Topband: Drake receivers

[Tom Rauch]

I sent an e-mail to K4ZS about a comment on the Drake web page 
that runs contrary to the experience of many contesters, Rob 
Sherwood's measurements, and my own measurements.

Anyone planning on using the R4C in contests or for DXing should 
avoid receivers below SN 18700 or so. The dead giveaway is the 
front panel, where the CW 1.5 position indicates a receiver with a 
good second mixer.

Also, anyone doing CW contesting or serious CW DX work will 
absolutely want the Sherwood 600 Hz first IF filter. The weakest 
part of the receiver is the second mixer, even when it has the 6BE6.

You can find actual measurements that verify this at 
www.sherweng.com

My own measurements agree closely with measurements at this 
site. Check the Dynamic range specs for a stock R4C, and one 
with the CF/600/6. Pay particular attention to the narrow spaced 
test, because that most closely emulates what we run into on 160 
meters.
       
73, Tom W8JI
w8ji@contesting.com



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