[Boatanchors] halli S-20R

[Robert Nickels]

On 2/27/2012 10:56 AM, Phil wrote:
> I have been offered a Hallicrafter. Is this a very good receiver ? It is of the 1RF stage and 2IF stage type of receiver.
Phil, the answer is the same as for cars, women, sports teams or any 
number of things.   The first shortwave receiver I heard or saw was an 
S-20R at about age 11, so I'm biased ;-)   It's what we today would 
often call a "band cruiser" where you spin the knob and find something 
interesting to listen to.  It could certainly be used for actual QSOs 
but stability will be an issue, especially on the higher bands.   Still 
it makes good sounding audio on AM and is a classic design that 
Hallicrafters took through several iterations spanning most of it's 
history as a company.

I'd definitely restore it by replacing capacitors and other components 
that are likely out of spec and that can cause further damage if you 
just apply power without doing so.   There's lots of good information on 
the web, or you can just ask if you have questions.   If you're new to 
the boatanchor aspect of the hobby and can get the S-20R at a reasonable 
price, it will help you determine whether you want to dive deeper into 
the past, as most of us have!

73, Bob W9RAN