Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Gonset G-63

Category: Receivers: Amateur Radio

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Gonset G-63
Reviews: 2MSRP: 239.50
Description:
HF+6M Amateur Band AM/SSB/CW Receiver

Produced around 1961
11-tube ham band-only double conversion communications receiver
Turret-type band display shows one band at a time
Features a product detector and Q-multiplier
Product is not in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0024
K9SUL Rating: 2016-06-10
Nice early 60s receiver Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The G-63 was produced in 1960-1961. This is the best desktop ham band receiver produced by Gonset. Others are either single conversion or cut-down double conversion general coverage.

It is natural to compare it with the earlier mobile receiver, the G-66B. The organization is very similar, but the G-63 features a Q-multiplier and a product detector.

In the CW/SSB mode, the AVC does not work and the RF gain control is engaged instead of AF gain. This is a bit disappointing given that it has a product detector. The AM detector (1/2 6AL5) is also working as an AVC detector. A simple mod might make AVC and s-meter work in CW/SSB.

The sensitivity of the upper bands is lower than ideal but acceptable. When the IF transformers are aligned per manual, its selectivity is quite good. With the Q-multiplier at its lowest setting, sideband reception is quite enjoyable. The Q-multiplier is especially helpful in CW. The stability of the G-63 is excellent. The dial calibration is acceptable after alignment.

AM signals sound good on this receiver, but some might find the bandwidth is a bit narrow.

In standby, instead of cutting B+ supply return path as in G-66B, it simply cuts off the speaker. A 1/2W 27 ohm resister is always connected to the 2ndary of the audio output transformer, so it won't get fried.

Although it is still quite usable and enjoyable, the G-63 falls short of Drake 2-A and RME 6900, which were also released in 1960.
KG4LLQ Rating: 2011-04-30
Excellent Vintage Receiver Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just finished refurbishing a Gonset G-63 receiver which was purchased at a Hamfest in March 2011.
The receiver was in good condition when purchased although the cabinet was in poor condition.
I sanded, primed & finish painted it with a hammer-tone Rustoleum paint.
Reception is excellent & comparable to my Icom 703. It also has a selectivity control which helps with QRM as well as an effective Xtal Calibrator.
For it's vintage it is a very good ham band only receiver.