[Hallicrafters] 'these uncertain economic times"

[Roger (K8RI)]

Bob Macklin wrote:

I take pride in my SX-101-HT-32, and HT-33B even though I do have some 
more work to do on the 32. However when I normally get on the air I use 
an Icom 756 Pro with a Tokyo Hy-Power HL-1.5Kfx amp.  The tube 
compliment  in the old Hallicrafters is getting expensive and sometimes 
difficult to find.
> With the modern RICEBOXES you are paying for all the computer features.
>
> Do you need them? Do you know how to use them?
>   
It depends on the operators type of use.  Many of the features such as 
split operation, and dual receive at the push of a button are very handy 
when chasing DX. The IF shift, Noise blanker (noise suppression 
features) are top notch and it uses far less power when left on while 
I'm working in the shop. Actually I was feeding the output into the 
stereo, or using a wireless headset. Of course I could "wire" the 
wireless headset transmitter into the output of the SX-101 which is 
really handy when running power equipment and particularly that big shop 
vac which is almost deafening. I do miss the simplicity of operating the 
Hallicrafters (one knob, one function), but the "pro" isn't all that 
bad. Switching bands and having it return to the frequency I normally 
use can be very handy. 

Do I know how to use all of the available features? Certainly...not. 
<:-))  I do use and take advantage of most features though.

NOW when you get to the little mobile rigs that try to fit most every 
capability into a box the size of a 2-meter mobile while covering 
everything from 1.8 through the 440 band, that's where I draw the line.  
They would work great for their intended purpose which is mobile, but 
when operating from the house or shop, I find I do a lot of band and 
mode changing.  To do that is like Learning LINUX.  They have menus 
within menus and you may have to use a number of controls to make the 
change.  Change power?  Again, you have to go through menus. You can't 
just reach down and change the gain.  I've used both the Icom 7000 and 
the Yaesu FT-897D for quite some time and don't care for either one.  
That much stuff with those few buttons makes for clumsy operation.
> My Benton Harbor S-Line works just fine. There are far fewer controls on the
> front panel. I don't need a computer to keep the frequencies in memory.
>
> But today's hams don't know how to tune a tube type Tx. They just turn on
> their RICEBOX and YAP!
>   
Which is really nice when it comes to contests, field day, or emergency 
operations. I'd hate to have to load the whole Hallicrafters station 
into the county's mobile EOC not just from a weight and size 
perspective, but power and heat as well.  When running the whole 
Hallicrafters station in my well insulated shop I don't have to run the 
heat near as often in the winter, but it gives the air conditioner a 
real work out in the summer<:-))
> Bob Macklin
> K5MYJ
> Kent (Seattle), Wa,
> "Real Radios Glow in the Dark"
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: <kiyoinc at attglobal.net>
> To: <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 2:25 AM
> Subject: [Hallicrafters] 'these uncertain economic times"
>
>
>   
>> "Weiss" <telegrapher at hotmail.com>  wrote:
>>
>>     
>>>  I even detect a certain amount of snobbish superciliousness when I tell
>>>       
> guys using their $ KILOBUCK rigs that I am running a humble little novice
>   
Now days the price of a Hallicrafters station can easily get you up 
there as well. Collins may run you more.
Of course if you already have it that's a different story. 
> rig from the 60s. Beyond the fact that we've just exchanged IDENTICAL signal
>   
I still have the Globe Chief Deluxe and S-40B, but the S-40B needs to be 
recapped.
> reports, I wonder if there is something I am missing ? And Murphy prevails,
> you KNOW the high spectrum display will go black the day after he gets layed
> off.
>   
>> We've been talking about rigs at my jobsite.    Basically, it's the QTH,
>> antenna, and operator that counts.
>>     
Those are the main points, but running 160, 75 and 40 during the sunspot 
cycle low sure makes me appreciate the ability of the 756Pro to get rid 
of noise over my SX-101.
>> The signal from an old HT-32 or Heathkit SB-100 sounds a lot like the
>> signal from a new $10K radio.    You might be able to measure a little
>> drift or a few spurs from across the country but probably not.
>>
>> What good is a 14.271.005 frequency read out when an SSB signal is a
>> couple kHz wide?   Why are we measuring a wad of Kleenix with a
>> micrometer?
>>     
That goes back to my carpenter days...Measure with a micrometer and cut 
with a chain saw. <:-))


73

Roger (K8RI)