[Hammarlund] HQ-129X 6SG7 RF

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 22:01:17 -0500, RJ Mattson <rjmattson at hvi.net> wrote:
> I am restoring my HQ-129X and notice the RF amp is a 6SG7 instead of the normal 6SS7.
> Looks like the socket has been rewired because of the shiny solder and slightly burnt insulation on some terminals.
> Is this a worthy upgrade or should I restore to the 6SS7?
> I'm leaning to return the 6SS7 for purity.
> Help

Bob - 

Not sure if it's an upgrade or more of a substitute since the 6SS7 is
not as plentiful. I should look inside mine to see if it's been
changed. 6SS7s probably don't qualify as a rare tube, just not used in
the numbers that many others were. Personally, I don't care to change
or try to somehow 'improve' on an old classic like the '129 or any
other. It was designed to do a job and apparently did it well,
considering the reputation is has. If I want a radio that somehow
works 'better' or differently, I'd rather use something else than hack
up a perfectly good radio in some attempt to make it 'better'. Makes
me think of someone trying to turn a Mustang into a Ferrari.

Of course, the original owner may have had only that receiver and no
access (or finances available) to use something else. Back then, you
made the best of whatever you had, and the HQ-129X was probably the
equivalent of a typical Yaecomwood radio to today's ham - not all that
rare or particularly special. I suspect most people use these old rigs
now because they want to and enjoy them, not because they have no
other choice.

I'd be interested in hearing what you find out about the mod, why it
might have been done and whether it was really an upgrade, or just a
substitute to get the rig back on the air.

73, Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ