[Drake] R4C

[fkamp@comcast.net]

N4ue@aol.com wrote:

> I have 2 R4Bs and 1 R4C. I also like the stock B over the C. However, the C
> does have great potential. The C was a 'cost reduced' radio, where the B was
> built when performance was the main consideration.
> There is a ton of info out there on 'improving' the stock C. It just takes
> work and $........

Yup.  There is a ton of info.  The trick is seperating the wheat from the
chaff.  The most obvious 'wheat' is better crystal filters.  That is also the
most expensive upgrade.  You have to consider that the R4C came out nearly 40
years ago.  At that time, decent crystal filters were just being developed.
Today, excellent crystal filters are the norm.  Tommorrow they will probably be
supplanted by decent DSP filters.

The real problem here (if there is one) is to determine what you need for what
you want to do.  I personally believe that designs replicating the R4A or R4B
are the best reciever today for folks that do not demand super performance.
Yes, the R4C can be easily massaged to provide superior performance with
additional effort and cost, but if that degree of performance is not appreciated
then there are numberous alternatives.

Regards,
Frank Kamp
K5DKZ