[Hallicrafters] Comments on SR-400A

[Mike Chatfield]

Michael,

If you can get the SR400A and PS500A-AC for a reasonable price get it quick. Its possibly the best transceiver Hallicrafters ever made. I've have owned both the SR400A and KWM2 for some time and in my opinion the SR400A is a better all around rig opertaionally (although not built to mil-spec) especially the receiver which has a MUCH lower noise floor while being just as selective with better sensitivity, has built in RIT, 500kc band coverage vs. 200kc and twice the output power. 

If you have never owned a rig with 6KD6 SWEEP tubes just be careful tuning and you will love it. Mine with an OLD pair of 6KD6's will put out 180 to 200 watts with no problem. 

The big disadvantage is the current price of 6KD6 tubes and you need to use RCA built tubes for max power (slightly taller than say GE) and match them up properly. There is a circuit built into the 400A that allows you to do this. Some other downside is the 400a uses a 7558 driver which is relatively hard to get. Also the 400A is has very complex circuitry and is NOT easy to repair.

Is it collectable (there were not a lot of these made) YOU BET...... but its best quality is its just a pleasure to use the rig in everyday ham operations, don't put it on a shelf.....

73
Mike Chatfield
W0BBC
Operating on Vacuum Tubes ONLY.....


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