[HBR] HBR Digest, Vol 72, Issue 3

[Walt Hutchens]

George posted:
> I hesitate to post this, but I have a box full of new if coils and
> parts for a HB receiver but I think from what I am reading here, I
> would do better braking the kit up into parts to maximize my ROI.

In theory, you clearly would do better to break it up. In practice,
I'm not sure.

The trouble is that while collecting the whole set of parts is a major
and expensive chore, only a few parts are actually difficult. Original
coil forms in good condition are probably the hardest, then the IFTs,
especially the 1600 kcs one (or whatever that frequency is.) If you
want an Eddystone dial that's going to cost you. An original type (say
FT-243) 3500 kcs crystal may be a challenge, ditto an original tuning
cap.

The rest is just a bit of money and time: Power transformers and
chokes are easy to find, small parts, sockets, chassis and panel are
available new (Mouser has the Bud line of aluminum chassis), controls,
knobs, tubes, sockets are no problem. One of the national dials (ACN,
etc) will turn up at most h'fests or you can use one of the drives
that's probably still available new and 'roll your own' perfectly
satisfactory dial. The tuning cap can be substituted by one liberated
from a small ham rig or FM receiver of that era.

Most hams who might tackle an HBR project already have quite a few of
the common items.  Even, probably, a dial, meter, and tuning cap.

Maybe it costs you $300 to collect all the parts. Breaking up the set you
sell $100 worth right away, then $50 worth over the next year, and most
of the rest has to be sold in a box at a hamfest for $10.

Don't forget your work and expense to pack and mail a bunch of
separate small items.

Basically the value of the complete set is (1) the price of the rare
items, plus (2) what someone is willing to pay for the convenience of
not having to dig to find all the more common stuff that he doesn't
already have.

Walt
KJ4KV