[ARC5] MN-26H MN-26Y

[David Olean]

Hello Hue

When I was a kid and a new VHF ham, I used a Bendix RA-10 as an IF radio 
for 144 MHz. It was pretty cool, so I looked for another one many years 
later. I got as close as an MN-26. I have the common C version that 
covers long wave and only up to 1500 kHz, so it makes a dandy AM BC 
radio.  I use the remote control box and have it running in my workshop 
providing great music while I work. It is connected to a few beverage 
antennas and I can listen to LW stations from Europe and Iceland.  
Sadly, it has no low HF band. Soon after getting the MN-26C,  I found an 
RA-10FA that also covers HF from 2.0 to 11.0 MHz and it works quite 
nicely with a 1630 kHz IF so AM sounds great. I remember listening to 
shortwave stations every night as a kid with my RA-10 and I really 
enjoyed it. The MN-26 had a 262.5 kHz IF so it is a tad restricted on 
AM, but It is fine if tuned to one sideband.  I figure that the remote 
Bowden cable and the pilot's control box is part of the mystique.

73

Dave K1WHS

On 10/29/2022 8:29 PM, Hubert Miller wrote:
> I wonder if any reader here has actually tried out one of the MN-26 variants that tuned the low HF band.
> What got me thinking again about the MN-26 was, sorting some manuals last night I found a Bendix company publication
> on modifying the MN-26H to MN-26HB. This receiver has an HF band, something like 2.9 - 6 MHz. The Bendix lit says you
> could advantageously use this receiver for both navigation and comms, but I am confident in saying I don't think any user
> actually used the MN-26 for comms. Many years ago, looking thru the G&G catalog, I saw the MN-26Y offered, and thought
> it would be interesting to have it working on the HF band. I was big into SWLing at the time. Of course, it's not so practical
> for home listening, as you need a remote tuning cable, and a place to fasten down the control box.
> -Hue Miller
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