO optional.
Hammarlund HQ-110. 160-6M. A sensitive, double conversion receiver with good dial calibration and a xtal calibrator. About $150.
Drake 2-A or 2-B. 80-10M. A sensitive, triple conversion receiver with xtal calibrator. About $150.
Gonset G-76. 80-6M. A mobile type double conversion transceiver with dual conversion receiver and built-in VFO (80-10M). Seperate AC or DC power supply required. Not a show stopper, but gets you AM transceive. Should include power supply for $150+.
Hallicrafters SX-111. 80-10M. Sensitive, double conversion receiver. Some had a xtal calibrator and late models included a product detector. About $150-200.
Heathkit RX-1 Mohawk. 160-10M. Heavy, double conversion receiver with xtal calibrator. $150-200.
National NC-155 or NC-270. 80-10M. Dual conversion receiver with xtal calibrator (optional in NC-155). Some what rare due to HRO and 300/303 series dominating the market sales. $150-175.
RME 4350. 160-10M. Dual conversion receiver with xtal calibrator. Somewhat rare, some radios have paint flake problems. $150.
Johnson Ranger & Ranger II. 160-6 meter transmitter. Built-in VFO. About 30 watt AM carrier output, plate modulated. Good deal about $200 and up.
Heathkit DX-100. Heavy (100lbs). 160-10M. 90-100 watt AM carrier output, plate modulated. Built-in VFO. Used to be dirt cheap. About $200+.
Globe Scout 680. 80-6M. No built-in VFO. About 35 watt AM carrier output, plate modulated. $100+.
Hallicrafters HT-37. 80-10M. Heavy (80lbs). Not high level plate modulated, but has built-in VFO. About 25-30 watt AM carrier output. $150+.
The radios above are not the stars of the collectable boatanchors, but will qualify as boatanchors. The prices vary greatly depending upon condition. The prices I listed are for good, not perfect condition operating gear. A mint unit can double in price as shown. The xmitters are more rare than the receivers. If you know of a friend who is into old AM gear, get their help as this can be tricky business. It is best if you can perform repairs yourself. Another issue is high voltages, either have good working knowledge or stay away! Good luck.
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Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by W8ZNX on May 22, 2009
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recycling a ten year old posting
about hf am phone
from a expired tec
just does not get it
how much time does a tec op
spend on 75 or 40 meters am phone
the posting is full of sorta kinda
almost good / bad advice
gear that was 2rd rate 40 years ago
is not any better simply because its old
dit
dit
mac
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by N8NSN on May 22, 2009
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I love the smell of warm dusty tubes in the morning.
It smells...
It smells like...
victory!
.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WX1F on May 22, 2009
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Try buying a working Heathkit AM transmitter today. The sellers think they're gold plated and want big $$$ for them! Personally...if I want to work AM...my solid state rig works just fine thank you. And I don't need to worry about a 50-60 year old chassis part catching fire.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WN9HJW on May 22, 2009
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>> gear that was 2rd rate 40 years ago
is not any better simply because its old <<
I don't think he said anywhere that it was better . . . he just said it was less expensive.
I've recently been bitten by the anchor bug. I picked up an HQ-110 (actually two - one in perfect condition, the other one as a restoration project) and a Globe Scout 65B (working condition).
They definitely are NOT "better" than my FT-950 or FT-897, but they are much more interesting.
For one thing, I can actually SEE the components - none of those nano-scopic surface mount specks that all look the same. And I can understand and follow the circuit design - no arcane 240-pin microprocessor black-boxes.
Obselete? Yes!
Fun? Yes!
Better? No!
Good enough? Yes!
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KF4HR on May 22, 2009
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The author states, "The boatanchor has become an expensive, collectable radio" then goes on to list older equipment that isn't particularly expensive or collectable. :^)) Oh well, I'm sure the intent of the article was meant to be informative.
What defines a 'boat anchor' probably depends when you entered the hobby. I've heard newbees refer to the Heathkit HW-101 as a boat anchor. While hams that have been around for several decades probably consider the boat anchor threshold to start in the 40's, 50's, and 60's.
It may be safe to say that just because the equipment has tubes (valves to you across the pond), that the equipment isn't necessarily a boat anchor. Lot's of modern amplifier's still use tubes, and there are many hybrid radio's (tube finals & driver) that still get plenty of on-the-air use and are very much enjoyed by their owners.
As for boat anchor value. Lot's of older equipment of the 100% tube era, litter ham shacks collecting dust or at hamfests, many of which might not be particularly collectable or worth much. Although depending on the model of boat anchor they certainly can be very expensive. For example a Collins KW-1 transmitter in excellent condition could cost a collector in excess of $20,000.
I'd really like to believe AM transmissions and AM Nets are happily welcomed on the bands, but anyone that has operated AM on the HF bands, or even listened to AM Nets know there are times when, let's just say, less elegant SSB operators, purposely transmit within the bandwidth of AM signals. And others would like to see the AM mode disappear altogether. As for me, I think there's still plenty of room for AM on the HF bands, assuming common courtesy on the HF bands was the name of the game. (A big assumption.)
The author also states, "I can not guarantee your investment, but I think boat anchors will hold their value into the future."
To many boat anchor collectors, this is a major issue. Some boat anchor collectors have a considerable investment. I'd like to think the author's statement is true, but perhaps its just wishful thinking. Will the newly licensed generation of amateurs be interested in collecting and operating radios from the 40's, 50's, and 60's on AM and CW? Or will the demand for collectable boat anchors and the value of this equipment die away as the older generation of amateurs pass on to that big contest in the sky? Time will tell.
KF4HR
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Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KB2DHG on May 22, 2009
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The great thing about this hobby is that there are so many different roads we can take to enjoy it. From simple qrp home built radios to to high-tech state of the art rigs. I personally love the old stuff.
Todays rigs lost that mystique the old tubed rigs had.
Yea, I have modern equipment here in the shack but I still get a thrill using my old tube rigs...
There is no need to bash this author, this is a fine article... Anyone who would offer a negitive comment on this is surly a closed minded person. IT IS A HOBBY! HOBBIES ARE FOR FUN and if resurecting an old rig is fun for some so be it!
BOAT ANCHORS FOR EVER! The glow and hum in the wee hours is something only a true ham can appreciate!
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by PULLRAFTT on May 22, 2009
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The artice is old yet still informative...There is still a fair amount of AM operation going on, thanks.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by CROWBAR on May 22, 2009
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Yes, but unfortunately on Solid State gear where AM was pretty much an after thought in design
<The artice is old yet still informative...There is still a fair amount of AM operation going on, thanks.>
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by NC4TB on May 22, 2009
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If you had bothered to check a bit further using the FCC ULS archives before carping about his being an expired tech, you would have discovered N8FVJ was licensed as a General class operator 13 June 2000. Since his license has expired now,I expect he has gone SK. It is a shame some of us can't just enjoy these articles without worrying about the authors license class/staus.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WX1F on May 22, 2009
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Regarding W8ZNX's comment:"recycling a ten year old posting
about hf am phone
from a expired tec
just does not get it"
How about you learn to spell "Tech"...then explain why you didn't research his being SK before hitting your "Enter" key.
"Keep safety on...it prevents premature firing of the mouth"
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WR8Y on May 22, 2009
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W8ZNX:
"recycling a ten year old posting
about hf am phone
from a expired tec
just does not get it"
And making illiterate comments on message boards does? :) May I suggest:
"Recycling a ten year old article about HF AM phone, that was authored by an expired Tech, just does not get it."
Of course, this does not address issues brought up by others. It also does not address the fact that it IS a good piece, and is consistent with the site's polity of re-running old articles.
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RE: Boatanchors destroying the planet
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by W9WHE-II on May 22, 2009
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1) The tubes in boatanchors (and the AM mode) use too much electricity and therefore produce excessive greenhouse gasses.
2) Al Gore says greenhouse gasses will cause the oceans to rise 20 feet and the planet to incinerate. (We will fry then drown. Or is it the other way around?)
3) ALL BOATANCHORS and the AM mode MUST BE BANNED in ordrer to save the planet from certain destruction.
Al Gore said it (and is making millions off it) so it must be true.
THEREFORE ALL BOATANCHORS MUST BE BANNED ALONG WITH THE AM MODE IF WE ARE TO SURVIVE.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by ONAIR on May 22, 2009
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Playing with a boatanchor is like going into a time machine. It's a completely different realm of ham radio. It brings you back to a time when you actually looked into the machine and saw the whole darn thing in operation. They glow, smell funny, and can give you a significant jolt if you poke your fingers around with the covers off! (not recommended). Every ham should have one or two in the shack that they can play with from time to time, because they really can change the entire experience of being a ham.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by HFRF on May 22, 2009
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The attraction of boat anchors seems to more nostalgic and not so much old technology. It is probably true that using the old stuff from childhood nobody could afford at the time has interested a few collectors. And it is true that "playing" with electronics with parts that can be recognized as resistors, caps, coils, etc. is fun.
But down the road I think all the collectors that helped drive up the prices when they were bidding on old stuff realize how much money they have sitting on a bench and loose interest quickly. At work there was a boat anchor epiphany a few years ago but that wore off when they found better uses for a $1K 50 year old AM rig, like new golf clubs.
I have one radio from the '60s which only is worth about $150 but for some reason I can't part with it. Its cheap enough that I don't need to get rid of it for some extra cash.
In the end, if someone wants a decent and fun radio its probably going to be something recent.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WI7B on May 22, 2009
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N8FVJ Was a General, but his liccense was expired 5 years ago and was cancelled 3 years ago.
73,
---* Ken
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Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by VE6TL on May 22, 2009
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I'm not sure it is true that you have to pay big bucks to get a boat anchor. At a local flea market a year ago I paid a total of $5 for a Heathkit DX-35 and a Heathkit AT-1. I also paid $10 for a DX-60B. I took them home and discovered that the DX-60B worked great after a basic cleaning. The other two transmitters required major overhauls, but I already had all the replacement parts and got them both working within 6 months. I enjoyed the challenge of rebuilding and melting solder on parts I could see. Making QSOs with these old boat anchors gave me a thrill as it made me realize how far we've come with all the new features on modern radios. Yet, here I was, able to step decades back in time and still make contacts. I realize this is not for everyone, but no one has ever invented something that is of interest to everyone. The bargains are still out there and so is the fun.
Jerry, VE6CNU
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by W4VR on May 22, 2009
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Been there, done that, loved it, but would not do it again. I quit using AM back in the early 60's because I could not stand the interference from those side-winders encroaching on my frequency; in order to enjoy the audio fidelity I had to use wide bandwidth on my HQ-170 receiver and it got to the point where I had to crank down on the bandwidth to avoid the interference which resulted in fidelity about as good as phasing-type SSB. Even back then, the equipment I had was used and weighed a ton.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by N0YXB on May 22, 2009
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Different strokes for different folks. Cool article. I don't see why this article would bother anybody, unless they are just looking for something to be bothered by. Or perhaps they want to bother others (as in the one dimensional troll I won't name who is still in search of a life).
Vince
N0YXB
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K1DA on May 22, 2009
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What I find amusing is on the nice little segment of 40 meters we just got, which is open from and to quite an assortment of places at night, AM operators have arrived commenting how nice it is to be away from all those broadcast (AM of course) carriers).
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KX5JT on May 22, 2009
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Working Heathkit AM transmitters can be bought for under 100 dollars and sound WAY better than most modern rigs on AM, except maybe for a few kenwoods and flex radios.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K9MHZ on May 22, 2009
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Heathkit DX-100.....very fine plate modulated transmitter. If you find one for $200, there's something wrong with it.
Heathkit DX-60B....OK controlled-carrier transmitter. Simple, easy to maintain and experiment with. Not much power if using it on AM, so you'll need some afterburner.
Heathkit HR-10B receiver.....probably THE worst receiver ever designed. If you want to "match" your DX-60, get an HR-1680 and just tune one of the sidebands on an AM signal. At least you'll be able to hear something, unlike using the HR-10B. Horrible receiver.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KX5JT on May 22, 2009
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K1DA: The broadcast AM stations were found every 5 khz. AM amateurs are found usually on ONE frequency. Maybe two amateur AM qso's at once can be found on 40 meter on some very RARE occasion.... what's the problem? It's a legal mode and the AM operators seem to be very considerate gentleman. Heck I even heard some AM stations working European DX on 7.160 Mhz... AM isn't going to go away...
I admire people that can build their own transmitter, whether a qrp cw rig in an altoids tin box or a series of rack mounted AM gear. It's a hobby, there's a LOT of room on the bands for everyone to enjoy the things that they enjoy. AM, SSB, CW, Digital modes, Digital voice...... Live and let live and we will all have better blood pressure!
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by N3ZY on May 22, 2009
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Boatanchors can be fun, particularly if you like to work on hardware or restore old equipment. For me, it was also a solution to getting on the air. I have two children in college, so buying new equipment was out of the question. I got an old, semi-operational TS-520S, repaired it, and got on the air. My entire station is built that way for a total investment of <$500. Is it optimal in comparison to modern gear? Of course not. But I am on the air and enjoying the hobby, which is what really matters
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by AD5X on May 22, 2009
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"Heathkit HR-10B receiver.....probably THE worst receiver ever designed."
No, I think my KnightKit R100A had to be the worst. Had to keep one hand on the dial as it continuously drifted. But I didn't know any better, so I had a ball with it and my T60 transmitter with 14AVQ vertical with just a ground rod (didn't know about radials either!).
Phil - AD5X
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K0BG on May 22, 2009
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I'm sorry Phil. Although your example may be close, the real winner is a Hellascratchers S38.
You might remember, the S38 was tuned in the same fashion as Pa Kettle's old Crosley. The only difference, the S38 used the vibration from the straight key to change frequencies as opposed to a rocking chair.
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
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Collins R388/51J3
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by KA4KOE on May 22, 2009
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My all time favorite receiver boatanchor is the Collins R388/51J3. If you intend to listen to SSB with any regularity, you will need to do a product detector mod. See my webpage at
http://www.neidlinger.us/R388.htm
You can get one for around 300-600. The 51J4's are significantly rarer and had Collins mechanical filters.
Double packing is a must. This is a seriously heavy radio. Mine is No. 2. No. 1 was destroyed as Radio Mart on Ebay failed to double pack it.
See the article on this website "Inertia is Your Enemy", for pictures of the carnage.
Additionally, if Eham wants to rerun my Dead Dudes articles again, they are more than welcome to. I've buried the hatchet on this end.
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.
Philip Neidlinger
KA4KOE
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Dinky Boatanchors (really sinkers in reality)
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by KA4KOE on May 22, 2009
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For small toaster radios, I prefer the National SW54 (got one). Now that is a COOL little radio.
Philip Neidlinger
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RE: Dinky Boatanchors (really sinkers in reality)
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by KA4KOE on May 22, 2009
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THEREFORE ALL BOATANCHORS MUST BE BANNED ALONG WITH THE AM MODE IF WE ARE TO SURVIVE
You know, I just had an epiphany (not an alcoholic beverage). This guy is correct.
I need to sell all my boatanchors in a massive clear 'em out, blow 'em out, scrap metal sale.
THEREFORE ANY HAM CAUGHT WITH BOATANCHOR GEAR AFTER THE DROP DEAD DATE WILL BE MADE TO DROP DEATH VIA FIRING SQUAD.
The end is nigh....I foresaw it years ago via my evil Sith Lord Powers.......
http://www.eham.net/articles/6468
<hack, hack, Palpatine cough>
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Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KC7NOA on May 22, 2009
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Wonder if the Atlas 350XL fits into the Boatanchor category now ??
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RE: Dinky Boatanchors (really sinkers in reality)
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by W7ETA on May 22, 2009
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If you don't like a rig, don't buy it.
If you don't like working on old rigs, don't buy them.
If you don't like following a schematic, buying parts to build a rig, well, then don't do that.
73
Bob
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RE: Dinky Boatanchors (really sinkers in reality)
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by KB1GMX on May 22, 2009
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;)
Never planned to do boat anchors or classics. I build my own. However over time I ended up with a very fine HW101 and a pair of Tempo-ones (silver and black) plus HT37s. They all work and are a joy to use. Sure they aren't a K3 but then I'm not a hf contester. They sound good, especially with the various mods developed by others over time and once gotten working properly they seem to behave reliability and are dirt simple to fix.
Since I'm not a purist or a collector using them is what it's about. When the Tempo-one sweep tubes finally gave up it was a trivial matter to change the sockets and pop in a pair of 6146s. They run a bit less power but run cleanly and behave well. Doesn't hurt that 6146s are common used and can be had cheap.
The ht37 is a real boat anchor. But I've foudn despite
the bad reputation of tube phasing SSB radios it's
not hard to adjust properly and once set up tends to need little attention. For that it's a nice 100W SSB
TX that also does AM and CW. My only problem is I need
a matching 5 band radio for AM as the only ones I have
is a homebrew tube radio for 80/75 and 20M and my AX190. Least now I have an excuse to build one.
For someone that wants and interesting station and is willing to do a bit of work there are a lot of radios that would be decent work-a-day band hoppers. Its not limited to CW or AM. Tubes are also fairly tolerant
of abuses and if one respects the voltages they are
easy to work on. Those drifty radios, I've met a few and all could be improved with only a little work usually replacing bad caps are enough to help greatly.
Allison
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WB9URN on May 22, 2009
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W8ZNX..
at least the writer can string together more than five words at a time.
Short attention span?
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KI6NQT on May 22, 2009
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So my tubed Swans are not a boat anchor. Aw bummer
Tim Ki6NQT
Swan 500cx, 700cx standard and especial
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Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WA6QJE on May 22, 2009
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Does a Knight T-60 count? How about my Knight TR-106 and my Clegg Thor?
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KE7UXE on May 22, 2009
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KI6NQT. I think you and I can agree that our Swans are boat anchors. If other folks want to quibble we can leave them to their own devices. My 500cx is a joy to use. Who needs an amp when my $200.00 radio puts out 300 watts with beautiful audio that makes my Icoms sound like bacon frying.
I have 2000 tubes that I have amassed for no good reason at all. I enjoy giving them to others who enjoy these old radios.
Just this evening I put an immaculate HW-101 back on the air and had great QSO's with SC and Vancouver Canada. And to answer the earlier poster who is concerned that these machines will fall from favor with new hams I will mention that I am a fairly new ham. I remember these radios from my youth and enjoy using them.
Well the old Swan was good enough to bust the pileups into Lithuania and Croatia on 20 meters last night using an R5 antenna and D104. An hour later it was 5X9 into Tasmania. Too bad it is obsolete. Boatanchors rule.
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Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by N1ONE on May 23, 2009
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Interesting subject.
I have recently found my self listening to the AM guys around 3872 in the evenings, nice bunch of folks. I have many modern radios, but my favorite radio in the shack is my trusty FT101E. I know it really does not quite qualify as a boat anchor, but it is close enough for me.
I hear folks complain about AM'rs, but they seem pretty courteous to me, in fact I find that the SSB folks tend to be the ones that cause interference. Also, I have rarely found more than (2) AM QSO's on any given band at any given time. I actually have had trouble finding QSO's to listen too.
I think I may just jump in with these guy some night and say "Hello".
Enjoy the bands with what ever it is YOU call ham radio!
73,
N1ONE
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K5END on May 23, 2009
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Amazing responses to the article. Beyond amazing, really.
During the few days I spent in Ohio last week prior to the Dayton Hamvention, I toured and photographed some of the beautiful, old picturesque barns in the countryside.
Guess what is inside many of those old barns?
Restored, vintage tractors, old pickups and old cars are in a lot of those old barns (except for the Amish barns, of course.)
Beautiful stuff. Just beautiful.
I spent a few days photographing the barns and the contents. One fine gentleman near Mt. Gilead has quite a collection of "Silver King" Tractors, all made prior to 1954, and even a 1934 "Plymouth" Tractor (made in Plymouth OH, and as the story goes, Mr. Plymouth the "car" man had to buy the trademark name "Plymouth" in order to build his cars!)
Who uses these 50 year-old old gasoline-powered tractors to farm? Nobody.
Are they cool? Heck yeah!
After the Dayton show I went to Wright Patterson AFB museum and saw airplanes made from WWI on. They are all real planes, no replicas.
Would you put any of these fine warbirds against an F-22. Uh, only once, maybe. But are they cool? Heck yeah!
Ok, if you understand the above, maybe you can understand the appeal of boat anchors.
If not, hey, FB.
DSP, SDR, etc. beats a thermionic triode anyday.
But which is "cooler," boat anchors or the modern stuff?
That is a personal choice.
I like both, and own both.
History and historical artifacts are beautiful, but I fear may be lost at an exponential rate now.
I halfway thought of submitting an eham article of my photographic tour and trip to Ohio, barns, tractors, Hamvention and WPAFB, including photos of the Glenn Miller tribute concert Saturday evening in front of one of the huge hangars, complete with jitterbug dancers in era uniforms.
But given the responses I've seen to my own and other articles here, I've had second thoughts.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K8QV on May 23, 2009
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"I halfway thought of submitting an eham article of my photographic tour and trip to Ohio, barns, tractors, Hamvention and WPAFB, including photos of the Glenn Miller tribute concert Saturday evening in front of one of the huge hangars, complete with jitterbug dancers in era uniforms."
Please do. Just don't read any comments. I'll thank you in advance.
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Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WA7TNY on May 23, 2009
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Why do so many sour grapes people hang out here? I guess they have nothing better to do.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WB6DGN on May 23, 2009
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"Why do so many sour grapes people hang out here?"
It's just about the only site left that will tolerate them!
"I halfway thought of submitting an eham article of my photographic tour and trip to Ohio, barns, tractors, Hamvention and WPAFB, including photos of the Glenn Miller tribute concert Saturday evening in front of one of the huge hangars, complete with jitterbug dancers in era uniforms.
But given the responses I've seen to my own and other articles here, I've had second thoughts."
There are lots of other sites and people that would very much appreciate your efforts. You don't have to post it here!
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by N4KC on May 24, 2009
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K5END's analogy is perfect. Yes, the attraction of old gear is the nostalgia of it for many of us. But it is an important part of the history of our hobby and I am glad so many people enjoy preserving it.
If you are really interested in how ham gear has evolved, grab a copy of the book by Joe Veras K9OCO, "50 Years of Amateur Radio Innovation." It's available from the ARRL or you can read more at:
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/10/06/10376/
It's a beautiful book!
73,
Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com
www.n4kc.blogspot.com
(A blog dedicated to rapid technological change and
its effect on society, media and amateur radio)
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K9MHZ on May 24, 2009
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>>>>AM should have gotten the Axe instead of CW.<<<<
CW got the axe? Huh?
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K5END on May 24, 2009
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">>>>AM should have gotten the Axe instead of CW.<<<<
CW got the axe? Huh?"
Was there a memo?
I didn't get the memo...
Dang, and I just bought a new Begali at Dayton.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KC8VWM on May 24, 2009
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Well Larry, I can take it off your hands since you won't be needing it anymore... /k
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K5END on May 24, 2009
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Well, Charles
CW falls under the second amendment, I think.
They'll get my Begali when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K9MHZ on May 25, 2009
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Those ARRL and Icom band allocation charts are defective, apparently....they still show CW. Yikes, can't trust anyone, anymore.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by W8AAZ on May 25, 2009
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HQ-110 is a nice looking radio. Better check it out first. There is a gain control, I forget if it is the RF or IF, not the AF, that is a ganged oddball pot that is made of unobtainium, if it is bad! That pot itself would kill the deal for me. I got stuck with one one time that had that problem and just passed it on.....bought it from some hippies who swore it was great....
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KC9PFH on May 25, 2009
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Thanks for the article, James, timely for me as I am starting to take a great interest in "boat anchors" in general, and the AM mode in particular.
I operate both SSB and AM phone on my FT-990. The next rig I buy will not be a state-of-the-art solid-state rig, but a boat anchor (see my recent topic in the Elmers forum, "in search of a boat anchor.")
People are interested in old radios for the same reason that some folks like old cars. It's about nostalgia, maybe an interest in the history of our hobby.... Maybe it's just the audio. That sure does it for me.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K7DZW on May 25, 2009
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Some of the replys I see hear sound just like some of the rude Bastards I hear on the radio.If you can't say something nice shut the F*** up. " The is NO excuse for bad manners ". If your that unhappy with your life that all you can do is put down others perhaps you might want read Norman Vincent Peale's " Power of Positive Thinking " it WILL change you...73
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KC9PFH on May 26, 2009
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<<Some of the replys I see hear sound just like some of the rude Bastards I hear on the radio.>>
I've heard more rudeness here than I've ever heard on the radio. The level of anonynimity is higher here, and the guys who suffer from "small man syndrome" feel much more comfortable shooting their mouths off, knowing that there is absolutely no chance that they will have to confront someone face-to-face.
Fred at QRZ has a good poiliy of dealing with pus**** who can't play well with others - he kicks their a**** out.
Of course, as a result, I think we are seeing more of them here.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by K5END on May 26, 2009
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"we are seeing more of them here."
I've noticed some of the notable troublemakers and jerks are not around any more.
No names mentioned, but look through old threads and you'll see what I mean.
Either they got kicked out, got bored or got a much overdue ___ kicking and decided to shut up.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WB3GNJ on May 26, 2009
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1st, yes the T-60 xmtr is a BA and a real sleeper, great little 40-50watts cw and am. simple to use and lightweight, many qso's reply abt remembering these novice rigs and creates a nice ragchew abt the oldtime BA's they had or still use. also in the under $100 category are the johnson adventurer, a bit older but super reliable. Also run the dx-40 & dx-60b (with vfo's)
with excellant results.
For a blast run a contest using a novice xmtr
and the best receiver u can get(hq-180 here), it sure
beats computers and vox; here an alpha delta coax switch is used for T/R switching.
mostly cw but AM has been fun with great reports on 80/40 am freqs using an old D-104(amplified).
It enhances your operating skills for dxing/contesting a lot in my opinion not to mention the fun factor.
Just my 2 cents, so there - take that. jim
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by W9WHE-II on May 27, 2009
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All of you tube type AMers are an endangered species.
Everybody knows that tubes use much more energy than do transistors. Increased energy consumption translates into more so-called "green house gases" which are indirectly warming the planet. Heat from the tubes directly warms the planet.
Therefore, to save the planet, tube type AM radios must be outlawed. If we don't, the seas will rise 20 feet and we will burn up. or,....is it we will burn up then drown? Oh well, it doesn't matter. The debate is over. It has already been decided. Enviornmental Al Gore said it, so it must be true.
No more tube type AM radios!
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Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KA5KBM on May 27, 2009
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enjoyable article...i have a couple of B.A recievers i'm thinking of restoring...an nc-160 and and a hq-129...the article is inspirational....by the way, do the benton harbor lunchboxes qualify as boat anchors? 73s de ka5kbm.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by KN9D on May 28, 2009
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A bonus of last year's Columbus Indiana hamfest was finding an antique tractor show next door!
It was the first time I had ever seen some of those models;like radios,there was once a large number of tractor manufacturers,some sold only a few dozen or so and are just as prized as a Central Electronics 200V!
One dimensional people are boring,it's good to have an interest in a variety of things.
For me,ALL Swan gear falls into boatanchor status,even the solid-state items;after all the company is gone ,lo these many years!
My Swan 700 watt tube based transceiver with 16 pole filter can still hear and be heard !
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Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by W1EMQ on May 30, 2009
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Note your discussion did not include rigs like the Drake TR-4 or T4/R4 series, which I believe qualify as boatanchors that weigh less than a DX100! I recently had my 1971 TR-4 refurbished to "like new" condition and while it lacks most of today's appliance rig whistles and bells, it puts out a solid signal on CW and SSB and even AM. Some new tubes and a good alignment and the receiver, despite high atmospheric noise on 20, is pretty sensitive. If I can hear 'em I can generally work 'em, even with less than exciting band conditions. My first rig was a Globe Scout 90, not a boatanchor but a nice little entry-level rig like the DX-60. Added a Heath VF-1 VFO and a homebrew screen modulator and voila. But I do like your basic rundown of anchors. I'd love to own a clean, working SX111.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by N3CLO on June 2, 2009
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Yes, the Hallicrafters S38 was unsuitable for amateur work, but my dad got me one when I was 12, paid $25 bucks for it because our ham neighbor said it would keep me out of the trouble I was constantly in. I had that S-38 until six years ago when I traded it to a collector for a magnificent, perfectly functional, ultra-modern Ten-Tec Omni D, a mere 20 years old! That S38 hooked me completely on ham radio. Yes, it was hard to tune, but as I studied and learned what a BFO was, and how receivers worked, I could study the schematics and sort of follow what I was learning about receivers from my 1976 ARRL handbook. Having to replace the BFO toggle switch, two of the tubes, and the string that ran the tuner know was good experience for somebody who was not and is not mechanically inclined. The S-38, not quite a boat-anchor but close enough, was a great companion for me and probably kept me out of juvie and introduced me to the wonders of ham radio.
I think that learning to tune up an old tube transmitter or trnasceiver (I mean tune up the final amp!) is a good skill to have, though now sadly lost!
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RE: Boatanchors destroying the planet
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by NO6L on June 5, 2009
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>by W9WHE-II on May 22, 2009
>Al Gore said it (and is making millions off it) so it must be true.
Algore's a dope, a rich dope, but a dope none the less. The only reason he's a rich dope is because he surrounds himself with bigger dopes that give him their money, that aren't rich.
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RE: Boatanchors destroying the planet
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by W9WHE-II on June 9, 2009
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Al Gore has made $98 million dollars in the past 8 years on the Global Warming Farce.
Global warming is just another scam perpetrated by the greedy so that they can get rich off the little people who will have to pay higher energy taxes and suffer higher death rates from smaller, unsafe cars. Note that the High Preist of the global warming hoax (Al Gore) still rides in private jets and limos. Its just us little people that are told to sacrifice.
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WD8DKL on June 9, 2009
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You hit it on the head, the nostalgia factor is a big driver for a lot of collectors; I've got a couple of Collins radios that I couldn't afford when I was a teenager and newly licensed. I have owned a Kenwood TS520 which was one of my dream rigs. Love to twist the dials and see the tubes glow.....
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RE: Boatanchor AM on a Budget
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by WD9FUM on June 9, 2009
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Like WD8DKL, I now have the radios that I could only dream of having as a kid - Love my B Line!"
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