[Heathkit] SB-301, SB 401

[Glen Zook]

Unfortunately, the SB-303 suffers from several
problems that the SB-301 does not suffer.  The first
is front end overload.  If there are other stations
that are operating near you then you are going to have
all sorts of problems with desense, splatter, and
intermodulation.  Unfortunately, virtually all
solid-state receivers of this time frame overload very
easily.

Next the internal noise of the receiver is
considerably more than the SB-301.  This degrades the
signal-to-noise ratio of incoming signals requiring a
stronger strength before the signal can be received. 
The background noise when a signal is not being
received is, in my opinion, very obnoxious.  The
SB-301 is considerably quieter.

The use of the attenuator adds to this degrading of
the signal although it will help some with the front
end overload problem.

If you want to use the receiver with VHF or UHF
converters the internal noise of the receiver will be
even more problematic even to the point of being
unusable for all but the strongest stations.  When
trying to work "weak signal", forget it.

The SB-303 is MUCH harder to work on than the SB-301
requiring extender boards, the removal of switch
components, etc., just to get to the boards.

Now the SB-303 does use less electricity.  However, if
one is using boat anchor equipment that really doesn't
add much at all to the electric bill.

I have owned both SB-301 and SB-303 receivers.  My 3rd
primary station from 1967 consisted of an SB-301,
SB-401, and SB-200.  When I re-created that station
(well all but the SB-200 - am still looking for one) I
first obtained an SB-401 and SB-303 in a trade deal. 
Frankly, I was VERY disappointed in the performance of
the SB-303.  I do have the proper test equipment to
align, test, etc., receivers and the SB-303 just
doesn't "cut the mustard".  A couple of months later I
obtained another SB-301.  It is a MUCH better receiver
than the SB-303.  I traded off the SB-303 and never
looked back.

In my area there is an amateur radio operator, on
average, every 3 blocks in any direction.  If I tried
to use the SB-303 when someone else was operating I
couldn't even be on the same band.  When I use the
SB-301 I can comfortably operate within just a few KHz
of another local station on both CW and SSB.  Yes, I
could increase the attenuation on the SB-303 until
where it does not overload.  Unfortunately, at that
point I could not hear any other signals on the band
except for the local.

I use my SB-401 / SB-301 primarily with my
Hallicrafters HA-2 2-meter transverter (have Collins
S-Lines for 80 - 10 including the WARC bands).  The
internal noise of the SB-301 is very low and I don't
have any problems copying very weak signals on 2
meters.  With the SB-303 I often had difficulty
copying fairly strong signals.

Anyway, I definitely do not recommend the SB-303 over
the SB-301 especially for someone in an urban or
suburban location.  Also, if someone wants to use the
receiver as an i.f. for VHF or UHF converters.

Glen, K9STH

--- Greg Mijal <bluebirdtele at earthlink.net> wrote:

I wouldn't go with a 301 and recommend a 303 instead.
It's a much better receiver and extremely sensitive if
you back off on the antenna attenuator. Audio is
clearer too.

Glen, K9STH

Web sites

http://home.comcast.net/~k9sth
http://home.comcast.net/~zcomco


		
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