[Central-Electronics] Greetings!

[Jim Gardner]

Hello to all on the Central Electronics list! 
Having been permitted to join, it seems appropriate to say "howdy" and hopefully stir a little discussion. 
I'm fairly new to CE equipment, but it occupies center stage in ham interests at present. My current station includes a 20-A, MM-2 and the 458 VFO. My Collins 75A-4 (LOVE that radio!) pulls receive duty. Should you have any desire to see my station, please check my page on QRZ. 
The 20-A was a factory product, however both the 458 and the MM-2 were kit jobs. The workmanship on the latter two is "interesting" although perhaps I could have done no better. I rebuilt the MM-2 and as time permits, will try to cobble together a copy of the RM455 adaptor for it. Have also gone through the 458 VFO, but it didn't require a great deal. I was not happy with the 12 volt transformer being wired hot at all times, yet I didn't want to drill the cabinet for a toggle switch. Instead, I wired a SPST switch into the 110 VAC line, then bonded it to a stout rare earth magnet which I stick to the back of the cabinet with the toggle just protruding. 
The 20-A was a real battle to get working. The TR relay was open, and I reached out to Nick Tusa, K5EF to supply a replacement. Nick was also very kind in responding to questions via email. As often happens, I would solve one problem only to find the next, but after MUCH work, the old gal is humming along nicely, and I have been making the occasional contact. 
I have a Globe LA-1 amplifier on the way. I purchased it from a very nice OM who used it with his 10-A station, so I hope it will help me be heard a bit better. Speaking of being heard - I have tried some test transmissions with my 20-A and Astatic D-104, recording them from a web SDR site. What great audio! I made similar recordings with my modern radio (FT-991 at 95 watts) and while the signal is stronger, the audio doesn't hold a candle to the old gear. 
So, hoping to hear your stories and to learn from the collected wisdom here. Even better would be to someday meet another CE station on the air! Until then...   Jim   W6ELH