[HBR] Blog post about HBR receivers

[Ian Wilson]

There are some aspects of the HBR that are not apparent at a glance. I've
been building
tube receivers for a while now, but it's only recently that I've come to
appreciate some of
the cool things about the HBR. It doesn't surprise me that a blog - by
definition, not an
in-depth analysis of anything - misses the point.

The use of plug-in coils seems clumsy, but actually it was a careful design
choice that
maximizes the Q by removing the losses associated with bandswitching. This,
together
with the use of a controlled amount of regeneration in the front end,
probably adds a lot
to the weak signal capabilities of the HBR.

The evolution of the HBR is also very interesting, tracking the increasing
availability of
miniature tubes to the homebrewing community.

The emphasis on "buildability" is also important. I don't know how many
HBR's were built,
but I would bet that it outnumbers any other tube design, and probably many
solid-state
designs - at least on this side of the pond.

73, ian K3IMW

On Mon, Jun 14, 2010 at 7:46 AM, C Eus <catman351 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Has anyone ever read this blog by this guy?  It seems pretty discouraging:
>
>
> http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com/2009/03/amateur-receivers-circa-1950s.html
>
> Needless to say, he doesn't have a high opinion and apparently disparages
> the HBR receiver, among other things, contenting that today's modern radio
> equipment will outperform our HBR.  From what I know about the HBR, this is
> a very relevent receiver and even with today's bells and whistles found in
> "modern rigs," I'd rather have weak signal reception capability over quick
> QSY changes any day.  Your thoughts and thanks.
>
> Cal, N6KYR/4
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