[Boatanchors] National Cosmic Blue Receivers

[manualman at juno.com]

Back in the 90's, at different times, I acquired a NC-270 and a NC-190
both with the new National "Blue" color. The NC-270 was amateur bands
only and the NC-190 was general coverage. Both receivers showed a lack of
decent sensitivity on the higher frequencies. On the 270, the 6 meter
band was worthless and very drifty. The 190, besides a lack of good
sensitivity on the higher bands also drifted a lot even after a good warm
up.
I never cared for the pungent bright glossy blue color of the receivers. 
Color wise, in the operating position area, they seem to stand out like a
sore thumb adjacent to other equipment.
Now, my HRO-500 had a blue cabinet (same general era of introduction as
the 190 and 270) but the front panel was white with black printing and
just looked better and had great contrast of color.

After roughly a year at my location, the NC-190 and 270 made a trip to
Dayton Hamvention and I never saw them again. Don't missed them but I
still have the HRO-500.

Pete, wa2cwa

On Tue, 2 May 2023 22:43:32 -0500 wa9wfa <whitebear1122 at comcast.net>
writes:
> Today I was researching for an article, and came across a photo of a 
> National NC-270 “Cosmic Blue” receiver.  The receiver was 
> absolutely gorgeous!  I was vaguely aware of them, but this color 
> photo was stunning.
> 
> I’m curious now.  How well did the NC-270 or NC-155 Cosmic Blue 
> receiver work?  Gads, if they work as good as they look, they must 
> be the best radio in the world… hi hi. The styling is superb! 
> 
> Does anyone here own one and can comment on it?  
> 
> I believe the receiver has a matching Cosmic Blue speaker that also 
> has the bail that flip down and tilts the radio up.  That  set up is 
> so cool.  
> 
> Thanks.  73 Scott WA9WFA