[Collins] Thoughts on KWS-1 options

[Corey Sukalich]

Hi everyone,

It has been a while since I have last posted (under a previous name but the same callsign) - I’m presently planning to purchase a KWS-1 and would like some advice from those on-list regarding my options.  The funds are in-place and I am interested in proceeding before the end of the year.

My first option is a recently discovered unit (S/N 700) in town - no moving costs but selling around $1500 AS-IS without being powered on (price may be further negotiable - not sure yet - should it be?).  The T/R relay and blower hose are missing.  Unit is overall a B/B- condition otherwise - some little nicks/dents and the power supply door won’t fully close completely but there may just be an issue with the latch or hinges.  Since the unit hasn’t been powered up there is some risk of bad transformers - but I don’t know how significant that risk might be.  The exciter has had all tubes checked and any low/bad ones replaced.  The PA loading and tuning knobs have a bit of drag and one looks slightly wobbly - but it could be due to the unit being in a garage in 20 degree weather.  No restoration has been performed as far as I am aware - there are service bulletins along with the manual that comes with the unit so it may have been modified from stock to keep up to date - the original (non- 4:1 tuning knob) is installed on the exciter.

My second option is a Howard Mills restoration at considerable expense ($4200 + shipping).

My third option is to explore other units out there that are currently or might be for sale.  I presume the price will be somewhat in between the first two options.

I would appreciate any opinions (including on the pricing of the various units as well as the work required for restoring a unit that is still factory original or mostly so) or offers from KWS-1 owners that may be looking to sell.  My 75A-4 receiver was a Howard Mills restoration which was not repainted and in what I would approximate as “A to A-” condition.  Ideally I would like to have a station where all pieces are approximately in the same condition.

I look forward to any comments from those on-list - for what it is worth - I’ve done recapping jobs on older Hi-Fi amplifiers and the like.  If a KWS-1 restoration job isn’t much more advanced than that I could probably take on such a project with ease.  I’d also be curious to know if a few scuffs on the cabinet could be touched up or if a repaint would be in order.  Also I’m wondering how hard it is to find parts if they are needed.  Thanks for any sage advice that is offered - and with any luck I’ll be on the air with the Gold Dust Twins before too long!  (As a side-note I’d be appreciative of any commentary regarding attic antennas for those in covenant restricted locations - I know it should be possible to be on the air without making trouble by having outdoor antennas).

Regards & 73,
Corey N9WIV