[Boatanchors] AR-88 comments, value?

[Ian Wilson]

Thanks to all who replied. The radio I was looking at has been sold,
fortunately for significantly more than I would be able to have offered.

One more thing to keep an eye out for at swapmeets!

73, ian K3IMW



On Tue, Sep 3, 2013 at 12:24 PM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com>wrote:

>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> >From: Ian Wilson <ianmwilson73 at gmail.com>
> >Sent: Sep 3, 2013 11:50 AM
> >To: Boatanchors <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
> >Subject: [Boatanchors] AR-88 comments, value?
> >
> >There is an AR-88 available (sort of) locally. Although
> >arguably the last thing I need right now is another
> >boatanchor receiver, the AR-88 is something special.
> >
> >No special tubes needed, I see. Would be interested
> >in reports on how this stacks up against the SX-28, say.
> >Also any suggestions as to what would constitute a
> >"reasonable offer" assuming fair condition and no
> >obvious major damage would be helpful.
> >
> >73, ian K3IMW
>
>      Its very difficult to estimate a price.  Of course, it depends on
> condition and to some extent the version.  A LF version seems to be worth a
> little more than a standard coverage version but condition is more
> important.  From observation a fully restored AR-88 might be worth a top of
> around $500 but I've seen some go for more than $1000 on ebay.   One
> needing restoration would go for as little as $150 or maybe less.
>      Al AR-88's have oil filled paper caps that need replacement. They are
> often leaking oil.  Some earlier receivers have RCA-made mica caps used for
> bypassing, etc. These are usually OK but later receivers have Micamold or
> Solar paper caps that should always be replaced.  These are in flat
> Bakelite cases that look superficially like mica caps. The RF module has
> mostly silvered mica and ceramic caps that are usually OK.
>      When restored and carefully aligned the AR-88 has amazing
> performance.  The tubes were the latest available at the time of design and
> the design itself is carefully done.  The receivers are very stable and
> have good sensitivity and reasonably low noise right up to 32 Mhz.  They
> are somewhat difficult to work on because of the weight.  The chassis
> weighs around 80 lbs. However, parts are generally accessible.  Audio
> quality is very good. While the output amp is single-ended it has enough
> negative feedback around it to have good frequency response and low
> distortion.
>      There is an RCA Equipment mailing list that is worth checking.  The
> archives have a great deal of practical information on the AR-88.
>      Nearly all AR-88 receivers were sold to the military or to foreign
> governments on Lend-Lease. They are much more common in Europe, England,
> and Canada than in the U.S.  No one has ever found reliable pricing
> information on them but its estimated the price new was around a thousand
> dollars in the 1940s.
>      There is a great deal of information on the Western Historic Radio
> site including good handbooks, some history and some serial number
> information.  I am at work right now but will post specific links when I
> get home this evening.
>      Specifically, it completely outclasses the SX-28 other than the audio
> amp which is still nothing to sneer at.
>
>
>