[Heathkit] Re: Heathkit SB Essay

[kiyoinc at attglobal.net]

4TAX wrote:

> I modified and upgraded that one to what I euphemistically called an 
> SB-101.5 
...

> We finally determined that the main reason for the difference was that 
> the SB-101.5 exhibited far lower internally generated noise than the 
> Collins, and its true sensitivity was on the order of 0.25 microvolt.
...

> Of course, IMHO, the fellow who started this thread definitely has a 
> point concerning the mechanicals around the dial mechanism for the 
> SB rigs, but to me, that is half the fun of working on the gear. He made 
> his smooth as silk, and I intend to do the same, when I get another 

What did you do to your SB-101?  The 102, with the 6Hs6, supposedly has 
one of the best receivers in any transceiver.

As for the fun, yes, that was my point although some missed it.

The Heath SB's have strengths AND weaknesses.  Paraphrasing the words of 
Dirty Harry, "A hams gotta know his radio's limitations."

I have spent dozens of hours cleaning and fine tuning ONE SB.  Some 
apparently imagined cursing or complaining.  There wasn't any. I'd be 
chuckling while polishing the LMO drive shaft or knobs.  I was simply 
telling it like it is.

Like one "fixer" commented, I sought out the stray-cats on the Bay.  If 
the ad read,

"I can't get this radio to work.  It is guaranteed to arrive DEAD.  If 
it starts to work within 30 days, return it for a full refund."

I found myself in hostile, aggressive bidding wars for guaranteed DEAD 
SB-303's, apparently others noticed the AM and CW filter, the spinner 
knob, or the rare, rare original line cord.

One DEAD radio arrived with the power board unseated. I popped it in and 
it came alive.

One dream of mine is finding a roller bearing that will suspend the LMO 
drive shaft.  Until then, the next best thing is to gently hand polish 
the shaft with 1200 grit and then jewelers rouge. Then clean it and oil it.

I just twisted the knobs of my SB-303 and SB-102.  The thin skirt on the 
main turning knob rides up and down, it's annoying.

I've tried to imagine a roller device that would remove the 
irregularities.  Can't quite figure it out.

de ah6gi/4