Paul,
This 1253 is a regenerative receiver kit, the standard way hams got on the air
CW only in the 1930's and a lot of beginning hams in the 1950's! Yes, it will
hear CW, but takes a learned skill to tune optimally.
It is an excellent introduction to SWL and ham world, but is not a very
selective receiver for ham use. It is however, very sensitive with just a
short wire antenna.
I would suggest either this as a starter kit, if he can solder well, or you
can teach him; --or, get him the Ten Tec direct conversion receiver, which is
available for any single band. It is about $24 if memory serves, look for TT
kits on their web site.
The 1254 kit is the top of the line-- is a state of the art SWL and general
coverage superhet, but way to complex for first time kit builders, Over 400
parts. It is a little wide but useable for CW receiver. Excellent tuning,
SSB, AM, and better sensitivity on 80 and 160 than a Kenwood 450!
73, Stuart K5KVH
--
FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/tentecfaq.htm
Submissions: tentec@contesting.com
Administrative requests: tentec-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems: owner-tentec@contesting.com
Search: http://www.contesting.com/km9p/search.htm
|