[Boatanchors] Always wanted a S-42 so it was time

[K5MYJ]

About bandswitch problems:

I have a pretty good SX-111 that also has a bandswitch problem. I have gone 
in and cleaned it many times. Some kind of crud seems to build up on the 
contacts. I clean them and it works for a while. But since I don't use it 
frequently the problem seems to come back.

And it's getting too heavy to move from it's operating station to the 
workbench.

But I really do like it when it is working!

Bob Macklin
K5MYJ
Seattle, Wa.
"Real Radios Glow In The Dark"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <w5jo at brightok.net>
Cc: "Boat Anchors List" <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 7:21 AM
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Always wanted a S-42 so it was time


> From what I can glean from the internet and talking to people, it is not 
> the most  common problem to have band switch trouble, but when you do, you 
> are faced with an almost insurmountable problem.  In talking to people who 
> have seen  several sets, they have found them without that side panel 
> indicating they have a problem in the front end, gave up and did not 
> reassemble it.
>
> There are two different versions of the band switch.  In the early 
> production versions Hallicrafter’s used wafers that were riveted and 
> porous.   People would use liberal amounts of cleaner, the wafer would 
> absorb the stuff then short between rivets on the wafers.  Some of those 
> wafers switch HV so you develop a carbon track .  I spend hours trying to 
> decipher how that switch was installed and the connections were made but 
> finally gave up, I began to worry that I might die first with other things 
> unaccomplished.
>
> They have, most likely, the best sound of any set I have ever used, 
> especially with the “Reproducer” speaker.  I sure wish I could get this 
> one going again, but my hands and arms has developed such bad shakes it 
> will be next to impossible..
>
> Jim
> W5JO
>
> From: Joe Connor
>
> What's cool about the SX-42 is the coverage. As far as I know, the only 
> two boatanchors that cover the AM BCB, the SW bands and the FM BCB are the 
> SX-42 and the SX-62. Of the two, the SX-42 is far superior for SWLing or 
> ham use. Because of the wide coverage, the SX-42 makes a nice receiver for 
> your study or office.
>
> How common is the bandswitch issue? I've worked on two of them and didn't 
> encounter that problem on either one. If I remember correctly, the key to 
> restoration is removing the side panel to gain access to some of the caps 
> in the RF section. I also remember a lot of our-of-spec resistors.
>
>                        Joe Connor
>
>
>
> On Saturday, July 21, 2018, 1:28:02 AM EDT, Bob Groh <bob.groh at gmail.com> 
> wrote:
>
>
> There are quite a few web links that pop up when you do a search for 
> "hallicrafters SX-42 restoration" and coping with a bad bandswitch is 
> apparently a real struggle.  But it certainly seems that this is one fine 
> radio and if we don't dig in and restore them then who will?  This from a 
> guy who hasn't even looked at his for 20 years!
>
> Bob Groh, WA2CKY
>
>
> On Fri, Jul 20, 2018 at 8:56 PM, <w5jo at brightok.net> wrote:
>
>  I don't know Joe, having been there with both the SX-42 band switch 
> whipped me.  With the SX 28 I could remove the side panel of the box 
> shielding the band switch, remove the shaft and move the wafers a bit to 
> replace caps and resistors.
>
>  I have a very nice SX 42 that must have a band switch problem and I won't 
> tackle it because of the location.    The story is, be very careful with 
> your rebuild of the RF and mixer stage Bob.  If that switch is good, then 
> you will be ok, if there is a problem somewhere then good luck.
>
>  Jim
>  W5JO
>
>  -----Original Message----- they're much easier to rebuild than an SX-28. 
> Watch the audio transformer.
>
>                               Joe Connor    On Friday, July 20, 2018, 
> 6:47:22 PM EDT, Bob Groh <bob.groh at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
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