[Milsurplus] RCA AR88

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 10/14/05, Brad Latta <bl at qualifi.com.au> wrote:
> Hi All,
>
>            I'm wondering about the RCA AR-88 receiver. I have a few of
> them here, one of them has a slightly different frequency 'dial', it
> doesn't have the normal
>
> round dial with the light & dark range shading on it, it seems to be all
> the one light yellow-cream color. I suspect this could be an early
> version radio.

Maybe from another model too?

Also,
>
> I have an AR-88LF with the front panel lettering more deeply etched in
> than the AR-88D's, & one AR-88D with the lettering just stenciled on the
> front panel.

My AR88LF is stamped/engraved whereas the CR91A and R-320/SC-88 are
both silkscreened. I've never seen a model other than the LF that was
stamped. Not that they don't exist, mind you, I've just seen only
silkscreened versions.

> Does any one have one of the round frequency dials spare? I think I can
> get the knobs from Fair Radio. A very solid & dependable radio, when
> aligned
>
> properly performance is very good.

There is a RCA list on QTH where many of the AR88 folks from all over
the globe hang out, if you don't have luck here it might be worth a
try.

They are a wonderful receiver for casual listening, certainly right up
there near the old shove/yank Super Pros and SX-28s in the audio
department. Solidly built, too. I think average weight w'cabinet is
100 pounds or so. While they do lack many of the serious refinements
like mechanical filters by virtue of age, they are still one of the
more enjoyable receivers to use. There's nothing like flywheel tuning.

Good luck -

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ