[Boatanchors] Some Hallicrafters HT-37 questions

[Philip Atchley]

Hi Y'all,

I have acquired a Hallicrafters HT-37 HF transmitter that is very nice 
physically, electrical status unknown.  This will probably be a "overhaul 
project" later this winter (when I finish the SX-101A and the BC-1004 
presently on the bench, they both belong to friends). But I've received some 
Emails about the HT-37 that have me a little concerned.

Apparently they are known for power transformer failures.  Quote, "It's not 
a matter of IF they'll fail, just when they'll fail".

Taking this into consideration, I have some questions as I deliberate the 
upcoming task of overhaul (I'd hate to put a lot of work into it and find 
the transformer is already shot).

1.  How can I determine if it's already failed?  Does it smell "smoked" or 
show other indications (I know some failures can be invisible).

2.  Would it be safe to pull both rectifier tubes out and test it that way 
for failure, checking for tube filaments, Voltage on the plate connections 
of the rectifiers etc?

3.  Assuming the transformer is good, are there any things that I can do to 
reduce/eliminate the chances of transformer failure.  Things like putting a 
lamp in the case for a week or two to "cook it", solid state rectifiers, 
fans, separate filament transformer to reduce load on the main transformer 
etc?

4.  Are there any other "issues" with this rig?

5.  FINALLY, if the transformer IS already bad, and having a slim wallet, 
would it be realistic to pursue fixing the transmitter up, or would I be 
much better off "parting it out (It's really quite nice overall)?

73 de Phil,  KO6BB
http://users.mercednet.com/beaconeer/
Merced, Central California, 37.3N  120.48W  CM97sh

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*  #2. Half Sized G5RV Inverted Vee oriented N/S  *
*  #3. Roof mounted Hustler 6BTV 6 band Vertical  *
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* Number of different NDB's heard: 974            *
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