[Boatanchors] HX 50

[John King]

My friend, Don Stichler, KL4D bought one of the HX 50 transmitters when they first came out. He lived in Alaska at the time and worked as an electronic technician there. I haven't heard from him in a couple of years and don't know if he is a silent key or not. Last heard, he was living in Chattanooga, Tn.. I am going to write him at the QRZ address to see if I can find out about him.

I would like to relate what he told me about the first HX 50 transmitters. He felt that it was poorly engineered and he went through his and modified the audio and most circuits using compactrons. He provided the modification information to Hammarlund. The subsequent HX 50 models were produced using his modifications but he was never acknowledged or given any credit for his input. He indicated to me that he felt he should have been credited with the mods he submitted. He wasn't angry at Hammarlund, just disappointed.

I have a Hammarlund HX 50 at home in Louisiana, which I plan to put in operation this fall, when I return home from Montana. I am looking forward to using it. I think it is one of the best looking rigs that were produced.

Thanks for the HXS 50 postings. I am going to save them to assist me in resurrecting mine. Keep the information rolling in. 73, John, K5PGW