[Heathkit] Heatkit/Heathkit Dastrom Question

Mon, 05 Jan 2004 22:36:17 -0500

Hi Tom,

According to Chuck Penson's book, Heathkit was acquired by Daystrom, a
holding company in 1954 after the death of Howard Anthony. I recall
Heathkits in the early to mid '60's bearing the logo "Heathkit by
Daystrom". Daystrom also owned Weston at the time. In 1964 Daystrom,
Weston and Heath were sold to Schlumberger. The DX-60 was produced from
1962 to 1964, so it carried the Daystrom logo. The DX-60A was produced
from 1965-1967 and it had just a Heathkit logo. There were some subtle
differences between the DX-60 and DX-60A, most notably the style of
meter and the crystal socket mounting. Both have a smooth green finish,
as did the HG-10 VFO. The DX-60B was produced from 1968-1976. The "B"
differs from the "A" only in the paint scheme. The "B" used a slightly
different meter and a wrinkle finish of a darker green, as did the
HG-10B.

They are all fine rigs and I think the premier novice transmitter of
the  60's. I recently put my '66 vintage DX-60A on the air for straight
key night and expect to run it in the classic radio exchange, too.
Penson's book says that many are still on the air.

				73,

				Bob WB2VUF

[email protected] wrote:
> 
> Howdy,
> 
> Can someone give me the history ( nut shell version is OK) on Heathkit and
> Heathkit/Daystrom.  I have two DX-60's and just noticed that the logo on them is
> different.  The paint is a flat finish, sorta crenkle, on the Heathkit and a
> slick finish on the Heathkit/Dastrom.  Also have an HG10B with Heathkit logo
> with the same finish.  Both DX 60 work fb even though I though I was buying the
> one with the Heathkit logo as a parts rig..  Outside, it has some corrosion,
> knob missing and the meter is yellowed and obviously broken.  Was looking at
> it last night for the first time and inside, it is an extremly well built rig
> and all parts looked fine.  I hooked up and antenna and found one xtal socket
> that was not too corroded to take a crystal and fired it up.  To my joy and
> surprise, it works GREAT.
> 
> Anyway, back to the question.  Any info on that part of Heath histroy will be
> greatly appreciated.
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> Tom AC5JH
> 
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