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| Reviews Summary for HALLICRAFTERS SX 117 receiver |
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Reviews: 4
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $379.oo
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Description: Triple conversion design, various bands,transceives with HT 44
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More info: http://
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KG8LB
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 13, 2008 07:05
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Yep, one of the better efforts
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I pretty much second what Mac has said (W8ZNX).
The SX-117 is a "modern" tube rig that will run shoulder to shoulder with some of the best. Given the Electric Radio mods also mentioned, the SX-117 becomes a stellar performer. Also look for the LF tuning unit. Not easy to find but it extends the coverage greatly.
BTW Mac, I would have to add the SX-100 MKII along with even the SX-25 to the list of desireable Halligan radios.
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N4UE
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 29, 2008 16:07
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A solid 5, with reasonable expectations
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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(long post)
OK, the reason for the long title is that you simply can't compare 1960 radios DIRECTLY to an Icom 7800 or 7700. It just wouldn't be fair.
However, I have come to realize that for MOST communication, receivers had reached the point of diminishing returns, long ago.
I came to this conclusion a couple of years ago when I was doing A=B testing of my 75A-4 versus my new 756PRO. Neither radio could "clearly copy signals that the other couldn't hear". I hear this waaaay too much. The A-4 had just been recapped, aligned and was working perfectly. Listening for signals on a 'closed' 10M band, both radios could copy the same CW and SSB signals. If you are looking for 50 Hz selectivity, go with the rice radios. I'm NOT a contester or big time CW operator.
Where was I? Oh yeah. My SX-117...
I have a very nice example of Hallicrafters "heavyweight", the SX-101A. I got this radio off of ePay, er, eBay and although the radio was in OK condition, it needed a facelift both electrically and cosmetically. The outcome was one of the best radios in my BA collection.
I subscibe to Electric Radio (you should too! great mag!!), Anyway, Ray Osterwald, N0DMS, (the Editor), did a nice multi-part article on the SX-117. Yes, it has some design 'flaws' as a result of it being a 'cost reduced SX-115'. Priced one of those lately? Yikes!!!
Ray infered with just a few component changes, a majority of the faults could be fixed. About that time, here comes a nice SX-117 with a R-48B speaker on ePay, er, eBay.
I paid a bit too much, but I'm glad I did!
These radios (like the 75A-4) have an Aluminum chassis, which cleans up perfectly (unlike a Drake, etc).
I found one leaky tube and went through the radio, using Ray's guidance.
All I can say is: "WOW"!! this radio is HOT!
I always polish the front panel, the plastic windows, the knobs, etc.
I repainted both the speaker and radio's covers and it looks 99% new. The other 1% is the main tuning knob, which had been broken and fixed by someone that should never be allowed near glue again. I have been searching for a new knob, but nothing yet.
Although I need to test the radio with my Elecraft XG2 Signal Generator, my preliminary tests with the radio right next to it (a mint, Kiwa moded, FRG-7) indicated the SX-117 is more sensitive. I'll post band / MDS specs later.
(For a radio with SO few parts in it, the Frog is simply amazing. It surprises me every time I turn it on and I have over 30 receivers here!)
Yes, the SX-117 has a look only it's mother could love and it ain't gonna compete with your 7800, but it sure as heck doesn't cost the same either!
This is a great hobby, most of all: HAVE FUN!!!
ron
N4UE
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W8ZNX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 22, 2007 15:23
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top of the line
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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it a great receiver
to me most of what
Hallicrafter made was junk
few Hallicrafters rigs
realy stand out
SX-28, SX-115, HT-32, HT-37,
the Loudenboomer amp
and the SX-117
it good enought to
stand along side other great receivers
like the Drake 2B and Collins 75S3
Mac
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KA8DLL
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 26, 2006 11:11
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Best receiver under $4 00.oo to transceive with in 1962
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have to free the Hallicrafters SX117 from living under the shadow of its big brother the SX115. In short, the SX115's top competition was the Collins 75-A4. The Hallicrafter SX117 top competitor was Yhe Collins 75S3. The SX117 receiver is a triple conversion design using a 6mhz, 1650khz,and 50khz path. This is similar to the SX115 design. The Sx117 is the first preselector tuning in the Hallicrafters line. This concept continued with at least the SR400, SR160, and the SR150 transceivers. In 1962 the SX117 could compete with the best, Hallicrafters SX115 and the 75S3, with good results. Selling for some 200.00 dollars less than either radio. Drake had the 2B and Hammarlund had the Hq170 in the 300.oo dollar range. Neither could tranceive. The SX115 at 600.00 can't transceive either. The Hallicrafters SX117 weighs approx. 20 lbs. compared to the 40+ lbs. of the SX115. The SX117 is a lab quality instrument with no cheapness noted. It has a beautiful VFO spinner knob with very smooth spinning action. The top and bottom of the radio come off easily for quick service. It is a very quiet radio with fairly silent background noise. It was well known at the time that the 4 hi-q tuned circuits in the 50khz final if amplifer weren't equal to a mechanical filter. This was reflected in the 200.00 dollar difference between the hallicrafters and the Collins. In those days this could have been 2 house payments or Hallicrafter's own HT45 linear amplifer. How does a stock Sx117 compare with a Icom R75 receiver? It has about the same selectivity and sensitivity. There is very little drift and it is a pleasure to use. The notch filter works very well. The front panel is very attractive. One of Hallicrafters better receivers.
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