[ARC5] VFO provenance

[Robert Nickels]

On 2/1/2012 11:30 AM, Sandy wrote:
> Central Electronics, at one time, sold a conversion kit for the BC-458
> "command transmitter" to convert it into a VFO for the model 10A, 10B or 20A
> exciters.  They included the plastic dial plate shown as well as some parts
> necessary for the modification.  For an additional $20 I recall, they
> included a very nicely painted/silk screened cabinet to enclose the BC-458
> that matched the Central Electronics exciters at that time.

My 20A manual was handy,  so here's a summary of what CE offered, in 
addition to the conversion instructions that were included free in the 
manual:

Model 458K - Complete 5 band conversion kit for the BC-458 including 
calibrated dial for 160-10   $15.00  (also included all hardware and 
even a "Bristo" wrench!)

458-CP - "attractive gray wrinkle cabinet" with silk-screened panel and 
holes drilled:   $10.00

Model 458-10 - crystal controlled converter to extend coverage of the 
458 VFO from 28.4 to 29.4  $27.50 kit, $37.50 wired

Since that $10 cabinet cost the equivalent of $80 in today's 
dollarettes, it's pretty easy to see why a lot of hams went with the 
alternative.

73, Bob W9RAN