[Boatanchors] HT-20

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Sat, Jun 19, 2010 at 1:20 PM, john fitzsimmons <w3jn at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Given the fact that both the SX-73 and the HT-20 approach milspec construction, I think you're right - the SX-73 would be a better match to the HT-20.
>
> And yep, the HT-31 does have that tall front panel.  So does the SX-73.  Curiously, the HT-30 is the size of a SX-100.  Got one a them, too!

There's an ad in some of the 50s QSTs and the catalog section of the
handbooks showing a civilian SX-73 in a similar cabinet, rounded
corners and the likes. Looked like it had shiny knobs which I think
would've been a bit much, but an interesting artist's concept of
something approaching the final version. Even if they had offered the
standard model in the same cabinet as the HT-20, it would've at least
gotten more cabinets out there for table top use. But the military was
more of a rack-mount world, so it makes sense they didn't. They did
make a military cabinet for it, nothing like the HT-20, however.

I think you, Carl,Nick, myself, and a lot of others on here suffer
from the 'too many toys/not enough time' issue. We enjoy the hunt as
much as the restoration and use. It just seems that too often, the
last two get put off. I'm in the same boat, when the big rig is
running, I don't think about getting the others online - until it
breaks, of course. Always had the 32V peanut whistle as back up until
that crapped out too.

Besides, that big blue jukebox you have makes nice music. And it has
to be up near, if not at the top of the 'coolest looking rigs'
list.Working you on 40 just before you headed back was impressive.
Couldn't hear you at first, only John 'BFS. Then the band finally
swung around your way and it was as if you were sitting in the garage
with me having a beer.

And then there's the now-famous quote heard 'round the band from the
night before we left for NEAR-Fest:

"When W3JN keyed up, the QRM QSYed!"

As the late W2VJZ would surely have said "That's quite a message!"

The HT-30 is for one of those time when you want a challenge or
torment, when you've got plenty of time to mess around getting it
dialed in. The HT-20 could be your peanut whistle back up rig, though.
Snap it into line when Big Blue takes a snoozer.  :D

Carl, I have the distinct feeling you'll see another HT-20 before I
do. If not, and my buddy Joe isn't looking for one anymore (likely
since he's selling off a lot of stuff), I'll give you a holler. I've
got far too many projects as it is.

~ Todd/KAQ