[Hallicrafters] SX-117 or Not!

[kiyoinc at attglobal.net]

W7JPG wrote:

>  If you could only
>have one Hallicrafters receiver ( again, not including the SX-88 or 115),
>which would it be for pure listening pleasure and some semi-serious ham use?
>
>Chris
>
>W7JPG
>
>  
>
Well, for Ham Radio use, I have both an SX-101A and an SX-100.   The  
101A was my original Novice receiver from 1963. 

The  100 was a  "will someone come by and pick this up before I send it 
to the landfill" freebie.  You heard sounds of  burning rubber and the 
engine roaring as I went to pick it up.  The guy carried it to my car.  
I could not believe it.  Then as he said goodbye to it, he said, 
"Please, if you decide to throw it away, don't tell me." 

I assured him that I would prize it and would not throw it away.   
Later, when I mentioned that the trim disk was missing from one knob, he 
asked for both knobs back and made a replica out of aluminum bar stock.

The 100 "sounds" like the 101A.   Both radios have a broad IF skirt and 
are quite pleasant.  The 100 came with an outboard digital readout.  
Only 1 kHz resolution but plenty good enough.

I like the big glass dials that Hallicrafters used.   National did that 
on their lower end radios but not the HRO's.   Same with early Collins 
but for the most part, the big dial was a Hallicrafters exclusive.

I have mixed feelings about the "Hallicrafters" sound.  Good for casual 
listening but not so great for crowded bands or contests. 

I've never used an SX-117 but I've read the same "poor man's SX-115" 
comments.

I'd expect the 117 to be more like Collins than the old Hallicrafters.

de ah6gi/4