[Heathkit] DX-100 or Apache?

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Lee...
...Brian
......everybody,

I didn't say so in my other post but the DX-100 is my choice. I play on
160 meters from time to time and the DX-100 goes there. The Apache
doesn't. I don't need the 11 meters on the DX-100 because I already have
that on my Johnson Ranger (evil grin).

By the way, my Apache is still available.

73,

Bill  KU8H


On Thu, 2013-05-02 at 13:12 -0400, L L bahr wrote:
> I built both new as a kid and have a couple now.  Both the DX-100 and
>  the TX-1 have their pluses and minuses.  The TX-1 VFO is nicer on the
>  Apache and 160 meters is nicer on the DX-100.  I think the factory mod
>  for the DX-100 to make it as in a DX-100B loading capacitor is a near
>  must.  Otherwise, both are great transmitters.  If I had neither and
>  wanted one, I'd buy either.  I think the opportunity to buy one would
>  be my basis on which one to buy.  These things weigh a lot (100
>  pounds) so finding one is going to be a local experience unless you
>  don't mind spending a lot of money on shipping.  Shipping could be
>  dangerous unless packed very well.  You also need to consider your
>  restoration skills and how much time, money and effort you want to put
>  into the project.  It is a rare event to find one ready to "play". 
>  Most found today are in really rough shape electrically as well as
>  cosmetically. Just be prepared to put in as much as 50 to 100 hours
>  restoring one. Parts could eas  ily cost $100 to $150 or more if you
>  want the transmitter to be put back in top notch shape and
>  appearance.  Things needed usually mean replacement tubes, new
>  electrolytics, some new resistors, probably rebuilt speech amplifier.
>  Most likely all the switches will be needing cleaning as well as the
>  pots. Shafts need to be lubricated.  Sometimes rotary switch shafts
>  have frozen up and will need to be freed up or replaced. In many cases
>  you need replacement knobs, switches, repainted cabinet, new front
>  panel, replacement dial and maybe a dial marker lens.  Possibly even a
>  rare drive potentiometer.  Hopefully the transformers are good.  On a
>  TX-1 it is not uncommon to need a replacement dial scale drum.  (The
>  DX-100 had a copper plated chassis which in many cases is in really
>  bad shape.  The DX-100B and the Apache TX-1 had a cadmium plated
>  chassis and most of these are usually in better shape then most copper
>  plated chassis.)   
> 
> All I am saying here is buy what comes your way locally as shipping is
>  too expensive for most of us.  In most cases, unless you are really
>  lucky, be prepared to do a lot of restoration if you want to have a
>  very nice original looking transmitter which has been restored
>  properly electronically. Being a good technician really helps, but
>  with a lot of guidance from those on this list and articles listed on
>  the internet, anyone can restore one of these great transmitters. 
>  Just understand, you will most likely add a sizable amount of time and
>  money getting one restored properly before use.  (As a fanatic, you
>  might even strip one down, replate the chassis and then use new caps
>  and resistors to rebuild the transmitter as in a new kit with newly
>  silk screened front panel and repainted cabinet as in new).  These 50
>  year old rigs are for the most part not "plug and play"{.
> 
> The DX-100 and TX-1 Apache transmitters are among my favorite Boat
>  Anchor rigs. Restoring one is a very rewarding and pleasurable
>  experience.
> 
> Lee, w0vt