[Heathkit] WTB: Stand alone HF Receiver

[Rodger Singley]

I would go with a Drake R-4C first choice but it needs a full complement of filters and perhaps the accessory noise blanker depending upon conditions at your location.  Second choice would be a Drake R-4B and some prefer it over the C but for best performance under tough conditions the C easily comes out ahead as long as you have the filters.  The R-4C has the best passband tuning with CW operation that I have used and I have a lot of receivers.  Add an external audio filter (DSP or traditional analog, I find the Autek QF1A works extremely well for low band CW to make very weak signals pop out of the noise).   With accessory crystals the 4 line will cover pretty much any frequency between 1.5 – 30 Mhz.; the Drake FS-4 synthesizer was made to match but there are many other options besides buying a lot of crystals.

Or if you want to go completely solid state don’t overlook the Kenwood R-599A (or the replacement darker color 599D line).  The R-599A is complete with all filters, noise blanker, and also receives FM.  The accessory 6 and 2 meter converters that mount inside the receiver are decent.  Add the T-599A or D for a complete station that works on all modes including AM.  The only minor criticism I have is the transmitter doesn’t cover 160 but the receiver does.  I first used a R-599A receiver at my first field day.   At that time I had a Heathkit SB-102 transceiver and when using the Kenwood twins at the 10 meter station I thought the receiver was deaf until I tuned across a signal which popped out of the quiet background; it put my SB-102 to shame.

Rodger WQ9E

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