[Boatanchors] In defense of Eldico

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 11:06 AM,  <TELEGRAPHER at att.net> wrote:
>
>  I used the Eldico S-119 line while operating the ham/MARS station in my off duty time back in the 1960-1965 time frame.  Nice working stuff and never had a problem with it.  A friend of mine Jerry W1MQT (SK) who was stationed a couple hundred miles east of me at another AF installation used the 100F.  Nothing but praise for it.  I think he had the amp as well because i remember him talking about the availability of the 4CX250B tubes.  We chatted almost every day on 80 meters.

I've actually got some of the last 'clones' to come off the assembly
line, same radios but badged and metered as RELiant after Eldico
tanked and REL took them over. Had two complete REL sets and half of
an Eldico that were all AF MARS surplus, sold the other set to a
collector in Michigan and traded off the odd pieces.

If you're used to the construction and operation of the S-Line, they
might seem a bit kludgey and cheap by comparison, but I'd rate them
more middle of the road - not the best stuff of the day, but certainly
not the worst either. The alodined chassis in mine still look new,
knobs and cases need paint.

Would love to find the RELiant L-103 amp if anyone has one kicking around.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ