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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
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