[Collins] 30L1 Info
Garey Barrell
[email protected]
Tue, 11 Jun 2002 15:39:43 -0400
Tim -
Here is a message from 1998 re this situation from someone who is in a
better position than most to have the "right answer"!
73, Garey - K4OAH
Atlanta
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OK ... Here it is after an unbelievable torrent of email ... a summary
of
what I learned about the S/Line "Transition units"
1. There were Collins factory produced equipment that had the round
emblem
on panels drilled for the winged emblem.
2. It appears to have taken place relatively late - 1969. Recall
that the
instruction books, service bulletins, dealer correspondence started
using
the round emblem in 1962.
3. There are "transition units" for all of the S/Line units that were
offered in 1969 including the accessories. Estimates obtained are:
175
KWM-2's; from 100 to 300 of each of the main S/Line equipments and
lesser
quantities of the accessories; and one month's production to three
month's
production.
4. It also appears likely that there are at least two variations in
the
implementation: 1) the overlay and panel are both drilled for the WE
and
have grey painted screws plugging the two extra holes; 2) the overlay
does
not have the extra holes but the panel behind does.
5. Here are some equipments and serial numbers given to me as factory
transition units. You may find them useful in future collecting:
75S-3B, sn 17855
KWM-2A, sn 15498, MCN 1893
KWM-2A, sn 18676, MCN 1403
KWM-2A, sn 16102
51S-1, sn 1809
30S-1, sn in the 500's
6. As far as color of the screws - all but one said they were painted
grey
to match the panel and this is how the folks remembered it here.
However,
one individual described black screws on his unit and the holes look
factory cut. So who knows, perhaps in the hast of the first day of
modifications, some black screws were used.
Briefly the story that is behind the transition for the ham gear is a
composit of what several people remember of the event and who were
directly
involved with the ham gear. Please note an important fact; at the
time,
this was not a big deal to most of the people involved so please
understand
that their memory of this obscure event is a little hazy or even
non-existent after 30 years. Also any changes that take place during
a
production run are very costly - beyond the simple cost of new
overlays.
Sometimes cosmetics don't weigh very heavy compared to functionality
in
these decisions. Here is what appears to have happened based on
several
inputs which don't agree on every detail:
The production folks had been building WE ham gear for some time
(perhaps
several years beyond the change to RE on other product lines) and
resisted
the change based on the argument that the WE was a recognized symbol
of
Collins quality ham gear and the disruption that changing to the RE
would
involve. One day someone (perhaps Art's son Michael) reported to Art
that
the ham gear was observed in production still getting the WE. The
next day
word came down that the ham gear was to get the RE immediately and no
units
were to ship with the WE.
A solution was quickly put together and a modification operation was
set up
in office of the Production IE. He also recalled that RE overlays
were
received and glued on panels drilled for the WE later on as materials
in
the "pipeline" were used up.
This went on for one to three months depending upon whose memory you
deal
with.
It also appears that the modified units were quickly pulled into the
Photo
lab and new photos taken for a revised catalog and other brochures.
These
photos would have been used repeatedly until someone took new ones.
So another interesting bit of Collins lore to enjoy.
Best 73's
Rod, K0DAS
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim Nichols" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2002 2:58 PM
Subject: [Collins] 30L1 Info
> Hi all:
>
> There is a "Round" emblem 30L1 up on E-Bay right now and a close
look at the
> photo shows what look to be filled holes on either side of the round
emblem
> where winged emblem mounting holes would be. I queried the seller
about
> these and was told they were "untampered with" phillips screw heads.
>
> Is this a scam (not necessarily by the seller -- perhaps a previous
owner)
> or did Collins issue round emblem 30L-1's using faceplates that had
already
> been punched for the old emblems and use screws to fill them? I have
an
> opinion but it is not well informed and born of a skeptical nature.
>
> A little help? Thanks.
>
> Tim N2TC
>
> Sponsored by the Collins Radio Association
> http://www.collinsra.com