Lucky wrote:

"Lucky" wrote in message
...

"Lucky" wrote in message
...

"Lucky" wrote in message
...

wrote in message
oups.com...

Guy Atkins wrote:
I noticed the seller cancelled the order just a few minutes after he
answered my inquiry about the rig actually being a Europa model. I
pointed
out the lack of "Europa" tag on the front panel. The seller said that
the
back panel is marked "HF-150e" and that it was indeed a Europa
version.

Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA USA

wrote in message
ups.com...
auction was canceled by seller


The last versions of the HQ-150 were black faced and had the backlit
display. They "were not" a Europa. They were built by the company that
bought Lowe out. I owned one of the Europa's when they first arrived,
got it from Universal. Good receiver, much improved over the HQ-150,
especially on mw. Had problems with the mixer, got it fixed and traded
it.

Les

Hi

Much improved in the front end?
I got my HF-150 yesterday. So far I'm liking it very much. Now, I can
see what the problem is with overload, but I haven't tried a single long
wire yet. I have a dipole hooked up to a 4:1 current balun. This is
connected to the coax connection and the back is on "Norm"

I'm on the 23rd floor of a building and have a clear line East, North
and South. Signals do come in strong from around the area. I have to use
the plain A, ASU or An setting on some of these AM stations but that
clears it right up nicely. ASF has either overload and/or heteros when I
try it. Do you think I should disconnect the balun and stick with the
spring connection and just a long wire? Have to try that out today and
see.

The preamp doesn't kick in unless you have it on Whip setting as far as
I can tell.

This is a very powerfull little radio! I was floored by how small it
actually is. I thought it was somewhat bigger. Great powerful portable
that's for sure. I read in one usenet comment how this radio is really a
pro model not meant for amateurs.

I love the tuning knob. Good feel, nice vibes!
The seller sent me the original manual in very good condition. He must
of kept it bagged all this time. Also came with a 12v Rat Shack PSU.
Plus, it had 8 white cad batteries in it already. They say made in
Mexico on them. I might get some new better ones. Included was the
original keypad for the radio too.

I didn't get to play with it till much later in the night since I had to
go out after I just got it. So I need to spend much more time with it.
It's such a cute little radio too. Built like a damn brick. Fantastic
audio.It's so easy on the ears. You want to listen to it. Like butter
flowing thru the air.

The ECSS is very very good. The selectable sideband is a pleasure to
use. It takes these little companies to make such great products.
They often put so much quality into their products they go out of
business due to less profits.

Like they say, the quality goes in before the name goes on.

Lucky


The overloading occurs only at strong local frequencies so far. But, I do
get some overloading on a couple of my other radios at these stations
like 610 WIOD AM. There are many local stations down here in Miami.

Lucky


I can see how this radio can become very addicting. The quality shines
thru. I can just imagine how big this radio was when it first got released
years ago.

Lucky


Seems this unit is newer then I thought. The date in the manual is 1991. So
I thought this must be one from 1992 or perhaps the copyright date in the
manual never changes.
Then I found this on the net:

"The only other "mod" for the HF150 is that needed to bring out the AGC
signal
to drive the S meter in the SP (now AP)150. This just involves cutting
one
track on the PCB if the radio has a serial number after *142617 (manf
date **June
94). If the s/n is before this, you also have to add one resistor. This
brings
out the S meter drive signal on what used to be the wire antenna ground
terminal."

My serial number is 143229 so I figure this was made in late 1994/1995.

Apparently they were manufactured from 1992-1999. The Europa itself was
introduced in 1998. I'm not sure if the Europa superseded the standard model or
if it was offered in conjunction with it.

dxAce
Michigan
USA

Glad to hear you like the 150. It is a lot of fun.

I live in NYC and I don't have a lot of trouble with overload. However,
if you do, then you might consider getting a preselector. You wouldn't
have to spring for the expensive Lowe PR-150. MFJ sells one that others
report to work well with the 150.

I'm curious to know more about your antenna situation. Living on the
23rd floor must present some challenges. How large is the dipole you're
using? If you used a random length of wire, would it have to be
indoors? There are some active antennas you might eventually want to
think about, if you're limited in terms of space.

I'm glad you like the audio and the synchronous detection. These, along
with overall build quality, are the primary selling points of this
receiver. And the 8 hz tuning increments in SSB are great, I think.

Even though the receiver is said to work well with rechargeables,
I've decided not to keep batteries in it all the time. I put batteries
in when I need them; otherwise they stay stored outside the receiver.
Call me paranoid!

Steve

"dxAce" wrote in message
...


Lucky wrote:

"Lucky" wrote in message
...

"Lucky" wrote in message
...

"Lucky" wrote in message
...

wrote in message
oups.com...

Guy Atkins wrote:
I noticed the seller cancelled the order just a few minutes after
he
answered my inquiry about the rig actually being a Europa model. I
pointed
out the lack of "Europa" tag on the front panel. The seller said
that
the
back panel is marked "HF-150e" and that it was indeed a Europa
version.

Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA USA

wrote in message
ups.com...
auction was canceled by seller


The last versions of the HQ-150 were black faced and had the backlit
display. They "were not" a Europa. They were built by the company
that
bought Lowe out. I owned one of the Europa's when they first
arrived,
got it from Universal. Good receiver, much improved over the HQ-150,
especially on mw. Had problems with the mixer, got it fixed and
traded
it.

Les

Hi

Much improved in the front end?
I got my HF-150 yesterday. So far I'm liking it very much. Now, I can
see what the problem is with overload, but I haven't tried a single
long
wire yet. I have a dipole hooked up to a 4:1 current balun. This is
connected to the coax connection and the back is on "Norm"

I'm on the 23rd floor of a building and have a clear line East, North
and South. Signals do come in strong from around the area. I have to
use
the plain A, ASU or An setting on some of these AM stations but that
clears it right up nicely. ASF has either overload and/or heteros
when I
try it. Do you think I should disconnect the balun and stick with the
spring connection and just a long wire? Have to try that out today
and
see.

The preamp doesn't kick in unless you have it on Whip setting as far
as
I can tell.

This is a very powerfull little radio! I was floored by how small it
actually is. I thought it was somewhat bigger. Great powerful
portable
that's for sure. I read in one usenet comment how this radio is
really a
pro model not meant for amateurs.

I love the tuning knob. Good feel, nice vibes!
The seller sent me the original manual in very good condition. He
must
of kept it bagged all this time. Also came with a 12v Rat Shack PSU.
Plus, it had 8 white cad batteries in it already. They say made in
Mexico on them. I might get some new better ones. Included was the
original keypad for the radio too.

I didn't get to play with it till much later in the night since I had
to
go out after I just got it. So I need to spend much more time with
it.
It's such a cute little radio too. Built like a damn brick.
Fantastic
audio.It's so easy on the ears. You want to listen to it. Like butter
flowing thru the air.

The ECSS is very very good. The selectable sideband is a pleasure to
use. It takes these little companies to make such great products.
They often put so much quality into their products they go out of
business due to less profits.

Like they say, the quality goes in before the name goes on.

Lucky


The overloading occurs only at strong local frequencies so far. But, I
do
get some overloading on a couple of my other radios at these stations
like 610 WIOD AM. There are many local stations down here in Miami.

Lucky


I can see how this radio can become very addicting. The quality shines
thru. I can just imagine how big this radio was when it first got
released
years ago.

Lucky


Seems this unit is newer then I thought. The date in the manual is 1991.
So
I thought this must be one from 1992 or perhaps the copyright date in the
manual never changes.
Then I found this on the net:

"The only other "mod" for the HF150 is that needed to bring out the AGC
signal
to drive the S meter in the SP (now AP)150. This just involves
cutting
one
track on the PCB if the radio has a serial number after *142617 (manf
date **June
94). If the s/n is before this, you also have to add one resistor.
This
brings
out the S meter drive signal on what used to be the wire antenna
ground
terminal."

My serial number is 143229 so I figure this was made in late 1994/1995.

Apparently they were manufactured from 1992-1999. The Europa itself was
introduced in 1998. I'm not sure if the Europa superseded the standard
model or
if it was offered in conjunction with it.

dxAce
Michigan
USA



You know dxAce I had a hard time deciding between the Drake R8 and the
HF-150. Then, after doing some more research, I decided to go with the 150.

I figured I already have a few radios with all the bells and whistles like
the R-75, NRD-525, R-5000 and Ten Tec 320D. I wouldn't gain that much over
what I already have now in a listening experience. Just another good
receiver with all the bells and whistles. I mean the Drake R8 is a fantastic
rig also, but it wouldn't peek my interest for long.

Plus this little brick has features all my other radios don't have and I can
take it anywhere I go really with great ease.

But yeah, at one point I almost went with the Drake

Lucky

wrote in message
ups.com...
Glad to hear you like the 150. It is a lot of fun.

I live in NYC and I don't have a lot of trouble with overload. However,
if you do, then you might consider getting a preselector. You wouldn't
have to spring for the expensive Lowe PR-150. MFJ sells one that others
report to work well with the 150.

I'm curious to know more about your antenna situation. Living on the
23rd floor must present some challenges. How large is the dipole you're
using? If you used a random length of wire, would it have to be
indoors? There are some active antennas you might eventually want to
think about, if you're limited in terms of space.

I'm glad you like the audio and the synchronous detection. These, along
with overall build quality, are the primary selling points of this
receiver. And the 8 hz tuning increments in SSB are great, I think.

Even though the receiver is said to work well with rechargeables,
I've decided not to keep batteries in it all the time. I put batteries
in when I need them; otherwise they stay stored outside the receiver.
Call me paranoid!

Steve


Yes I took the batteries out too. And, when I charge them, I'll use an
external charger. Accidents with batteries can happen plus the unit doesn't
have to be taxed with current running thru it all time.

You know what, it seems I may have overstated the overload problems. It
seems to be from only a couple stations I listen to so far. On the rest of
AM band it's OK. SW is no problem at all.

OK my dipole is made up of 4 wires going to the balun. I have about 20 FT of
Radio Shack twinlead running along the top of the terrace. If I close of the
ends on the Twinlead it becomes sort of a loop ant. Works good. But right
now because I'm using the balun, the ends can't be closed. So right now they
are open.

Then, I have a small dipole like 10 FT long on each side. All 4 wires go the
balun. I get a signals from the long wires and the dipole backs it up. Sort
of best of both words. I use only one wire from this setup when using the
FRG-7.

I have two active ants but hardly ever use them. I have a Ameco TPA which
works very well even thought it's old and a MFJ-959B.

BTW, I grew up in Queens N.Y. and lived there for a while.

Lucky

wrote in message
ups.com...
Glad to hear you like the 150. It is a lot of fun.

I live in NYC and I don't have a lot of trouble with overload. However,
if you do, then you might consider getting a preselector. You wouldn't
have to spring for the expensive Lowe PR-150. MFJ sells one that others
report to work well with the 150.

I'm curious to know more about your antenna situation. Living on the
23rd floor must present some challenges. How large is the dipole you're
using? If you used a random length of wire, would it have to be
indoors? There are some active antennas you might eventually want to
think about, if you're limited in terms of space.

I'm glad you like the audio and the synchronous detection. These, along
with overall build quality, are the primary selling points of this
receiver. And the 8 hz tuning increments in SSB are great, I think.

Even though the receiver is said to work well with rechargeables,
I've decided not to keep batteries in it all the time. I put batteries
in when I need them; otherwise they stay stored outside the receiver.
Call me paranoid!

Steve


There is one thing I'm noticing. On some stations the audio is coming in
nice and clear, but I'm getting "pops" or "clicks". "Tic" noises. Is this
receiver that sensitive or is it the weak front end???

I'm going to experiment but I think this radio was made to used with a short
wire. I think my antenna system may be too much for it????

Lucky

Well, just have fun experimenting with various antennas until you find
something that works well. If you aren't able to cook up something
you're satisfied with, then I encourage you to consider one of two
active antennas that you could located outside, on your terrace.

First, you might consider one of the Wellbrook loops. I have the 330S
and it works great with both my Lowe HF-150 and my Drake. Because it's
a relatively low gain antenna, I think it's a wise choise for receivers
with weak front ends.

Second, a less expensive route would be LF Engineering's H-800 Skymatch
antenna. The Skymatch is no competition for the Wellbrook overall, but
it's a very good antenna, especially below 5 mhz. I *suspect* the
Skymatch would outperform any wire antenna that's small enough to fit
on your terrace. (www.lfengineering.com). I also suspect that this
antenna is a cut above the Ameco and MFJ actives you've used
previously, but others might be better situated to comment on this.

Steve

Does this happen primarily in AM mode? If so, it could be interference
from another signal on a nearby frequency. If that's the case, tuning
slightly above or below the frequency should help. Shifting over to Su
or Sl might also solve the problem.

Steve

wrote in message
ups.com...
Does this happen primarily in AM mode? If so, it could be interference
from another signal on a nearby frequency. If that's the case, tuning
slightly above or below the frequency should help. Shifting over to Su
or Sl might also solve the problem.

Steve


Yes mostly in AM. I tried that but I could still hear the popping. It was
almost gone in An mode though. I have to find the right setup like you said.

What I find strange is let's say I get a lock on a station in ASu or ASL
and say the little finger hole on the tuning dial is at 1:00 o'clock.
I lose the lock and then moving the dial a little in either direction
doesn't relock it. Say to 10:00 or 3:00

I have to turn the dial a full rotation or more to get a new lock. Is this
normal??

Lucky wrote:
snip

I have two active ants but hardly ever use them. I have a Ameco TPA which
works very well even thought it's old and a MFJ-959B.
snip

I had a TPA for a short while and used it with an R8 for a camping trip.

Oddly enough, I found the performance was about the same if the power was turned
off.

The best product of it's type that I ever found was an Arcom = I forget the
model number, but it had a pretty good preselector and it performed well with my
7030+. It came in a sturdy metal case, and could be hooked up to several
antennas besides the internal whip. The only one I ever saw was the one I
bought and eventually sold.

The Skymatch Steve mentioned was another antenna I tried for camping. It
performed well, but I had the version with the "permanently attached" coax. If
you decide to buy one, I recommend the one with a jack on the bottom so you can
easily replace the coax when you want or need to. It's not an expensive
option.

"Mark S. Holden" wrote in message
...
Lucky wrote:
snip

I have two active ants but hardly ever use them. I have a Ameco TPA which
works very well even thought it's old and a MFJ-959B.
snip

I had a TPA for a short while and used it with an R8 for a camping trip.

Oddly enough, I found the performance was about the same if the power was
turned
off.

The best product of it's type that I ever found was an Arcom = I forget
the
model number, but it had a pretty good preselector and it performed well
with my
7030+. It came in a sturdy metal case, and could be hooked up to several
antennas besides the internal whip. The only one I ever saw was the one I
bought and eventually sold.

The Skymatch Steve mentioned was another antenna I tried for camping. It
performed well, but I had the version with the "permanently attached"
coax. If
you decide to buy one, I recommend the one with a jack on the bottom so
you can
easily replace the coax when you want or need to. It's not an expensive
option.

Thanks Mark I'll look at both of them.
I found the TPA to work well on some bands but not on others.

Has anyone ever heard of a preselector called the Mizuho SX-3??

Lucky