[SEDXC] Buying a KWM-2

[John Harden, D.M.D.]

Clark,

I have a KWM-2A and a 312B-5 PTO console, as well as a 516F-2 AC power
supply. It is serial # 463 built around 1960. It has been reworked by the
ultimate Collins Technician (Dennis Brothers, WA0CBK). Dennis worked for
Collins Radio for about 25 years and met his XYL there.

Dennis incorporated all Collins Modifications into this transceiver, and
test selected components utilizing a spectrum analyzer. It is hot as a six
shooter and will hear anything my Ten-Tec Orion will hear. In fact sometimes
it is more sensitive. I can assure you that this is one hot radio!

Unfortunately it is not for sale, but I wanted you to know what a great
radio it is. Collins was light years above most ham gear during the period
in which it was sold (approximately 1960 until the late 1970's or so). 

For selectivity I use a DSP-59+ outboard unit. In addition I have installed
internally the 136B-2 noise blanker which requires an outside 40 MHz
antenna. I use an outside whip antenna resonant at that frequency. I also
have installed the DX Engineering speech processor.

73,

John, W4NU
K4JAG (1959 to 1998)

-----Original Message-----
From: sedxc-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:sedxc-bounces at contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Clark Macaulay
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 10:25 AM
To: sedxc at contesting.com
Subject: [SEDXC] Buying a KWM-2

Folks, I'd like to tap the collective wisdom of the group regarding vintage
Collins gear.  
 
As I get older I realize that the last item I'd like to add to my station
is some  Collins gear that I can operate as vintage gear.  Growing up in the
50's I remember going to sleep dreaming of a 75A4 receiver but was never
able to secure one nor the S-line because of other priorities.  Last year I
worked the Collins special event stations (50th anniversary of the S-line)
which as rekindled my interest in having and operating something from that
era.  After looking at the space available I've decided to start looking for
a KWM-2.
 
I know that the KWM-2 is not as good a performer as some of the newer rigs. 
That's not the point.  It's operating a piece of vintage gear made by
Collins Radio is my goal. 
Where can I go to learn more about what to look for in considering a used
KMW-2? I'm not interested in a museum piiece:  I want to operate it.  At
the same time I'm not interested in a fixer-upper either (I
have enough proejcts to complete already). 
 
If there is someone out there that is considering selling their KWM-2 I'd be
interested in chatting with you. 
 
Feel free to contact me on list with any comments you may have, and thanks!
 
73 de Clark/ke4rq
 
_______________________________________________
SEDXC mailing list
SEDXC at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/sedxc