[Boatanchors] Fw: just acquired Collins 51J-4

[Carl]

Well, the J4 suffers the same poor stock audio and AVC of the J3. It is also 
very prone to overload on a good antenna due to its being designed for short 
antennas.

All can be improved using that M word.

Mine is also completely stock and is relegated to a bench entertainment 
radio (sports and talk doesnt require fidelity) using an indoor 30' wire 
when its not being used as a selective voltmeter or looking for errant 
oscillator signals.

I havent really found a good use for it elsewhere around here.

Carl
KM1H

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Henry Mei'l's" <meils at get2net.dk>
To: <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2011 10:32 AM
Subject: [Boatanchors] Fw: just acquired Collins 51J-4


> My main point here is I'd like to hear if there's any good ideas, tips, 
> warnings, recommendations about the 51J-4, (don't dare mention 
> improvements/mods) especially any such that may be unique to this 
> receiver -- could imagine something in the mechanical band and tuning 
> mechanism the and mechanical filters-- which do seem to function quite 
> well on my unit  --  haven't examined the schematic as yet  but I know a 
> danger in the R-390A is a leaky or shorted cap feeding the mechanical 
> filters.
> (My R-388 was a nice receiver but didn't rate alongside my R-390A, which 
> of course is no surprise when you look at the design difference-- the long 
> slide rule dial does have its advantages though.)
>
> Re the/my 51J-4: Too bad the dial zero adjust is right next to the antenna 
> trimmer and has the same small diameter size knobs BUT only the ANT TRIM 
> knob has an extended pointer -- I can always replace one of the knobs it 
> if becomes a problem.
>
> So now I'll have to extend my life expectancy again if I'm going to do 
> this project too.  Where do I apply?
>
>
> HM / Cph.
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: Henry Mei'l's
> To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2011 1:29 PM
> Subject: just acquired Collins 51J-4
>
>
> Any consoling words? Couldn't fight my addiction to BA receivers / 
> overrode my resolution to NOT
> buy anymore of them . Gave up on loose women so I guess I'm entitled to 
> this lesser vice;0).
> Got it for about  $75 (the rcvr) -- works on the lower bands (not well) 
> and will obviously
> demand band-switch contact cleaning, big time alignment and probably some 
> tube and cap replacements.
> Luckily, I have most if not all tubes in stock. Had an R-388 many years 
> ago which had much the same panel
> appearance.(Downloaded the 51J-4 manual from BOMA -- looks pretty 
> conventional for the 1960's.)
>
> Henry
> OZ3O N2NR
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