[Elecraft] Shack Cleaning

[George, W5YR]

I have four QRO transceivers in the shack now and that is at least one too
many. I need to sell or preferably trade either or both of the following so
that I can get into the Elecraft world:

1. Kachina 505 DSP computer-controlled transceiver purchased in December,
1999. *Transmits* and receives on 1.6 through 30.0 MHz with CW, USB, LSB or
AM. Ready for the 60-meter band! Output controlled to within 0.2 dB from 1
watt to 100 watts. Architecture is IF-DSP using an IF of 40 KHz. Control is
via Windows computer control program with such features as Smith Chart
display, band scan, multiple receiver and transmitter meter presentations,
CW memory keyer and/or keyboard keyer. Has built-in automatic antenna
tuner, additional receiver pre-selector filters and temperature-controlled
master oscillator. Every option offered by the factory . . .

I have used this radio mainly for PSK31 and QRP CW. It is an outstanding
Fox Hunting radio because of the degree of control you have and the
visibility the displays afford. CW note is excellent and there is NO
frequency drift. Radio is usually within 5 Hz of WWV on a cold start. Has
automatic calibration to WWV with Built-In-Test-Equipment feature. Tunable
in one-Hz steps if desired. IF filters range from 3500 Hz to 100 Hz. Shape
factors are what you would expect for DSP filters. Transmit audio bandwidth
is selectable up to 3.1 KHz or 4.0 KHz. High-quality SSB transmit audio
monitor. Both RIT and XIT are provided.

This radio comes with a separate control head originally designed to be
mounted in the disk drive space of a computer. I have the separate control
head cover which allows it to be mounted on the desk. The actual radio is
in what appears to be a small desk-top computer case which can be located a
considerable distance from the computer/operating desk. All control
functions are either from the computer or from the remote control head.

The designer of this radio was Doug Smith, KF6DX, who is the current
designer of the new ORION transceiver that Ten Tec is bringing out. The 505
originally sold for about $2500 as equipped.

2. Icom IC-730 100-watt transceiver; power readily dialed back to 5 watts.
This radio was purchased in 1982 and has been in a couple of mobile
installations as well as being my motorhome radio for about 12 years. While
the case - not the panel - bears a few marks, I recently refurbished the
radio and brought it to factory alignment standards. I have installed the
additional crystal filter to convert IF SHIFT to PASSBAND TUNING as well as
the optional 500 Hz CW filter. I made the CW keying mods described in QST
in 1983 and it has beautiful keying. Noise blanker is excellent for mobile
use and speech processor adds significant punch without distortion.
Tolerates relatively high SWR without reducing power. Covers 80 - 10
including all WARC bands, transmit and receive. Mic has UP and DOWN buttons
for frequency control plus automatic scan and search modes. This little
radio has worked the world with Hustler whips on the car bumper or the
motorhome luggage rail. The 730 originally sold for $899 without the added
filters.

While I will be pleased to receive any offers for these rigs, I really am
most interested in finding someone with a well-built, well-optioned K2 who
would be interested in a straight swap for the 505 to explore the world of
IF DSP radios. And 100 watts when it is needed or wanted . . .

For the IC-730 I would be interested in trading for a fully optioned 4-band
K1. 

Both rigs are in excellent electrical condition and the Kachina looks like
new. The IC-730 has acquired a few case scratches but the panel is very
good. Mobile mounting bracket provided.

If there is any interest in either or both of these radios, please contact
me privately. I will be pleased to provide further technical information -
such as the full parameter final-test checkout sheet for the Kachina - and
photos of both rigs. I have the complete service manual for the 730 and all
the documentation that Kachina released on the 505.

Thanks for the bandwidth!

73/72, George    
Fairview, TX 30 mi NE of Dallas in Collin county EM13qe   
Amateur Radio W5YR -  the Yellow Rose of Texas
In the 57th year and it just keeps getting better!