Monday, July 25, 2011 — First, let me write about something that isn’t related to my obsession — er, passion — with CW keys: Let’s talk retro radio.
I am finally going to put a PC at my operating position; I will mount the LCD monitor on an adjustable arm, just like the one I use for my Yaesu FT-2000 display. But first, I have to clean out a spot under the desk for the CPU.
In the process of my initial cleaning, I found a couple of old QST magazines, including one from January 1954. I love old QSTs, particularly the advertising. I always check the ads for CW keys and related items. In the January ’54 issue, there was one radio that was being promoted on nearly every page with advertising — the Hallicrafters SX-88.
The SX-88 was Hallicrafter’s ultimate high-end HF receiver, selling new in 1954 for $595. It was only built in 1954-55 and then discontinued. As you might guess, there are damn few of them still around (fewer than 100 are believed to be around today, including one for sale on eBay with an opening bid of $3,500!).
In the QST of Jan. 1954, every regular advertiser in QST that sells Hallicrafters has an ad hawking the SX-88 — the radio is literally on every page with advertising (and in some cases more than once on a tw0-page spread). I’m sure it is a co-op arrangement between the company and its dealers. Hallicrafters and other manufacturers used the same technique to promote their wares. I have seen Hallicrafters and National use it in QSTs/CQs of the 1940s and 50s.
BACK TO THE COMPUTER. The new PC will be used for PSK and logging, perhaps internet use too. I’m using my PC notebook for digital modes and logging, and its just too small to look at comfortably for any length of time. I have a “new to me” Dell coming this week that’ll fit the bill.
AND TO THE RECEIVER. I’m also looking at receivers/rigs on eBay, just for kicks. I have some new, flat real estate next to my computer desk — I scrapped the old printer stand that filled the corner next to this desk, and I have a 24 x 30 “top” on which to place something … and the best thing I can think of would be ham gear!
I actually don’t need to revert to buying a damn thing to do this; I have an assortment of gear, ancient to late model, to put there. I would like to have an HF rig (at least a recever) in place there. I have the second Tempo 2020 station that I’ve never actually run. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to give the gear a run through before selling it.
I also have a couple of big, boat anchors to dig out of storage — a Hallicrafters SX-101A, and a National NC-300. I also have a Hallicrafters SR-160 tri-band rig around here too. As far as modern gear goes, I have a Kenwood TS-430S, my Icom IC-746PRO, my PROIII, the Alinco DX-77, a Kenwood TS-50S … not to mention my Yaesu FT-450AT. Sounds like I need to sell some gear on eBay before I bring more in, eh??
Actually, this spot next to my desk might be a great place to give gear a trial run, especially the stuff I have in the attic I really need to get liquidate. It’s so much better to be able to say its condition, and when it was last used. Makes sense to me.
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