One needs to look at these changes for what they are, in the context of their
original use when they were introduced over 30 years ago. Back then, these
mods did make a fairly-new radio perform much better. I can also remember ads
in QST for solid-state tube replacements. I never saw any tests done on those.
Back around 1980, these mods were ways to get more performance out of
contemporary or recently contemporary rigs. There are folks who love them with
these mods and others who hate 'em. A chacque son gout.
For me and lots of others, we like the Drakes for what they represent from
their now-historical period and will minimize the mods. Myself, I have an
Elecraft K3 for doing contesting and heavy-duty DX'ing. It's a fantastic rig.
I used to have a Model A Ford, as well as my modern car that I commuted to work
with. While it was fun to take the "A" out on weekends and occasionally to
work to show it off, it really was a lousy commuter car compared to the Saab
that I was driving at the time. But the "A" was still enjoyable. That's the
way I look at my Drake gear.
BTW, stock Drake gear is usually much more useable on the current bands than
90% of the other rigs that were contemporary to any of the Drake line.
My $0.02
Enjoy Those Drakes, but leave the DSP in your K3...
Steve Wedge, W1ES/4
"I can't complain, but sometimes I still do."
- Joe Walsh
If the above message appears, it came from Steve's Son of Laptop!
----- Original Message -----
From: Gary Poland
To: drakelist@zerobeat.net
Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 9:43 AM
Subject: Re: [Drakelist] R4C Sherwood mods
Against my better judgment to comment on the Sherwood mods, I guess this
time I can’t help myself HI HI. This subject is just about as opinionated as
the fan sucks in, blows out debate. First I am not a serious contester, just a
tinkerer, casual SSB /AM operator and not so serious DX chaser.
Short of first IF filter replacements, I am personally not in favor of
modifying the the R-4C. Even overlooking the fact that it is no longer as Drake
designed it, good or bad, I prefer to keep them stock, just my opinion. I love
them for what they are. The modifications were first published in Ham Radio and
73 magazines years ago. I have tried most of them, but later returned the R-4C
back to stock. Probably the best reason I see against the mods, unless you have
money to burn, they are very expensive. I personally would prefer the keep the
Drakes stock and purchase a newer radio. Again I realize everyone is
different, everyone has an opinion. Those that spent big bucks to “ upgrade “
their R-4C’s have a need to feel warm and fuzzy about the expense I suppose,
and maybe they see a real improvement. I will just keep my non Blue LED
lighted, spotted chassis, non $100 Hartzel paint job, non modded C-lines as
they are ...
73, Gary
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