[Hallicrafters] On the question of Solid State vs Tubes

[rbethman]

I agree - for the "most" part.

There are "some" original boatanchors that CAN be "safely" operated.

I've got an all original HQ-170AC, (Yep - even the original clock!), 
that runs very well and very safely.  It has been watched and mothered 
over with TLC.  I only "wish" I had the original matching speaker, 
although it sounds wonderful through an R-42.

Bob - N0DGN
> You should differentiate between ORIGINAL, RESTORED,  REFURBISHED and 
> MODIFIED.
>
> Using the AACA (Antique Automoible Club of America) as a guideline as 
> they have been around way longer than boatanchors:
>
> ORIGINAL:  Means just that. As it left the factory. Often these are 
> strictly museum pieces as they are no longer safe to drive (or use in 
> the case of radios)
>
> RESTORED: Brought back to original condition by using NOS parts or 
> marquee club accepted replacement parts.
> A Cadillac has stricter rules than a Nash for example and pre WW2 
> Fords are among the strictest.  Safety changes are often acceptable 
> such as hydraulic brakes which could equate to new power cords and 
> wiring changes to AC/DC sets. With BA's just look at the Collins 
> fanatics.
>
> REFURBISHED: Loose as a goose interpetation. For BA's it could mean 
> rattle can spray over chipped paint; anything goes under the chassis 
> for style of replacement components; different appearing IF cans, 
> xfmr, etc. Similar to what you might find on a low end used car lot.
>
> MODIFIED:  Different engine, 12V electrical system with alternator, 
> souped up flathead, etc. For BA's this could mean redesigned front 
> ends, product detectors, AVC, xtal/mechanical filters, or anything 
> else to "improve" performance.
>
> I grew up watching my rich aunts 7" Emerson TV with a magnifier screen 
> in front of it. My parents first TV was a Hallicrafters, what a piece 
> of garbage. They returned it after 6 months of constant service calls 
> and bought a DuMont.
> My first radio was a 4 tube AC regeerative built from a 1954 Popular 
> Mechanics article with parts scrounged at the local dump.
>
> Carl
> KM1H