[Hallicrafters] SX-42 S-meter blues

Wed Aug 31 23:29:04 EDT 2005

Hi Chuck!

Agreed, the SX-42 was my most difficult Hallicrafters restoration, especially with my weakness with reading schematics.  I was fortunate with a relatively sound radio- electrically speaking.  However, cosmetically, the radio needed much work.  Fortunately, the face plate was mint, but chassis and cabinet needed much work.  Along with the cosmetic improvements, I replace the front tuning shaft bushing- greatly improving the tuning sleekness it once had.  It was very tedious, but well worth the effort.  The SX-42 looks as if it came right out of the box.  I did try several 7A4 tubes- all with the same results.   

You are so right!  The SX-42 is a great playing radio!  I can't imagine how it could sound using the R-42 speaker.  Hopefully some day I will find a R-42.  Is it 500 or 5000 ohms?  

Thanks for your insight!

73,
Steve
KA0BMQ

----- Original Message -----
From: Chuck Kembring
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 5:07 AM
To: Steve & Sharon Nordentoft
Subject: RE: [Hallicrafters] SX-42 S-meter blues

Hi Steve....
I am very interested in what you find with your "S" meter circuit.  I had
my '42 on the bench for an incredibly long time with a difficult
restoration.
I was never very happy with the meter operation but after many component
changes including a new 7A4, I did work somewhat.  Not great....
I had another problem with the oscillator dropping out on the low end of
the 1.62 - 5 Mhz band I changed the 7F8 (which did test good) with a new
tube which cured the drop-out problem but I totally lost the "S" meter
function completely.  I'm passing this on to you since I did not figure out
the problem and put the receiver back on the shelf for a while until I got
the desire to dive back in.
My restoration did turn out well after a LOT of work.  The receiver is a
pleasure to listen to and not hard to look at.  I also got the R42
"Reproducer" with it and that sure sounds good with that receiver.
I hope this might give you something to think about. Please pass on
anything you come up with....
Thanks,
Good Luck....
73,
Chuck Kembring WB3LGG
Cochranville, Pa

-----Original Message-----
From: hallicrafters-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:hallicrafters-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Steve &
Sharon Nordentoft
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2005 11:38 PM
To: hallicrafters
Subject: [Hallicrafters] SX-42 S-meter blues

Hi All,

Sadly, after a full cosmetic and partial electrical restoration of my SX-42,
it's s-meter now reads erroneously.  I replaced the zero-set pot and doubled
checked the circuitry.  After proper calibration using the pot, the meter
will not zero down and only will fall to about 7 on it's scale.  One
stronger signals, the meter will only peg at just above 40 on it's scale and
the needle tends to be a bit bouncy.  I'm somewhat baffled since the meter
was operating properly even after my re-cap job.  The AVC operation does
appear to me to operate properly.  The meter seems to work properly when
using the FM function.  I replaced the zero-set pot with a new 500 ohm, 3
watt part.

Any suggestions from the group as to what to look for would be appreciated!
Thanks!

73
Steve
KA0BMQ
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