[Hallicrafters] SX-42 restoration update

[K6JEK]

I'm dying to learn the secret bandswitch cap maneuver.  If it's good 
enough maybe you can get it named after you, kind of like Heimlich.

When I restored an SX-62, the 42's cousin, I discovered the mystery of 
its name.  The alignment procedure has 62 steps.

Jon, K6JEK

On Feb 20, 2005, at 12:00 AM, Craig Roberts wrote:

> Not bad. Not bad at all!
>
> My SX-42 is humming along....  well, actually, it's NOT humming along, 
> which is a good thing.  It HAD been humming along at one point, but 
> now produces lovely sound with hardly a trace of currents alternating.
>
> The final parts-replaced count is: 42 capacitors, 43 resistors, 1 dial 
> lamp. Feeling a bit of restoration reverie, though, I cavalierly 
> tossed in three other new dial lamps, just to equalize lumens and 
> avoid a staggered replacement sequence later.
>
> The electronic work was completed yesterday evening with no undue 
> complications or great difficulties. Component replacement is a bit 
> awkward in a few places, but the SX-42 is easier to work on by far 
> than an SP-600 or R-390.  I was initially concerned about reaching a 
> couple of the caps on the back wafers of the bandswitch, but they 
> turned out to be very easy. I'll reveal the secret -- which involves 
> no removal or unsoldering of other components -- to anyone who would 
> like the information.
>
> I spent the day today removing, washing, polishing and replacing bits 
> with special attention to the front panel and its attachments. 
> Fortunately, the panel was corrosion free, so all it took was a warm 
> bath and gentle buffing with my very favorite front panel 
> cleaner/polish -- Novus #2 plastic polish.
> (advertisement) Novus #2 plastic polish is a fantastic product for 
> many of your radio restoration needs. It cleans away years of oil, 
> grease, grime and nicotine in minutes while safely and gently 
> polishing the surface. It'll make your metal front panel look like 
> new.  When used on plastic dial covers and lenses, Novus #2 plastic 
> polish leaves them scratch free, odor free and mmm-mmm- deee-licious! 
> AND, when used with a light touch, Novus #2 plastic polish will not 
> harm panel lettering. Novus #2 plastic polish -- pick up a bottle 
> today. Just look for the distinctive red label.
>
> Anyway, the radio looks very pretty and is playing very nicely on all 
> bands. It's a better sideband and CW receiver than my SP-600 and its 
> audio is just -- well -- lovely.
>
> The job's not quite complete. The flu  grounded me  for a few days, so 
> I never did get the cabinet over to the powder coating guy. I've been 
> advised by a couple of fellas to paint it rather than powder coat it, 
> anyway. One way or the other, I'll finish the cabinet this week.
> The front panel has one flaw. For reasons known only to himself and 
> his god, a previous proprietor has removed the "MODEL SX-42" lettering 
> from the top left hand corner, leaving behind some small but 
> noticeable scarring.  I could replace the pale green lettering with 
> custom, Pantone color matched dry transfer lettering from Letraset. 
> However, their custom sheets cost $70.00 -- kinda rich for two words. 
> I'll puzzle over that for awhile.
> Of course, the receiver needs to be aligned, too. It'll be interesting 
> to see what improvements will be made in that process, considering the 
> fine reception I'm getting now, as is.
>
> Once the project is completed -- cabinet and all -- I'll prepare a 
> detailed article with photos and post it on my website.
>
> To those who've helped with documents and pictures and encouragement, 
> thanks again!
>
> 73,
>
> Craig
> W3CRR
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Hallicrafters mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hallicrafters
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html
> Post: mailto:Hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net
> ----
> List Administrator: Duane Fischer, W8DBF **for assistance**
> dfischer at usol.com
> ----
> Hallicrafters Collectors International: http://www.w9wze.org
>