[Boatanchors] Multi Elmac restoration

[Robert Nickels]

I've recently had a lot of fun restoring a Multi Elmac A54H mobile 
transmitter, which came out in 1952, an early part of what I've always 
considered to be part of the golden age of ham radio. It must have been 
quite a bragging point to have a sharp looking multi-band transmitter 
with a VFO under the dash and a big center-loaded whip waving in the breeze!

The A54H was Multi-Elmac's first transmitter and while they didn't 
introduce a companion receiver at the time, I figured the early 50s 
vintage PMR6A was the best choice, as it was their first receiver 
product.  But the dial cover on my PMR6A was badly yellowed from UV 
exposure and I finally concluded that no amount of polishing would ever 
make it look like new again.   I wasn't optimistic about finding a 
replacement until I did some searching and found an eBay seller named 
Mark Palmquist who was offering a selection of repro dial covers for 
antique radios for the very attractive price of $18 each plus shipping.  
Sure enough,  the AF-68 was on his list!   Mark was willing to make one 
for my PMR6A that doesn't have the hole for the VFO shaft, as otherwise 
they are identical.   I'm pleased with the product and  recommend this 
source for dial covers.   Search eBay for seller "jmpalm" for details 
and a list of available products.

I've posted a few pics of the early Elmac pair at:  
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v652/ranickel/Multi%20Elmac%20A54H%20and%20PMR6A/?

The new cover is vacuum-formed but is "close enough" for me, and I think 
it looks fantastic.  I thought I'd make this information available to 
all Multi-Elmac owners, and if you're one, don't forget the "Mighty 
Elmac Net" on Wed. nights on 3880 starting at 8PM EST.  Listen for Mike 
N8ECR, net control - and you don't need to have an Multi-Elmac to check 
in ;-)

73, Bob W9RAN

PS:  Multi-Products Co. went into business in 1947 to build radio 
controls for garage doors, so if you're using a Stanley door opener, 
that's where they got their start!