RadioBanter - [QRZ] Real cost of boat anchors?

On 2020-08-08 11:35:40 +0000, QRZ.com via rec.radio.amateur.moderated
Admin said:

"Boat Anchor" & Classic Equipment

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Real cost of boat anchors?

Posted: 08 Aug 2020 07:56 AM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?thr...nchors.697338/

Good discussion to have, although I'd hardly call a DX40 or Heathkit of
any kind, a "boatanchor" even though it's vintage ;)

The OM who had that experience made several mistaes, first not knowing
what he was buying and being prepared for inevitable repairs from the
onset. I've owned several Hallicrafters, Hammarlund, Collins, and Swan,
etc., and learned many valuable lessons that I wish I had known
beforehand, altough part of the fun of playing radio for me are the
challenges of "simple" electronics.

The first boatanchor I bought was a British R210. I didn't know what I
was getting into, and ended up spending just as much as I'd spent on
the receiver on parts tp build a robust power supply and audio
amplifier/speaker. Not to mention the hours of labor to figure out what
was wrong with the rig itself. Lesson learned.

My second boatanchor was a much more successful deal. Hallicrafters
SX-25. Made sure it was complete and unmolested, had the seller agree
to taking the bottom panel off for inpection. After troubleshooting
mods that wwre done to the R210 by the PO, I'd learned to make sure if
you're thinking of buying a boatanchor, you look for an UNMODIFIED rig.
Took t home, cleaned all the contacts, variable caps, etc, tested the
tubes and reseated them, brought it up over several days on the
variac.....worked beautifuly, A simple re-cap and alignment was all
that was needed. Cost was the price of the radio, a few hours of my
time, and a handful of Sprague caps. Maybe $20 on top of the purchase
price.

My advice to anyone considering purchasing a boatahnchor, is to
research the radio before you buy. Don't buy on impulse unless you have
significant restoration experience. Learn what you'd like, and look out
for them at hamfests. The cleanest example isn't always the best to
buy. Go for a filthy unmolested original radio over a shelf queen with
that "handy" BFO or filter mod. Don't be afraid to ask the seller for a
better look - or to remove the covers, etc, for you to see what you're
getting. If a seller doesn't want to do this, walk away.

This being said,, buy what you'll enjoy. You can't put a price tag on
the satisfaction of warming up a tube rig and hearing it come to life

73's