On 3/21/14 18:35 , Michael Black wrote:

My first was a Hallicrafters S-53A. And a not so long random
wire. That was shortly followed up with a Hammarlund Super Pro
(Mil designation BC-794.) It was my grandfather's amateur radio
receiver. Still have it. And a not so recently acquired S-53.

What's the S-53?


Actually it's an S-53A. 550khz-54Mhz, 8 tube, fixed BFO, Noise
limiter (such that it was), electrical bandspread, sliderule dial. Much
more than an S-38. A bit wide, but nice audio. Phono input. There was
something about hearing a Cardinals' game that was unique. Much more fun
than listening on a transistor.

It dated from 1950-58. Typical Halli construction. About the same size
as S-38. The differences between S-53 and S53A were the power
transformer and the IF cans. "A" was a 120v transformer, and minature
cans. Non-"A" models had universal power transformer, and full sized cans.

It takes either a random wire against a ground, or a ladder line with
a ground. Like the Hammarlund, it's got more sensitivity than can
actually be used, and a decent, if not exemplary noise floor, so during
the 60's and 70s, with the lower ambient noise and plethora of booming
signals, there was LOT to listen to with a simple wire.

Today, with a random wire on an Un-Un, or a shielded loop, it's
decent. But the lack of signals make things a lot less fun.