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eHam.net Survey
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Survey Question
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Tube amps are still in common use today...but do you still use a tube rig?
Posted: Mar 18, 2007
(2007 votes, 73 comments)
by VK5LA
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Survey Results
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Yes - all tube...
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15% (298)
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Yes - tube/solid state hybrid...
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16% (325)
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Yes, but not often...
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16% (317)
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No way!
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5% (102)
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No - no, don't own one...
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40% (808)
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No, tube rig packed away...
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8% (157)
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Survey Comments
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Tube radios
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although i was born years after the era of of tube radios, i cant say there out dated. You gotta love a radio that glows! not to mention you can give them a beating that a solid state rig could only dream of handling. Dont currently own a tube rig but.... have a few to add to my colection ( a nice set of yaesu twins iv had my eye on for three years now) ohya. Theres just somthing great about the sight of a single radio setup that takes up a whole room.
Posted by
KB3LAZ
on February 5, 2008
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Old tube radios
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I feel there is a corner for everybody somewhere in Ham Radio. My little corner is cold and I don't mind if my solar power can keep some of the station lit and running while the only outlet keeps my tubes glowing to heat the place. I've used the same radio since I got my calls over 25 years ago. I don't contest so timing is not critical to tuning. ( I can tune quick enough).
I can fix or get fixed the rig that has been with me for longer than my marriages lasted and the warming conversation are just dandy. Some are married to a guitar, as for me, I'm happily married to my 830's.
Someday I'll get it on solar yet, might make a great anniversary present. But I don't see any separation in the near future and my friends and I can hang out without a complaint. My grand ole XYL doesn't mind. Does yours?
Posted by
KA3DPW
on August 8, 2007
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Always.
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My main rig is a hybrid, the venerable TS-520S.
I can afford newer, but I can fix this one myself.
In addition to the hybrid I run a Hammarlund HQ-170 paired to a B&W 5100S. Restored them both myself and I have more fun on these than the Kenwood. While I have to tune the Kenwood for band changes, I REALLY have to tune the tube combo. 15+ adjustments for each band change. Nothing like actually knowing how to operate a radio. And fix one. And tune. And modify. And build. And...
Posted by
KV1M
on July 1, 2007
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Tube Radio
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My FT101E (one of the earlier ones) is used more than my FT857D because I think it sounds better and is able to pick signals far quieter than the 857D. Sadly my FT101E has 11m AM/SSB which isn't used much over here if at all, the UK runs 27MhZ FM.
2E0BSS
Posted by
2E0BSS
on May 4, 2007
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Tubes rigs enabled me to get into Ham Radio
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Several months ago I had in mind the desire to get into Ham radio. I,m Fifty with two kids in college , and new mortgage and so forth. Looking at modern rigs I was shocked by the prices. Cheapest ones were about $1000. Doing some research I learned about the Yaesu 101's and the Kenwood Hybrids. They looked "cool" and were affordable. I was able to get a 101B, a revived Kenwood TS-820S and recently a refurbished 101E. I used ( and still use) a random wire made of common #14 wire on 80 meters and a G5RV on 40-10 meters. This setup has taught me much about circuits, power settings, Microphone audio, and a lot more. All three rigs have gotten great reports on line, with one ham askingme how much power I was running. When I told him "none" he was amazed as he said I sounded so good. All have been re-tubed and aligned and I'm amazed how well they receive and the quallity of the transmit sound. I hear stations that more expensive solid rigs cannot.
These rigs "look" to me like what a Ham Radio should look like. Large knobs and real old fahioned S- meter's. They are great to teach a new ham ( like me ) about loading , and circuits. They teach you how to tune for best SWR, and for best possible power output. Finally, they're reliable , inexpensive, and easy to repair.
In short, I like them and will probably not upgrade to solid state unless it's a gift. In the crazy days of 2500+ dollar rigs, tubes are a great alternative and world as well or better.
Posted by
KD8EZU
on April 12, 2007
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Re space for a tube rig. You know the Drake, Atlas, Swan, Kenwood, Yaesu lines aren't really that large. So if you have an itch for ONE tcvr tube rig, consider the companies mentioned.
Now, if you are looking at fabulous '50's receivers and transmitters, that is another matter. Those WERE big boys.
Posted by
W2RDD
on April 10, 2007
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Tubers
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I really like tube rigs, however, since I cannot afford the space, I must "admire them from afar". If I had more room in the shack, I would own a tube rig. I've always wanted a Collins but the pricing for something workable is out of my wallet range so my main and backup rigs are both solid state and only the amp is tubes. I chose a tube amp because it forgives mistakes and the tubes are cheap to replace.
Posted by
WX1F
on April 9, 2007
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Lincoln or Bug
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From all of the tube operators that I have been assosiated with, there are very few that would be without a tube rig of some description once they have had one. And any of those who have removed themselves from these rigs have found that they miss them for one quality or the other. I personally have a Kenwood TS520 and a Drake TR4CW, and each have have features and characteristics which just make them fun and challenging to use. I think the social mindset for operators has shifted to simplicity with the advent of the Plug and Play features of a lot of the new stuff. They both get the job done, but as in a QSO,it is not how you look, it is how you sound on the other end. Your modulation can arrive in a Bug or in a Lincoln, it is your choice. I far believe the tubes supply the best audio, make good handwarmers, and will keep you supper warm when you cannot stop long enough to eat. Or as my granddad says, if it "Does not glow in the dark, build a fire under it".
Posted by
N4ZMF
on April 9, 2007
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I have two radios in my shack,a yaesu FT-857 and a Kenwood TS-820S. For features and ease the Yaesu wins but for sheer enjoyment and on-air performance the Kenwood wins hands down. The Kenwood has REAL filters in it while the DSP crap in the Yaesu is marginal at best. Any design engineer in his right mind puts filtering at the RF/IF level not at the audio level. What's the sense of letting 10 KHz of signal into the RX and filtering out 3 KHz at the audio level.The QRM level is still there,S7 is still an S-7.At least the Kenwood prevents that QRM from even getting into the audio section in the first place.I do get good audio reports with the Yaesu but I get GREAT reports with the Kenwood.
Posted by
VE1IDX
on April 9, 2007
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Glow in the dark!
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I have owned a number of rigs in 30 years. My favorites were my first, Heath DX-60B and HR-10, and my current, Heath HW-101. Kenwood, Icom, and Yeaseu all transistorized in between, not bad, but..... Real radios glow in the DARK. God bless the 6146!
Posted by
W8VZM
on April 8, 2007
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tubes
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TS-830s or FT-101zd real radios
Posted by
KE7KLY
on April 7, 2007
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HARLEY'S ARE OBSOLETE
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Having read "W6PMR" relate tube rigs to poor engineering I had to laugh. Having read "W6PMR" relate Harley Davidson Motorcycles to poor engineering I had to laugh. I will say this, if I was an engineer, I think I would want to engineer something poorly, just as a Harley Davidson or one of the old tube rigs "W6PMR" speaks of. Big, obsolete, and lacking up-to-date technology. Years and Years later the tube rigs are highly sought after and are selling for way more than they cost new. Harley Davidson Motorcycles, years and years later are still in business, and are highly sought after. Think about it!!
PLANKEYE
Posted by
PLANKEYE
on April 6, 2007
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Time marches on and improvements have been made. Real improvements.
Here I have two operating positions; one is equipped with a beautiful state of the art TenTec Orion. Great radio. Stable clean and can hear anything it’s easy to use and full of thoughtful features.
I turn my chair 90 degrees and there sits a beautiful Collins S Line station. 32S-3/75S-3B
Fairly stable pretty clean, the receiver can hear almost anything. Lots of knobs to twist,
plates to dip and load. Don’t QSY too far, if you do it’s back to tuning – tuning- tuning. By the way I’d better warm it up for at least 30 minutes before going on the air with it.
It gets the job done, quite well actually.
That S line is a stunning example of the state of the art Ham radio had back in the 60’s, likewise The Orion is a stunning example of today’s state of the art. Looking as the schematic of the Collins gear it’s a wonder that it works as well as it does, they got so much out of so little back then.
Granted it was a simpler time then. Time marches on and with it technology. Knowing what I know now would I want to travel back in time to live in 1960 again? Please NO! I went through it once. I thought we were pretty high tech back then, but I didn’t know any better and I just took it for what it was.
I keep the Collins around because it reminds me of my youth. I don’t use it to often but when I to the room fills with memories (and odors, heat and sounds) but for every day use- it’s the Orion. The Collins? But a living benchmark in time that earmarks just how far we have come.
Posted by
KE6PID
on April 6, 2007
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Love 6m
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I love 6m. It is truly a magic band because it is subject to every kind of propagation known on earth. I used to keep 6m in the car and it was on at all times and set at 52.525 MHz. I was surprised many times by the sudden (and unexpected) appearance of QSOs on 6m. I travel a lot and notice that 6m is particularly popular in the midwest. It is also popular in the Toronto area.
There is also a down side to 6m. There is VERY little activity on the band. I no longer carry 6m mobile because it the QSOs are so sparse that it is not worth while to install the radio.
Posted by
RADIOWEENIE
on April 6, 2007
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contesting with tubes
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I rarely get on the air to talk? I just listen and monitor 2.4gighz down to 30mhz, then I ture around for some interesting SWL on shortwave. I'm even getting some SWL cards made so I can collect 5bdxcc SWL-5band et. I'm a qsl card junky, have been since first licensed in 1987 wn5uhr 88 wa5uhr (advanced) now I'm KE5TO still advanced not extra, just easier call in constests. I listen on ICOM's but when I want to break through I fire up the old KWM2 and the Heathkit SB101, the extra power and better audio really do the trick. Not much I can't get in a contest, DX of course. I actually have 5 or 6 tbe radios; SWAN's, a couple of antiques but my love is the KWM2. I have another dozen shortwave receivers and at least 5 handheld 2, 440, etc. ! would love to trade the handhelds for another toy. Not much on handheld transceivers personally. Would like a nice handheld scanner. see you in the pileups. 73 & good DX Scotty KE5TO@arrl.net
Posted by
KE5TO
on April 6, 2007
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TUBE RADIO
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I STARTED WITH TUBES. ON MY RECENT RETURN TO HAM... YUP BACK TO TUBES. I USE THEM BECAUSE THEY WORK.
IN TRUTH I USE BOTH SOLID STATE AND TUBE RADIOS, AND MAKE USE OF THERE RESPECTIVE ADVANTAGES.
Posted by
KD8EYC
on April 5, 2007
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Yeah, Like a Harley ?
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Having read "plankeye" relate tube rigs to Harleys, I had to laugh...They ARE like Harleys, big, obsolete, lacking up-to-date
technology AND yes, Harley's do have character,a character with poor engineering, vile handling et all......
I've owned a lot of tube radios and love a bunch of them but none of them can hold a candle, (In my opinion of course) to the newest stuff out there.
And "plankeye" my BMW is as up to date as a bike can be, ABS, inovative suspention and electronic engine control and more. And it has plenty of "character".
Posted by
W6PMR
on April 5, 2007
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W7RF
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Probably most of you don't know about the extraordinary designs that W7RF has and continues to do with tube amplifiers. If you own an amp that was store bought, it probably is one of, or copies, a W7RF design.
Having said that, Dan continues to keep tubes as a viable technology for QRO. I respect the fact that we disagree on the use of tubes in other RF apps.
I still drool over your clean layouts Dan!
73,
Chip W1YW
Posted by
W1YW
on April 4, 2007
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Tubes are making a COMEBACK!!!
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Hams are discovering (or re-discovering) how much fun tube rigs are, and how easy it is to modify, fix or build them. Someone will soon get rich starting a Knightkit or Heathkit clone, and importing newly made tubes from China!!
Posted by
ONAIR
on April 4, 2007
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Tubes Tubes Tubes
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Tubes are nice to see glow in the dark. Had an HT33A and AL80B. Also had two Icom 500 watt 2KLs (all solid state; now own an Icom PW1 - no more tube amps for me.
W7KPQ
Posted by
W7KPQ
on April 4, 2007
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Homebrew too
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The homebrew hollow state circa 1962 xmtr is now restored and operating and the companion homebrew HBR-16 receiver is on the bench undergoing final wiring. Then I'll be back on the air with a 100% hollow state station for the first time in 25 years. I can just smell the dust cooking off of the tubes now.
Posted by
WB6SSW
on April 4, 2007
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need MARS frequencies
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I reluctantly sold a nice TS-530S a while ago. Loved the radioNice big knobs, a real VFO, etc. Great RX and TX audio, etc. I was using it at my parents' home for a while but since a lot of my operating is on MARS frequencies I needed a full-coverage rig. I just was running out of storage space and some items had to go. I still have a HW-101 and a National receiver waiting to be fixed. I am looking forward to operating that vintage gear and maybe experiencing a little of what it was like in the 60's, when I was a kid (but unfortunately way before I was involved with amateur radio.)
Posted by
KC2WI
on April 1, 2007
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with K0FF too
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just had to say that...
love my Drake L7...
Posted by
LU1YNE
on April 1, 2007
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HARLEY DAVIDSON
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If you have to ask you don't understand. Tube rigs are a lot like bikes. Especially Harley Davidson's. Hell, we all know their are bikes out there that will smoke most Harley Davidson's. Those bikes lack one important thing. CHARACTER!! I guess it depends on how a person looks at it. What I see within this hobby at this point in it's history, may also be lacking the same. Just a thought! God Bless!
PLANKEYE
Posted by
PLANKEYE
on April 1, 2007
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Hats off to K0FF
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Who beat me to it.
I second the motion.
Posted by
WA2DTW
on April 1, 2007
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Tube rigs vs plastic radios
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Real radios glow in the dark.
Posted by
WA2DTW
on April 1, 2007
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tubes
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I have a pretty good selection of gear, new, old and in between, including an S line, Drake twins, a TR4 and various Icoms. First thing I turn on when I hit the shack is either an R4C or the S line receiver. I enjoy it and could care less what anyone else thinks about it. I'd have more of the old stuff but too many folks are catching
the old gear bug and driving the prices UP rather than down, unlike what happens to last year's superradio.
Posted by
K1DA
on March 31, 2007
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"The Sound"
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I have 2 rigs; My Icom 746 PRO can do anything my old Kenwood 830s can do, and faster; but nothing gets as many compliments
and has "the sound" that a tube rig has. Many stereo experts agree; tubes have a warmer, richer sound.
Oh Yes, DREW CAREY, you have contacts now, why do you still wear those horn-rim glasses?? Because they are you..that's why.
The same reason some like tubes. To each his own. Anyone who can't see value in that premise is an idiot.
Posted by
W2DMW
on March 31, 2007
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TS-520SE
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Have no legitimate reason to part with my 520SE. It's a great rig!
Posted by
KF5KWO
on March 30, 2007
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TUBES - YES!
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The Drake 4B line is on if I am in the shack! Its hooked to a Drake L4B, and its run if needed. Yes I have new stuff too, but for solid-state, I prefer using my Drake TR-7A over my Yaesu FT-1000-MP MKV.
But then I am a Drake kinda guy. Take a look at my shack. http://www.w4lgh.com
Keep the Tubes Glowing!
73 de W4LGH
Posted by
W4LGH
on March 29, 2007
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Tube Season
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Tubes in the winter, solid state in the summer. No problem.
Posted by
N3EG
on March 28, 2007
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Gotta Glow!!
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The 830s and Amp Supply 500Z run just fine. When the solidstate guys give the same performance for the same $$$ then I may change....maybe....
Posted by
KD5NVC
on March 26, 2007
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Tubes have tubed!
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RE: Tubed transceivers..
JUST SAY NO... TO THE GLOW!
Posted by
W1YW
on March 26, 2007
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Classic Tube Gear
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I operate a 1965 vintage Swan 350 transceiver every SKN, "Straight Key Night" on 40M. The radio belonged to my Grandfather, the original W9DA. It brings back great nostalgic memories. Yes I even switch manually between receive & transmit. CW copy presents a challenge with the wide-band receiver. Bottom line, once a year I can handle operating the tube radio. As far as tube amplifiers go, most days my AL-811 sits idle on the bench. It only sees slightly more use.
73, Bill W9YO
Posted by
W9YO
on March 26, 2007
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She Still Puts Out for Me...
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Modern solid state is really great for contesting and other endeavors in which really fast QSY is required, and for speedy QSK CW (my favorite mode). Otherwise, I must admit I much more enjoy being on the air with the FT-101 series stuff, or the old Hallicrafters, especially for daily SSB nets, ragchews and of course (when the band isn't crowded), AM.
I was knocked off my chair with surprise when I did a side-by-side between a recently-aligned FT-101E ($250) & my IC-756 Pro II (nearly two kilobucks new), switching them between the same antenna ...the 101E seems always to have a "hotter" receiver (though concededly under certain conditions the Pro's multiple methods of signal manipulation will permit hearing signals that would otherwise be lost). And I love the richness of the received note in CW on the hybrid rig, as well as having an honest-to-goodness BFO. Hollow state is a world of harmonics and octaves, of infinite points on a curved line; solid state is a universe of steps and straight lines and contrived sound.
I'm the archetypical radio-izer; I love 'em all. But for a radio with "soul" ya gotta have one with some glass in it. And unlike many other things, the tube-based and hybrid rice-burner ham rigs, like their American cousins, do have soul.
The multi-thousand dollar SMT, IF DSP, dual-core processor-controlled, true dual-receive rig with 1,000 memories, automatic amplifier bandswiching, auto antenna selection, auto impedance matching, etc., etc. makes for a nice "trophy wife," or mistress...and will, (as in its counterpart in the flesh) usually eventually end up being a high-maintenance consort, as well.
When Vain Veronica gets sick, she almost always insists on being taken to the doctor or even the hospital, often hundreds of miles distant. It's a rare OM who can satisfy her when she is whining about some annoying complaint or another. Not so with reliable old Betty Bottles, who would much rather have you, the family doc, lift her hood yourself and make a house call, even if you occasionally must perform surgery in the garage, or transplant an organ from another species; if it turns out her number is up, she would much rather contently pass away at home, among her large and close-knit family of brothers Phil Phone Patch, Tim Transverter, and Larry Linear; daddy Vic VFO; Mama Multimeter; Uncle Scott O'Scope and nephew Kerry Keyer.
And one thing about ol' Betty...she is always PROUD to be an organ donor, and almost always leaves her body to science, so that others might benefit from her circuitry. By contrast, once Vain Veronica has, for example, a stroke, she loses all will to live and would rather land in a dumpster than be seen in public less than fully-functional. Her life in the fast lane is fun while it lasts, but her obsession with keeping a step ahead of the Joneses inevitably gives her a nervous breakdown; and once those circuits are fried, there ain't much one can do, other than finding a newer, younger one to take her place and be your kept woman.
The good ol', kinda plain but alluring, pretty but not plastic, slightly tomboyish, loyal, tube-based gal next door is always faithful, always forgiving...and bless her, even continues to put out after being shelved for years...proving that MaryAnn really is a better mate than Ginger; Betty is the better catch than Veronica.
I admit it...I do have weekly trysts with the Pro (and sometimes with her big sister Penelope PW-1, too!). To her credit, my Pro paramour does provide instant gratification (and will do ANYTHING for the right amount of money).
But trusty Girl Next Door (with her totally natural, gorgeous, voluptuous 572B's) always glows when I dip her plate, and woos me for the first half-hour of each daily date, with a playfully teasing bit of drift. You can't replace that kind of sincerity and appreciation with silicon, any more than a woman with silicone can surpass one with heart. Veronica lured me with lust; Betty still seduces me with love.
In a wonderful paradox, it is the the older woman who keeps me feeling young in this realm. And why would she not...she looks just as good as she did in high school!
- Kevin WA7VTD
Oregon City, OR
Posted by
WA7VTD
on March 25, 2007
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Tubes are Cool!
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There are not enough tube ham rigs left in the USA to make even a teeny difference in total energy consumption. The problem is incandescent light bulbs. We do need to move to compact florescent for lighting.
Anyway, I love my old Drake C-Line. Still works great and it just feels good to use.
Bob
Posted by
WW3QB
on March 25, 2007
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Tubes should be banned!
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So should hams who do not know how to use the Internet and post the same message three times in this forum. Any way, tube radios are ruining the environment because they take too much power to run. That heat you like to keep warm with there old-timers is wasted energy because tube rigs are inefficient. So to all you tube-lovin' tree huggers out there, get rid of this old crap. As Big Al Gore says because of your using these tube rigs, you're giving the planet a temperature by using more energy than you need.
Oh, but I do agree the rice boxes are junk and constantly fail. Buy American - buy TenTec and get rid of these energy wasting rigs.
Posted by
DREWCAREY
on March 25, 2007
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Tube rig to the rescue!
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I'm in the process of moving from LA, Ca. to Fort Collins, Co. Some of you know what moving your family and business can mean after 23 years as a rabid radio collector and all that entails. Well, after packing away both of my prime station radios and accessories and taking down my tower, I anticipated being off the air for about a month before I setup my new station in Colorado. Well, with all the disruption, I found I needed to have a radio just for "comfort" and a link to something stable. All that packing and grief of moving, Ughh! So, after two days off the air, I dug out one of my many (26 Swans in my collection now) Swan radios. All tubes with a built-in power supply, I grabbed a Swan Cygnet 270. Great condition and this was a radio I used in the garage from time to time. I hastily put up an Alpha Delta DX-LB dipole as an inverted vee up on three 10 foot TV masts, 30'. Like a dummy, I also packed all of my antenna tuners, but no worries, the Swan 270 has a wide range output impedance tuning range. So, I can still get on 75M on 3.678 and 3.855 late in the evenings and 3.730 in the mornings to listen and talk with the boys. A solid state rig, even with a built-in antenna tuner may not have the tuning range to keep me on-the-air. Audio is smooth and rich on receive and transmit and I get great reports. So, dust off that tube rig and keep it exercised regularly, you never know when that good old friend from the past will be just what you need, in more ways than one! 73, Dan W7RF, C U on-the-air!
Posted by
W7RF
on March 25, 2007
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Tube rig to the rescue!
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I'm in the process of moving from LA, Ca. to Fort Collins, Co. Some of you know what moving your family and business can mean after 23 years as a rabid radio collector and all that entails. Well, after packing away both of my prime station radios and accessories and taking down my tower, I anticipated being off the air for about a month before I setup my new station in Colorado. Well, with all the disruption, I found I needed to have a radio just for "comfort" and a link to something stable. All that packing and grief of moving, Ughh! So, after two days off the air, I dug out one of my many (26 Swans in my collection now) Swan radios. All tubes with a built-in power supply, I grabbed a Swan Cygnet 270. Great condition and this was a radio I used in the garage from time to time. I hastily put up an Alpha Delta DX-LB dipole as an inverted vee up on three 10 foot TV masts, 30'. Like a dummy, I also packed all of my antenna tuners, but no worries, the Swan 270 has a wide range output impedance tuning range. So, I can still get on 75M on 3.678 and 3.855 late in the evenings and 3.730 in the mornings to listen and talk with the boys. A solid state rig, even with a built-in antenna tuner may not have the tuning range to keep me on-the-air. Audio is smooth and rich on receive and transmit and I get great reports. So, dust off that tube rig and keep it exercised regularly, you never know when that good old friend from the past will be just what you need, in more ways than one! 73, Dan W7RF, C U on-the-air!
Posted by
W7RF
on March 25, 2007
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Tube rig to the rescue!
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I'm in the process of moving from LA, Ca. to Fort Collins, Co. Some of you know what moving your family and business can mean after 23 years as a rabid radio collector and all that entails. Well, after packing away both of my prime station radios and accessories and taking down my tower, I anticipated being off the air for about a month before I setup my new station in Colorado. Well, with all the disruption, I found I needed to have a radio just for "comfort" and a link to something stable. All that packing and grief of moving, Ughh! So, after two days off the air, I dug out one of my many (26 Swans in my collection now) Swan radios. All tubes with a built-in power supply, I grabbed a Swan Cygnet 270. Great condition and this was a radio I used in the garage from time to time. I hastily put up an Alpha Delta DX-LB dipole as an inverted vee up on three 10 foot TV masts, 30'. Like a dummy, I also packed all of my antenna tuners, but no worries, the Swan 270 has a wide range output impedance tuning range. So, I can still get on 75M on 3.678 and 3.855 late in the evenings and 3.730 in the mornings to listen and talk with the boys. A solid state rig, even with a built-in antenna tuner may not have the tuning range to keep me on-the-air. Audio is smooth and rich on receive and transmit and I get great reports. So, dust off that tube rig and keep it exercised regularly, you never know when that good old friend from the past will be just what you need, in more ways than one! 73, Dan W7RF, C U on-the-air!
Posted by
W7RF
on March 25, 2007
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Reliabilty
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After being forced to pull an old Swan out of the closet (purchased at Dayton for $80.00 'cause I liked the good looks) to fulfill my duties as a NCS on a NTS net when Icom crapped out for the 2nd time in it first two years of life. What I realized was the RX was better,no longer needed Cans to hear the weak or noisy station,fewer relays,
better copy during QRM,QRN.Well 2 years later
the old Swan is still 1st rig in the shack.
Runs 8 to 10 hours a day.Guess what? The Icom is on its way back to Icom for service,
third time in 4 years.Yet the 40 year old Swan with original tubes is purring away day after day.Made in America by Americans with American components. No thanks, I'll pass on the Rice and Sushi. Just give me a Steak and a slice of Apple Pie.
73 de Zed and TNX for the Flowers
Posted by
WG8Z
on March 25, 2007
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still have my
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Old Ford Model T. New cars just cannot hold a candle to this baby. You can continue to rebuild these T's forever. All these new cars just show the dumbing down of drivers and the driver's test. No one fixes their car anymore, they all take it to the local mechanic for repair. Appliance drivers I say. Heck it's nothing anymore to get a driver's license. I think every driving test should include a test on hand-crank starting a car, proving you can drive with a manual transmission, and the driver should know how to tear down and rebuild the engine. There's darn few real drivers anymore.
Oh, and same thing with tube radios versus these new and modern radios. They don't glow in the dark so they cannot be real radios.
The day they let hams use voice on the bands was the day ham radio was ruined forever. CW and tubes are far superior to anything else.
Posted by
W8JAS
on March 25, 2007
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kennwood Hybrid
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My first rig was The Kennwood Twins when I started a couple years ago. Great radios.
Posted by
KB3MTV
on March 23, 2007
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Tube Gear
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Still have the old Yaesu FT101-B and FT101-EX and both are still functional, but usually use the FT-857D most of the time when I get to play radio. The tube gear is fun to take out and use once in a while...
Posted by
N3VG
on March 23, 2007
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"semi-clssic" rig
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I have recently acquired an FT902DM with accessories. The radio a) looks fantastic, b) sounds incredible, c) is a joy to operate and d) actually performs better than my IC775DSP. When I say it performs better I mean that by using the REJECT function I can get the background noise so low it actually seems like the antenna is disconnected, but then signal come up nice and strong and with the peculiar kind of audio that I like so much. Forget digital NR!
73 Pete HB9DSU
Posted by
HB9DSU
on March 23, 2007
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Heathkit's are Still Fun!!
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I started out Ham Radio by getting on the air with a Heathkit DX-40. I have changed the station several times. I recently obtained the Heathkit Trio DX-60,HG-10 and HR-10. I am going over to have some fun with Tube Gear again on CW with either my '52 Blue Racer or '51 Original DeLuxe bugs. I will continue to use my Icom IC-751A as my every day driver. I also have a nice NC-57 Receiver I would like to try with the DX-60 and HG-10. I also have a 3701 kc rock plugged into the xtal socket to try rock bound. Long live the memory of Heathkit sk.
73 Gerry VE7BGP
Posted by
VE7BGP
on March 22, 2007
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When the shack needs some heat.
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Nothing better than warming your hands over those tube finals when it is cold outside.
I have a Drake TR-3. Dang thing won't break!! Its a lousy CW rig, but is an adequate SSB rig.
Posted by
KA5DWI
on March 21, 2007
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Tube rigs
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Johnson Viking Valiant and 75A-4 (with a Ranger and RME 6900 or RME 4350A in the wait stack
K5FNQ
Posted by
K5FNQ
on March 21, 2007
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Real Radios GLOW IN THE DARK
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typo
Posted by
K0FF
on March 21, 2007
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Real Radios GLOW IN HE DARK
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Drake B-Line for SSB/CW
AM rig is Mosley CM-1 rx and Johnson Viking 2 tx, 6M AM= Utica 650A, 2M AM= Gooney Box ( also one converted for FM),just like my early station when I was a kid.
HAVE FUN
on hAM radio
Geo>K0FF
Posted by
K0FF
on March 21, 2007
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LOL - That's Funny
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>>>The transformation from tube-gear to transistor rigs is just another fine example of the 'Dumbing-Down' of ham radio.<<<
LOL, that made me laugh and laugh hard. Solid state radios are much more complex. The "dumbness" comes from the continued use of rather simplistic tube rigs.
Solid state radios are the complex advancement of radios. It takes far more knowledge to build and repair solid state radios. Giving up tubes is giving up on the old "dumbness."
Posted by
WB8NUT
on March 20, 2007
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Tubes rule!
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"Well Doc, it started a long time ago, HQ-129X, HR-10B,
Drake R-4 & T-4XB. Then I got away from it for many
years. But then I had a relapse. First I bought a HW-100
but I didn't use it, honest. Then I bought a KWM-2A. I
inhaled that one, still have it. I then it really got me.
Before I could say triode, I had bought a Drake
TR-4CWRIT, Henry 2K-4, HB 3-1000Z, Globe King 500 (I
know, this looks bad!), Drake L-7 (OK, two of them), a
tube tester, a Signal One CX-7 (tube final), Collins 30L-1,
T-4XB, Heathkit Apache. What can I say, I am not well but
I just have to do what I have to do. Thanks for listening
Doc. And by the way, what do you want for the Ranger II?"
Posted by
VK6AV
on March 20, 2007
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Tube Rigs Rule !
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The transformation from tube-gear to transistor rigs is just another fine example of the 'Dumbing-Down' of ham radio.
Posted by
SWANMAN
on March 20, 2007
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Tube rigs
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I have a KWM-2A that I like to put on the air from time to time. Believe it or not, I actually had a QSO with someone last month that had never heard of a KWM-2 and asked me what brand it was. I guess time marches on..
Posted by
KK9H
on March 20, 2007
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Tubes rule!
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"Well Doc, it started a long time ago, HQ-129X, HR-10B,
Drake R-4 & T-4XB. Then I got away from it for many
years. But then I had a relapse. First I bought a HW-100
but I didn't use it, honest. Then I bought a KWM-2A. I
inhaled that one, still have it. I then it really got me.
Before I could say triode, I had bought a Drake
TR-4CWRIT, Henry 2K-4, HB 3-1000Z, Globe King 500 (I
know, this looks bad!), Drake L-7 (OK, two of them), a
tube tester, a Signal One CX-7 (tube final), Collins 30L-1,
T-4XB, Heathkit Apache. What can I say, I am not well but
I just have to do what I have to do. Thanks for listening
Doc. And by the way, what do you want for the Ranger II?"
Posted by
VK6AV
on March 20, 2007
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Easier to repair.
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I have always refused to ship out any radio for repair. That likely reflects an old ham attitude. I have had to pitch several SS rigs into the trash hopper. So far I can keep the tube rigs operating well. Have recently decided to give all the old tubes and repair parts to any ham who wants to pick them up. I think I will finish out my time as a member of the throw away culture.
Posted by
K8NQC
on March 19, 2007
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Yes, occasionally.
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My primary rig is a Yaesu MKV fully filtered, but about once/week I like to get on the air with my Johnson Ranger/Drake 2B. I find it enjoyable, though I'm not really sure why!!
Phil - AD5X
Posted by
AD5X
on March 19, 2007
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TUBE GEAR
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AH YES THE NEW SOLID STATE RICE BOXES ARE VERY FINE PIECES OF GEAR, AND AS I WRITE THIS I AM LOOKING AT THREE OF THEM AT MY OPERATING POSITION.....BUT THE CENTER PIECE IS MY FAITHFUL YAESU FT-101ZD. THE 101ZD IS JUST AS SENSITIVE AS THE SOLID STATE RIGS, BUT ITS CONTROLS, LOOKS, AND SOUND MAKE IT A PLEASURE TO OPERATE, AND OF COURSE EVOKES A FEELING OF A LIGHTER DAY IN HAM RADIO...
THERE IS THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING TO DIP THE FINALS, BUT FOR SOME OF US IT IS NOT THAT MUCH OF A PROBLEM...SO IF YOU EVER GET THE CHANCE TO OWN A YAESU FT-101ZD,KENWOOD TS830/530 OR ICOM IC-751, DON'T HESITATE AS YOU MIGHT FIND YOURSELF OPERATING MORE THAN EVER...
Posted by
K2LGO
on March 19, 2007
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Tube Gear
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Primary station is an FT-1000MP but after acquiring a nice FT-102 about two years ago I find myself splitting op time between the two.I don't mind tuning up the 102 and find the receiver to be excellent.
Posted by
W3QY
on March 18, 2007
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"The Hollow State"( As opposed to solid state.)
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Tubes rule!
With the exception of my FT 301D and two FT 2800M's I own nothing but hybrid radios(5) and tube amps(2). The fact you have to work with them is not a pain but a pleasure.That's why I'm called a radio "OPERATOR". I have to do the work to get 'em working right,not some chip.
73
Bill/W1WMP
Posted by
W1WMP
on March 18, 2007
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"The Hollow State"( As opposed to solid state.)
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Tubes rule!
With the exception of my FT 301D and two FT 2800M's I own nothing but hybrid radios(5) and tube amps(2). The fact you have to work with them is not a pain but a pleasure.That's why I'm called a radio "OPERATOR". I have to do the work to get 'em working right,not some chip.
73
Bill/W1WMP
Posted by
W1WMP
on March 18, 2007
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I don't currently own any ham radio tube gear....I have plenty of tube gear for the 20 - 20,000 hz band (I'm a musician)....the "warm" tube sound is great for music, but leaves ALOT to be desired in RF applications....I started with a Heathkit HW-101 25 years ago, and while it was great at the time, it can't compare to the solid state rigs today....
Posted by
RADIO123US
on March 18, 2007
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Have never owned one
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Was first licensed in 1980 and have *never* owned a tube rig.
Posted by
N9DG
on March 18, 2007
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Tubes rigs are fun
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I have a tube station SB301/401 Heathkit and all solid state rigs too Icom Pro III. I started in ham radio in 1965 and tubes were the only way to go. I enjoy operating and tuning them up but I like the solid state with dsp etc. It is fun to have both.
Doug K8DK
Posted by
K8DK
on March 18, 2007
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Tube amps.
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I have only one tube amp currently, the Alpha 87 A. I also have 2 solid state amps.
I have owned everything over the years from a couple of clipperton L's to SBE's to alpha 76 a's to amp supply la 1000 nt to many sweep tube amps to 811 and 811 h"s and so on.
I have also had radios with tubes in them and currently have a nice 101 zd withext vfo, and a collins 75A4 reciever too.
I like my alpha 87 A best. nice amp, legal limit and auto tune and auto bandswitch. nice
Posted by
N6AJR
on March 18, 2007
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tube gear
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I love the old FT-101e and ee. Wish I could find a good one now for a price I could afford.
These home for the aged and mentally challenged are for the birds, but they will let us have radios for our sane moments.
Posted by
NY7Q
on March 18, 2007
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no...but,
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I answered no, but I have nothing against tubes really.
I sold my FT101E a few years ago because I was looking for something a little more modern. But it was a nice old rig. And a great starter for a new ham:-)
73
Dan
--
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla>
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list!
Posted by
K9ZF
on March 18, 2007
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Tube Gear
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Still have the old Kenwwood TS 520SE which works as well as it did when new! Great rig for backup.... The newer gear gets most of the on air time at this station these days.
73 Tom W7ZJ
Posted by
W7ZJ
on March 18, 2007
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poor choices
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where is the spot
for us that enjoy
and work with all three
have hb rigs
from design plans
dating as far back as dec 1929
still playing with tubes
and
learning to work with smt
one is not better than the other
they all have their strong points
and weak points
mac
Posted by
W8ZNX
on March 18, 2007
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Kenwood hybrids
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My main rigs are a couple Kenwood hybrids tuned to 20 meters. My Argonaut V does 17 and 30 meter duty.
Find myself on 20M cw most days, so the older Kenwoods see the most service.
Posted by
W2RDD
on March 18, 2007
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I don't own any, but I'd like to get back some of the tube rigs I've had.
Chris
N9XCR
Posted by
N9XCR
on March 18, 2007
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Drake/Collins:
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I have several collins and drake rigs and they're just fun to play with. Especially the drakes. Nobody believes they sound as good as they do. It just takes a little tlc. There's just something about that glow and the smell of them and honestly a drake station is what a real amateur radio setup is supposed to look like. Some drift some don't, it's a challenge to operate them correctly. I really love them but don't get me wrong either, i have a room full of new and newer rigs and amplifiers. It's just a great feeling to restore and keep these old babies on the air, keeping them alive not to look at but to actually operate and keep them maintained in perfect condition. Every shack needs at least one. 73 enjoy the hobby. John WR8D
Posted by
WR8D
on March 18, 2007
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Tube Gear
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Since I was raised on tubes I'd rather use a good tube rig any day (base). I like the features of the new SS rigs, but a good set of tube finals will be more robust than any SS final stage. Ever run a SS transmitter into a high VSWR load?
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. I prefer a properly operating tube final even though I have both. My main rig is Hybrid.
Mobile/portable I like Solid State for power consumption (filaments run a battery down way too fast) and weight.
Posted by
AI4WM
on March 18, 2007
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