[Heathkit] HG-10B VFO Question

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 11 Jul 2006 at 23:33, kd4e wrote:

> How did the HG-10B stack up compared to the VF-1?

If you select a really good 6CH8 for the HG-10(*), and if it is properly 
built, it is an excellent VFO. It has a cathode-follower output, which 
provides more isolation than the VF-1.

The HG-10(*) has no 160 meter output, while the VF-1 does.

In the VF-1, the outputs are 160 meter output for 160, 80, (and for some 
rigs) 40, and 40 meter output for 40 through 10 meters. It also has 11 
meter output. I parallel a silver-mica cap with the fixed cap under the 
chassis that permits tuning to 11 meters, which changes the output to 
cover 4.95 through 5.25 Mhz so I can use it for 30 meters.

The VF-1 has no cathode follower output, so isolation isn't as good as 
the HG-10(*).

The HG-10(*) dial mechanism has more "vernier" than that of the VF-1, 
and the frequency readout is far easier to read, but the drum dials 
always shrink and split. Glen Zook makes replacement drums for them 
if you need one.

Lastly, the VF-1's form factor fits the earlier Heathkit rigs better than the 
HG-10(*) while the HG-10 looks MUCH better alongside an HW-16 or 
DX-60 than the VF-1 does.

Personally, I like the VF-1 a bit better than the HG-10(*) mainly 
because I used a VF-1 when I was a young sprout and I like that funky 
green dial, but I think the HG-10(*) is probably, overall, a better VFO.

They both key well with good tubes and proper construction. The HG-
10(*) MIGHT be a bit more stable when everything is right, but in my 
experience with them both, they are about equal.

Oh. One last thing: the VF-1 is originally set up only for cathode keying, 
whereas the HG-10(*) can do either cathode or grid-block keying by 
moving a jumper. 

Also, there is no way to SPOT the VF-1, since in the original 
configuration, the mode switch, which is marked "OFF - ON - 
OPERATE", keys a following transmitter's cathode to ground when the 
switch is set to OPERATE and the keying line is connected to the 
transmitter. The HG-10 does have a SPOT position.

I have posted a fairly simple mod for the VF-1 that permits an operator 
to easily change it from cathode-keying to grid-block keying by moving 
two jumpers, and a very simple mod to add spotting capability.

It is posted here:

http://www.mines.uidaho.edu/~glowbugs/heathvf1.html

Ken Gordon W7EKB