[KYHAM] Looking for a Rarity

Ron Dodson ka4map at ispky.com
Sun Sep 11 14:53:49 EDT 2005


Hey gang!

Yesterday at the Greater Louisville Hamfest I found a receiver that I
have been looking for since I was a kid.  The unit is a Heathkit GC-1a
receiver vintage 1963-68. 
http://www.midcenturyradios.com/WB-Heathkit.html  for over 25 years I
have never seen one at any hamfest until yesterday.

This unit was the FIRST EVER, all solid state SWL receiver by any
manufacturer and it would run on either AC or 8 C cell batteries. It is
fairly rare and a real collector piece. I was amazed to find it in good
working order and enjoyed listening to AM band broadcasts yesterday as
well as tuning SWBC and sideband signals in the HF ham bands using the
BFO.  It works great including the AVC and ANL circuits and does an
excellent job on the 54 inch telescopic antenna that is made into the
top. A 20 ft piece of wire on the ext ant connection really sent it into
orbit! 

It is missing one piece, the battery case for the C-cell batteries that
plugs in - in place of the AC supply on the rear apron.  These are rare
and as a favor, if anyone ever sees the battery box at a future hamfest,
pick it up and I'll reimburse you for it. These are extremely rare and
it is a long shot, but as you travel around someone may see one in
functional shape. If I never get one, this was still a great find and
the price was more than reasonable for such a rarity.  Just goes to
show, one never knows what may be out there.

73, 
Ron, KA4MAP



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