[Boatanchors] Boatanchors Digest, Vol 103, Issue 14

[bavarianradio at comcast.net]

Hi Todd and all else on frequency, You should plan a stop here either on the way  to or from NEARFEST and spend some time dialing around on my Eddystone 730/4. I need to tighten the flywheel setscrews, but it is a very smooth and solid tuning system. It has a very conventional slide rule dial with a ratio of 140 turns of the knob to 1 trip down (or up) the dial. A bit frustrating if you're in a hurry, but  a distinct pleasure if you're not. You can compare it to my RA17L, R-390, 390A,392,1051B, etc. The audio isn't very powerful, but full and clear.Sensitivity is on par with the 390.As you mention, it's much smaller than the other "anchors" but doesn't weigh much less. The Brits seemed to start every project at the foundry!! The build quality of the Eddystone is above average and the radio has been reliable and a pleasure to use. The only beef I have with it is low BFO injection. Maybe I'll have the Murphy B-40 restored by then... 73's Ross W1EKG

----- Original Message -----
On Sat, Aug 11, 2012 at 8:11 PM, Richard Knoppow

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
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