[Boatanchors] Swan Cygnet 270B Experience??

[Gary Peterson]

Back in the 70s, our ham club had a Swan Cygnet.  I believe there were, at least, two versions.  The one we had (purchased new) was pretty marginal.  The plate current meter was an accessory.  It plugged into a 1/4” phone jack on the rear apron, as I recall.  The receiver seemed to have no AGC.  While on a net, if a strong station came on, it would almost blow the speaker cone through the grille and leave the operator’s ears ringing.  There was no provision for CW (i.e., key jack & sidetone), to the best of my recollection.  Overall, not a keeper, in my book.

Later, I bought a used Swan 350C.  A much, much better radio.  I did have to modify it for CW sidetone, though.  

Gary, KØCX  


“I was wondering if any of the guys here had any experience with the Swan Cygnet transceiver back in the day.  I came close to buying one around 1971 while in the US Navy in San Diego.  I was test driving one at the San Diego ham store and then was suddenly shipped out to South East Asia and never bought the Swan.  I've used the Swan 240 back in 1971, and I've watched friends use their Swan 350 later on.  How good is the 270 or 270B?  Stable?  Smooth tuning?  Audio quality?   My impression is that it's a low cost version of the 350.  73, Scott WA9WFA”