[Heathkit] Re: Heathkit SB Essay

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

I did?  Doesn't appear to be my writing.
Bob, K4TAX


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <kiyoinc at attglobal.net>
To: <heathkit at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 8:30 PM
Subject: [Heathkit] Re: Heathkit SB Essay


> 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
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