[Boatanchors] ADVICE/COMMENT ?

[LeeCraner at aol.com]

Pete,
 
I really like the HRO-50/60's--I've owned several and have two on the bench 
 right now.  They're "fun" rigs and good performers
 
As with any boatanchor, you'll want to make sure it has a good power  xfmr. 
 You'll want to recap it if it hasn't already been recapped.   Not a big 
deal to recap this receiver, as there is plenty of room under  chassis.  Dead 
center on the chassis is a socket for a 4H4C current  regulator tube that 
will probably have a 6V6 installed instead.  That's OK  as the life of a 4H4C 
was short lived and National suggested the sub.
 
As to options, obviously there are the various coil sets and, for the  
50/60's the matching coil dial strips.  The extra coils came in a wooden  box.  
The xtal calibrator was optional (plugs into the rear left of the  
receiver).  There was also a plug in NBFM accessory that plugs into the  rear center 
of the receiver.  Kinda useless today, but the socket does  provide a handy 
place to homebrew a product detector (check out the late 50's  early 60's 
QST's for several circuits).  There was a vibrator battery power  supply 
accessory which again is kinda useless (and probably rare, I've never  seen one 
in person).  Finally, there was the outboard Select-O-Ject audio  filter that 
plugs into the rear of the receiver.
 
Rack and table models were available of both the 50 and the 60.
 
Hope this helps.
 
BTW, I had a Racal 117 years ago.  Sorry I ever let it go.  That  was a fun 
receiver, too.
 
73
Lee WB6SSW