[Boatanchors] Available Tube VLF Rcvrs

[Robert Nickels]

Carl wrote:
> A Collins R-389 or SP-600 VLF are others that requires a 2nd mortgage.
>   
Having DX-ed the LF beacon band for over 20 years, I guess I'll chime in 
on this topic.    I own and use all the above (and more) in addition to 
Selective Level Meters, LF converters, and a number of receivers (with 
and without tubes) that tune the bands below 500 khz.  After years of 
searching for the ultimate LF/VLF receiver and observing the range of 
gear used by the best DXers, I realized that the receiver is simply not 
the key to success.   Many of them will do a good job, and it's hard to 
find much difference between some of the more exotic and commonplace ones.

LF and VLF listening is indeed as much "art" as science, requiring an 
understanding of propagation and limiting factors to optimize your 
receiving setup.  For most of us this puts the focus on the antenna - a 
neverending quest for optimal signal-to-noise ratio, and selectivity 
(down to well under 100hz).  Rather than blather on, I'll refer anyone 
interested in learning more to Sheldon Remington's excellent series of 
articles, "On the Art of NDB DXing" which offers a number of tips of use 
to anyone exploring the basement band:

http://frodo.ce-service.biz/ka2qpg/kh6sr/index.html

And the "go-to" source for LF/VLF enthusiasts:  http://www.lwca.org/

73, Bob W9RAN