[Drake] Going price of R4-C

Fri, 19 Mar 2004 22:50:45 -0500

Hi Lee and others.  As re the mods to the R4C, I've seen more R4Cs than 
many, some with and some without the updates.  As mods go, the Sherwood 
ones work well if installed well (a VERY big "if").  But if some ham-fisted 
solderer gets in there, melting insulation and ripping out detector diodes 
carelessly, a real mess is the certain outcome.  I've fixed several such 
rigs, and felt lucky to get them back looking reasonably close to original.

That being said, the R4C that I choose and use (when I do use old hollow 
state Drakes, that is) is a modified unit, and it runs rings around the 
stock R4C that sits next to it in SOME areas.  Yes, gasp, I use the rig for 
SSB as well as CW, and the clarity, lack of distortion and popping, and 
freedom from overload is way worth losing the museum-quality pristine 
nature of the rig.  But I probably wouldn't opt for ALL of the Sherwood 
mods, just to say I had them.  The Sherwood audio amp is a gem, the product 
detector is way better than the stock one, and if SSB was my main goal, I'd 
probably stop there.  Add CW to the mix, and you've got a variety of 
filters to pop-in, with relays and front-panel switches to boot.

For those who are devoted to "original or bust", have a look at the really 
nice concentric RF gain knob that Sherwood provides.  Beats the heck out of 
that stamped sheet metal "knob" that's on the factory unit.  A minor point, 
sure, but speaks of quality and is a bit easier to use.  Drake never was 
one for creature comforts, to be sure.

CUL
Neil, K1VY

At 10:25 PM 3/19/2004, you wrote:
>Dave:
>I agree 100%.  I would buy a rig with the mods, MAYBE, but the first thing I
>would do is rip them out.  I have seen more screwed up radios with this crap
>in it.  I even talked to Drake about them years ago and they just shook
>their heads over those mods.   I've heard all the bull about what they can
>do for you and why Drake original is no good, but I love my Drakes just the
>way they came from the factory, they are not butchered, they are original
>and to me sound great. Besides, today these rigs are collectables.  I don't
>want some kind of space circuit added to my radio.  I want to experience a
>Drake rig as it performed when new back 40 or 50 years ago.  If a guy wants
>video ranger stuff, he should buy a rice box.  I have no problem with
>someone adding S mods to his Drake equipment.  That's his business. But for
>me,  I don't want any part of it.  I want my Drake equipment to performe as
>Drake intended it to work.  No better, no worse.  For me, any rig that has
>been modified is worth less.  If interested in purchasing it, I would look
>to see if it could be put back to original or not and how much investment it
>would take to do so.  I would then reduce my offer accordingly.  A mod to me
>is a negative and raises a BIG RED FLAG.  Even if the mod worked, you don't
>know what you are getting.  Are the boards been burned, fried, cobbled?
>Maybe the guy who did the mod used acid core solder!  Who knows.   As I said
>earlier, others can do as they choose, but my Drakes will stay original as
>much as possible and not be modified. If I buy an unmodified rig, it is not
>as big a purchasing gamble.  I prefer to be interested in this type of
>equipment when put up for sale.
>
>Lee, w0vt
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Dave Edwards" <[email protected]>
>To: "Lee Bahr" <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
>Sent: Friday, March 19, 2004 1:59 PM
>Subject: Re: [Drake] Going price of R4-C
>
>
> > In fact, I would not buy one if it had Sherwood mods!!
> > ...Dave
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Lee Bahr" <[email protected]>
> > To: <[email protected]>
> > Sent: Friday, March 19, 2004 12:24 PM
> > Subject: Re: [Drake] Going price of R4-C
> >
> >
> > > I would pay less with Sherwood mods.
> > > Lee, w0vt
> > >
> > > > Hi Steve,
> > > > $300.00 would be the starting point, more with filters, noise blanker,
> > > > Sherwood mods; less for damaged chassis, face plate, cabinet.
> > > > 73
> > > > Dave
> > > > WA1CVN
> > > >
> > > >
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