[Boatanchors] Thoughts on Reviving the Heathkit DX-100

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Glen,

I have an Apache, too. Unlike the DX-100 that one is intact - all the 
hardware is there and functional on AM as well as CW. The only thing 
missing is 160 meters. I am pleased to see your testimony and I can add 
to the rugged part of that. I used to loan the DX-100 to new hams when 
new hams were interested in such things. One of those "too close to the 
chassis" terminal strips arced and a new ham worried that he had 
destroyed my precious transmitter (I paid about fifteen dollars for it 
at hamfest). It was an easy fix and no damage was done. It happened 
again with another terminal strip. Something else is now unhappy in the 
high voltage section so I have resorted to the QRP move of operating 
2E26 tubes from the low voltage supply. It's a PITA. I'll get it sorted. 
Some time after the Johnson Ranger is back on the air. I gotta have top 
band somehow.

I'll measure the heater voltages and if they are reasonable I'll just 
take a pass on the bucking transformer.

73,

Bill  KU8H


On 01/06/2016 08:47 PM, Glen Zook via Boatanchors wrote:
> Starting just after World War II, the 1625 was definitely run at higher plate voltages than the ratings.  Like the 6146, the 1625 can handle considerably more plate voltage than the 750-volt specifications.
>
> It has been my experience that the DX-100 is not a "weak sister" and that it can take a lot of abuse.
>
> The Hallicrafters HT-32- series, the HT-37, and the Collins 32V- series all have a serious power transformer problem with the rectifier filament windings tend to short out within the transformer.  Those transmitters really need the high voltage rectifiers changed to solid-state and the rectifier filament windings completely disconnected or used as "bucking" windings to reduce the primary voltage on the transformer.  But, such is not the case with the DX-100 or with the TX-1 Apache which uses the same power transformers.
>   Glen, K9STH
>
> Website: http://k9sth.net
>