[Boatanchors] Boatanchors Digest, Vol 103, Issue 14

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Sat, Aug 11, 2012 at 8:11 PM, Richard Knoppow
<1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com> wrote:

>      I've always been curious about Eddystone receivers but
> have never had a chance to use one let alone buy one.
> Eddystone used to advertise their dial mechanisms in QST.
> The Brits built a couple of very interesting receivers
> including the famous Racal, another I would like a sample
> of.  As far as smooth tuning one should not forget the RCA
> AR-88 and its variations.

Or the SX-28. Eddystones are decent performing radios for their size
(think 51S-1 vs R-390A), but their dial advantage lies more in the
linearity than smooth tuning. The Eddystone dial/Jackson Bros drive is
used in several Clegg rigs from the 60s like the Zeus, Interceptor,
Venus and Thor. Feels nice, but certainly no better than a properly
working SP-600, SX-28, etc.

The Racal RA-17 with its Wadley Loop and triple conversion circuitry
is a true marvel, though a PITA to work on in any depth. The film
strip tuning dial is a hoot to watch fly by, stability & sensitivity
are excellent. Apparently it was Racal's response to the UK's plan to
procure R-388s for gov't use. A good response! Got rid of my first one
years ago and missed it, so a replacement was found. It included the
LF & SSB adapters, but needs cap replacements which are a real drag.
While it has a cast aluminum module construction, they are not easily
removable like the R-390 series. Instead, wires need to be
disconnected, the dial/VFO section needs to be removed, and numerous
other cart wheels & back flips just to get beneath some of the modules
for servicing. They also suffer from a similar crappy cap issue as the
SP-600 does, but once they are sorted properly they are a top notch
receiver that is tough to beat.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4