[Boatanchors] Heathkit single banders converted to 60M band

[N4ch at aol.com]

The MARS/CAP versions of the Heathkit monobanders (namely the  HW-18-1 and 
HW-18-2) would be better candidates to put on 60 meters (as  opposed the 
75/40/20 meter radios) for several reasons.   First,  their RF circuits are a 
lot closer to 5 MHz than the HW-12/22/32/A transceivers  are, and I would 
think less work would be required getting them to work properly  on 5 MHz.   
Second, they are already on the right sideband (USB is  used on 60 meters, not 
LSB.........the early HW-12 and HW-22 were set up for 75  and 40 meters LSB 
only).   Third, they are crystal-controlled (using  an old, unstable VFO in 
60 is not a good idea).   Fourth, these  transceivers are showing up more 
often at hamfests these days, often for  only a few bucks.   Heath also sold 
a VERY few of another  HW-18.........the "-3" version was for 160.   It was 
a VERY  user-unfriendly radio for its time (not to mention no provisions for 
 CW).   If U happen to find one of THOSE, don't try to modify it for 5  
MHz........it's worth a lot more in its original configuration,  anyway.   
There's a downside to putting a HW-18 on 60.......you will  have to buy 
crystals.   If you have never seen a HW-18 before (and I  run into guys all the time 
that say they've never heard of it), it was built in  the same cabinet as 
the HW-12/22/32/A, and the front panel is similar,  except a large speaker 
grille occupies the front and center instead of a  VFO.   Pretty easy to spot 
at a hamfest.......often for $15-$25 or so  (sometimes even with a HP-13 or 
HP-23 power supply).   Good luck and  73, Herman, N4CH.