[Drake] L-75 thread

[wa7uhr at comcast.net]

Drake and Collins Lovers, 

I bought an L-75 at a yard sale many moons ago for $25.  The owner said it had electrical problems and didn't want to spend any money or time to fix it.  Getting it home, it was in perfect cosmetic condition.  Opening it up and checking a few thing out, I remember I had the resistor burned out and the amp required some new HV filter caps.  

 My initial opinoin was that the amplifier didn't hold a candle in quality to the older L4-B.  I know it's kinda' rare and all that, but after fixed, I couldn't wait to dump it at the next Puyallup, WA hamfest.  IMHOP it was a POS.  I actually had two Drake affectionatos nearly come to blows over buying it.  LMAO.  funny to say the least.  Now in retrospect, the L4-b is by far the better buy.  If you can get one!!! HI!!  with the price of 3-500z tubes being what they are, settle for the next best  bang for the buck .  

  Oh yeah, a well taken care of Collins 30L -1 is by far the best bang for the buck.  Even if you have to restore it (pray tell some hams wouldn't know where the tubes are even are located, what are those glowing things inside??)  it's a great amp and even if you make a mistake loading it up, it won't cost you an arm and a leg and your new TS-9000 or whatever to get if fixed.  

  Oh yeah, if you need more than a KW PEP to work some fancy DX, try a new antenna or try again when the propagation is better. 

VA & 73 de Fred wa7uhr