[Hallicrafters] Re: Hallicrafters digest, Vol 4 #38 - 5 msgs

[Wormchile at aol.com]

Hi Steve,

Speaking as an old S-38B user (I bought mine at the Ft. Benning PX in 1951), 
I can only say it has brought me many years of enjoyable SWLing. The unit is 
still in excellent condition and the tubes checked out as brand-new when last 
tested.

Regarding the removal of the BFO as used on earlier models, the S-38 was a 6 
tube unit, whereas succeeding models had 5 tubes. So it was obviously a cost 
reduction. In addition, removing 1 tube reduced the heat load inside the 
cabinet which could result in prolonged life for the remaining components. As 
an old mechanical engineer, I do not think these are not bad trade-offs, 
especially when the BFO function is taken over by the CW switch.

The dial faces up to, and including, the S-38B are a pale green with red dial 
pointers.

Various flavors of S-38's turn up quite often on eBay. Scan the "completed 
items" category for an idea of the price ranges.

Good luck on your hunt, welcome to the S-38 owners club and let me know what 
happens.

Jim Mandelik
Mentor, Ohio