[Boatanchors] Drake 2B General Coverage

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Tue, Jun 7, 2011 at 10:10 AM, Carl <km1h at jeremy.mv.com> wrote:
> Where the heck have you been hiding? Wifey got you doing chores?

Life's been busy over the last couple months. I've had a lot cooking
since the end of April, been traveling a lot and also had a lightning
strike nearby that took out the home PC, so it's been touch and go
with having a computer at home to use. Hope to have that remedied
after the next trip.

> The 2B sensitivity is part of the overload problem along with the AGC
> design.

There's not doubt it's a hot little rig considering what little it has
in it and its marginal construction and hideous looks(in my opinion,
of course). As I mentioned to someone else who emailed me privately,
mere mention of a 2B results in me shaking my head from side to side
while trying to reconcile such a shabby little box working so damned
well. I've had other Drake gear that was great stuff, still have a
TR-6. 4-Line gear remains one of the best bargains out there.

> In its day and for the price it helped thousands to upgrade to SSB at a
> modest cost.

Without a doubt. S-38s helped a lot of hams afford a receiver too, and
I have zero desire to have one of those. Call me spoiled for being
born too late and having access to so much excellent tube gear that
all the smart guys wanted to toss out back in the 70s and 80s in favor
of the latest ricebox. Not having a lot of spare coin around and being
fascinated by the older stuff worked out very well for me. Being
willing to haul things away didn't hurt, either. :D

There's no doubt in my mind that if I were stuck in some third world
country with nothing to use but a Drake 2B, I'd come to appreciate it
much more. But life is short, and I have other radios that I enjoy at
least as much as the 2B fans enjoy it. In the end, it's all good one
way or another.

~ Todd/KAQ