Hallicrafters HT-40

[N4NYY]

Download this and put a copy on the desktop of your computer: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Hambands-color.pdf

I had this laminated, sitting right next to my rig from day 1. I never knew about the Tech restriction on 10M. Not that I needed to know it anyway.

[KD0ILS]

Hey thanks for all the info, i didnt mean to cause WWIII here or anything.  I was mainly trying to see if this radio was even operational anymore, it hadnt been touched since 1974.  I follow the FCC band allocation and wasnt actually planning on using this hallicrafters until i received my general or extra, again i was just curious to see if it worked with the (3) crystals i was given with it.  I didnt mean to cause a stink about this, i found an elmer who explained a lot about this radio, and i thank some of you guys for the technical support.  And not to have the band police on my arse i wont touch this unit until i get my general.  I've only had my license for 2 years and i dont want to already get a black eye...
thanks for the help....
73's
-Pete 

[K8AC]

If you plan to use the HT-40, you might consider replacing the electrolytics in the power supply.  They could be as old as 52 years and when they fail, it will be unpleasant. 

73, K8AC

[AB7KT]

So after finding an Elmer, did he get the rig on the air ?
I am interested in what happened and how it played.

I had one of these transmitters given to me at Dayton last year. I got it home and it works as far as I could tell. I tuned it up on several bands and it transmits. That is as far as I got with it.
FWIW: personally (as in me), I don't modify old classic radios. And I avoid buying ones that have been modified. If I do buy one that was modified I try to return the radio to original. So, I personally (as in me) would not replace the microphone connector. As was pointed out, you can readily buy the required microphone connector. Secondly, you can put together an adapter so you don't have to modify the microphone if you are also using that microphone on another rig: (short cable with the transmitter plug on one end and a connector for the microphone on the other end). Lastly, I have used a PL-259 connector filed down just as you describe and I don't see anything wrong with doing that at all.

Ken
AB7KT

[W9GB]

The Hallicrafters HT-40 was my Novice transmitter in 1973,
thanks to an equipment loan from my uncle Jim, WA9BSH (sk).
==
The HT-40 microhone connector is still made by SWITCHCRAFT,
thanks largely to the professional music industry and countless audiophiles.

SWITCHCRAFT 2501 Series - Vintage Microphone Connector
http://www.switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=810

2501F : Vintage Microphone Connector, removable coupling to change gender
2501M : Vintage Microphone Connector
2501MP : Vintage Microphone Connector, mounts .390" hole
44X : Vintage Microphone Connector, 2501F adaptor

Connectors with 5/8-27 threads are designed for use with single conductor microphone cable with .281 inch (7.14 mm) maximum outside diameter.
44X adapts 2501F to fit standard 2-conductor phone jack.
Coupling ring on 2501F is removable for fast change from female to male type.
Spring assembled into body, cable braid and spring clamped by hollow set screws .281 inch (7.14 mm) maximum cable diameter.
2501MP mounts in .390 inch (9.92 mm) diameter hole.

==
w9gb

[W0FM]

Hi Pete,

The one thing that everyone here would like to see you take away from this exchange is that in your "I was mainly trying to see if this radio was even operational anymore" you were, in fact, transmitting illegally.  Transmitting a little bit, just to check something is still transmitting.  I'm sure you got that part now.

The HT-40 was one of my first rigs in the '60's, and I have many of the "old" style mic connectors (ala Bogen PA amps) from my early musical days.  Stick with the original connector and enjoy your nice chunk of amateur radio history when the time is right.  I hope to hear that rig on the air soon.

73,

Terry, WØFM