[Boatanchors] 51J's to Orlando Hamfest

[John Poulton]

Heading down to Orlando for the Hamcation in a couple of weeks.  I'll be
taking a bunch of 51J- receivers of various kinds, including:

* 51J-1.  Collins made only "a few" (can't find production numbers) of
these early 51J's, but I've only ever seen 2-3 of them, including the 2
that I had in my collection.  This is the last one, but.. drum roll.. it's
S/N 4!  Probably the earliest 51J one would be likely to see.  It's in nice
shape, and it should be quite restorable.

* An R-645/GPQ-3 receiver.  This is more or less an R-388, but it has a
cosmic (or maybe "Duke") blue panel with white lettering.  It was evidently
built on a special contract by Raytheon for the Air Force to do backscatter
measurements.  Handsome and quite rare, with only 7 built!  Nick K4NYW did
a bit of research on these radios and came up with:  "Raytheon AF 30
(635)-778: 7 units? - USAF R-645/GPQ-3, part of ionospheric backscatter
measurement system (COZI)"

* A plain old R-388 from the PHILA-50 contract (about 1000 radios total).
This one is in nice shape, AND.. it's S/N 2, so likely the first one out
the door from this contract.

Thinking maybe $300-ish for these somewhat unusual radios, but quite happy
to dicker, particularly if a good story is forthcoming.  I'll also be
bringing some rather scruffier 51J's of various kinds, priced accordingly
(51J-2, R-388, 51J-4 w 3 filters).  Not to mention a complete TMC PAL-350
amp+ps+cable in "almost working" condition.. $400?  Get in touch if you're
interested in any of this stuff.. photos on demand.

73, John K4OZY