[AMRadio] 32V-2 or 32V-3

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Fri, Dec 2, 2011 at 5:53 AM, David Knepper <collinsradio at comcast.net> wrote:
> Collins radios were designed to operate reliably.    Seriously, those
> handles were more decorative than practical,  like the same ones used on the
> KW-1.  When you sat a 32V on the operating desk, you never thought about
> "lifting the hood."  That's why you bought Collins.

First a reminder, Dave: please trim up your posts when you choose to
include a previous message in your response. Along with unnecessary
headers, the AM list info also appears twice. Simply highlight the
excess and delete.

As to the handles: It would appear you're not terribly familiar with
Collins AM gear. All radios of that era need maintenance and the
occasional tube replacement. The 32V-1 and -2 both had hinged lids on
top to allow easy access for tube changes and other needs. The -3
lacked this only for TVI reasons. The handles were likely added due to
the lid being removed. If they were decorative, they would've been on
the first two models as well.

The handles on the KW-1 are only functional, used in lifting off the
glass and metal panel snapped in place over the meters for adjusting
or periodic cleaning, and for removing the lower door to access
modulators, rectifiers, line fuses, transformer taps etc as well as
adjusting modulator bias and attaching the mic and phone patch
connectors. The transmitter would actually look cleaner without them
as the 30K does. The fact that these panels, as well as the lids on
the 32Vs have HV interlocks, clearly illustrates that Collins knew
folks would need to get inside their radios from time to time. On the
32V-1 - every time you tuned up.

The same with the ART-13 - the handles were used to slide it in and
out of its mounting rack. Nothing decorative about them, simply
functional.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4