[Hallicrafters] SX-28 help please

[Robert Nickels]

On 5/5/2010 2:06 PM, Pagel, Mike wrote:
> Bob, I appreciate your comment about the internet creating a problem for beginners.  Your observation prompts me to ask, however, what resources would suggest for beginners?  I subscribe to multiple reflectors and have bookmarked many "how to" web sites, but volume of information does not equal quality information!
>
>    
A good question, Mike.  And let me start by saying that's how most of us 
learned, unless we've enjoyed the advantage of having worked in the 
field or had a good "Elmer" who helped us along the way.

Please don't take this as looking a gift-horse in the mouth, but prior 
to QTH.NET there was really only one "boatanchors reflector" for all 
makes and models, and it was a fantastic resource, strictly moderated as 
a "technical forum".   With the proliferation of lists and inevitable 
march of time we've lost some of those truly great mentors, and yet when 
some of us pipe up now, we are echoing their words.   One of the best 
examples was Dr. Barry Ornitz, who was the "resident chemist" and shared 
his special expertise freely.   One question that came up periodically 
was "how can I remove the corrosion, tarnish, discoloration, etc. from 
my old radio chassis"?   To which Barry would often reply that "there's 
just no substitute for patience and elbow grease".   The same goes for 
most aspects of electrical and mechanical restoration - it takes time 
and there are no quick fixes (hence my rant about the variac myth).

One suggestion I'd offer is to use the reflectors to seek out the best 
experts in a particular field, and then use the web to research their 
prior comments, postings, and websites.  Rather than try to make an 
all-encompassing list and offend someone by inadvertently leaving them 
out, let me respond to the initial question about the SX-28 by 
suggesting the following sites as a good starting point:

Al Parker:  http://www.boatanchors.org/sx28.htm
Phil Nelson:  http://antiqueradio.org/halli12.htm
Jim Hawkins (with a special section on re-capping the RF deck by A.B. 
Bonds):  http://www.qsl.net/wa2whv/hallicrafters.html
and my friend Doug Moore  "the SX-28 Gearbox Meister":  
http://www.antiqueradio.org/SX-28Gearbox.htm

Reading over these websites is not only essential preparation for an 
SX-28 restoration project, but it becomes clear that these gents have 
been at this for a while and have a lot of passion for helping others by 
taking the time to share their experience and photos.  I've always found 
them to be great "virtual Elmers"  who are willing to reply to follow-up 
questions.

While the internet can be a source of confusion, there are great 
resources available just a click away.   For example, retired college 
teacher Max Robinson has written a nice little online guide that 
explains how tube circuits work, how basic test equipment is used and 
compares various methods of electronic troubleshooting.  I'll bet even a 
seasoned technician would find something useful on his website 
(Troubleshooting Book link is at the lower right on the page)

http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/funwithtubes/

In sum, my suggestion is to do your homework, cross-check the quality 
and source of information, and use the reflectors not just as a source 
of opinions, but as a source of referrals to the best experts and 
resources available.

73 and have fun!

Bob W9RAN