Re: [Drakelist] What would you do?
Hello Steve, How well a rig functions is more important to me than how it looks. After all, the only people that see my shack besides me are non-hams who think even the beautiful stuff looks like junk. Whether the copper chassis is pristine is less important than how well the AVC functions. I own a T-4X with nice copper, service tag, clean front panel, no bruises. But, it's operation is poorer than my T-4XB which operates perfectly, but has blemishes on the chassis and some worn lettering on the front panel. I would just use the R-4B as-is. I know how frustrating it would be to purchase a rig only to find it to be modified extensively. Have never understood the modification urge, am sure that the designers were way smarter than me, but it is just another aspect of the hobby. I've been fortunate to avoid that with the single exception of a DX-40 whose modifications were all toward improved safety, but still detracted from the appearance of the rig. Sold it "for parts" with full disclosure, but mainly because it had some operational issues also. Unfortunately, that is probably where you would be with your R-4B. GL & 73 Curt - Original Message - From: Steve Wedge To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Monday, September 05, 2011 8:39 PM Subject: [Drakelist] What would you do? Fellow Drakesters - I bought an R-4B a few weeks ago, sort of sight-unseen, on the assurance that it was an "8" (I assumed out of 10, but I won't go there right now...) The receiver works very well and pulls in the signals as good as anything ever made. It transceives well with both my T-4X's. The audio sounds like some component values were tweaked, as it has a rich sound with more lows than I'm used to hearing. Here's the ugly part, and I know there are some of us who are more "purists" than others. I've been tending toward looking for rigs that haven't had a heavy hand taken to them - which this one has. The previous owner moved the INJ jack over to one of the SPARE locations (why? Don't know!) - shortening the shielded cable to the jack i the process. He drilled through the "target" that the factory provided on the front panel where the headphone jack used to be and put a pot with a Drake knob. This pot is used to vary that AGC delay. There is no longer a headphone jack on the side. He replaced all the RCA jacks with high-quality jacks. Unfortunately, it appears he used some sort of "tuner cleaner" on the bandswitch, but nothing seems to be broken. There are other changes that will be easier to undo - such as going back to the factory panel and cabinet screws. I'm looking for consensus from our ranks: would you try to put things back, leave it but clean it up, or leave it as is? I'm leaning toward selling it, as I found a better one at the hamfest. Moral of the story: when buying these on the ham websites - demand pictures of front, back and interior as a minimum, unless it's either ridiculously cheap or you know the seller! 73, 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! -- ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] What would you do?
Steve, This one of those questions where you will probably end up split 50/50 and just have to make the decision yourself BUT you asked, so I'll take it on. You have to first decide what your goal is, do you want a "pristine collectable" that may or may not be worth "squat" later, OR do you want to operate with a nice sounding, well working old tube rig??? Answer that and you'll know which way to go. If eye candy is critical, by all means sell it well represented to someone that wants one that works and cares less about appearance. I can say this, as I had to decide the very same thing myself and the working rig won out. I've just spent a VERY pleasurable Labor Day afternoon working guys on 20m with my resurected TR4C that is okay, but NOT a shelf queen and NOT a prime example of a TR4C. It DOES work very well, output is nice, and everyone LOVES the audio on transmit. What more can I ask for??? I must admit that the 4 element quad at 73' out back doesn't hurt a bit, hi hi. At the same time, when I set out to find my C Line this time, I demanded the highest serial numbers and wanted "pristine" examples, so I have both and enjoy both. I have a shack FULL of Drakes, Collins, Heathkits, Johnson, etc, but I prefer some of the ugliest units for rag chewing, hi. Whatever you choose, just enjoy them, Steve. Operate often and use the one that sounds the best. 73, Don, WB5HAK___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] What would you do?
Fellow Drakesters - I bought an R-4B a few weeks ago, sort of sight-unseen, on the assurance that it was an "8" (I assumed out of 10, but I won't go there right now...) The receiver works very well and pulls in the signals as good as anything ever made. It transceives well with both my T-4X's. The audio sounds like some component values were tweaked, as it has a rich sound with more lows than I'm used to hearing. Here's the ugly part, and I know there are some of us who are more "purists" than others. I've been tending toward looking for rigs that haven't had a heavy hand taken to them - which this one has. The previous owner moved the INJ jack over to one of the SPARE locations (why? Don't know!) - shortening the shielded cable to the jack i the process. He drilled through the "target" that the factory provided on the front panel where the headphone jack used to be and put a pot with a Drake knob. This pot is used to vary that AGC delay. There is no longer a headphone jack on the side. He replaced all the RCA jacks with high-quality jacks. Unfortunately, it appears he used some sort of "tuner cleaner" on the bandswitch, but nothing seems to be broken. There are other changes that will be easier to undo - such as going back to the factory panel and cabinet screws. I'm looking for consensus from our ranks: would you try to put things back, leave it but clean it up, or leave it as is? I'm leaning toward selling it, as I found a better one at the hamfest. Moral of the story: when buying these on the ham websites - demand pictures of front, back and interior as a minimum, unless it's either ridiculously cheap or you know the seller! 73, 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!___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
