"Scott Dorsey" wrote in message Check out the current
generation of Watkins-Johnson gear. Demodulation is
done with DSP, after digitizing the IF. Sensitivity is a little bit
better
than the R-390, and selectivity is just as good as the Collins mechanical
filters, but with much less ringing and audible artifacts. Also there is
an optional panadaptor system that will identify modulation modes and
make some attempt at identifying signals, putting this information on the
screen beside each peak. Comparing the system with my R-390, it is
definitely
a step up in convenience and sound quality although weak signal
performance
really isn't any better. Probably available for under half a million
bucks
although it may be considered a military supply item and require a lot of
paperwork.

There are some okay commercial communications receivers... check the front
section of the WRTH for some info. The big JRC unit is reasonable, though
not as clean as the R-390.


The R-390 is also one of the quietest radios ever made. You get a lot of
bang for the buck with an R-390. I've heard stuff on the one I used to have
that the modern gear next to it struggled with. I would agree its the best
tube rig ever. I've made a couple hot rod SP-600s that were hard to beat
also.

I wouldn't go more than $150 on an average BC-348. There very common.
Scott's right about the performance. There just a fun little rig. There one
of the first BAs I worked on when I was a kid. You could pic em up at the
Army surplus for around $25
--
73 Brian
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A lot of radios and 100' of rusty wire!
Brian's Radio Universe
http://webpages.charter.net/brianehill/