[Drake] Opinion on Drake recievers

[fkamp at comcast.net]

Garey Barrell wrote:
> 

> The C Line is not necessarily "better". The 4 Series through the R-4B
> used L-C filters in the IF. This type of filter has gentler slopes,
> which means that nearby signals are still heard, just at reduced levels.
> The crystal filters are steep sided, more like the crystal filters in
> today's receivers.   Personally, I prefer the L-C filters for all except
> heavy duty contest use. I like to hear what is going on around my
> frequency, instead of "listening with blinders on"...  Up through the
> R-4B, all filter B/W (400, 1200, 2400 and 4800 @ -6 dB) are standard.
> 

I think Garey has it pretty much correct.

My only experience is with T4X, T4XC, R4A, R4B, and R4C.

I feel the 13 tube R4A is the better of the group as a do-all receiver. 
It does have a crystal roofing filter at the first IF, but it is only a
two pole.  I am not sure if the R4B has the crystal filter or not. I
suspect it does. 

Both of those radios derive most of their selectivity at the 50kc IF and
do as good a job at seperating signals as any but the narrowest crystal
filters.

A stock R4C is probably the worst performing radio Drake ever built, but
that is because Drake began marketing the R4C a-la-carte.  Once you get
the filter goodies and add-ons installed, the R4C is better on
performance than nearly any old or new receiver in its price range.  It
is especially renowned for its CW performance.

I don't much care for the later model R4Bs.  Seems that Drake used them
to 'learn' about solid state design and all but the FET PTO design
performed poorer than the all tube R4A.  At least in my oppinion.  The
stock solid state audio amp in the R4C is also a good example of poor
solid state design.

I currently run an R4A, T4X, R4C, and T4XC.  Both transmitters have been
modified to use 6146s in the finals.  The R4A is pretty much stock
except for the built-in digital readout.  The R4C has upgraded filters,
new 4 watt solid state audio amp, and a Ten-Tec noise limiter.

Regards,
Frank Kamp
K5DKZ