On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 16:40:21 UTC, (geojunkie) wrote:

I began collecting and restoring vintage tube gear about a year ago. I
started with some test equipment and radios (from 30s AM, to 60s FM
stereo), then did a couple of B&W TVs.

Most recently, I got a Hallicrafters SX-71 recapped and aligned
(thanks to some good advice from here). I have been having a lot of
fun with this, for the first time experiencing the HAM bands by using
the BFO to listen to SSB. Of course it also does CW really well,
although I don't know the code. Sunday afternoon I happened across
some really high quality sounding AM HAM transmissions from some kind
of club... I think it was using vintage gear. All this using a 10ft
piece of wire for the antenna... and I have no idea how much better
this can get.

Anyway, I am now thinking about getting a license. I would prefer to
stay vintage tube based. Even though I was born in 55, I just can't
get excited about digital gear, and enjoy having to do most of the
thinking. My question is whether a vintage tranmitter, such as an HT32
would be appropriate for a novice HAM? I actually have an SX-101a
(from ebay) on the way and I think they would make a great pair.

Dan

Please see my boatanchor page at www.kiyoinc.com/heathstuff.html

I discuss the pros and cons of running boatanchors.

The HT-32 and SX-101A is a classic combination. I used an HT-37
and a SX-101A for about 5 years in the 1960s.

Two cautions. Use CAIG de-ox-id on the switch contacts and the
pots. You will have to replace caps and possibly some resistors
unless this was already done. You already did the SX-71 so you
know the drill.

Once you do that, those radios are just as good as the newest,
digital radios (as long as you understand their limitations.)

With a vintage radio, you have 5 kHz frequency readout, not .01
kHz. Of course SSB signals are 2-3 kHz wide and moving around so
how do you measure that to .01, .1, or even 1 kHz????

The VFO is "about" 1 kHz/hour stable. Some may be better but I
wouldn't expect much better than that given the age of the
components.

The transmitters did not have modern features such as QSK or ALC (or
compressors). Keep the audio gain down. On an HT-32 or HT-37,
talk the meter to maybe 30% of max power. Max power being what
you loaded the transmitter to. If you can see 240 mills when you
tune for max power out, talk it to only 80 mills.

The SX-101A receiver have a front end that you cannot overload and
an audio amp that the "Glass audio" folks can appreciate.

Boat anchor transmitters had tuned outputs, load 'n dip. These did
not need antenna tuners because the output load controls did the
matching.

As for the antenna, if you put up a 40 meter dipole, you will
hear stations boom in, about 3-5 S-units better than that 10 foot
piece of wire.