[Boatanchors] National SW=54 Question

[K2GKK D C_Mac_ Macdonald]

I "assume" that the SW-54 was meant as a replacement
for the old NC-33 basic receiver.  IMNHO, the NC-33 was a
much better receiver.  I borrowed an SW-54 for a very
short time and was deeply unimpressed.  I bought an
NC-33 from a QST ham ad and found it to also be far better
than an S-38 which I also borrowed for a short time when
the 6SN7GT of my one-tube Walter Asher rWAR-25 regen
receiver died.  I preferred the regen over the S-38!

73 - Mac, K2GKK/5
(Since 30 Nov 53)
Oklahoma City, OK
USAF, Ret'd 61-81
FAA, Ret'd 94-10

________________________________
From: boatanchors-bounces at mailman.qth.net <boatanchors-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com>
Sent: Monday, March 28, 2022 00:31
To: Boatanchors at mailman <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Boatanchors] National SW=54 Question

     I have never had a National SW-54 and am curious about the
tuning mechanism. Not made clear in the handbooks or descriptions
so I thought I would ask. According to what I read there is only
a large band spread dial connected to the main tuning shaft via a
friction coupling. No slow motion mechanism of any sort so
whatever fine tuning advantage there is comes from just having
effectively a large knob (the band spread disc itself).  Again,
if I read right, the band spread dial can be slipped on the main
shaft by holding the main tuning knob and turning it to wherever
one wants, then using it to tune the receiver. It appears that
the logging provided is only a one-turn marking on the large
disc. One sets the main tuning at some reference and then slips
the band spread until it reads 1 and then tunes. If it doesn't
slip during tuning it will give some sort of reference of its
position.
     Am I correct in my understanding of how this works?
     Secondly, the SW-54 and the Hallicrafters S-38 are obviously
aimed at the same market and the same price point. Both are
gussied up AA-5 circuits with the main difference being the use
of miniature tubes in the National set and a slightly different
regenerative IF to provide some additional selectivity and a BFO
signal. What I wonder is what the difference in performance, if
any, is. I grew up with an S-38B (still have most of it to
restore) and am quite familiar with it. It was a surprisingly
good receiver for what it was. If anyone on the list has
experience with both sets please give us a brief (or not so
brief) review.
--
Richard Knoppow
1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
WB6KBL