[Boatanchors] My Heath VF-1

[Dave Sublette]

Encouraged by your unanimous advice to leave the VF-1 in original form, I
decided to open it and see what condition it is in.  I am very pleased with
what I have found.  The unit is dirty, dusty, but the copper chassis parts
are almost pristine.  There are a couple of dozen very small
black dots indicating some corrosion, but all areas where parts are bolted
together are absolutely clean, no corrosion.

I measured the resistance of all four resistors and they were well within
tolerance.

Bsed of what I have read about old parts, I expect to replace the small,
square silver mica capacitors and the 4.5-25 pfd npo trimmers.  The
trimmers will probably be replaced with air variables.
The tubes are both there. All connecting cables and the connectors are
there and are in excellent condition.  The 4 .005 disc ceramic capacitors
look clean and unstressed. The wiring is neat.

I haven't plugged it in yet, but the dial appears to be undamaged.

The unit is just in great condition.  A little washing with mild soap and
water and it should look almost new.

The box is perfect.  There are no dents or scratches.  The fine lines are
all there on the front.  The unit is marked Heath by Daystrom.  that would
probably help to determine the age of it.

I am not going to convert this to solid state.  I am looking forward to
having a working unit with a minimal amount of restoration. It is a real
gem.

Thanks for your advice.  I'll let you know when I get it on the airf.

73,

Dave, K4TO