For reference/comparison purposes only.

The HQ-180 is much more radio than the HQ-145. I just finished the repair [minor
2 resistor replacement and electrolytic reforming], replacement of three tubes,
realignment and recalibration of a HQ-145 where the cabinet was in 9.5+
condition and the interior was hard dust [still needs a little careful brushing
of some surfaces].

The AVC/AGC circuit is a hybrid and is set ONLY for AM. The design of the S
meter circuit is disabled by design on CW/SSB. The calibration/realignment
produced the same response at S7, S9 and S9+20 in the AM mode as my ICOM 746
when calibrated against a signal generator [in a transfer mode calibration -
switching between both radios in one common setup]. The 746 does have better
MDS. My signal generator does not produce reliable outputs below ~S5.

For $$$ comparison I paid $227 for the HQ-145 on Ebay two weeks ago.

The HQ-180 does sound a bit high at $450. But, if it is in GREAT condition and
operable as it stands ... maybe??

/s/ DD, W1MCE

Rick wrote:
Today I saw a Hammarlund HQ-180 (not the "A" model) for $450. This seems
to me to be a bit on the high side of reasonable and I wanted to see what
you all think.

It looks like it's in better than average cosmetic condition, though not
"mint" by any means (looks like a 50-year-old radio that was well taken
care of but is, after all, 50 years old). Inside is a bit dusty but I
didn't see any corrosion.

Unfortunately, where I saw it wasn't anyplace where I could plug it in,
hang a wire off the back, and check it out, but I am arranging with the
owner to be able to do that sometime in the next couple of weeks.

It has the clock (so, I guess that makes it the HQ-180C model).

It has the original owner's manual.

When I go to check it out, what are the main things I should check for,
other than the normal ability to receive across all bands?

If I can borrow a signal generator from somebody and take it with me, what
level of sensitivity should I expect?

What are some of the options for that model of receiver that I should look
for that might make it worth more?

What do you all think of the $450 price, if everything works?